Children's Birthday Party Venues in Sunderland

Sunderland has a good range of venues that will take a children's party off your hands, from soft play rooms for the under-fives to climbing walls and a dry ski slope for older children. This guide sets out what each venue says it offers. We have not listed prices, because packages and costs change; ask each venue for its current menu and terms, and book early for weekends and school holidays.

Beacon of Light, Stadium Park

The Foundation of Light's building next to the Stadium of Light runs football parties built around its indoor 4G Barn. The Home package gives an hour of football with a coach, followed by an hour in a party room with pizza and chips. Every child gets a medal and the birthday child gets a trophy. The package covers up to 16 children. There are also Away and Gaming packages for different interests.

Parties at the Beacon of Light are booked by emailing reception@foundationoflight.co.uk.

Best for: Suits football fans, and parents who want a coach running the active part of the party.

Sunderland Wall, Pallion

Sunderland Wall, the climbing centre in the former Doxford Works at Pallion Quay, hosts climbing parties for children aged 3 and over, with instructors running the session. Afterwards you can add food from the centre's own pizza oven, with chips and ice cream, or hire the balcony and bring your own.

Best for: Suits active children who would rather climb than bounce, including younger ones from age 3.

Silksworth ski slope

The Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope has a 160-metre dry ski slope and offers parties based on skiing, snowboarding or tubing, as well as football parties on its pitches. Tubing, where children slide down the slope in inflatable rings, needs no previous experience and works well for mixed groups.

Best for: Suits a group wanting something different, and parties that mix confident and first-time skiers.

Super Tramp, Ferryboat Lane

Super Tramp is a trampoline park on Ferryboat Lane with its own party packages. Trampoline parties are an easy way to keep a large group busy for an hour, and the park also runs a Tots Club for younger children. Check the website for age rules, grip-sock requirements and the current packages.

Best for: Suits energetic groups of school-age children who want a high-energy hour.

Sunderland Aquatic Centre

Sunderland Aquatic Centre near the Stadium of Light has a soft play area that hosts parties for up to 50 children, enough for a whole-class party. For older children, the centre's Atlantis inflatable runs in the main pool at weekends and in school holidays and is open to ages 8 and over. Ask the centre which of its party options suit your child's age.

Best for: Suits whole-class parties and families who want soft play and swimming under one roof.

Soft play centres

For pre-schoolers and younger primary children, soft play is the simplest option. The Fun Jungle on Sulgrave Road in Washington caters for birth to 12 years and has dedicated party rooms. Tumbles World is on Hylton Road, opposite Millfield Metro station. Our soft play in Sunderland guide has opening times and more detail on each.

Best for: Suits under-eights, and parents who want the venue to provide food and tidy up afterwards.

Silksworth tennis centre

Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre hosts children's parties alongside its tennis and padel courts. With eight indoor courts, a racket sports party does not depend on the weather. Ask the centre what a party includes.

Best for: Suits children who already play tennis, or want a sporty party that is not football.

Other ideas

• Cinema trips. The Omniplex in the city centre runs Kids Club family films and sensory-friendly screenings at weekends. It does not advertise party packages, but a group trip followed by food nearby works for older children.
• Parks in summer. For a summer birthday, a picnic party in Roker Park or Herrington Country Park costs very little. Both have play areas and plenty of space.
• Halls. Community centres and church halls across the city can be hired for parties with your own entertainer and food.

Before you book

• Ask how many children the package covers and what each extra child costs.
• Check the minimum and maximum ages, and whether younger siblings can join in.
• Confirm what food is included and how the venue handles allergies.
• Ask how long you have the party room for, and whether you can bring a cake.
• Check the deposit and cancellation terms.

For year-round ideas, see our guide to family activities in Sunderland or the families hub.

Know a party venue we have missed? Get in touch.