Playgarden

The newest arrival on the local play-space scene (it opened in January) is the first in the city to go green. The 4,000-square-foot playground and 3,500-square-foot classroom/party area feature equipment made from recycled materials, skylights and an energy-efficient air purification system. In keeping with its planet-friendly attitude, Playgarden offers paper-free custom e-mail invites and uses eco-sensitive paper plates and napkins. Young partyers get to run through obstacle courses, zoom around on ride-on cars and animals, pedal on pint-size stationary bikes and, for a finale, “fly” in a tot-sized zipline harness.

details Ninety minutes of private play and party-room time gives the birthday kid and her guests access to slides, ball pits, toys, trampolines, tunnels, bridges and more, plus structured playground-style games.

eats Pizza and bottled water are included, as is a reduced-sugar cake or cupcakes from Tribeca Treats (catering for adult guests by ’wichcraft is available for an additional fee).

loot At press time, Playgarden was still developing goody bags from green vendors, so call the venue for details.

decor Balloons and a custom birthday banner in the space’s blue, orange and green palette set the scene.

damage $1,500 for 15 kids ($25 per additional child).
95 Franklin St at Church St (212-965-9717, playgardennyc.com)

Mamalú

Photograph: Tod Seelie

Alternatives

Appleseeds
10 W 25th St between Broadway and Sixth Ave (212-792-7590, appleseedsnyc.com); $890 for up to 11 kids

Citibabes
477 Broadway between Broome and Grand Sts (212-334-5440, citibabes.com); $1500 for 12 kids

Kidville
Locations in Manhattan and Park Slope, Brooklyn (kidville.com); $895 for ten kids

Bija Backyard
20 Tiffany Pl between DeGraw and Kane Sts, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (718-360-4552, bijabrooklyn.com); $590 for 15 kids

Mamalú Play and Munch Ground
232 North 12th St between Driggs and Union Aves, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-486-6312, mamalu.us); $620 for up to 30 children and parents