A big day is approaching…graduation day! Which, of course, means you’ll be throwing a party! 😉 And, just like any other shindig, you’ll have to have a place to throw it!
We understand that finding a venue to meet everyone’s needs is challenging. However, the most important needs to meet are yours and your graduate!
So, to help you get started in the right direction we’ve compiled these lists of great graduation party venue ideas and other information you will need to make your decision!
What to Consider When Choosing a Grad Party Location
Before choosing just any location for your graduation party, there are a few considerations that you will need to make.
Thinking about these questions when making your big decision, will help to ensure that you won’t have to make any last-minute changes!
Will Your Venue Work Rain or Shine?
Once you choose a date for your graduation party, you need to stick to it. That’s why it is important to choose a venue that will work for you rain or shine.
If you or your grad is set on having the party outdoors, then be sure that there is some relief from the elements such as a pavilion or tent nearby!
Who are your guests?
When choosing a venue, it’s important to think about the guests that will be in attendance.
Are there any guests that need handicap accessibility? If there are a lot of children invited, will there be enough room for them to run and play? Considering these factors will help to ensure that everyone enjoys your party and has a great time.
What is Your Budget?
The dreaded numbers game… yup, it’s always a factor when planning a party 🙄
Before you even look for a venue, you should know how much money you are able or willing to spend. This will help you narrow down your options to only the venues that are realistic!
When is the Party Date and is the venue available?
Remember, graduation season is busy. Which means that venues book quickly! So in order to guarantee that the venue you want will be available, make sure to start your search early!
Also, always have second and third options in mind in the case that the first doesn’t work out!
What is the Venue/ Guest Capacity?
Before choosing a venue, be sure to have your guest list completed. Doing so will help you to make sure that you are selecting a location that can fit all the people you love into one place!
Does the Venue Have Any Services & Restrictions?
If you want to have a party that offers alcoholic beverages or allows you to tape things on the walls, then you need to check with them before booking!
Some venues have restrictions that they do not compromise, and you should know that before making a deposit!
Does the Venue Offer Food & Drink Options?
A graduation party has to have food one way or another!
If you are someone that doesn’t like to cook, then try and find a venue that offers in-house catering! Your life will be so much easier!
Is There Enough Parking for Guests?
If you have a lot of guests coming you need to make sure that they have somewhere to park! Check with the venue beforehand about how accessible parking is and if there are any fees.
Home is Where the Heart Is!
Once you have made all of the considerations for your graduation party venue, there is one place that you should consider…home!
Although many people consider their home to be the most obvious option, it is often overlooked!
The pros to having your graduation party at home are that it is easily accessible, you have most everything you need on-site, and your graduate is most comfortable there.
However, using your home as a venue might not be so ideal if you don’t have enough room for all of the guests or if you’re currently doing renovations!
No matter what you decide, be sure to discuss with your graduate what their preference is before making a final decision!
Great Graduation Party Venues
Below you’ll find a few, categorized lists of our favorite venues for graduation parties!
Kindergarten Graduation Party Venues
A kindergarten graduation party is supposed to be fun. Which means the venue should be too!
Check out these unique Kindergarten graduation party venues for some ideas on how to choose the perfect spot for your little one to make memories that will last a lifetime!
- Art studios
- Bowling alleys
- Build-A-Bear or similar
- Fire stations
- Ice cream parlors
- Ice-skating rinks
- Indoor Play Park/ Soft play gyms
- Pizza parlors
- Zoos (Animal or Reptile)
- Church recreation halls
- Community Center/ Civic Center
- Forests
- Libraries
- Public gardens
- Public parks
- School gyms
Places to Host an Elementary School Graduation Party
Elementary graduation parties usually include a lot of friends, food, and fun. So, when you are picking a venue for your elementary student’s graduation party it is ideal to keep those elements in mind!
Choose a venue that kids and their parents alike can enjoy!
- Amusement parks/ Theme Parks
- Aquariums
- Art studios
- Ballet studios
- Batting Cages
- Beaches
- Botanical Gardens
- Bowling alleys
- Campgrounds
- Ceramic Cafes or Pottery Painting facilities
- Children’s museums
- Church recreation halls
- Circus Studio
- Community Center/ Civic Center
- Farms
- Go-kart facilities
- Gymnastics centers
- Horse Ranch
- Ice cream parlors
- Ice-skating rinks
- Indoor Maze
- Indoor Trampoline Center
- Karate facilities
- Laser-tag facilities
- Libraries
- Magician Class
- Miniature golf courses (indoor and outdoor)
- Music studio
- Other dance studios
- Paintball facilities
- Pizza parlors
- Planetariums
- Public gardens
- Public parks
- Public-school gym or sports field
- Rock climbing gyms
- Roller-skating rinks
- School gyms
- Science centers
- Skateboarding parks
- Skating rink
- Swimming pools
- Tae-kwon-do facilities
- Tennis courts
- Video Arcade
- Zoo
High School Graduation Party Venues
A high school graduation party is a pretty big deal and usually has a pretty big guest list. Therefore, it is logical that the location should be a little bit bigger as well!
Consider these unique ideas for hosting a high school graduation party and see which one your graduate likes best!
- All-ages dance clubs
- Amusement parks/ Theme Parks
- Aquariums
- Art studios
- Batting Cages
- Beaches
- Beauty salons/Nail Salon/Day Spa
- Botanical Gardens
- Bowling alleys
- Campgrounds
- Church recreation halls
- Coffee houses
- Comedy Museum
- Community Center/ Civic Center
- Cooking-class facilities
- Farms
- Go-kart facilities
- Gymnastics centers
- Horse Ranch
- Ice-skating rinks
- Indoor Maze
- Indoor Trampoline Center
- Karaoke facilities
- Karate facilities
- Laser-tag facilities
- Malls
- Miniature golf courses (indoor and outdoor)
- Movie theaters
- Music studio
- Paintball facilities
- Pizza parlors
- Planetariums
- Public gardens
- Public parks
- Public-school gym or sports field
- Restaurants
- Rock climbing gyms
- Roller-skating rinks
- School gyms
- Science centers
- Skateboarding parks
- Skating rink
- Swimming pools
- Tae-kwon-do facilities
- Tennis courts
- Video Arcade
- Yoga studios
- Zip Lining
College & University Graduation Party Venues
A college or university graduation party really is a “last hoorah”, because it is most likely the last graduation party your child will have.
Choose a venue that shows how proud you are of their accomplishment and how much they mean to you. Below, you’ll find venues that are small and simple, and others that are grand! Which one works best for you?
- Art Museum
- Banquet Facilities
- Boat Cruise
- Botanical Gardens
- Campgrounds
- Chalet or Lodge Rental
- Chartered Yacht
- Church recreation halls
- Coffee houses
- Comedy Club
- Community Center/ Civic Center
- Country Club
- Historic Local Home Rental
- Horse Ranch
- Local Hotel
- Mansion Rental
- Pub or Bar
- Restaurants
- School gyms
- Science centers
Sound the Party Horns!
With these ideas and some good direction, you will be able to choose the perfect venue for your perfect graduation party! Anywhere you choose, be it home or aquarium, is sure to be memorable, unique, and much appreciated by your graduate!Pin These Graduation Party Venue Ideas for Later!