You’ve done it all when it comes to birthday parties: the trampoline park, the skating rink, the park, the pool…you’re looking for something new. Something that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Something where your kid can have good old fashioned social interaction with their friends and also support local!
That’s how I found Splatter Oak Ridge.
They describe themselves as, “A new interactive art studio in Oak Ridge, TN, where you can unleash your inner artist in a dynamic experience suited for all ages and skill levels.” They also mention being good for:
- Family fun
- Fun with friends
- Team building
- Date night
- Parties
I agree that it would be fun for all those things! We went for a small group birthday “activity” vs their full time party package, but I was so impressed with every aspect of this local venue that I just had to share. Not only did every mom present want to bring their kids back for future parties and playdates, we even discussed going back for a moms’ night out! It was just that fun (and affordable)!
Here’s what Splatter Oak Ridge is all about:
Located in a shopping center in central Oak Ridge, Splatter is a storefront with a front seating area/party room, and the middle of the store is walled off like a giant box. Hanging on the wall is full PPE. That’s right! Head to toe protective gear is necessary because the activity is getting to literally splatter neon glow-in-the-dark paint all around a dark room.
To start with, everyone picks a place in the room for their small canvas, which they get to take home with them. The canvas ends up being painted throughout the process, and ends up looking like modern art. We had about six boys all around eight-year-old, and my favorite part was that I didn’t have to do anything. The owners, parents to young boys themselves, directed each kid on how to suit up and put on goggles (we also dressed the kids in old play clothes), and what the rules were during the hour of painting time.
The kids were given squeeze condiment bottles and reusable water balloons full of non-toxic, washable paint, and then they got to go to town throwing it all around the room, mostly on each other. (Did I mention these were eight-year-old boys?!) I was able to play whatever music I wanted through a bluetooth speaker into the room to set the vibe. I also really appreciated that the owners stayed near the kids at all times, making sure everyone followed the rules and stayed safe. They have cameras at every angle in the paint room so that the parents can stand just outside the room if they choose not to paint, and monitor every second of activity. Then, after the kids were done painting, they were directed to a sink area, PPE carefully removed, and given instructions on how to wash up. I literally never had to lift a finger and the owners were so efficient and considerate of all aspects.
I chose the one hour painting only option, but they also offer a two hour party option where you can do an hour in the paint room and an hour in the party area for food, cake, presents, etc. You don’t even have to have a party; you can go in and paint by yourself if that’s your jam!
 will be talking about long after the party ends!){kind=link}