14 'Cool' Ways to Celebrate Winter Birthdays in the Gorge

1. Pietro's Pizza Party

Let’s start with a Hood River classic: Pietro's Pizza. Kids love it, and honestly, so do parents—who doesn’t love pizza and arcade games? It has everything you need for a low-maintenance, high-fun party. With plenty of room for all the kids on the invite list, you can bring your own cake, ice cream, and party favors. Let the kids run wild in the arcade while you sit back and (try to) relax!

2. Neon Glow Party at a Community Event Space

For something a little different, how about a Neon Glow Party? You can rent out spaces like the Hood River Armory, Elks Lodge #1507, Rockford Grange, any number of local school gyms or even the Crag Rat Hut and transform the room with black lights, glow sticks, and fun neon face paint. You can even rent an indoor bounce house to take the excitement up a notch. Kids will love dancing, bouncing, and glowing all night long.

3. Skating Party at May Street, Westside, or Mid Valley Schools

How about a good old-fashioned skate party? While the heyday of roller rinks may be behind us, elementary schools like May Street, Westside, and Mid Valley offer gym spaces and skate equipment for rent, making roller skating fun an option again. Crank up the music, let the kids skate, and add some fun games like relays or limbo. It’s a great way to keep them active, entertained, and totally worn out by the time the sugar rush fades!

4. Rent a School Gym and Go Wild

If you want a big space to do literally anything, renting the gym at Pine Grove Elementary or Hood River Middle School is the way to go. You can bring in a bounce house, hire a face painter, set up carnival games, or even create an obstacle course. It’s a blank canvas, so you can get as creative (or keep it as simple) as you like!

5. Ski Party at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort

For the downhillers out there, why not throw a winter birthday bash at Cooper Spur Ski Area? Friday nights are perfect for grabbing a covered picnic table or two and enjoying the slopes with fewer crowds. It’s great for kids who want to learn or just have fun in the snow. Top it all off with some hot chocolate to keep things cozy!

6. Cosmic Tubing Under the Stars at Mt. Hood Skibowl

If your kids are a bit older and looking for a thrill, check out cosmic tubing at Mt. Hood Skibowl. It’s tubing—with neon lights and music! It’s perfect for tweens and teens who want some excitement and adventure. Just make sure to bundle up, because it’s all about flying down those snowy hills under the stars.

7. Bowling Party at Orchard Lanes

Bowling is a classic for a reason, and Orchard Lanes in Hood River makes it super easy. You can book a party package, which guarantees a lane or two, order pizza, bring a cake, and you’re all set! With bumpers for the little ones and cosmic bowling for the older kids, there’s something for everyone.

8. Hood River Aquatic Center Party Room

If your kids are water lovers, the Hood River Aquatic Center is the perfect spot. It’s indoors (and warm!), with pools, rope swings, and plenty of space for splashing around. You can rent the party room and bring snacks, cake, and presents. It’s a great way to help kids burn off those wintertime wiggles!

9. Sledding at Little John Sno-Park

If you want to embrace the winter weather, pack up the sleds and head to Little John Sno-Park for a birthday adventure. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to celebrate while enjoying the beauty of winter. Bring hot chocolate, snacks, extra mittens, and make a day of it! Arrive early to grab a spot at the first-come, first-served picnic area so you can rest between sledding runs and have a proper birthday serenade.

10. Art Party at Joy’s Art Studio

For the little artists out there, unleash their creativity at Joy’s Art Studio. Kids can paint, draw, and create while learning from a real artist. They’ll leave with their own masterpieces to take home as party favors (a fun and easy bonus!). Plus, you won’t have to worry about the mess—cleanup is included!

11. Maker’s Party at Roots School and Makery

If making things brings your kid joy, then Roots School and Makery is the perfect party spot. Their maker’s space provides tools and materials for all kinds of hands-on projects, from painting to crafting and more. You can try one of their pre-planned creations, like homemade cake pops or party favor cinch pouches—they handle the details while you enjoy making memories with your kiddo. It’s a fun, creative, and interactive way to celebrate, and the kids get to take home their creations as party favors!

12. Chalk School of Movement

If you have an active, energetic kid who loves to climb, run, and jump, check out Chalk School of Movement. They offer a parkour and movement-based gym packed with fun in a safe, indoor environment. It’s a unique party idea that will have the kids bouncing off the walls and trying out new skills in a supervised space.

13. Fruit Loops Art Center Party

Another creative option is the Fruit Loops Art Center, where kids can dive into all kinds of artistic activities. From painting to roleplaying, there are plenty of ways for them to explore their creative side. It’s a laid-back, cozy spot for an indoor party, and the best part is, they get to take home their projects!

14. Cookie Baking Party at Dani’s Kitchen

For the little bakers in your life, consider hosting a cookie baking party at Dani’s Kitchen. The kids will have a blast rolling out dough, cutting shapes, and decorating cookies with frosting and sprinkles. It’s a sweet and simple way to spend the day, and they get to enjoy their creations (or take them home for later).

With so many fantastic options, hosting a winter birthday party in Hood River has never been easier. Whether you want to hit the slopes, get creative, or keep it simple with pizza and bowling, these ideas will help you throw a winter party your kid will never forget!