Birthday Resource Guide

Check out our updated 2009 roundup of over 150 party places in New York City. We also have a birthday calculator that allows you to pick venues based on age, location and budget.

MANHATTAN

Below Houston | Houston to 23rd Sts | 23rd to 59th Sts | Upper West Side | Upper East Side Above 110th St

Below Houston St

Children's Museum of the Arts
182 Lafayette St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-274-0986 ext 131, cmany.org). Subway: 6 to Spring St. Call for prices.
Forget macaroni and glitter—the craft projects at this art workshop party are inspired by the greats (think Picasso style masks, Georgia O’Keefe paper flowers and Jackson Pollock murals). There are also age-appropriate discussions where kids learn about the artists. For an additional fee, the CMA can arrange catering and goody bag—all proceeds from the parties go to art education programs.

Church Street Boxing Gym
25 Park Pl between Broadway and Church Sts (212-571-1333, nyboxinggym.com). Subway: E to World Trade Center; 2, 3 to Park Pl. Prices from $600–$1500.
If you’ve got a rough-and-tumble athlete at home, consider hosting his birthday festivities at the Church Street Boxing Gym. Young guests spend three hours learning boxing or kick boxing techniques (your pick). Parties are recommended for kids ages seven to 16; parents provide the decorations and cake.

Church Street School
74 Warren St between Greenwich St and W Broadway (212-571-7290, churchstreetschool.org). Subway: A, C, 1, 2, 3 to Chambers St. Prices from $800–$850 for up to 15 kids.
Artsy kids will love these two hour parties—teaching artists teach music or high-end arts and crafts (canvas, paint and clay instead of paper and crayons). Pizza is included, unless you opt to have your shindig catered by a local eatery.

Citibabes
477 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts, third floor (800-697-0107, 212-334-5440; citibabes.com). Subway: N, Q, R, W to Canal St. Prices start at $1200.
This exclusive Tribeca club opens its doors to both members and non-members. Parties are planned specifically for each child; the basic package includes time in the play area, drinks, balloons, invitations, a party planner and an art project.

Color Me Mine
116 Franklin St between Church St and W Broadway (212-941-0120, tribeca.colormemine.com). Subway: 1 to Franklin St. Prices start at $400 for 20 kids.
Here, kids learn different painting techniques and get the chance to customize their very own piece of pottery. Cake, juice and temporary tattoos are provided, and there’s a DVD player where you can throw on your tot’s favorite film.

Creative Kids NY
1 Jay St at Hudson St (917-533-5119, creativekidsny.com). Subway: 1, 2, 3 to Chambers St. Basic package, $450 for 8 kids; Deluxe package, $650 for eight kids.
Creative Kids offers parties at all four of its New York City locations. The basic package includes arts and crafts, invites, and goody bags, while the deluxe package adds in food, drinks and cupcakes. Both parties last 90 minutes and are recommended for preschoolers. Spots fill up fast, so book in advance.

Hands On
19 Warren St between Church and Broadway (212-227-7375, handson4music.com). Subway: A, C, 1, 2, 3 to Chambers St; R, W to City Hall. Call for prices.
Each birthday bash includes an even split of music lessons and celebration time. Kids choose they want the class to consist of, be it instruction in singing, percussion or mini guitars.Parents bring the decorations and food for the after-party.

New York City Police Museum
100 Old Slip between Water and South Sts (212-480-3100, nycpolicemuseum.org). Subway: R, W to Whitehall St; 1 to South Ferry. Prices start at $650 for up to five children; $20 for each additional child.
At this crime-fighting style party, the day is sure to be action-packed. Expect coloring and fake tattoos, a tour of the museum and a scavenger hunt. Kids can even dress-up in officer apparel and learn what happens during a 911 call—party-goers’ mug shots are also taken.

The Scholastic Store
557 Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts (212-343-6987, scholastic.com). Subway: R, W to Prince St. Prices start at $550 for up to ten kids.
Well-read children can choose a theme for their birthday bash—the mad scientist party includes an exploding volcano while the pirate party sends kids on a treasure hunt. Parties are held in the store’s private loft and include decorations, drinks and cupcakes.True to the venue, story time is included in all the celebrations; food is available for an additional cost.

South Street Seaport Museum
19 Fulton St at Front St (212-748-8786, southstreetseaportmuseum.org). Subway: 2, 3, to Fulton St. Call for prices.
The Pirate Party on the Peking boat includes schooling for novice buccaneers, a treasure hunt and a visit from a “real” swashbuckler (birthday kids can invite up to 19 friends for the two-hour parrrty; parents bring the food and cake). Another option: The Sailabration party. Here, kids and adults board the hundred-year-old Pioneer training vessel. The party starts at sea with tug-of-war and crafts, and then the little ones get to raise the ship’s sails and meet live animals in the harbor. Parties are held May through September on weekends and include cake, goody bags and a gift for the birthday child.

Sydney’s Playground
66 White St between Broadway and Church St (212-431-9125, sydneysplayground.com). Subway: A, C, E, J, M, N, Q, R, W, Z, 6 to Canal St; 1 to Franklin St. Prices from $350–$800.
This playspace boasts 6,000-square-feet of indoor playground including a climbing city, bouncy house, slide and toys. Five different party packages for children up to age five can be customized to your specifications.

Below Houston | Houston to 23rd Sts | 23rd to 59th Sts | Upper West Side | Upper East Side Above 110th St

Houston to 23rd Sts

Baby Moves
139 Perry St between Greenwich and Washington Sts (212-255-1685, babymovesnyc.com). Subway: A, C, E to 14th St; L to Eighth Ave; 1 to Christopher St–Sheridan Sq. Prices start at $650.
The folks at Baby Moves are all about developing the brain for kids ages seven and under (check out the “Early Cortex 101” program). Choose from your standard preschool entertainment like dress-up, arts and crafts, and the ever-popular rainbow parachute. You bring the cake; they do the rest.

Bowlmor Lanes
110 University Pl between 12th and 13th Sts, third floor (212-255-8188 ext 39, bowlmor.com). Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. $34.95–$42.95 per child, minimum of eight children.
This hip Chelsea hot spot hosts birthday parties for kids on weekends before 5pm (after five, it’s 21 and over only). The basic package includes shoe rental, food, and drinks; others add cake, invitations, and even a souvenir pin for guests to inscribe their birthday wishes in. Kids must be at least 5 years old to bowl, and two to three weeks advance notice is recommended.

Chelsea Piers
Hudson River at 23rd St (212-336-6000, chelseapiers.com). Subway: C, E, to 23rd St. Call for prices.
No matter what your kid is into, you’ll find a party tailored to it here; the very popular Piers have parties centered around gymnastics, rock climbing, team sports, tug-of-war and relay races, bowling, golfing, ice skating and more. Call for details, and make sure to book well in advance.

Crumbs Downtown
37 E 8th St between University and Broadway (212-673-1500, crumbsbakeshop.com). Subway: R, W to 8th St–NYU. Prices start at $795.
Aspiring bakers will love these yummy parties. The basic package includes cupcake or cookie decorating, pizza, drinks and a free “Cupcake of the Month” membership card for the birthday child. Sign up for the ultimate package and guests can frost both baked goods and leave with a cookie goody bag.

Dean & DeLuca
75 University Pl between 11th and 12th Sts (212-473-1908, deananddeluca.com). Subway: Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq. Prices start at $200 for up to 30 kids; food is additional.
If you’ve got a small group of fairly mellow kids who’ll be happy with low-key entertainment like a puppet show or karaoke, the basement of the Dean & DeLuca Café in Greenwich Village might be the perfect place—that is, if the room’s no-frills décor appeals. $200 buys you three hours for between 15 and 30 kids and adults, with food from the café additional; $500 if you bring your own food.

Den of Cin at Two Boots Pizza
44 Ave A between 3rd and 4th Sts (212-254-0800, twoboots.com/theden). Subway: F, V, to Second Ave–Lower East Side. $325 for three hours.
Hipster kids will enjoy the funky décor and indie cred of the Den, located beneath the Two Boots video store. Enjoy a three-hour fest filled with fresh, unlimited pizza and any one of the 8,000 flicks available in-house, from Disney fare to obscure cult faves. Kids can plug in their iPods for dancing and games after the movie. The space is suggested to hold 25 people but can ultimately fit 35. Just remember to bring your own cake.

Doodle Doo's
543 Hudson St between Charles and Perry Sts (212-627-3667, doodledoos.com). Subway: 1 to Christopher St–Sheridan Sq. Prices start at $595 and $895 for up to 12 kids; $30 for each additional child.
If you have a beauty queen at home, she might be interested in one of Doodle Doo’s glamour parties. Doo’s offers two 90-minute parties: the basic package starts off at $595 for 12 children and includes hairstyling for all of the guests, glitter, manicures, pedicures, makeup and a craft activity. The second package adds pizza, cake, and goody bags.

GenuineClass
41 E 11th St at Fourth Ave (718-639-3203, genuineclass.com). Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Square. Packages start at $240 for up to eight children, $25 for each additional child.
If your tech-savvy tyke is in the market for an inventive birthday, look no further than the Create-Your-Own-Web-Page or a Make-Your-Own-Computer-Game parties offered by GenuineClass. Guests get to take their program-creations home on their own CD. The two-hour celebration includes personalized invitations; parents can bring their own food.

The Institute of Culinary Education
50 W 23rd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-847-0770, iceculinary.com). Subway: F, V, 1 to 23rd St. $2,700.
This swanky joint has churned out chefs for the likes of Eleven Madison Park and Babbo, so you can bet a party here’s got prestige. Chef-instructors lead classes ranging from French Pastry Making to Wrap and Roll. Ages range all the way from six to fifteen, and $2,700 gets you food, balloons, and paper chef hats for up to 20 guests. Parents provide the party favors and the cake.

Karma Kids Yoga
104 W 14th St at Sixth Ave (646-638-1444, karmakidsyoga.com). Subway: F, V to 14th St; L to 14th St–Union Sq. Prices start at $475 for the first ten children, $20 for each additional child.
For a Zen celebration, consider Karma Kids Yoga’s customized parties for little yogis and yoginis. The 90-minute party packages include one hour of yoga and a half-hour of pizza and juice. Parents supply the cake.

Locks ‘N Lads
123 E 7th St between First Ave and Ave A (212-677-2262). Subway: L to First Ave; F, V to Lower East Side–Second Ave. $150, plus $25 per child.
If your wee one’s got a passion for fashion, get her glammed up at Locks ‘N Lads. Rent out the whole place for the birthday gal and up to nine of her friends. Hair and nails are $25 per child; other beauty treatments are à la carte. And don’t worry that your daughter will come out looking like a beauty pageant reject; here the makeovers are kept low-key and age-appropriate. The two-hour parties are usually held for two-year-olds through tweens; girls can plug their iPod into the salon’s stereo, and parents can bring the food and favors, or pay an extra charge to have Locks ‘N Lads take care of it. The parties are quite popular; book at least a month in advance.

Make
59 Greenwich Ave between Seventh Ave and 11th St (212-647-7899, makemeaning.com). Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 14th St. $6 per child per half-hour, plus the price of pieces.
Tykes paint figurines, cups or plates, and then staffers glaze and fire the pieces to make them functional. Balloons and a party plate for the guest of honor are included in the fee. BYO refreshments.

Miette Culinary Studio
109 MacDougal St between Bleecker and W 3rd Sts (212-460-9322, mietteculinarystudio.com). Subway: A, C, E, B, D, F, V to W 4th. $85 per child, $150 for set-up, $100 for clean-up, and $18 for gratuity.
Organic foods are on display at this Greenwich Village brownstone, where kids ages five to sixteen can learn to make hearty dishes like matzo-ball soup and individual potpies. Balancing out the savory comfort food are sweet desserts like chocolate mousse and honey-almond cake.

Milk & Cookies Bakery
19 Commerce St between Bedford St and Seventh Ave (212-243-1640, milkandcookiesbakery.com). Subway: 1 to Christopher St–Sheridan Square. Call for prices.
The classic after-school snack has infinite possibilities at this Greenwich Village bakery. Party guests three and up decorate their own cookies, create their own sundaes or cuddle up with exotic hot cocoas. The “Design Your Own Dozen” package lets kids pick the dough and mix-ins for a tray of cookies—the staff bakes and boxes them as party favors. Celebrations can be customized with story time, crafts or a cookie cake. The bakery recommends booking parties at least one month in advance.

Mini Chef NYC
8 Little West 12th St between Ninth Ave and Washington St (212-727-2703, minichefnyc.com). Subway: A, C, E to 14th St; L to 14th St–Union Sq. Prices start at $750 for up to 15 kids; $25 for each additional child.
Has your child ever dreamt of cooking in the kitchen of one of NYC’s premier restaurants? Here, your little cook can enjoy a pizza party, tart party or the most popular option: the cupcake party. Mini Chef provides a full-service celebration including invitations, decorations, and a thirty-minute magic show while the treats are baking. Parents snack on bagels and spreads or wine and cheese. And, of course, everyone goes home with customized baking-kit goody bags.

New York Kids Club
38 E 22nd St at Park Ave (212-375-1100, nykidsclub.com). Subway: 6 to 23rd St. Prices start at $895 for up to ten children; $25 for each additional child.
The New York Kids Club hosts themed parties for little gymnasts, chefs-in-training, Broadway-bound stars and adventurous artists. All of the club’s parties include open play in the gym and an organized activity. Packages start at $895 for exclusive use of the facility, personalized invitations, pizza, cake and party favors. Best for kids ages one to 12.

Slate
54 W 21st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-989-0096, slate-ny.com). Subway: F, V, R, W to 23rd St. Call for prices.
The massive billiards hall is usually 21-plus, but can be rented out for tween birthday parties. Guests can grab a cue at any one of the 26 pool tables or play ping-pong. There’s also an in-house DJ to spin the birthday kid’s favorite songs. Food is included.

Web2Zone
54 Cooper Square at E 6th St (212-614-7300, web2zone.com. Subway: 6 to Astor Pl. Prices start at $12–$35 per child depending on package; call for more details.
Teenage video game enthusiasts and his or her friends can play the newest Xbox, GameCube and PlayStation2 games and then retreat to a semi-private area for food, drinks and celebration.

Below Houston | Houston to 23rd Sts | 23rd to 59th Sts | Upper West Side | Upper East Side Above 110th St

23rd to 59th Sts

The Ailey Extension
405 W 55th St at Ninth Ave (212-405-9018, alvinailey.org). Subway: A, C, B, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle. Call for prices.
Birthday kids can show off their moves with Creative Movement, Music Video/Hip Hop, Groovy Girls & Guys, West African, or Prince & Princess parties at the Ailey Extension studio. An instructor and party coordinator take care of all the details for busy parents. Plus, pizza, cake, invitations, goody bags and decorations are included for the post-dance celebration. Parties are held on Sundays for kids ages two to eight.

American Girl Place
609 Fifth Ave at 49th St (877-247-5223, americangirl.com. Subway: B, D, F, V to 47–50th Sts–Rockefeller Ctr. Prices from $32–$60 per child.
If your little one can’t put down her beloved Felicity or Molly doll, treat her to one of American Girl Place’s party packages. For $32 a pop, guests can chow down on a fancy meal, cake and ice cream in the café, plus goody bags and a surprise keepsake for the birthday girl. Bump it up to $60 a head and you’ll get the private dining room. Looking for a splurge? Try one of the store’s overnight sleepovers.

Apple Seeds
10 W 25th St between Sixth Ave and Broadway (212-792-7590, appleseedsnyc.com. Subway: F, V, R, W to 23rd St. Prices start at $890 for up to ten kids; $25 for each additional child.
These all-inclusive parties start off with free play in the sports room, followed by a parade in honor of the birthday child. The procession brings the kids to the main event—one of Apple Seeds’ themed parties ranging from Animal Exploration, Dance Fever, Princess and Pirate, to Music Melodies. You can also work with the in-house party planner to customize a celebration based on your child’s interests. They’ll even go so far as to provide a photographer should you forget the digital camera at home.

Build-a-Bear Workshop
565 Fifth Ave between 46th and 47th Sts (877-789-2327, buildabear.com. Subway: B, D, F, V to 47–50th Sts–Rockefeller Ctr. Prices start at $10 per child.
At this popular midtown spot, kids can make their own stuffed friend, complete with a birth certificate and carrying case. Book at least six kids, and the store will throw in a party leader, gifts for the birthday kid, party favors and invitations. The Ultimate party also includes cake and extra goodies for the guests. A private party room can be booked for $400.

Creative Kids NY
(See Below Houston)
44 E 32nd St between Madison and Park Aves (917-533-5119, creativekidsny.com. Subway: 6 to 33rd St. Prices start at $450–$650.

Dylan's Candy Bar
1011 Third Ave at 60th St (646-735-0078 ext 2, dylanscandybar.com. Subway: N, R, W, Lexington Ave–59th St; 4, 5, 6 to 59 St. Call for prices.
Sweet-toothed kids can celebrate at this upscale candy store. The special “Sugar Baby” package for first birthdays includes invitations, decorations, activities, entertainment, pizza and one spectacular cake (proud parents and friends can munch on decidedly more sophisticated crudités). Parties for kids three and up also include a candy craft (think chocolate mosaics and candy necklaces), games and goody bags. Tons of sweet add-ons like a chocolate waterfall are available. Dylan’s Celebrations planners offer customized parties as well.

ESPN Zone
1472 Broadway at 42nd St (212-921-3776, espn.go.com/espninc/zone/ny.html). Subway: N, Q, R, W, 42nd St S, 1, 2, 3, 7 to 42nd St–Times Square. Call for prices.
If your little sport fan can’t bear to miss the big game, this might be the spot for their next birthday party (the restaurant boasts more than 280 screens playing non-stop sports). Parties for kids 16 and under include food, sundaes and a gift for the birthday child. Afterwards, guests can play at the upstairs arcade.

Family Disco
Club LQ, 511 Lexington Ave at 48th St (212-586-7425, familydisco.com. Subway: 6 to 51st St. Prices start at $650 for up to ten children; $20 for each additional child.
This retro discotheque offers a groovy bash for kids. Dancers help guests choreograph their moves before they take to the dance floor. It’s not all Bee Gees, though; the DJ will spin whatever the birthday kid requests and the guests get the mic for the de rigueur “Happy Birthday.” Food, cake, invitations and favors are included—face painters and balloon sculptors can join the celebration for an additional charge.

Fantasma Magic
421 Seventh Ave at 33rd St, second floor (212-244-3633, fantasmamagic.com. Subway: A, C, E, 1, 2, 3 to 34th St–Penn Station. Prices start at $1000 for up to ten kids.
Houdini admirers can throw a bash at this magic shop’s secret VIP room. Food, cake and entertainment are included—magicians, clowns, and comedians are available for hire. If you want to check out the show before booking, swing by the store; it hosts magic shows every hour.

FAO Schwarz
757 Fifth Ave at 58th St (212-644-9400, fao.com. Subway: N, R, W to Fifth Ave–59th St. Call for prices.
It’s the ultimate New York kid fantasy: a sleepover in the Mecca of toy stores, FAO Schwarz. If your pockets don’t go quite that deep, you can still do Junior’s birthday up right with one of their many themes from making sundaes to designing racecars.

FDNY Fire Zone
34 W 51st St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-698-4541, fdnyfirezone.org). Subway: E, V to Fifth Ave–53rd St. Prices start at $300 for up to 12 children; $400 for up to 20.
The Fire Zone starts parties for kids ages five and up off with a safety presentation. Then, guests can crawl through a catwalk to simulate a fire escape, explore a real FDNY truck and try on real fire-fighter gear. Benches and tables are available for parent-provided food.

Hands On
(See Below Houston)
233 E 50th St between Third and Second Aves (212-339-9915, handson4music.com) Subway: 6 to 51st St.

Leisure Time Bowling
Port Authority Bus Terminal, Eighth Ave at 40th St, second floor (212-268-6909, leisuretimebowl.com. Subway: A, C, E to 42nd St–Port Authority. Prices start at $30 per child; minimum five children.
Parties at this old-time bowling lane begin with an hour of ten-pin (bumpers are available) and end with an hour of eating and celebrating. The best part: Leisure Time takes care of the food and decorations. Parties are recommended for children six years and up.

Master Hun’s Safe Samurai Swordplay
Fighthouse, 122 W 27th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, second floor (646-387-8575, masterhun.com. Subway: 1 to 28th St. Prices start at $250 up to12 kids; $35 for each additional child.
The perfect action-packed party is awaiting your little Jackie Chan at Master Hun’s Safe Samurai Swordplay. At Master Hun’s your child and his or her guests can enjoy a one-hour workshop, learning attack and defense training and strategic footwork for the main event: light saber duels. Don’t worry, the “light sabers” are mere pool noodles cut in half. You bring the food, cake, and drinks for the half-hour celebration at the end. Master Hun’s suggests this party for samurais ages seven to twelve.

MoonSoup
1059 Second Ave between 55th and 56th Sts (212-319-3222, moonsoup.net). Subway: N, R, W to Lexington Ave–59th St; 4, 5, 6 to 59th St. Prices start at $595 for up to 15 kids; $745 for up to 25 kids. Additional entertainers are priced accordingly.
The staff at MoonSoup prides themselves on hosting professional, warm, individualized events. The birthday kid picks the theme and MoonSoup provides the atmosphere, decorations, food, entertainment, and cake.

The NBA Store
660 Fifth Ave between 52nd and 53rd Sts (212-515-6220, nba.com/nycstore). Subway: E, V to Fifth Ave–53rd St. Call for prices.
This Fifth Avenue shrine to all things b-ball boasts more than just merchandise. Kids six to 12 can party at the half-court shooting area. An in-house coach leads practice, guests don pro jerseys and “the media” stops by for an interview. Everyone takes a pizza and basketball-shaped cake break before the big game, which is broadcasted live on the store’s jumbotron. Generous parents can rent out the whole place for the “Rookie of the Year” bash and a DJ, emcee, and pro dancers will join the party. The MVP treatment also includes a red carpet entrance on Fifth Ave (“paparazzi” included), videogame stations, VIP lounges, and tons more.

Sarah the Science Teacher
1182 Broadway at W 28th St, tenth floor (212-683-2010, scienceteachersarah.com. Subway: 1 to 28th St. Prices from $220–$745 for up to 18 children.
Parties hosted by Sarah are anything but your typical science lesson. She entertains with exploding volcanoes and rockets, slime, and a witch’s cauldron of liquid nitrogen. Packages include decorations, food, cake, and goody bags. The parties are recommended for little scientists ages four to eleven.

Sony Wonder Technology Lab
550 Madison Ave at 55th St (212-833-7858, sonywondertechlab.com. Subway: E, V to Fifth Ave–53rd St. Prices range from $1250–$2600 for basic packages.
For a party in high definition, Sony Wonder Labs offers three posh packages. The Big Birthday Bash, geared towards guests six years and up, provides lunch and an after-hours party option where visitors can either take a tour of the interactive exhibition space or watch a movie. Little Birthday Bashes, aimed at kids ages three to five, include a movie in an exclusive HD screening theater and a craft activity. All packages provide food, cake, invitations and decorations.

Spotlight Live
1604 Broadway between 48th and 49th Sts (212-246-2693, spotlightlive.com. Subway: N, R, W to 49th St; 1 to 50th St. Prices vary.
Little rock stars get their turn in the limelight at Spotlight Live. Party guests work with a professional entertainer to create their own music, then hop on stage to sing for the crowd. Newfound superstars can take home a CD or DVD recording of the day’s events. DVD recordings cost $29 in addition to a live performance fee of $25–$30. The CD from a private recording session costs $19. A full menu is available for post-performance noshing.

Toys "R" Us Times Square
1514 Broadway between 44th and 45th Sts (646-366-8800, ext 8578, toysrustimessquare.com. Subway: N, Q, R, W, 42nd St S, 1, 2, 3, 7 to 42nd St–Times Square. Prices start at $35 per child on weekdays and $50 per child on weekends.
Guests start the festivities off by receiving a VIP gift allowing them exclusive access to the themed celebration (choices include Anything But Bored Games, Dancing Divas, Dinosaur Extravaganza and Pirate’s Passage). Each party package includes a ride on the 60-foot-tall Ferris Wheel and a trip to Geoffrey the Giraffe’s Party Pavilion, where the iconic animal makes a guest appearance during cake and punch.

Below Houston | Houston to 23rd Sts | 23rd to 59th Sts | Upper West Side | Upper East Side Above 110th St

Upper West Side

Alice’s Tea Cup
102 W 73rd St at Columbus Ave (212-799-3006, alicesteacup.com. Subway: B, C, 1, 2, 3 to 72nd St. Prices start at $20 per child.
If you’re looking to have party as unique as a trip down the rabbit’s hole, look into the Wee Tea bash at Alice’s Tea Cup. Celebrations at Alice’s include scones, sandwiches, chocolate mousse and herbal tea—for an additional fee, Alice and the Mad Hatter will make a guest appearance.

The Baseball Center NYC
202 W 74th St between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway (212-362-0344, thebaseballcenternyc.com. Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 72nd St. Prices start at $490 for the first ten children, $18.99 for each additional guest.
Kids get their game on at these baseball-inspired b-day bashes. The two-hour parties include 90 minutes of instruction, followed by a half-hour celebration with pizza or hotdogs, beverages and a personalized cake. The birthday child also gets a souvenir hat.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan
212 W 83rd St between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway (212-721-1223 ext 219, cmom.org). Subway: B, C to 81st St; 1 to 86th St. Prices from $650–$925.
CMOM offers a variety of parties specifically designed for different age groups. The youngest partygoers can listen to lullabies from around the world and play a rousing game of baby basketball, while older kids can go for the Birthday Pageant or Dora the Explorer options. Packages include pizza, juice, cake, favors and all-day museum admission for guests.

Circus Gym
2121 Broadway at 74th St (212-799-3755, circusgym.com. Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 72nd St. Prices start at $525 for up to ten kids.
Active kids can explore the rock-climbing wall, trampolines, balance beams and padded gymnastics apparatus. You provide the food and cake; staff members make sure the kids don’t hurt themselves.

Cozy's Cuts for Kids
448 Amsterdam Ave at 82nd St (212-579-2600, cozyscutsforkids.com. Subway: B, C to 81st St–Museum of Natural History. Prices start at $695 for the basic package and $795 for the deluxe for up to ten kids; $30 for each additional child.
Little divas and crew can get gussied up at Cozy’s Cuts’ Glamorama Party. Ten girls enjoy a party filled with hair styling, mini-manicures, make-up, cake, and, of course, a birthday tiara for the guest of honor. The deluxe package adds pizza, juice, temporary tattoos, Polaroids, craft activities and a runway show for all the partiers.

Hands On
(See Below Houston)
529 Columbus Ave between 85th and 86th Sts (212-496-9929, handson4music.com. Subway: B, C to 86th St. Prices start at $500 for up to 12 kids.

Homer’s World Famous Malt Shop
487 Amsterdam Ave between 83rd and 84th Sts (212-496-0777, homersworldfamous.com. Subway: B, C to 81st St–Museum of Natural History. Parties start at $25 per person.
Let’s face it: what’s a party without food? That’s Homer’s mentality, offering birthday parties that focus on the edibles (and the birthday child of course). For a party of up to 40 guests, Homer’s will close the restaurant down (for an extra fee, of course). Guests can chow down on fries and wash it down with a fountain drinks or the namesake malts.

Jewish Community Center in Manhattan
334 Amsterdam Ave between 75th and 76th Sts (646-505-5713, jcckitchen.org). Subway: 1 to 72nd St. Prices start at $800 for up to 12 kids.
The motto at JCC parties is “If they cook it, they’ll eat it,” but most kids actually save their homemade challah for their parents to sample. “They’re proud to make something for someone else,” says culinary-arts director Julie Negrin. A 90-minute party runs $800 for up to 12 guests and includes balloons, invitations and ingredients.

Kidville
466 Columbus Ave between 82nd and 83rd Sts (212-772-8435, kidvilleny.com. Subway: B, C to 86th St. Prices start at $895 for up to ten kids; $2195 for up to 20 kids.
Get creative with Kidville’s whopping 12 birthday party packages, like the Jumpin’ Gym Party, Hip-Hop Party, Fairy Princess Party, and Big Apple “Circus to Go” Party, to name a few. Basic packages for both members and non-members include a 90-minute celebration for ten children, invitations, pizza and juice, party favors, a Kidville t-shirt for the birthday child and balloons. The Big Blowout Party kicks it up a notch by adding a Jumpy Castle, an event at the art table and an extra half-hour to enjoy it all.

Make
(See Houston to 23rd Sts)
506 Amsterdam Ave between 84th and 85th Sts (212-579-5575, makemeaning.com. Subway: 1 to 86th St.

New York Kids Club
(See Houston to 23rd Sts)
• 265 W 87th St between West End Ave and Broadway (212-721-4400, nykidsclub.com. Subway: 1 to 86th St.
• 169 Amsterdam Ave and 68th St (212-721-4100). Subway: 1 to 66th St–Lincoln Ctr.

Vital Theatre Company
2162 Broadway between 76th and 77th Sts (212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org). Subway: 1 to 79th St. Prices start at $15 per person.
Theater-savvy kids and their friends can take in a show at Vital—their children’s theater runs on weekend afternoons. Private parties are available for a cost ($1500) and parents can rent out the lobby for an after-party for another $300. Food isn’t included, but there’s a chance some cast members might pop by to impart their birthday wishes.

West Side YMCA
5 W 63rd St at Central Park West (pool parties: 212-875-4195, rooftop parties: 212-875-4117; ymcanyc.org). Subway: A, C, B, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle. Call for prices.
The West Side Y’s rooftop playground is available for parties of up to 20 guests. The hosts have to supply all the food and paper goods, but it’s worth it for the outstanding views. Their pool is available on weekends; certified lifeguards included.

Below Houston | Houston to 23rd Sts | 23rd to 59th Sts | Upper West Side | Upper East Side Above 110th St

Upper East Side

74th St Magic
510 E 74th St between York Ave and FDR Dr N (212-737-3070, 74magic.com. Subway: 6 to 77th St. Prices from $500–$675 for up to 12 kids.
Kids ages one to 12 are invited to celebrate their big day by tumbling in the baby gym or hanging out on the more advanced equipment. Combo parties add another activity, like cooking or arts and crafts. Packages include decorations and paper goods; parents bring the food and cake.

92nd St Y
395 Lexington Ave at 92nd St (212-415-5710, pool parties: 212-415-5718; 92y.org). Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St. Call for prices.
The Y hosts three different active parties: Gymnastics, Sports, and Pool (for kids ages two to 18). Each includes staff supervision, equipment, invitations, party favors, gifts for the birthday kid and host parents and age-appropriate activities. You provide the food and cake; the Y does the rest

The Art Farm in the City
419 E 91st St between York and First Aves (212-410-3117, theartfarms.org). Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St. Call for prices.
The Art Farm’s birthday options are endless: farm parties, tea parties, treasure hunt parties and carnival parties are merely a few of the themes offered. All bashes still find time to spend with the animals, work on art projects, and, of course, eat. Food and goody bags are included. Parties are recommended for farmers two and up and should be booked at least two months in advance.

Asphalt Green
555 E 90th St between East End and York Aves (212-369-8890 ext 232, asphaltgreen.org). Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St. Prices start at $400.
Recreation space Asphalt Green (decked out with state-of-the-art equipment and an Olympic-sized swimming pool) hosts gymnastics, sports, swimming, puppet show and craft parties. Basic packages include paper goods, balloons and a party host. The Deluxe and Extravaganza packages add food, drinks and goody bags.

Cozy's Cuts for Kids
(See Upper West Side)
1416 Second Ave at 74th St (212-585-2699). Subway: 6 to 77th St.

The Craft Studio
1657 Third Ave between 92nd and 93rd Sts (212-831-6626, craftstudionyc.com. Subway: 6 to 96th St. Prices start at $540–$775 for up to ten kids; additional charge for extra guests.
The Uptown art studio hosts a variety of crafts parties for children as young as three. Kids make lamps, scrapbooks, puppets or even chocolate houses before games and dancing. Ice cream cake and juice are included; the Studio will provide more refreshments for an additional charge. Other add-ons are available à la carte, like the “Princess Treatment,” which includes sparkly make-up and a manicure.

DramaZone Dance Studios
Go FISH, 220 E 86th St between Second and Third Aves, lower level (212-439-9998, dramazonenyc.com. Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St. Prices start at $690 for the first 15 kids, $25 for each additional guest, 35 kids maximum.
Choose from an array of packages, including Hip-Hop Dance Queen, Beautiful Princess, or Mighty Superhero. Parties are all-inclusive—warm up exercises, face painting and dramatic games.

Gym Time, Rhythm & Glues
1520 York Ave between 80th and 81st Sts (212-861-7732, gymtime.net). Subway: 6 to 77th St. Basic packages start at $650 for the first ten kids, $22.50 for each additional child. Deluxe packages start at $800 for the first ten children and $27.50 for each additional guest.
You can choose from any of Gym Time, Rhythm & Glues’ funky birthday party packages and then individualize them based on your child’s specific interests. Gym Time offers music, cooking, gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do and sports parties. Each celebration starts with one hour of the chosen activity followed by a half-hour in the party room. For the basic package, parents bring the food, cake, and decorations. A deluxe party is all-inclusive, allowing host parents to do little more than show up.

Hands On
(See Below Houston)
1365 First Ave between 73rd and 74th Sts (212-628-1945, handson4music.com. Subway: 6 to 77th St.

Jodi's Gym
244 E 84th St between Second and Third Aves (212-772-7633, jodisgym.com. Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St. Prices start at $600 for up to ten kids, $18 for each additional child.
For an hour-and-a-half of flips and dips for your birthday gymnast, you might explore Jodi’s Gym. Toddlers have a blast during 90 minutes of free play, while older kids attend more structured parties with gym circuits and obstacle courses. The basic package includes a Jodi’s Gym t-shirt or backpack for the birthday child. All-inclusive packages add refreshments, food, set-up and clean-up—it’s an extra $10 per child.

Kidville
(See Upper West Side)
163 E 84th St between Lexington and Third Aves (212-772-8435, kidville.com. Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.

Let’s Dress Up!
345 E 85th St between First and Second Aves (212-879-0956, uppereast.com/letsdressup.html). Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St. Prices from $20–$50 per child.
If your birthday girl is interested in more elegant play, Let’s Dress Up! is just the ticket for her next bash. This small UES shop allows guests to dress up in extravagant gowns, tiaras, boas, makeup and glimmering fake tattoos. The package is completed with games like “Pin the Heart on Cinderella” as well as a dainty meal of grapes, cheese sandwiches, and a treasure chest-topped ice cream cake. Dining takes place in a mirrored room decorated with silver candelabras and chandeliers; the food is served on fine china.

Little Shop of Crafts
431 E 73rd St between York and First Aves (212-717-6636, littleshopny.com. Subway: 6 to 77th St. Prices from $440–$470 for up to ten kids; $22–$25 for each additional child.
Choose from the East Side spot’s creative birthday options, which allow guests to work with plaster crafts, paint their own pottery or stuff their own animal pal. Each celebration is all-inclusive: invitations, paper goods, pizza, cake, crafts, beverages, balloons, karaoke, face painting, clean-up and a supervised lesson are all provided.

Make
(See Houston to 23rd Sts)
1566 Second Ave between 81st and 82nd Sts (212-570-6868, makemeaning.com. Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.

Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St (917-492-3309, mcny.org). Subway: 6 to 103rd St. $600 for up to 12 kids; $20 for each additional child.
City-lovin’ kids can celebrate at the MCNY, which covers the best of New York from Broadway to the Bronx Bombers. Festivities include a tea party and/or scavenger hunt. Decorations, cake, and juice are provided; parents may bring their own food.

New York Kids Club
(See Houston to 23rd Sts)
219 E 67th St between Second and Third Aves (212-991-6700, nykidsclub.com. Subway: 6 to 68th St–Hunter College.

Below Houston | Houston to 23rd Sts | 23rd to 59th Sts | Upper West Side | Upper East Side Above 110th St

Above 110th St

Harlem Lanes
2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd at 126th St, third floor (212-678-2695, harlemlanes.com. Subway: A, C, B, D, 1, 2, 3 to 125th St. Prices from $25–$30 per child.
This fully-equipped Harlem hotspot boasts 24 lanes, a café, arcade, lounge and private party room. The $25 per head package includes one hour of bowling, shoes, pizza, drinks and a hostess to help you pull it all off. For $30 per child, you get another half-hour on the lanes and a gift for the birthday kid. Parents supply the cake.

Madame Alexander Doll Company
615 W 131st St between Riverside Dr and Broadway (212-283-5900, alexanderdoll.com. Subway: A, C, B, D, 1, 2, 3 to 125th St.. Prices from $30-–$95 per child.
Birthday kids can go behind the scenes of the beloved doll company. Parties include private tours of the factory and gallery and a chat with the design team. A workshop allows guests to decorate shoes or a hat for a Madame Alexander doll.

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