Sonia

One look at our NYC Party Guide and it's clear there are a slew of birthday party places for kids in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. But if you assume there aren't any awesome spots to celebrate your child's big day in the Bronx, think again. The Boogie Down borough actually has a small but growing list of cool party spots for kids, from old favorites like the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, to the recently opened Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink and swanky Riverdale play space Kidaroo.

As a Bronx mom with three little ones whose birthdays are spread out throughout the year, I find myself in a perpetual state of party planning. And while we've had many a house party, I’ve found that once I factor in food, decorations, favors, etc., it costs just as much as a destination bash, especially in the Bronx, where packages are usually less expensive than they are in Manhattan. Plus I don't have to deal with the cleanup! Here are ten great birthday party places in the Bronx with options for kids of all ages and interests.

Some kids are content to sit and watch others fly gracefully above their heads. And then there are the ones who crave the adrenaline rush and, let's face it, the coolness of being able to say nonchalantly, "Yeah, I've totally been on a trapeze before."

If you've got one of those young thrill-seekers at home, it may be time to consider aerial arts classes. Flying trapeze isn't the only way to swoosh through the air. At these six circus spots, including the brand-new Aerial Arts NYC in Midtown East, kids can learn how to defy gravity on silks, ropes, the lyra (a.k.a. aerial hoop) and more, all on safe equipment under the watchful eye of experienced instructors.

My kids, like so many others, are obsessed with animals. My son in particular has been campaigning hard for a puppy, but so far, we’ve remained an animal-free household. Of course there's only so long I can put him off. That's why I was thrilled to find out that there are lots of animal care classes for kids, so he can get his cute critter fix, and I can keep my sofa free of fur and scratches.

Taking an animal care class is a lot more hands-on than visiting a petting zoo. Children find out how much work goes into looking after them and what a big responsibility they are. They also learn respect and compassion for all creatures. So next time your child asks for a four-legged pal, consider signing them up for one of these animal care classes for kids instead (hey at least you'll find out if they're ready to clean up poop).