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New York City Children's Birthday Party Planning Guide

When you're a child, your birthday is a big deal (who are we kidding, a birthday is always a big deal). Whether you're a city family looking to celebrate, or are just heading to the Big Apple for a special treat, follow our guide to celebrate your child's birthday with ease. By Carly Sitzer

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Chelsea Piers

Chelsea Piers
(credit: Chelsea Piers/Facebook)

Pier 60, 23rd St.
New York, NY 10011
212-336-6000
chelseapiers.com
Reviews & More Info

It's no surprise that Chelsea Piers is one of the top places for kid's birthday parties in New York. The athletic super center offers birthday parties for a variety of age range for virtually any sport or activity. Whether your child is a gold-medal gymnast, or a rock climbing enthusiast, there's an activity for anyone.

The Scholastic Store

The Scholastic Store
(credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

557 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
212-343-6166
scholastic.com
Reviews & More Info

The Scholastic Store in Soho has specialized theme parties geared at different ages.Your child and his/her friend can sit in the Magic School Bus as they get treated to story-time, crafts, music, games and more—they'll be having so much fun they won't even realize what they're doing is still educational!

Prospect Park Zoo

Prospect Park Zoo
(credit: Prospect Park Zoo/Facebook)

450 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11225
(718) 399-7339
prospectparkzoo.com
Reviews & More Info

Birthday parties at the Prospect Park Zoo will get you child and his/her friends face to face with some of their favorite animal friends. The zoo offers several different themed parties like Scales and Trails and Colorful Critters. Regardless of the theme you pick, the children will also get to enjoy other exhibits, activities and arts and crafts.

Girls

American Girl Place

American Girl Place
(credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

609 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10017
877-247-5223
americangirl.com
Reviews & More Info

Your daughter and her friends will love a birthday party at American Girl Place. They'll eat a meal at the American Girl Café and pose for pictures in the studio—all with their American Girl dolls. Their doll will get the royal treatment, too, at the doll hair studio.

Eloise at The Plaza

Eloise at the Plaza
(credit: The Plaza)

Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
(212) 759-3000
theplaza.com
Reviews & More Info

Every little New York City girl knows about Eloise—the trouble-making girl who takes up her residence at The Plaza Hotel. Now her little fans can celebrate their birthday just like Eloise by having a party at The Plaza in the Eloise suite. They can also have tea in the tea room and shop at the Eloise store. Just try not to bother Mr. Salomone!

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine
(credit: Color Me Mine/Facebook)

92 Reade Street
Tribeca, New York 10013
212-374-1710
tribeca.colormemine.com
Reviews & More Info

Your child will embrace his/her inner artist with a birthday party at Color Me Mine, where children can paint their own pottery. Children will not only love embracing their creativity, but also taking home their own beautiful creation.

Boys

New York City Paintball and Laser Tag

NYC Paintball and Laser Tag
(credit: NYC Paintball Inc./Facebook)

47-11 Van Dam St.
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-361-8337
newyorkcitypaintball.com

Though NYC Paintball and Laser Tag offers combination parties for paintball and laser tag, we're going to recommend having the younger kids wait to participate in Laser Tag until they are older. In the mean time, they'll still enjoy the fun yet competitive nature of private play Laser Tag.

Robot Galaxy

Robot Galaxy
(credit: Hiroko Masuike/Getty Images)

Toys "R" Us
1514 Broadway at 44th St.
New York, NY 10036
877-784-7464
robotgalaxy.com
Reviews & More Info

At Robot Galaxy, conveniently located in the Toys R Us in Times Square, your child will get to build his own robot! First they'll get taught the personalities and characteristics of each robot and then use those to build their own perfect robot to take home and keep.

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