NYC's 5 Best Places For A Child's Party
Eliminate the stress of party planning and book a fabulous bash for your little one. New York is home to excellent establishments designed for everything from educational, physical to over-the-top family fun. Check out the city's hottest kid-friendly spots the next time you plan a party.
More: New York City Children's Birthday Party Planning Guide
Price: $33.95 to $49.95 per child
The newest social spot in Manhattan GVCC sits atop its partner, Bowlmor Lanes. The nine-hole mini-course, featuring vintage carnival animals, is enjoyable for the entire family. Kid packages range from a round of golf and child-friendly comfort food to a party complete with golf, bocce, custom cupcakes, and a souvenir golf ball for each player. Package add-ons let adults nosh, bring on a private host or rent the entire space for two hours.
Price: Click here for packages
It's best just to give in and accept that the kiddies are going to gorge on sweets at Dylan Lauren's ode to all things sugary. You'll also find "candy" for grown-ups here, in the form of a full bar serving up tasty treats like the pink cotton candy martini. The three recently renovated private party rooms can be rented separately or combined to form one large room accommodating hundreds. Party packages can include food, custom cakes, entertainment and more.
Related: New York's Best Candy Shops
Hours: Daily - 10 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Price: Click here for packages
Future Buzz Lightyears or Jane Goodalls will enjoy these themed two-hour extravaganzas, held in one of four themed rooms. Hosts must be museum members at the family level or higher. Base price covers admission, party coordinators, favors, themed scavenger hunt and a birthday crown. Additional entertainment is available. If you are not a member, small groups can join the monthly "Night at the Museum" sleepover or participate in a "Mystery at the Museum" scavenger hunt.
Related: The Tri State Area's 11 Best Skating Rinks
Price: $20 to $28 per child (10-child minimum)For a more affordable fun birthday party, be sure to check out the City Ice Pavilion. The clean and friendly rink is hard to beat. Party goers get their own heated tented area, pizzas and drinks. Additionally, one and half hours of dedicated skate time in a cordoned-off section of the rink is included. Some packages include lessons for up to 12 children. Schedule at least a week in advance to avoid additional fees.
Hours: Click here for hours
Price: $795 - $1895
Galli Theater, which stages classic and original material for kids, offers packages with a wide range in participation levels. Kids can watch a traditional play, yell advice to the actors, hop on stage at specific points, don costumes or act in their own original story. Galli can also bring the party to your house. Cake, balloons and goodie bags are available, depending on the package.
Robert Haynes-Peterson is an editor and freelance writer living in New York. He is certified by the American Sommelier Association through its 24-week Vinification and Viticulture program, and the government of Mexico through its Master Mezcalier program (continuing). His work can be found at Examiner.com.
