Celebrate at these kids birthday party places in NYC

NOTE: Birthday parties are currently offered as a virtual option only

For those kids who love all things 
that vroom, toot, chug and zoom, the New York Transit Museum, located in an authentic 1930’s subway station, is both a historical learning experience and a chance to see vintage subways, turnstiles and engineering innovations up close. Though the guided tour pumps tiny conductors and adults full of amazing knowledge and trivia, the workshops may be the best part of the party. Museum educators lead the group 
in your choice of DIY activities such as designing a vehicle or creating a mosaic worthy of a subway platform. A scavenger hunt is also available, too, if your curious kiddos are anxious to roam around and make discoveries. Ages 3–11.

Waterfront parks are having a moment in NYC, and there’s arguably no greater view that the skyline of Downtown Manhattan. Take in the Brooklyn Bridge, boats passing on the East River and park-goers enjoying a day out as kiddies ride Jane’s Carousel—located in Brooklyn Bridge Park—until they cannot possibly opt for another spin. A reserved spot in the Picnic Grove or the Pavilion (depending on weather) will be available for party-goers when it comes time to sing “Happy Birthday.” At the end of the celebration, little ones will head home with a ride ticket in lieu of a goodie bag. Ages 2 and up. 

Is there a better place for a party than NYC’s beloved amusement park? Make your next trip to Coney Island extra memorable with a birthday celebration. Take a spin on mild, moderate and high thrill rides (included in the basic party package) and mild, moderate, high and extreme Thrill rides (in the Deluxe Party package). There will be shrieks of joy as kids make their way to and from the Cyclone, the new Astro Tower, the Tickler and more. After they’ve tired themselves out from the thrilling adventure, Luna guests can enjoy refueling in the private party room. Ages 5 and up.

Your kiddos and 20 of his or her friends are invited to snag an up-close-and-personal experience complete with scavenger hunts, nature walks and more garden goodness. A party coordinator and instructor are on-hand to guide little visitors through activities, projects and a celebration (which includes refreshments such as pizza and organic juice boxes provided by the venue). Parties book over the weekends, but weekdays are potentially available upon request. Ages 3 and up.

Take your BCM experience to the next level with an action-packed party for kids. Recruit a museum guide to lead your kids through activities like meeting friendly reptiles, learning about their natural habitats or adventuring together on a scavenger hunt that features hands-on exhibits with a play grocery store and pizza parlor. After the kids have worked up an appetite, they can chow down on real food and cake. Ages 1–10.

The behemoth aircraft carrier, which also houses the space shuttle Enterprise, offers celebrations with pilot, astronaut, spy and Marine-themed celebrations for young adventurers. Two party hosts (one dressed in costume) lead the group on a scavenger hunt through the exhibits and to the XD simulator that takes the audience on a 4-D journey through the solar system. Lunch packages and birthday cake are included, and guests snag admission to the museum and space-shuttle pavilion, allowing them to explore the Intrepid at their own pace once the party ends. Ages 4–13.

Celebrate your kid’s birthday with the art of Harlem and northern Manhattan at this beautiful and affordable uptown haven. A birthday party at Sugar Hill Children’s Museum allows admission for 12 children and 8 adults to enjoy the multimedia installations, dynamic photographs, painting and drawings—all created by local artists. Guests can also attend public scheduled storytelling shows and participate in the museum’s opportunities to create their own artwork. Parents are welcome to bring refreshments and treats to serve in Sugar Hill’s party room, and for an additional fee they can add activities such as art projects inspired by the exhibits or a performance from a professional storyteller about the neighborhood’s history. Ages 1–8. 

Sing “Happy Birthday” and “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” loud and proud as your crew
 meets spends time visiting farm animals such as pigs, chickens, ponies and horses. The group will hop aboard the museum’s tractor-drawn hayride
 for a bumpy excursion around the fields, gardens and pens, then enjoy pizza, juice and a personalized sheet cake. Guests of honor take home a small surprise gift. Parties are available from April–September. Ages 12 and under. 

No invitation needed—the coolest celebs will definitely be at your kid’s next birthday bash! Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Justin Timberlake and other A-listers are waiting for a slice of party cake…well, sort of. Kids can catch a glimpse of Hollywood’s elite personalities, sports MVPs, political leaders and other popular figures brought to life at Madame Tussauds. Although party packages are not offered at this time, those interested in having a celebration at the Times Square venue should email [email protected]. All ages.

Birthday party packages (Super, Deluxe and Premium) with three different price points ensure that kids get everything they want for their birthday soirée. With the Super Science Party, attendees will receive a private room for a half hour, plastic/paper goods, orders of individual plates such as pizza or chicken fingers and beverages, gift bags with free return admission and a NYSCI facilitator to lead kids through activities and exhibits. Deluxe adds on features like Rocket Park Mini Golf and Science Playground access, while Premium has additional entertainment and upgraded goodie bags. Ages 3 and up.

At the Museum of Math, numbers, shapes and patterns take on fun properties rarely seen in your
 average classroom. Birthday party themes like Multi-Morphing Megaplex let your kids construct shapes big enough to walk through, while GeoGlow has guests using light sticks and geometry to create a glow-in-the-dark polyhedra. Every party includes full-day admission to the museum, a private room for 90 minutes and a birthday cake, with special add-ons available, such as fun goody bags and personalized treats. Ages 3 and up. 

Up your playground party game by reserving the park house at Riverside Park’s beloved Hippo Playground. The room, which has sinks, a sound system and a microwave, is the perfect indoor oasis for parents who provide the pizza, cake or other refreshments on low-to-the-ground tables for young kiddos. If it’s a nice day, you might find it hard to get everyone to come inside from the fun they’ll be having on the swings, jungle gym and climbing all over the various hippos. On warm days be sure to pack swimsuits; the kids won’t be able to resist the sprinklers. All ages.

This indoor amusement and arcade paradise boasts video games, laser tag, bumper cars, a carousel and a multilevel maze. There are four fantastic party options that offer various access to the attractions. With all options, kids get a slice of pizza, soda, tableware, a balloon centerpiece and other goodies. If you would like to amp up the festivities, the wide selection of add-ons include a virtual-reality simulator and catering (a hot-cold buffet, specialty pizzas). Ages 1 and up.

Guests big and small are invited to the American Girl place to mark the festivities with a delicious lunch, fun crafts and the quintessential pink and white birthday cake. While you’re visiting the Rockefeller Center attraction, make sure to take a gander at the hair salon (for humans and their doll counterparts), the store (kids and dollies will surely love browsing). All ages.

Celebrate your child’s big day with a few extra guests—and we don’t mean human party-goers. The Prospect Park Zoo makes festivities all the more delightful by providing an up-close-and-personal encounter with the attraction’s inhabitants. Kids will be able to explore the various exhibits, and they’ll also be treated to a meet-and-greet with a few cool animals. After taking away a few knowledgeable tidbits about the creature, they will also be able to work on hands-on science projects. Special add-ons (such as extra time with a zoo instructor, a longer party) are available for additional fees. At least six adults must be present, and 36 participants are welcome. All ages.

For the kids who can’t sit still, a sports-themed birthday party is the perfect way for them to channel that energy and excitement on their big day. From the classic offerings such as golf and gymnastics to the avant garde (think bubble soccer and ninja warrior), Aviator Sports has something for all ages. Parties not only include exciting activities, but refreshments, cake, online invites and other fun offerings. Ages 2 and up.

Does your young city slicker dream of riding a pony? The Bronx Equestrian Center has several hour-long options: Kids can take turns riding a pony, each kid can get a pony to ride on a trail, or all the kids can pile onto a wagon for a hayride. All packages come with a barnlike room where you can sit for BYO food, drink and cake (which you can stash in the on-site refrigerator). Balloons and piñatas aren’t allowed, as a courtesy to the ponies. Riders must be less than 65 lbs. Ages 5 and up.

Birthday daredevils can aerially zoom across the Bronx River on a zip line at this park operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, and climbers can try their hand at treetop courses that feature challenges like rope Bowlmor Lanes bridges, tightrope walks and ladders. The 90-minute Yellow package includes invitations and, for the birthday star, a free T-shirt and return ticket for free access another day; the Green package grants one-hour access to a private room, plus pizza, cake and goodies for all. Each session includes training and prep time. Attendees must be between 50 and 275 lbs. and able to reach a height of 5’6”. Ages 7 and up.  

Rent a 5,000-square-foot gym where a gaggle of wild things can jump up and down in a bounce house, swing from monkey bars, test their balance on beams and do all manner of activities to expend their youthful energy under the careful supervision of the safety-certified staff. The price includes an hour of gym time and 30 minutes for cake, pizza and soda, as well as paper products, for tots and adults, all provided by the venue. Add-ons include live musicians, a catered menu, piñatas and temporary tattoos, to name a few. Ages 1–12. 

Encourage kids to reach the top with a two-hour climbing extravaganza at The Cliffs. Party-goers (25 max) are given access to the Fox Room as instructors prep them to take on new heights. The welcoming, challenging and adventurous location makes for the best birthday experience. Ages 6 and up.

The all-inclusive bowling soirees provide Gennaro’s pizza and drinks (no outside food allowed, except for cake and other desserts) as well as balloons, rental shoes, lightweight bowling balls for the tiny rollers and even coffee for the adults. Party in your own private room or out on the concourse. Sprites can jam to music videos that Rab’s plays just for them. The Cosmic package turns the place into a glow-in-the-dark disco, or the kids can dash around the laser maze. Ages 3 and up. 

Tiny skaters can practice becoming the next Mirai Nagasu or Adam Rippon. Parties here include admission, skate rental (the smallest child size is 8), pizza or hot dogs and soda. Outside foot is not permitted. For an extra fee, you can get cotton candy, party invites,a skate coach and character appearances—imagine your child’s face when Elsa glides into the room on skates. All ages.

Kids will literally bounce off the walls at this unique training facility. Choose from amazing parkour, trampoline and “Ninja Warrior”– themed offerings that exhaust even the most energetic kiddos. If they’re not mastering
 the warp wall, ropes or obstacles, attendees might partake in Nerf battles for some friendly competition. After a one- or two-hour fully instructed workout, wild things can refuel with parent-provided food, refreshments and cake in the party area. Ages 5 and up. 

STREB’s popaction parties take the fun to new heights, literally and figuratively. With a lovely combination of circus artistry, dance and gymnastics, offerings allow littles to jump on the trampoline, try the trapeze, perfect their parkour skills and so much more. The pros are on hand to help guide youngsters through demos before trying the stunts for themselves. Parents must supply the goodies, but STREB offers popcorn, paper products and set-up and clean-up. Ages 5 and up.

There’s no better place for a little friendly competition than the Chelsea Field House. Birthday boys and girls (ages 5 and up) choose one or two of their favorite sports to play. Options include traditional picks such as soccer, dodgeball and basketball, learning how to flip and tumble with gymnastics, scaling a gigantic rock-climbing wall or challenges like parkour with a “Ninja Warrior” theme or a collection of classic field-day games like tug-of-war and potato-sack races. All packages feature time in the party room with venue-supplied balloons and paper goods, but parents looking for a hassle-free occasion can also opt to have pizza, beverages, cake and party favors handled by Chelsea Piers. Score! Ages 1 and up.

 Batter up for a grand-slam birthday experience with the Brooklyn Cyclones. Ten or more pint-sized baseball fans can enjoy a game, stadium food such as a hot dog and ice cream, souvenirs and the most epic Happy Birthday singalong one can imagine—the entire MCU Park will help your kiddo ring in his or her birthday with the tune! Ages 4 and up.

Show up with your little one in tow, and the planners at New York Kids Club take care of the rest. The basic package hooks you up with exclusive use of the state-of-the-art space, equipped with soft play equipment and age-appropriate toys. During the party, two performers take charge of fun activities and entertain the youngsters (with themes such as “Space Kids,” “Olympics Gymnastics” and more) until it’s time for cake. Make things even easier on yourself with the all-inclusive setup, which throws in paper goods, pizza, juice, cake, helium balloons and favors for the whole crew. Ages 1–12.

The new Bouldering Project Brooklyn has a private youth room where kids 5 and older can get climbing instruction, enjoy fun games, and, for the birthday kid, a b-day T-shirt. Parties are available to book on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30pm to 2:30pm or 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

There are three different tiers of birthday parties:

Tier 1 – 10 or fewer climbers
Flat rate of $490 for 10 or fewer climbers.
Two instructors
Two hours in our private party room
A birthday shirt for your birthday kiddo

Tier 2 – 15 or fewer climbers
$490 for 10 or fewer climbers + $49 for each additional climber
Max number of participants is 15
Two instructors
Two hours in our private party room
A birthday shirt for your birthday kiddo

Tier 3 – 15 or fewer climbers + pizza
$750 for 15 or fewer participants
Three instructors
Two hours in our private party room
Access to the gym outside of the party room if desired
A birthday shirt for your birthday kiddo
And a pizza the staff orders for the party

You can book here. 

With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to call out just one…or even a few! You’ll find themes like GymMaze Craze (which incorporates a ball pit, air bounce, tunnels, spider net and swing, best for ages 2–8), Tutu Cute Dance Parties (where ballet, dance and dress-up are on the menu, best for ages 2–12) and other options like Splish Splash Pool Parties (ages 6–9 and 10–18). All bashes include access to a designated party room with tables and chairs, favors and gifts for the birthday child; parents provide food, cake and decorations. Ages 2 and up.

Watch kids go gaga over this unique take on dodgeball. The players have a main focus: to avoid the foam ball flying across the octagonal pit. Coaches will brief party-goers on the rules before they start their game (parents can even get in action if they’re craving some friendly competition). Pizza and juice are served, but add-ons such as party favors, a DJ and face painting are available for an additional fee. Game on! Ages 4 and up.

Youngsters can vie for strikes while partying at these hip bowling spots with floor-to-ceiling video screens at the end of each lane. The basic package includes shoe rental, drinks and 90 minutes of bowling. Other packages add cake or cupcakes, invitations, food, more time to bowl and a bowling pin for the birthday child that guests can sign. Party guests at the new-and-improved Chelsea facility at Pier 60 will bowl amid 40 lanes or perhaps will be lucky enough to play inside the private bowling suite or relax within a private lounge. Also be sure to explore other including a 1,500-square-foot gravity ropes course and the Urban Mission—a NYC-themed laser-tag arena with Gotham icons throughout. Ages 4 and up.

While little yogis find their Zen through playful poses, adults will also feel peaceful and at ease in the hands of the friendly, caring instructors leading the party. A basic package includes a full session with poses and yoga games centered around a theme— think “jungle,” “outer space,” “nature” and more—that get those bodies stretching and working. Special packages tout options like Doll Yoga, which brings the guests’ favorite dolls and stuffed animals into the exercise, or Circus Yoga, which features more acrobatic moves and skills. All ages. 
 

Reach new heights (of happiness!) with a private party at this favorite Astoria drop-in play space. Young whippersnappers can jump and hop on the inflatable bounce castles and slides and take advantage of 5,000 square feet of rides, games, shuffleboard, a rock-climbing wall and a giant jungle gym with tubes and slides. Every party includes pizza, juice and a host to guide you in the fun, but you can easily choose special add-ons like face painting, a character appearance, glitter tattoos, karaoke and access to certain attractions (like rock climbing) to make the party extra personal and special.
 Ages 1–13.

Suit up for a little friendly competition. With a two-hour party package at Manhattan Fencing Center, attendees will have instructors guide them through a few scrimmages. There are several package options, some of which include bonus features like a free class for attendees or background music. Ages 7 and up.

High-energy tykes get a chance to run wild at Asphalt Green’s fun-filled birthday parties. Choose from themes such as Sports & Activities, Gaga or Martial Arts, depending on your sprout’s preferences. The party people get an hour to jump and dodge, practice self-defense or play soccer, basketball, softball, flag football, recess games and more. The Battery Park City location also offers unique themes such as Tumble & Play, Movie Party and Pool Party. Tack on 30 minutes or make the bash all-inclusive, complete with pizza, cake, snacks and drinks, for an additional cost. Ages 2 and up. 

Consider Taste Bud your child’s introduction to kitchen basics. Junior chefs will be given an opportunity to create a delicious dish from scratch during the party. Older kiddos are often tasked with making fresh pasta or perfecting sushi rolls, while youngsters become acquainted with the fundamentals. For those who are ready to unleash their Top Chef skills, consider special options such as cupcake decorating. Add-ons, including outside food and ingredient substitution for those with allergies, are available for an additional fee. If you’d like to make the experience more personal, have the Taste Buds crew come to you! At home-celebrations are available for up to two hours. Bon appetit! Ages 3 and up.

Besides doling out incredible original flavors like Mexican Hot Chocolate and Toxic Sludge, Brooklyn’s favorite ice cream emporium hosts birthday parties that are good enough to eat! Partiers get a lesson in making ice cream, then the birthday kid chooses a single concoction to churn on a stationary bike (adorable photo-op alert!). While the ice cream hardens, kids will participate in a fun craft, and then when it’s all done and ready to eat, they’ll pile their ice cream on fresh waffles and top them with stuff like M&M’s, marshmallows and gummy bears. Eat slowly, or you’ll end up with brain freeze! Find other Ample Hills’ in Gowanus and Gotham West Market. Ages 5–10.

Sweet dreams are made of these super-cool Dylan’s Candy Bar birthday parties. Even Willie Wonka will have a tough time competing with NYC’s go-to confectionary shop. Satisfy your guest of honor’s sweet tooth with candy-inspired crafts and games (licorice limbo and cookie decorating, to name a few) and the ultimate adventure—the candy spree. Themes include Mad Scientist and Gummies and Glam. Enticing add-ons perfect for any sweet celebration include a cotton candy machine, chocolate fountain and more! All ages.

Take a step back in time with a party at Carroll Gardens’ quaint soda fountain. Straight out of the 1920’s, the shop is the go-to destination for epic ice cream sundaes and old-fashioned snacks such as egg creams and rootbeer floats. We recommend you come hungry to this Brooklyn hotspot—the serving sizes are healthy. Ice cream fans big and small won’t be able to resist the charm—or the ample menu. All ages.

Sure, your kid can eat a meal here, but it’s really just a rite of passage to get to the star of the show: dessert. Let your sweet-toothed kid pick two desserts from a long list of cake and sundae options to accompany the family-style meal of two appetizers, two entrées and one side (the menu includes options like pasta, Caesar salad and miniburgers, to name a few). Sugar Factory also gives the birthday boy or girl a large rubber ducky that all the guests can sign. Ages 1–12. 

Bensonhurst Two moms founded this operation to encourage youngsters to learn their way around the kitchen. Its themed party packages are endless: Your culinary connoisseur can whip up Olaf’s snowman pancakes at a Frozen party, Krabby patties for a SpongeBob SquarePants theme or even choose a mock Iron Chef competition in which two teams battle to create the best recipes using a secret ingredient. Mini chefs eat whatever they make, but make sure to bring your own cake to the event! Ages 3 and up.

Harlem Get your kid and his or her crew a Pat LaFrieda burger or a sandwich and a Blue Marble milkshake at this well- known Harlem staple that celebrates the neighborhood’s culture via cool decor and its Wall of Fro, which shows off customers’ Afro hairstyles. For an additional fee, Harlem Shake will put on demonstrations of Double Dutch and swing dance. The staff tailors the music playlist to your mini-me’s taste, and the hot spot also supplies sweet goodie bags that include a T-shirt, baseball caps and postcards. Ages 1–16.

The teaching artists at Treasure Trunk Theatre bring the imaginations of kids who love costumes and playing make-believe to a whole new level. The birthday boy or girl chooses the theme for the party beforehand—think pirates, fairies, outer space, superheroes or popular stories like Peter Pan—and then has an exuberant trained actor and host through fun theater games and acting out a story together. The host can bring the party to your place; along with a trunk of goodies to help in the day’s fun, or you can choose a 45-minute workshop at one of Treasure Trunk Theatre’s facilities for an additional cost. Parents can even purchase some of the pieces ahead of time to be used as party giveaways (like colorful scarves for pirates or wands for fairies). Whether the kids pretend to be astronauts, mermaids or even cars, the experience will be nothing short of magical. Ages 3–6.

Imported to the U.S. in 1876 as Sweden’s exhibit for Philadelphia’s Centennial Exposition, the so-called Swedish Cottage was later brought to Central Park by Frederick Law Olmsted, who thought it looked like an ideal model schoolhouse. Today, a marionette theater company puts on kid-friendly productions here, and after a private viewing of the current show (past performances have included Neverland: Peter Returns and The Three Bears Holiday Bash), your posse can retire to the adjacent private room with child-size furniture to devour the provisions you brought. All ages.

Get a personal puppet experience at this charming Park Slope spot. Up to 50 attendees (adults and children) will enjoy a performance of the theater’s current show, exclusively for the party-goers. Feel free to bring your own food, but please note that popcorn as well as decorations such as confetti and glitter are not permitted. Leave the rest up to the staff—the Puppeworks team will clean up after your shindig comes to a close. All ages.

For a movie experience like no other, the Alamo Drafthouse is the ultimate destination. Film buffs can get cozy in a comfortable seat, order a delicious meal (and not just your typical popcorn or nacho snack) and watch something spectacular, from classic films to new features. If you have home movies that you’d like to see on the big screen, the Alamo Drafthouse can make it happen during your private event. You can even play video games on the big screen. Gnarly! All ages.

Book one or a posse of FunikiJam’s trained and talented musicians and actors to lead your little rock star’s birthday party in singing, dancing and improvising on musical instruments, with an emphasis on introducing kids to indigenous music from around the world. The tykes can also pick from a stock of props to play with and share. FunikiJam can help you find a party space in the city, be it a small play space in Queens or even a Broadway theater. Ages 1 and up. 

If your kids can’t get enough of building towering structures from these beloved Danish blocks, the Flatiron LEGO Store has something perfect for their birthday celebration. Two brick specialists guide kids through a personalized building activity, a mini-model build and competitive group challenges. Guests can even fill a large Pick-a-Brick cup with their favorite blocks from the Pick & Build Wall. Parents provide the treats (cake or another dessert) to be served in the party room, while the staff provides party favors and useful tips for creating better skyscrapers, vehicles and other projects at home. Ages 5–14.

Think you have what it takes to design the perfect robot? Give it a whirl at Brooklyn Robot Foundry. Cool birthday parties let you tinker with different tools until you’ve completed a masterpiece. The venue can host five–30 participants and is willing to provide refreshments, but feel free to bring in your own treats. Typically, private parties are held Wednesday, Thursday or Friday evening, but feel call the venue to inquire about potential weekend slots. All ages.

With 6,000 square feet of STEM- inspired and toddler-friendly room for play at this Glendale center, parents can be confident that their child will have an ultra-memorable birthday. The Minecraft party package, which lets attendees create a game within the Minecraft universe, starts at $550 for eight children and includes pizza, balloons, juice and water. Ages 1–11

Even little ones need some r&r, and Lollipop Spa is here to indulge kiddies who want to be pampered. Manis, pedis, facials—it’s all on the menu at this whimsical, hot-pink venue. There are a variety of packages with unique offerings, and those who like a little glitz and glamour will love neon hair extensions, glitter tattoos and other sweet offerings. Add-ons such as an ice cream station, candy table and snack table are also available. Ages 4 and up.

Let your little fish splish-splash in an indoor pool reserved for him or her and friends. The pool provides water toys, including inflatable noodles and swimmies or swim vests for less-confident swimmers. Though a certified lifeguard is always on duty, there must be an adult in the pool for every two kids, with a maximum of 25 kids in the water. The Greenpoint YMCA makes planning simple: Choose one hour of pool time, one hour in a private room (no swimming) or a combination of both, so the merpeople can swim and then recharge with snacks and cake. BYO food and decorations! All ages. 

One of the best parks in Queens also throws one of the best parties in the borough. Your kiddo critters learn about nature in an action- packed, age-appropriate class surrounded by Alley Pond’s forests and wetlands. Helpful instructors introduce the children to several live animals—like turtles they can touch!—before leading the whole gang on a nature walk through the paths along the wetlands (weather permitting). Birthday kids can choose from several craft options, such as paper-bag animal puppets, mosaics and feathered birds to create as a group. For older kids (ages 8 and up), special tween party themes include dissecting owl pellets or, less icky, a spa party with aromatherapy and a mini massage class. Ages 2 and up.