Where to host a kids birthday party in NYC

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.