Parties

When a child's birthday rolls around, I always make a point of congratulating the parents. After all, they did the work, they should reap the praise. Something else they should reap the benefits of: All those corporate birthday clubs (like Toys R Us and Chuck E. Cheese's) that promise to make your kid's big day even more special with fun freebies like complimentary gifts, food and other deals.

While we usually don't push big national chains some of these birthday clubs are pretty sweet, and most have locations in all five boroughs so there's bound to be an outpost near you. To take advantage of all there is to offer, we've rounded up a list of kids' birthday clubs in the New York City and beyond.

Our Birthday Party Planning Guide is chock-full of great ideas for fun kids' birthday parties whether you are planning a party at home or at one of the amazing birthday party places all over NYC. We just updated all the posts to make sure they have the latest information. And if you scroll down to the Party Planner, you can search for listings by type of entertainer, party place or service.

In celebration of the relaunch of our Kids' Party Guide we asked some of our amazing sponsors to offer deals for our readers. Even if you're not planning a party right now, check it out: Some of the deals are good for a while and can probably be redeemed as long as you plan the party before the deal expires.

As always, a huge thank you to our Party Guide sponsors, without whom we couldn't put together such a great resource. If you plan your party with any of our sponsors, please tell them you saw them in the Mommy Poppins Party Guide.

Last week I wrote about last minute birthday party ideas, inspired by perhaps my most slacker mom moment—not having a party planned on the actual morning of my daughter's 10th birthday (Who am I kidding? Probably not even top 10). I wasn't stressed though, this is New York, limitless possibilities lay at my fingertips. I couched my guilt and got on the internet, where all life's problems are solved.

Our plan was to take a few of her friends out to dinner. I wanted to find a place that would be fun and was a real experience. My daughter's favorite, Ninja, was nixed as too expensive, Serendipity had no room. We settled on Max Brenner's Chocolate by the Bald Man off Union Square.

The bankers and the artists may get all the press, but NYC is a great city for science too. There are many wondrous places in New York where kids can soak up, explore and create scientific knowledge for themselves. From Science Museums, Programs, Shops and more, we've rounded up the best places for kids to get scientific in New York City.

Beading is a really fun craft activity for kids of all ages, grown ups too. In fact, it can be a great moms night out. Basic beading doesn't require any skill, but still gets your creative juices flowing as you piece together your own creation from a selection of beads.

Last week we wrote about doing a beading party at home. Whether you want to do a party, or just go out for a few hours of fun, there are several great places for beading in New York City.