In the last year, we’ve had a chance to sample birthday parties for Pre-K children at the following venues: Build-A-Bear, Lucky Strike Lanes, Unos Pizzeria, NYKids Club, Kidville, Appleseeds, Little Shop of Crafts, Central Park Zoo, and picnics at Central Park and various community rooms around NYC. As you consider your options, consider budget, age range and gender of children attending, your time in terms of setup and clean-up, and the need for coordination of multiple vendors.
If you’re up for Do It Yourself, there are many many places to have parties in Central Park. You will need a permit in order to have over 20 people (expect a park ranger will check), which is inexpensive but required a few weeks in advance to reserve a spot and avoid fines. Click this link to get the form: central park permit. Keep in mind that if you do hold a party in the park you will need to provide a map to attendees, clean up whatever mess you create, and coordinate deliveries although many local pizza places will deliver right to your spot. In addition, its advisable to plan for a rain date. Of course, these parties are always the most fun. Bring bubbles, balls, hula hoops, pin-the-tail on the donkey and any other games you can think of!
Our favs for the pre-packaged variety are Lucky Strikes Lanes, Appleseeds and Little Shop West.
Lucky Strike Lanes is a relatively new bowling alley on the West Side Highway. The facilities are top notch and they do have the ability to put in gutter blockers for younger children. Kids as young as age three and up will have a blast, as will the parents attending. The food is terrific and shoes can be rented in very small sizes. Visit the website for more information – www.bowlluckystrike.com.
Little Shop West holds a terrific party in their private room. They have two packages that are quite comprehensive, and since kids take home their craft you don’t even have to buy favors. The event goes for 1.5 hours and you choose between plaster, pottery, t-shirt, cuddly or jewelry projects. Paper goods, helium balloons, pizza and a customized birthday cake and decorated t-shirt are included. Karaoke is also available as is face/hand painting. All paints and art supplies are included, and staff are around to help with art projects, serve and cleanup. Visit the website for additional information – www.littleshopny.com
Appleseeds has the best playspace if you are looking for an active or themed birthday party. The facility is great for all ages from one year old and up. There is tumbling equipment, cars to drive in, a supermarket play area, building sections with legos, and a separate area for food and celebration. Their party staff will plan and supervise the event so parents can relax. Parties are 1.5 hours and include 30 minutes of free play in the playground and 30 minutes of music, art and movement. Personalized and printed invitations, paper goods, bottled water for adults, food and beverages for children, custom birthday cake or cupcakes and gift bags with party favors are included. Visit website for more information www.appleseedsnyc.com.
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!
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I just attended a birthday party for a 4-year-old boy at The Art Farm in the City this past Saturday, and I must say, it was actually fun for the adults, too! The petting farm setup in the basement definitely kept all age groups entertained. And the staff kept things flowing very well. I liked the philosophy and concept of The Art Farm (love of animals & ecology & art), and ended up signing my daughter up for their camp this summer.