The best birthday party places for toddlers in NYC

The offerings at this fun-filled play space make it an ideal venue for your tot’s first birthday celebration. Tiny guests will love activities designed just for them at The Big ONE party. They hear a personalized tale during story time, sing and move to tunes performed by a Songs for Seeds guitarist and play along with kid-sized instruments. For babes who really love music, upgrade to a full band performance complete with a drummer and keyboardist. Three staffers run the show in your private party room. Choose the all-inclusive or ultimate packages for extras like pizza and juice, birthday treats and favors and exclusive access to the playground. 200 West End Ave (212-792-7591) · 10 W 25th St (212-792-7590) · 252 First Ave (212-792-7590). Ages 0–2.

Schedule a celebration at this Queens art studio during public hours for a budget-friendly bash, or take over the space for a special private party. Open-studio packages let guests (ages 8 and up) channel their creativity into a DIY project to take home, wrapping up with time to enjoy parent-provided treats. The private parties give your group exclusive use of the studio, which allows staff members to provide younger kids with one-on-one attention. This package includes decorations, paper goods and a special gift for the celebrated guest. Ages 4 and up.

On Saturdays at the Textile Arts Center, families can schedule kids' birthday parties with themes like felting, weaving and printing for up to sixteen guests. Partygoers walk away with their craft project, and parents provide the party food/cake. Parties also available at Manhattan location. Ages 5 and up.

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, creating a mosaic worthy of a subway platform or going on a scavenger hunt. A scavenger hunt is also available, too, if your curious kiddos are anxious to roam around and make discoveries. Ages 3 and up. 

Get creative with Kidville’s whopping 16 birthday-party themes, like Sizzling Spectacular Science, Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party and 
Dino-Mite, to name a 
few. Basic packages include a 90-minute celebration in a private space, an activity at the art table, invitations, pizza and juice, cake, party favors, two party leaders and balloons. Extras such as a performance from the Rockin' Railroad Band, snapshots from photographers, character appearances and a cookie-designing station are also available. Ages 1 to 9.

The Upper East Side music mecca customizes parties to your little one’s favorite songs and theme of preference—jungle boogie, rock & roll and baseball bash, for instance—and all partygoers can jam on mini instruments. TLB Music also has a playroom—with a clubhouse, a tiny rock-climbing mountain and a play kitchen—plus extras such as a magician, character visits, face painting, glitter tattoos and party favors. All parties include Two Boots Pizza and staff setup and cleanup. Ages 1–6.

With the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River and the NYC skyline as a stunning backdrop, your birthday kid and the party crew can ride on the merry-goround as many times as they'd like throughout the two-hour party, trying every seat and saddle along the way. You also get a reserved table in the Picnic Grove or, when it’s raining or cold outside, the pavilion. Merry-go-rounders leave with a ride ticket as party favor. Ages 2 and up.

These Brooklyn crafters help your
 youngsters dive into fun art projects and get their creative juices flowing. For birthday parties,
families choose a main activity such as decorating denim tote bags with 
iron-on appliqués or using stencils, 
felt and fabric markers to make a one-
of-a-kind shirt. Let the staff know if 
your child has any obsessions (dogs,
 spaceships or Frozen, for example),
 and they’ll try to have supplies that
cater to those interests. If your big kid
 (ages 7 and up) feels ambitious, opt
 for extra party time (an additional
 $70) to sew plush toys worthy of their
 stuffed animal collection.
 Want to bring the party to you? Brooklyn Craft Farm will make your home the perfect party venue. Ages 4 and up. 

Take your BCM experience to the next level with an action-packed party for kids. Sign ’em up for the basic party-hour option admits up to 12 guests to a party room where you can serve your cake. Another option is to recruit a museum guide to lead your kids through activities like meeting friendly reptiles and 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 (provided by the venue). Ages 1–10. 

Throw a celebration at this art studio, and let the youngsters run wild with their creativity. They’ll have access to all sorts of materials, from paints and textiles to Play-Doh, and you won’t have to worry about your apartment accidentally becoming the kids’ canvas. The birthday child gets to choose which project the group tackles, and two teachers are on hand to guide partygoers as they work on their masterpieces. Parents provide food, drinks, cake and utensils, but cleanup is taken care of by staff. Ages 2–9. 

Hold your child's next party at this historic farmhouse in Prospect Park. From April to autumn, Lefferts hosts weekend birthday celebrations that teach kids about the people who once lived in the beautiful mansion. They'll be able to artake in the games the children of yesteryear loved, such as potato-sack racing. Bring your own food and drink to a celebration here, and follow up cake time with rides on the nearby carousel. Ages 2 and up. 

This kid-friendly museum is the perfect place to hold your guest of honor's big bash. The various celebrations include an instructor-led activity perfect for your child’s age group. Tiny ones (ages 1–3) can play with animal masks and wacky hats or embrace the mess with Jackson Pollack-inspired splatter paint, while older kids might make a collaborative mural, clay sculptures or tie-dyed designs. Big kids (ages 7–14) will be amazed by what they can create using animation technology and clay. Ages 1–14. 

Resident artists lead visitors in hands-on sculpting, painting and drawing projects and involve them in interactive activities such as dancing and music. The art studio will customize a party to your child's interests, perhaps incorporating mixed media or you can choose from themes. Parents must provide food, cake and decorations. Ages 2 and up. 

CMOM lets its members host birthday parties at the museum, and if you're not already a member, you can become one to book a party (though you should plan to do so at least two weeks in advance). Parties can be booked Sat and Sun 11:30am–1pm, 2:30–4pm, and from Memorial Day through Labor Day, parties can be booked all seven days of the week in those same time slots. Booking a party gives you access to a party room for 1.5 hours (you are allowed in 30 minutes early to set up) and museum, and parties allow 30 guests (including adults). You're in charge of all food, utensils and decor. Please note that outdoor attractions admission is not included for party guests. Ages 1–5.

This Uptown art studio (which also has a new Tribeca location) hosts a variety of crafts celebrations for children. Party-goers can make funky lamps, messenger bags, superhero capes or paint pottery before games and dancing. Ice cream cake, juice, balloons and face painting are included; the Studio will provide more refreshments for an additional charge. Other add-ons are available à la carte, like the celeb photo station, tattoo parlor (temporary, of course!) and sand art station, among other cool options. Ages 3 and up.

If your kids love art, they'll really love this! Staff members guide partygoers through the galleries, then lead a hands-on art project in the education center for all to enjoy. Choose from the animal-themed Drum Beats and Little Feet party (ages 2–5) to make drums and creature sounds, or try your hand at molding imaginary creatures from clay at a Super Sculptors party (ages 2–5 or 6–10). Themes are also customizable to a degree—just ask! Ages 2 and up.

Birthday party packages with three different price points (Super, Deluxe and Premium) 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. 

This educational spot’s parties will engage all young ’uns, from toddlers to preteens, with projects designed specifically for their age group. With all materials provided by the venue, kids can build and decorate their own working machines, such as a small tricycle, and learn the engineering and circuitry concepts behind them—and the party-goers get to take their creations home. Parents have to bring the food and cake for a celebration here, unless they splurge for the all-inclusive Platinum package. Ages 2 and up.

This indoor amusement and arcade paradise boasts video games, laser tag, bumper cars, a carousel and a multilevel maze. There are 10 (!) fantastic party options that offer various access to the attractions, ranging from one ride and 10 game tokens per child to unlimited rides and 40 tokens. With all options, kids get a slice of pizza, soda, chips, ice cream cake and tableware. 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.   

Even the hard-to-please Eloise would find this fete at the Plaza Hotel “rawther festive.” Guests gather 
in a pink and white room for a tea party with details reminiscent of Kay Thompson’s beloved children’s book. Options include a pajama
 party brunch with croissants and Danish pastries or a “fancy” package that offers a beauty service (hair, makeup or manicure) and dress-up for a glamorous fashion show. Oh-so- precocious mischief makers can expect pink frosted cupcakes, an arts and crafts activity, themed invitations and—for the birthday kid—a copy of Eloise at the Plaza. Add-ons such as 
entertainers, make your own sundaes 
and even an etiquette class are
available for an additional fee.
 Ages 5–11. 

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. 

Young foodies can celebrate their big day with any cooking theme they can dream up, or choose from one of Freshmade's popular themes, such as Pizza Party, Tea Party, Sushi Party, Pasta Party, Taco Party and Kitchen Showdown. For an additional fee, you can tack on face painting, yoga or a photographer—even cupcake and ice-cream sandwich activities! As an added bonus, each guest will leave with a favor. Ages 2 and up.

The Just Kidding family entertainment series at Symphony Space is one of our favorite lineups of kid-friendly music and theater, so why not make one of the shows an extra-special occasion? Choose an upcoming performance that interests the birthday boy or girl and invite a group to come along. The package includes tickets to the show plus a two-hour party in the café, complete with pizza or chicken tenders, drinks and a personalized cake. Listen up for a special birthday shout-out during the performance! Ages 2 and up.

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.

Former P.S. 261 teacher Carmelo Piazza makes science and math super fun for your birthday kid. The self-proclaimed science geek weaves close-up creature encounters, hands-on experiments and plenty of gross jokes into the two-hour shebang at his studio space. Youngsters start by meeting the likes of a blue-tongued skink, corn snakes, bearded dragons and more, then they get to the really fun stuff—experiments! Once the little Einsteins have worked up an appetite, they chow down on parent-provided food, drinks and snacks. Ages 3–11.

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. Party packages start at $550 for 10 children and 20 adults, with pizza, balloons, juice and water included. Kids can choose among music or art activities, then spend plenty of time in the padded play areas and zip down the short chutes. Older kids (ages 6 and up) can choose a robotic activity made using LEGOs and other exciting brands for budding engineers and tech lovers. Ages 1–11.

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.

When the time comes for your busy bee’s birthday, treat the whole gang to a relaxing spa day designed for little ones, with pink and white decor and kid-size amenities. Each of the three party packages includes pizza, cupcakes and juice, as well as a range of pampering opportunities: among them, a lush mini facial, manicure, pedicure and glitter makeup. Ages 4 and up.