Birthday Parties – FAQs2019-01-24T11:18:28-07:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? Check out our FAQs to learn more about your birthday party at Hinkle.

How do I book a birthday party?2020-01-15T12:12:45-07:00

There are three easy ways to book your party!

  You can book your party online by clicking here

  OR you can call us at 505/299-3100 and speak with one of our

      friendly Parties and Events Team Members.

  OR you can come in and meet our Team in the Parties and Events Office

located in the Lazer Tag Building at 12931 Indian School Rd NE here in Albuquerque, at the southeast corner of Indian School and Tramway. The Parties & Events Office is open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm

What is needed to book a party?2020-01-15T12:13:21-07:00

All that is needed is a $50 deposit at the time of booking to hold your chosen party time. The remaining balance is due on the day of the party.  If you wish to make a larger deposit, you may stop by the Parties and Events Office located in the Lazer Tag Building. The Parties & Events Office is open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm   

Is there a minimum number of guests required for a birthday party?2019-01-06T11:48:16-07:00

All our Party Packages include up to 8 guests at your party. All parties require a minimum of 8 guests. In the unlikely event that less than 8 guests are unable to attend, the attending guests may use any extra passes or we can issue rain checks for any unused passes to be used on your next visit.      

Can I pay to have extra seating?2019-01-06T11:52:39-07:00

Your party table will have seating available for the number of guests you confirmed for your party. Additional seating can be confirmed by purchasing additional guests for your party. Otherwise, any additional seating at or near your party table is based on availability and cannot be guaranteed.  General seating may also be available in the area adjacent to the party tables.

Do we have to book a birthday party package?2019-01-06T11:49:14-07:00

For the best value on birthday fun and guaranteed seating we recommend that you book your birthday party ahead of time.

Can we use a table in the snack bar area and have our own party?2019-01-06T11:49:37-07:00

We do have open seating available that you are welcome to use, but tables cannot be guaranteed without a party reservation.  

Are we able to stay at our table longer than our party time?2019-01-06T11:50:01-07:00

Your reserved party table and party host will be available to you during your scheduled one-hour table time. You and your guests are welcome to stay for unlimited fun and enjoy all the activities within our facility until close of business. The flow of your party will be as follows:

  • 30 Minutes – Food & Fun
  • 10 Minutes – Cake & Singing
  • 10 Minutes – Presents
  • 10 Minutes – Wrap Up – Birthday Plinko Game, Game Cards,

Attraction Passes or Wristbands given to all paid party guests

After your reserved table time, you are welcome to use any of our general seating located in either the Fun Center or Lazer Tag Building.

Can we bring our own cake?2019-01-06T11:50:32-07:00

You are welcome to bring a birthday cake and/or cupcakes for your party; however, ice cream, ice cream cakes, or any other food or drink are not allowed into either center.

What times are available for birthday parties?2020-01-15T13:25:24-07:00

We have a variety of days and times available for parties!  If you cannot find your desired date and time when booking on line, just call our Party Team and they will be happy to assist you.

What is the difference between the Fun Center and the Lazer Tag Building?2020-01-15T12:11:20-07:00

They are both part of Hinkle Fun Center and both centers offer the same amazing birthday party experience for you and your guests.  You can choose where to start your FUN after your designated table time.

The Fun Center is located at the east end of the parking lot and has a Game Room, Lazer Frenzy and our outdoor attractions: Go Karts, Miniature Golf, Bumper Boats, Rock Wall, and the Bungee Jump Trampoline. Plus, there’s an area designated for birthday parties and general seating.

The Lazer Tag Building is at the west end of the parking lot and has another Gamer Room and several indoor attractions: Lazer Tag, Light Space, Bumper Cars, Immersive Virtual Reality and the XD Dark Ride. It also has an area designated for birthday parties and general seating.

What happens if I need to reschedule or cancel my party?2019-01-24T11:21:07-07:00

We understand that circumstances beyond our control occur and we will be happy to help you. Should you need to reschedule your event, your deposit will be transferred to the new reservation. Should you need to cancel you party, we will refund your deposit in the form of a Hinkle Fun Center gift card. If the cancellation occurs less than 24-hours prior to your party time, only half of the deposit will be refunded in the form of a Hinkle Fun Center gift card.  Please contact the Party Office at 505-299-3100 for further assistance.

How much does a birthday party cost?2019-01-24T11:21:30-07:00

While prices vary depending on what you want to do, we have party packages to meet all budgets.

Do you have any birthday party discounts?2019-01-24T11:21:54-07:00

We have party packages to meet all budgets, and a party during the week cost less than one on the weekend.

How much is the deposit and when is it due?2019-01-24T11:22:19-07:00

The deposit of $50 is due to reserve your time slot and the balance is due at the time of your party.  Your party host will present you with a detailed receipt, showing your deposit, any add-ons, and the balance due.

Are taxes or other charges included in the package price?2019-01-24T11:22:42-07:00

Taxes will be added at the time of your party, along with any extras you add on.  Tips are not included and are not required – but you are welcome to tip your party host at your discretion.

What food is provided with the birthday party package?2019-01-24T11:23:12-07:00

Pizza and drinks are included with all the party packages. You even have the opportunity to add boneless wings, salads, fruit trays and veggie trays for you and your guests to enjoy.

Can we bring outside food for a birthday party?2019-01-24T11:23:40-07:00

You are welcome to bring a birthday cake and/or cupcakes for your party.  However, ice cream cakes, ice cream, or any other food or drink may not be brought in to any area of Hinkle Fun Center.

We want to have our party today. Is it too late to plan?2019-01-24T11:24:03-07:00

It’s not too late for fun! While it’s always easier if we have more notice, just call our Parties and Events Team and they will let you know what’s available to reserve your table today.

What does the party host do?2019-01-24T11:24:38-07:00

Our party hosts are there to help your experience be super fun and stress-free! They will help serve pizza, drinks, help with presents, cut and serve the cake if you bring one, escort the birthday honoree to the Birthday Plinko board, bring the attraction passes and game cards to the party guests and entertain the guests through the party with games and interaction.  They will be happy to assist with anything you may need during your table time.

Can I bring in my own decorations?2020-01-15T11:55:42-07:00

Of course! We provide basic decorations such as tablecloth, party plates, cups and plastic utensils.  If you wish to have a special theme or decorations, you may arrive up to 15 minutes early to decorate your table. We ask that no decorations be hung from the wall or ceilings and please, no piñatas, glitter or confetti.

Do you provide invitations?2019-01-24T11:25:37-07:00

We offer preprinted invitations in a variety of colors available for pickup in the Party Office located in the Lazer Tag Building, or you can print invitations through our website under the birthday parties tab.

Can I upgrade to add paintball to my party?2019-01-24T11:26:05-07:00

Yes, you can add Paintball to your party for a little bit more. Please note that all Paintball participants must be at least ten years old and must have a waiver form signed by a parent or legal guardian. The waiver form may be found by clicking here .

Can I add additional paintballs to my party?2019-01-24T11:26:38-07:00

Of course! For the best value, consider adding on a case of paint. For pricing please contact our Parties and Events Team.

What is a Fun Card?2019-01-24T11:27:03-07:00

Hinkle’s Fun Cards allow you to play on any of the games at either game room – video, redemption, and merchandizer games!

Can I add additional attractions to my party?2019-01-24T11:27:27-07:00

Yes, it’s easy! Just call our Party Office and they can help you set up the best value package for your party.

What are the requirements for the attractions?2020-01-15T12:09:51-07:00

While some attractions have no requirements, like Miniature Golf or Lazer Frenzy, those that do are listed here:

Fun Center

  Go Karts – Drivers must be at least 58” tall to drive. Passengers must be over 40” and under 58″. Drivers of passengers must have a valid pass, be 18 years of age or older or the passenger’s parent or legal guardian.

  Bumper Boats – Drivers of Bumper Boats must be 44″ tall to drive. Passengers must be over 40” and under 44″. Drivers of passengers must have a valid pass, be 18 years of age or older or the passenger’s parent or legal guardian.Maximum weight 450 pounds.

Bungee Jump Trampoline – Participants must be between 30 and 180 pounds.

Rock Wall – Must be at least 40″ tall and 6 years of age to participate. Climbers must be between 40 and 250 pounds and wearing closed toe shoes.

Lazer Tag Building

  Lazer Tag – Participants must be able to carry a 4 pound vest.

  Bumper Cars – Driver MUST be at least 44 inches tall, only one person per car. Maximum weight is 275 pounds.

  Immersive Virtual Reality – All players must sign a waiver form. Download Waiver  Players must be 8 years of age or older. If the player is under the age of 18 player’s parent or legal guardian must sign waiver. Parental restrictions apply to certain games.

 XD Dark Ride – All participants must be 40″ or taller and have all loose articles secured.

Paintball Building

  Paintball – Players must be at least 10 years of age to play. Players under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by the child’s parent or legal guardian.

  Splatmaster – Players must be at least 9 years of age to play. Players under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by the child’s parent or legal guardian.