It’s very easy nowadays for a busy parent to plan the perfect birthday party for his or her child. There are places that will set-up the party, serve all the food, supervise entertainment and clean up afterwards. The parent is left with little more to do than pay and enjoy the celebration. However, most parents get pretty tired of pizza palaces with their furry animal mascots. Can’t stand another round of arcade bop-the-alien? Here are some great, creative alternatives all over the area.
These birthday party places aren’t just for rich people’s kids. Many of them have packages that are possible for all parents’ pocketbooks. Some places have surprisingly affordable packages available.
What follows are some of the ideal places to hold a child’s birthday party. They each have magic all their own.
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th Street
Queens, NY 11368
718-699-0005
http://www.nysci.org [email protected]
Have a little Poindexter or budding Madam Curie in the family? Here’s a great option. The New York Hall of Science hosts weekend science-oriented birthday parties. They have an array of themes available in their party packages. Among the options are the bubble trouble (great for preschoolers), the space ace, the butterfly theme room, a magic and science option and, perfect for little boys, a gross-out scientific theme. Parties include all the food and drinks, a birthday cake, and a treasure bag for all guests, along with decorations and a museum guide. Packages start around $600.
Mindy’s Pony Parties
3760 Rush Mendon Rd
Mendon, NY 14506
585-861-7708
http://www.castlecreekfarms.com/page7.php [email protected]
Have a child who just loves horses or who has always wanted a pony? This is the ideal birthday party place. They recommend their parties for children three years and up. They have both princess and cowboy/cowgirl themes available. Mindy’s ponies are “gentle and well-behaved” – all children get to ride the ponies. They’re also encouraged to interact with the ponies by petting them. They have a barn to hold parties in as well as outdoor space. They provide princess outfit, safety gear, magical pony ride and picnic area. They can also do the food for an added cost. All you have to add is the decorations.
Amerikick
529 Fifth Ave at 14th St
Park Slope
Brooklyn, NY
718-768-8200
amerikickbrooklyn.com
This is perfect for the little martial artist in the family. Parties start at $350 for 25 kids, and cover all the invitations, setup and cleanup, paper goods, pizza, soft drinks and snacks. Entertainment includes a karate lesson and martial arts demonstration with two professionals. Add $50 for laser tag or Nerf wars. Parties are for ages 3 and up.
Museum of the Moving Image
35 Avenue at 36 Street
Astoria, NY 11106
(718) 784-0077
http://www.movingimage.us/families/birthday
For older children (8 and above), there’s the Museum of the Moving Image. If you have a young Steven Spielberg on your hands, this is perfect. This party lets kids participate in the making of film, TV and video games. Party packages start at $450 for up to 10 children, with additional children $25. Up to four adults may attend free. The packages include special screenings, hands-on film/TV/video fun, and party bags with mementos and souvenirs. For an added fee they will serve a catered lunch, birthday cake, and add on more hands-on workshops.
Alley Pond Environmental Center
228-06 Northern Blvd at 223rd St
Douglaston, Queens
718-229-4000
alleypond.com
For the little future bug scientists in the family, this is a perfect party place. Instructors talk to the party attendees about nature and the environment. The children can interact with live animals. There’s a nature walk outside (weather permitting) and a craft project as selected by the guest of honor. Parents will need to bring their own cake and other refreshments.. Prices start at $200 for up to 15 children, with the birthday child admitted for free. Additional children are $12 each. Ages 2 to 12.
92nd St Y Parties
1395 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10128
212-415-5710
http://www.92y.org
There’s a giant two-level jungle gym that kids just love. There’s also stuff to climb on, throw, swing and slide on. The party assistants run the whole thing. Parents bring the food, drinks, cakes and decorations. The Y provides everything else, from invitations to party surprises. There’s a separate room for eating. Parties are $595 for 12 children, 2 hours. There are also swim/splash, sports and gymnastics themed parties.
Chelsea Playground
400 Chelsea Rd Staten Island, NY 10314
(718) 761-7529
http://www.chelseaplaygroundny.com
The 10 child party package costs $275 weekdays and $325 (the guest of honor enters free). For this, you get pizza, beverages, a custom cake, snacks, invitations and party favors, plus two hours or play and party time. Additional items are available for an added charge. Chelsea Playground includes a rock climbing wall, and 3 levels of tubes, tunnels, slides and more.
Applause New York City
St. Jean’s Community Center
184 E. 76th St.
New York, NY
212-717-0703
applauseny.com
From Broadway show themes to rock and roll, there’s something for every age group here from 1 to 10. Packages start at $395
Also:
Applause Westchester
114 West Boston Post Rd.
Mamaroneck New York 10543
914-835-2200
Kidaroo
3603 Fieldston Road
Bronx, NY 10463
347-980-2766
http://www.kidaroonyc.com/
Parties start at $450 for ages 1 to 4 for 10 children ($20 each additional), and $699 for ages 2-10. Parties include everything and span more themes than we can possibly cover here. All packages include all food, supplies, decorations, party favors, setup and cleanup.
