Loud, bright and safe, this is the place kids love for birthday parties and special events.

by Contributor

The Experience
Not for the headache-prone, Chuck E Cheese is energetic, filled with arcade style games and a periodic live show complete with Disney-esque characters and kidified versions of popular videos ("Livin' the Vida Loca" is now "Drinkin' the Coca Cola"). Kids love the amusement park-like atmosphere and it is one of the top places to host a birthday party. About $9 a guest gets pizza, cake and tokens for everyone. While the pizza is not gourmet, it is served hot to your table.

You'll Want to Know
Kids and adults in one party are stamped with the same design upon entrance and checked upon departure to ensure safety. Most games provide tickets that can be redeemed for prizes such as candy and cheap toys. You may want to hang on to your kid's tickets so none get lost or stolen.