From small family gatherings to large social events, below is an extensive list of 1 year old birthday party venues in Brisbane.
Blink, and you almost missed it, right? One minute you are being handed a tiny bundle of newborn sweetness and then suddenly a year has passed and their first birthday is fast approaching. If you want birthday party ideas for your 1 year old, we are here to help.
For we know that while your little one may not be able to remember the event, you most certainly will, and the memories, videos and pictures of their first milestone birthday are ones they will treasure forever. From small family gatherings to large social events, an extensive list of 1-year-old birthday party ideas in Brisbane is below.
1 Year Old Birthday Party Venues – Play Centres
Rainbow City Indoor Playground
When it comes to hosting a party for a 1 year old, one venue type nearly always springs to mind. Play Centres. Designed with play spaces appropriate for a one year old, play centres provide a safe, enclosed, air-conditioned indoor space for your event. Mostly hassle-free, you and the adults with you can sit back, chat and (possibly even) relax while the little ones play. And because it is indoor play, you don’t need to worry about the weather. Below are some of our favourite play centres for your one year old party in Brisbane.
Chipmunks Playland & Café
Chipmunks Playland & Cafe has centres in three Brisbane locations. Bright, colourful and clean, they offer three birthday packages. Their parties include themed party invites and decorations (with multiple options), delicious food, drink, unlimited playtime, a host and gifts for the guests. Your birthday child will also receive a birthday certificate with bonus free return entry.
Locations: Everton Park, MacGregor, Caboolture
Lollipop’s Playland & Café
Lollipops Playland & Cafe is a favourite for parents with toddlers. They will offer you the usual party inclusions, and accompanying parents are free, and they have a small rocking pirate ship for kids to ride on. There are three packages to choose from here, with all of them including a host, food, drinks, hats, invites, and a ride on the pirate ship too.
Address: The Springwood Centre, 1-15 Lexington Rd QLD 4119
Tiddlywinks Dance & Play Café
If your child loves to dance (and really, most little ones love to bop along to the beat, regardless how mobile they are), then a party at Tiddlywinks could be high on your list. One of Brisbane’s best kids party venues, they can cater for parties of up to 200 guests and with each birthday party including full reign of their indoor playgrounds, an exclusive party room, and at least two discos, there will be very little you have to do to keep everyone entertained. They can also provide decorations, cake, party bags, food / drink and a host, depending on which package type you choose.
Address: 264 Melton Rd, Nundah QLD 4012
Contact: (07) 3266 8484
Jindalee Jungle
Jindalee Jungle is an indoor play centre with all the creature comforts kids love for a birthday celebration. A multi-level closed-in play maze with slides, a ball pit and even mini coupe cars. They also can offer you three different party packages, with the most basic including unlimited play time, a party room for 1.5 hours, and two mains and two side food options. You will find other inclusions in other packages such as party bags, helium balloons, cake, etc.
Address: 32/160 Sinnamon Rd, Jindalee QLD 4074
Contact: (07) 3162 0790
Rainbow City Children’s Play Centre
When it comes to play centres for a first birthday party, you can’t go wrong with Rainbow City Children’s Play Centre. It is bright, colourful, clean, and has some wonderful soft play areas perfect for one year olds. The party entertainment is all there for you. Think mini coupe tracks, a mini jumping castle and dual rocker to name a few! Their parties also come in various package options, depending on how stressless an event you are chasing. The basic package (Star) still offers everything you would need to host the perfect party.
Note: If you want to host a party for over 100 guests and would love to get the venue to yourself, Rainbow City can give you the option of hiring it out for the exclusive use of the facilities after hours, on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Address: F/5, 15 Lapis St, Underwood QLD 4119
Contact: (07) 3290 0434
1 Year Old Birthday Party Venues Indoors
Jugar Cafe, West End
The Jungle Adventure Play
Most people don’t realise that Jungle Adventure Play at Tingalpa will cater for a one year old kids birthday party. They will help you customise the party that suits your needs. Their Cubs Junior Zone has been designed with the youngest of adventurers in mind (kids aged 0 – 2), but they can also add on additional areas for certain kids if you have some older siblings joining in too. Party packages include a party room, host, food and more, depending on what works for you.
PERFECT FOR: Jungle, animal-themed parties
Address: 31 Proprietary St, Tingalpa QLD 4173
Contact: (07) 3147 8013
Wildflowers and Story Hours
Wildflowers and Story Hours is a hidden gem right in the heart of Paddington. Unique and perfect if you want a smaller, more private party, we love the idea of a party that incorporates books. Set in a bookstore with an inbuilt cafe, their parties are a perfectly sweet way to celebrate with your little one.
Address: 153 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064
Contact: 0499 228 380
Jugar Cafe
Located in trendy West End, Jugar Cafe is a stylish cafe that has thought of everything regarding kid-friendly venues. With two beautifully decorated party rooms (which can seat up to 20 guests), they also have a lovely enclosed play space that is separate to the main dining area. You will not be able to bring your own party food – but you won’t want to. These guys are known for their amazing menu. You can bring your birthday cake, chat to the team about it when booking.
Address: 71 Jane St, West End QLD 4101
Contact: (07) 3844 3076
1 Year Old Birthday Party Venues Outdoors
Victoria Park
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a stunning kids party venue to host your 1 year old’s birthday party. They offer the best indoor and outdoor dining and play. They have a lovely covered bistro, wide, open grassed areas, outdoor games, a jumping castle and a truly gorgeous Victoria Park playground for the kids. The Bistro offers four party options, including a Breakfast Party, Burger Party, Pizza Party or a Tea Party.
Otherwise, you can easily book a table for you and your loved ones and let them know you will bring a cake and some decorations. Trust us, they are wonderfully accommodating and there truly is something here for everyone – even a putt putt course!
Address: 309 Herston Rd, Herston QLD 4006
Contact: (07) 3253 2533
Local Pool Splash Pad Parties
If your child is celebrating their milestone birthday in the heat of summer, then booking a party at your local public swimming pool is a brilliant option. It doesn’t matter that they can’t swim yet; plenty have zero-depth play, shallow wading pools or splash pads that the little ones will delight in, while older kids can use the other water play options they may have.
Simply call your local pool to book and check out our comprehensive list of the best public swimming pools in Brisbane to find the closest one with the facilities you need. Self-cater or cook up a BBQ, this is a wonderful venue option and one that will be enjoyed by all your party guests on a hot day.
1 Year Old Birthday Party Venues – City Parks
Roma Street Parklands
One of the best places to hold a 1 year old birthday party, Roma Street Parklands is overflowing with wonderful things to discover. With beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds, as well as shaded picnic areas, there are plenty of areas to set up for a more relaxed affair. There is a free train that kids will adore that travels around the parklands, a wonderful playground and even a lake with ducks to discover.
Address: 1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Contact: 1300 137 468
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Wide expanses of green, manicured lawns, climbing trees, playgrounds, lakes and walkways, this is one of our favourite places for kids. A birthday party in the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens offers you plenty of room and, with the option to bring your own play and sporting equipment, a great venue that you can mould to suit your needs. If you are having a late afternoon party, a wander down to the fairy lit trees near the Goodwill Bridge makes for a pretty magical end to the day.
Address: City Botanic Gardens, 147 Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Contact: (07) 3403 8888
Southbank Parklands
So much more than just a simple park, Southbank Parklands can give you a huge range of party venues and entertainment options for your 1 year old birthday party. Set up at one of the large grassed areas next to the lagoon, pool or playground or book into one of the many restaurants and cafes that line the area.
Address: Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Contact: (07) 3403 8888
1 Year Old Birthday Party Venues – Southside Parks
Beth Boyd Park
When it comes to hosting a birthday party in a park, more often than not bigger is not always better. Easier to contain the kids and get the space you want, quite often the local park near your house with a playground, shade, fencing and a covered picnic table is all you need! Still, we are so spoilt for choice in Brisbane when it comes to WOW playgrounds that we would recommend checking our list of southside playgrounds in Brisbane too. Below are some of our favourite options for a 1 year old birthday party.
Beth Boyd Park
Newly renovated Beth Boyd Park at Thornside is the perfect venue for a 1 year old birthday party. With water and nature play opportunities, including a seaside location, the park contains many low level play spaces for small babies and toddlers to wander between. They will love the sandy dig sandpit and the water pump, swings and mini, in-ground trampoline.
PERFECT FOR: Pirate-themed parties
Address: 224-236 Queens Esplanade, Thorneside QLD 4158
Contact: (07) 3829 8999
Hanlon Park
A newly created park, Hanlon Park at Stones Corner is another of our picks when it comes to southside parks perfect for hosting a 1 year old birthday party. The playground is situated alongside some very spacious and well-sheltered picnic tables and BBQs, perfect areas to set up the party. The playground itself is very friendly for younger kids and babies. It has a big sandpit area and water pump, swings, nature play areas and a two storey round play area. The parklands have plenty of green space and walkways for bikes, scooters and prams too.
Address: 51 Lincoln Street, Stones Corner QLD 4120
Majestic Park, Coorparoo
Majestic park, with its giant wooden dragon and towering central castle is a truly unique playground to host a party. Add to that its wide open field perfect for sports fun and the circular path for little trikes and bikes to navigate, it little wonder parents love hosting parties here. You will find shaded picnic tables next to the playground and an enchanted forest of trees for the kids to let their imaginations run wild in.
PERFECT FOR: Woodland, Fairy, princess, dragon-themed parties
Address: 85 Eva St, Coorparoo QLD 4151
Contact: (07) 3403 8888
1 Year Old Birthday Party Venues – Northside Parks
Ascot Park
If you live on the north side of Brisbane then our list of North Brisbane Playgrounds might make more sense to check out first. Below are a few that we think would make the perfect venue for your 1 year old’s birthday party.
Ascot Park
Ascot Park is designed explicitly for Brisbane toddlers and pre-schoolers to play, with low to the ground equipment where they can climb and engage. It is also fully fenced and has some truly delightful imaginative and sensory play areas for the kids. There are sweet cubby forts, water play, rubberised soft fall bases and plenty of other play equipment for older kids. For this reason, we recommend it as a great place to host your party. There are many nearby cafes for coffee and drinks for kids and parents.
Address: 206 Lancaster Rd, Ascot QLD 4007
Hidden World Playground
When it comes to a toddler-friendly playground that is overflowing with fun play opportunities, we love the Hidden World Playground in Fitzgibbon. Filled with long steady boardwalks, generous slides and climbing opportunities at every turn, a toddler can quite easily negotiate the playground, which is wide enough for parents to go on with them too. Sand based, bring along some buckets and shovels and the little ones will be entertained for hours.
Address: 411 Roghan Rd, Fitzgibbon QLD 4018
Contact: (07) 3403 8888
Hills District Playground
Hills District All-Abilities Playground is not only as inclusive as it gets, it is also a wonderful 1 year old birthday party venue to consider. Fully fenced, shaded seating, BBQs, sandpits, cubbies, wide, open soft flooring and multiple toddler and kid-friendly areas to explore, this park has it all when it comes to hosting a party for young kids.
Address: 120 Olearia St W, Everton Hills QLD 4053
1st Birthday Party Venues – Animal-Themed
Animals and small kids almost go hand in hand, and with so many parents realising this quite often a petting zoo or even a pony party is the hired entertainment for backyard birthday parties.
If you are looking for a one-year-old party venue that provides kids with an animal experience, we have listed our favourite picks below.
(tip: If the birthday boy or girl is born around Spring time then animal farms and sanctuaries are a great option, as you are more likely to encounter baby animals!)
White Ridge Farm
White Ridge Farm is well-versed in hosting birthday parties and has a wonderful package available for parents who are considering it. For two hours, little ones can use the adventure playgrounds and fossil dig, go on hay rides and of course meet and hand-feed all of their beautiful animals, including their amazing Llamas and Alpacas.
Address: 130 Hamilton Rd, Elimbah QLD 4516
Contact: 0417 774 559
Trevana Glen Farm
Trevana Glen farm offers another animal party venue option. Prices for the party is based on the number of children attending, starting at $140 for four kids and then getting cheaper the more that come along. Adults who attend are free. Kids will enjoy petting and feeding the animals, but can also add on additional party activities like pony rides, tractor rides, giant jumping castle fun and more. Their shed and barn party rooms are pretty fun too.
Address: 1100 Winn Rd, Mount Samson QLD 4520
Contact: (07) 3289 4257
Walkabout Creek
Walkabout Creek have a lovely outdoor garden venue that is suitable for parties of up to 30 guests. Although you cannot bring your own food, you can bring your cake and decorations for the day. For an extra $10 / child, add a 30 minute Wildlife Discovery Show! Featuring native Australian critters from their wildlife centre, the kids will be able to get up close and personal with some soft and scaly visitors as they learn about the job of an Australian park ranger.
Address: 60 Mount Nebo Rd, Enoggera Reservoir, Brisbane, 4061
Contact: 07 3300 2558
Queens Park / Ipswich Nature Centre
The Ipswich Nature, situated in the centre of Queens Park in Ipswich, is probably one of the best practically free (gold coin donation) animal experiences and perfect for a special day like a first birthday. Wide, tree-shaded boardwalks wind throughout the small zoo, past many animal enclosures (wombat, kangaroo, bird aviary, snakes, barnyard animals etc). Set up and host your party in Queens Park and then finish with a walk through the small and personable zoo with your guests.
Address: Queens Park, Goleby Aveneue, Ipswich QLD 4305
Contact: (07) 3810 6666
Kings Country, Thornlands
It may be easy to miss if you didn’t know it was there, but Kings Country in Thornlands is a wonderful little animal-focussed venue to consider for your 1 year old birthday party. There is a lovely cafe for you to set up in, a small fenced playground and a happy little animal farm there too. Kids can enjoy pony rides through their tropical walkways and even a jumping castle.
Address: 53 Dinwoodie Rd, Thornlands QLD 4164
Contact: (07) 3206 4052
1st Birthday Party Venues – Train-Themed
The Bracken Ridge Miniature Trains
On the fourth Sunday of every month, the Bracken Ridge Miniature Trains run, offering rides to families in steam and electric trains. If you have a little train enthusiast (and even if you don’t), this is a very fun party venue for a 1 year old birthday party. Maintained by the Bracken Ridge Lions Club, rides are only $2 and if you contact the club directly, they will help you prepare for your party (even supplying a marquee).
Address: McPherson Park, Denham St, Bracken Ridge
Contact: Bracken Ridge Lions Club
Brisbane Bayside Steam Railway Society
The Brisbane Bayside Steam Railway Society hosts train rides on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month, travelling along a mountain climb circuit with a spiral loop and bridge.There are several party areas you can book, but for toddlers the 5 Inch Station is probably the best as it is fully fenced, covered and concreted, with a small grassed area as well. (Note: access to this area is across the tracks, so parental supervision is required in this regard). Cost-wise you are going to be very happy, with prices for parties at only $6 per child (with a minimum of 10 children). BYO BBQ, chairs, food, drink.
Address: 1992 Wynnum Rd, Wynnum West QLD 4178
Contact: (07) 3393 3176
1st Birthday Party Venues – Your Own Backyard
Of course, one venue that is always popular when it comes to hosting your 1 year olds birthday party is….you guessed it! Your own home and backyard. Whilst many people find heading off somewhere else – where cleaning, decorating, catering and hosting duties are taken out of their hands, there are many benefits of choosing your home as a venue for a first birthday.
Not only will your child have access to all of their usual toys and play areas, they will also have a comfortable place to lay down should they wish to have a nap mid-festivities (way more common than we would like to admit after all that planning).
Hosting your child’s birthday at home means no need to pile the car high with presents, decorations, eskies, cakes and other items as everything will already be where you are.
Time limits, budget blowouts, and weather cancellation costs will not be an issue, and cleaning doesn’t have to be too hard. Simply use disposable paper plates, cutlery and cups on the day.
Finally, when it comes to entertaining the kids, you can keep it simple with a bubble machine, balloons, and a movie for the wind-down time.
Alternatively, you could hire a party entertainer for the day or party activity. Some favourites that always ensure a heap of birthday fun include a jumping castle, face-painter, petting farm, magician, circus group, a DJ for disco parties – there is something for everyone to keep the kids amused and entertained.
1st Birthday Party Ideas – Themed Food / Decorations
Here is some more birthday party inspiration is you are planning a themed party.
Perfect Princess Party Theme Ideas
Tinkerbell Fairy Party Theme Ideas
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Party Theme Ideas
Dora the Explorer Party Theme Ideas
Harry Potter Party Theme Ideas
Colourful Rainbow Party Theme Ideas
1st Birthday Party Ideas – Games
Even though most 1 year olds are happy enough simply playing with bubbles, balloons, dolls or small cars, you may still want to organise some party games for your other guests. If you want some ideas, check out our 20 Fun Party Games for Toddlers list.
How to Pick Your 1 Year Old Birthday Party Venue
When it comes to picking the right kids’ party venue for your soon-to-be one-year-old, there are quite a few things to consider. For instance, how many guests are you going to be inviting? When planning a birthday party for a one year old you will likely need to include adults in your numbers. You might have a whole village of extended family members you want to invite. So, obvious things like if the space is big enough and easy parking available are the first things.
But there are other important things like, is your one-year-old walking or crawling yet? Is the play area suitable if they will be on all fours the whole time? If they are walking or on the run (so fast, those chubby little legs!), is the park you consider fenced for peace of mind?
To help you decide what type of first birthday party venues you think would best suit your planned celebration, below are some questions that we think are helpful when the search starts.
- Is your baby walking yet? What play space suits them and their guests best?
- Does it allow me to self-cater and bring my own cake?
- Will it work regardless of the weather and, if not, what is a suitable wet-weather plan?
- Is there ample parking for my guests?
- What entertainment is provided and is it suitable for a one year old?
- Does the guest offer facilities for old kids and siblings too?
- Can you provide your own decorations?
- Can you book an exclusive section for your party or is it for public use?
- Is there a time limit on how long you can stay?
- Do you want a hassle-free party or one where you can be quite hands-on with decorations / food?
- Would you prefer the party inside or outside?
1 Year Old Birthday Party Venues FAQ
Do I need to book birthday party venues for the first birthday party
It is always a good idea to book a party venue. Nearly all require you to do so, but if you are thinking of having one in a park, or you want to throw the party at a local restaurant or cafe, we always recommend that you call ahead of time and let them know what you hoping to do.
Often, it is helpful to know if other events are also being planned for the same spaces on the same day. If you are looking at a park party, check out our article on How To Book A Park Kids’ Birthday Party in Brisbane.
What are the pros and cons of an outdoor birthday party
Living in Brisbane, hosting your 1 year old birthday party outside is always tempting. When the weather is gorgeous, as it so often is here, there really are no better decorations than a beautiful, natural setting. Whether in your backyard, at a park or at an outside venue (zoos, farms, pools etc), an outdoor birthday party usually means plenty of space, play equipment and parking for guests.
On the downside, with any outdoor event, there is always the added stress of how the weather will behave on the day. One of the biggest risks to an outdoor party is if torrential rain / thunderstorms or even heat-stroke inducing sun beats down on the day. Still, we don’t think that is reason enough not to host your party outdoors, especially if you have fallen in love with a particular venue.
Another con is that you often have to take all your cutlery, plates, cooking equipment, eskies, food and drinks with you.
This can be an added stress and avoided by taking throwaway plates /cutlery (eco friendly) and doing a simple BBQ instead of multiple tricky food displays. If you plan to host your party in an outdoor space, here are some things we recommend.
- Have a wet weather backup plan that your guests are aware of. Whether this is just returning to your house or getting supplies prepared to protect yourself.
- Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent and shade covers / marquees to help ward off the heat and rain.
- Check in advance how many picnic tables there are and if you in any risk of not getting one, either send someone down early or have a back up plan.
- Check if the venue has a cancellation or postponement policy.
- If the weather is supposed to be super hot, buying a cheap little wading pool to set up in the corner under a tree at a park is an absolute winner. Whether you fill it with balls or water, it will be a welcome respite for little (and big) kids.
- Take extra chairs and picnic blankets for those who forget there if you can.
- Check the timing and how long parties take at this particular venue so you can add it to the invitation. The benefit of hosting at home or in a park is that you can make the party take as long (or short) as you want.
Where to have a first birthday party in winter
Of course, even though Brisbane is well known for its sunny days (over 300 per year is our average), it can still get extremely cool in Winter. Even so, this shouldn’t affect your party too much. The indoor venues listed are still perfect places for children’s birthday parties and will probably be cosier than at home. Even outdoor venues, unless it is raining, are still a lovely option in winter as with the right attire and clothing kids will warm up in no time.
1 year old birthday party venues – what not to do
Don’t stress too much about finding the perfect venue. You’ll find that what matters is that you are with the people you love and they all gather to celebrate your child’s special day. A Baby’s first birthday is about maximising fun and happiness and taking many photos to remember the moment.
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