If you can smell the ball pit, taste the orange drink and visualise a red-aproned staff member guiding ten chaotic kids through an 'I Spy' game; you might have a touch of nostalgia for the McDonald’s party. For many busy parents trying to manage budgets, perhaps you’re thinking about turning to the Golden Arches… but you’ve got some questions like ‘Do McDonald’s still do children's parties?' and ‘How much does it cost to host a birthday party at McDonald’s?’ At Kids Party Finder, we’ve got the inside (fry) scoop.
Do McDonald's still do kids parties? (And are they back?)
The answer is... a frustrating ‘it depends.’ Officially, the classic McDonald’s birthday party (with the dedicated host, a cordoned-off section, and organised games) has been scaled back massively. This was partly a global trend, but COVID-19 acted as the final nail in the coffin for many locations' specific party services. And they’ve not come back. However, some independent franchisees do still operate party facilities, especially if they are a large store with a dedicated (and cleaned!) Play Place. The only way to know for sure is to pick up the phone and call your local branch directly. It's a bit old-school, we know, but it’s the only way to get a booking. You can find your local branch here.
But... What's the alternative? How much does it cost?
How much does it cost to host a birthday party at McDonald’s
There are two ways to do a ‘do at the Golden Arches: you can go DIY or try to find a hosted location.
DIY ‘Party’
This is how most parents are doing it now. You simply take a group of kids to McDonald's. It's not a ‘party’ in the traditional sense. But you don't pay a booking fee. You just turn up, secure a big table (if you can!), and order a mountain of Happy Meals. How much does it cost? The cost is purely whatever you spend on food. Ten Happy Meals will set you back about £35 to £40. It is, undeniably, a very cheap option.
Host-Led Party
On the very rare occasion that you find a store that still hosts, you will usually pay a per-child price. Back when this was common, it was around £10-£15 per child, which included a Happy Meal, ice cream, a party host for an hour and a party bag.
And what about the cake?
People ask about cake, too (How much does McDonald's birthday cake cost is a very popular search). Again, finding this is rare. Back in the day, McDonald's used to sell a special white sheet cake with an image of Ronald McDonald on it for around £10. However, these days, you are much, much safer to just B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Cake). Most managers are fine with you cutting it at the table, but ask them first.
Does McDonald's do anything for birthdays itself?
If you walk in and mention it's your child’s birthday, what can you expect? …sadly, not much. Usually, you'll get a polite “Happy Birthday!” and maybe a sticker or a little toy. This isn't really their business model anymore. They are focused on fast, efficient service, not curating birthday memories.
So... should you plan a McDonald’s party?
While it’s a cheap and cheerful option, we’d generally recommend you try to plan another, healthier option. As a modern parent, you're probably trying to move away from processed food and single-use plastic. Associating the Happy Meal with occasions can set the wrong precedent, and it’s not the most eco-friendly item out there. There’s also no control over the environment: It’s a public restaurant. It’s loud, it’s chaotic…and you might get some funny looks from other diners if your group of 6-year-olds gets a bit too excited.
If you’ve decided to give the Hamburgler a miss, you can find a health-conscious, eco-friendly caterer or a fantastic entertainer for your next party on Kids Party Finder.
