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1. Alley Pond Environmental Center – Little Neck

At this awesome nature center, kids go on an educator-led walk around Alley Pond Park and enjoy a live animal encounter and themed games or crafts. Parents provide decorations, food, drinks, and cake. Special themes for kids 8 and up include a survival party.

2. Bounce 'N Play – Astoria

Opened by a local mom in 2014, this play space has bounce houses and giant inflatable slides in addition to the standard play-space attractions—play sets, a jungle gym with tubes, a rock climbing wall, toys, and arcade games. A variety of private birthday party packages are available with fun add-ons like glitter tattoos, face painting, and VR.

3. Bee's Arts and Crafts – Glendale

This creative arts studio, located in the Atlas Park Mall, offers a variety of party packages where kids can create beautiful artwork on canvases under the guidance of talented artists. Choose from slime, plaster, canvas, and tie-dye themes. There's also a TikTok dance party where kids can learn and perform popular dances.

4. Nana's Wonderland – Little Neck and Jackson Heights

This neighborhood spot is not just an indoor play and learning space, but it also houses a café and a party venue and acts as a community hub for children under 7 years old. Parties include access to the first-floor play space, plus room for kids to eat pizza and cake. A bonus for little ones: The floors are all padded. Add-ons include custom decorations, goody bags, custom cupcakes, and a FREE coupon for a 2-hour play session.

5. Bowl 360 – Ozone Park

I have a special spot in my heart for bowling parties: I always wanted one, and I never had one until I was an adult. Bowl 360 is an updated, modern alley with a disco vibe, but it's also family-friendly. Opt for cheese pizza or choose from a menu that includes hot dogs, mozzarella sticks, mac-and-cheese bites, and more.

6. Kids Play World – Middle Village

Everything is included at this mom-owned-and-operated kids' play place and cafe, which allows kids to take a trip around the globe with themed play areas representing different countries. The space also features a handcrafted Lego table and wall, a climbing wall, and a slide. Birthday party packages include two hours of play, pizza and juice, decorations, and a party host.

7. Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center – Long Island City

This LIC ceramics center holds custom parties centered around pottery making. Party-goers construct bowls, cups, plates, and more that can be enjoyed for years to come. Note: The minimum age for hand-building parties is 10 years old, and for wheel-throwing parties, the minimum age is 12. A mixture of adults and children is welcome.

8. Jungle Adventure – Whitestone

Intended for children 12 years and under, Jungle Adventure invites little ones to jump on the trampoline, crawl, climb, slide, and wriggle through a colorful maze of play equipment. All party packages include playtime, themed decor, balloons, pizza, juice, and water. For a less expensive option, check out the semi-private package.

9. Kanga’s Indoor Playspace – Long Island City

Designated for children ages 1-11 with a cafe for parents to relax. There is a multi-level indoor playground, a merry-go-round, inflatable bouncy attractions, plastic ball pools, and a dedicated toddler play area. All parties include the use of a private party room for 2 hours, snacks and juice boxes, and a dedicated party host.

10. Kew Gardens Cinemas – Kew Gardens

There are plenty of multiplex theaters that host birthday parties in small rooms. But there are only a few theaters that let you rent out an entire space for your party. Book an early morning weekend showing and your family can screen whatever film the theater has available or even watch a DVD of your own. Popcorn is included, but you can bring in pre-show snacks. A basic package includes admission for 20 guests, but you can add more guests.

11. Kids Fun House – Ridgewood

With a triple slide, maze obstacle course, gated toddler area, and video games galore, Kids Fun House keeps kids busy for hours. Parties begin with pizza, snacks, and tokens. There are plenty of add-ons, such as cotton candy and arts and crafts.

12. Laser Bounce – Glendale

When you celebrate at Laser Bounce, be prepared for an explosion of lights and sounds from the arcade machines. Choose from packages that include arcade play or gaming plus time to bounce, play laser tag, enjoy VR, and more.

13. Launch Trampoline Park – Howard Beach

While the trampoline courts take center stage, there are two enclosed dodgeball courts, dedicated basketball hoops, and a launch pad where kids can practice tricks like stuntmen. If you want to conquer obstacles like the high-flying trapeze, the spider wall, or the warped wall, visit the ninja obstacle course. Choose from four party packages—all including pizza, candy bags, and a dedicated party host.

14. Queens County Farm Museum – Floral Park

NYC's only working historic farm is an ideal party spot for kids who want to learn about animals up close and personal. Children ages 1-12 can enjoy a tractor-drawn hayride from April through October and help feed the animals. Everything you need is provided, including invitations, paper goods, pizza and beverages, a personalized cake, goody bags, and a special gift for the birthday child.

15. Lollipop Spa – Maspeth

Got a little princess or prince in need of some pampering? Party packages at this kids' spa are full of indulgent treats, including manicures, mini facials, princess tattoos, glitter, and more.

16. Peek-a-Booo – Flushing

Flushing’s Peek-a-Booo is filled with modern, bright, fun climbing equipment, ball pits, interactive games, and toys. Kids ages 6 and under are welcome to party here. This space was designed to be safe, fun, and interactive. Basic party plans start with 2 hours of playtime, a cool wooden house party room, and staff to help set up and clean up after the party.

17. Fantasy Forest – Flushing

Isn't an amusement park party every kid's dream? Head to Queens' kiddie park in Flushing Meadows Corona Park for a shindig with unlimited rides for all party-goers. Add-on options include magician and clown performances, face painting, and balloon artists. This kid-friendly Queens party place is open seasonally.

18. Queens Zoo – Corona

At Queens Zoo parties, children enjoy animal encounters, zoo admission, and plenty of crafts and play. Two educational animal encounters, a special gift bag and a shirt for the birthday child, plus goody bags for all children attending are also included.

19. World Ice Arena – Flushing

This location takes cool parties literally, putting them on the ice. Party options include admission and skate rental, party space locker room rental, and a group lesson with a staff coach.

20. Young Chefs Academy – Forest Hills

Budding culinary minds love the food-centric parties at the Young Chefs Academy. Kids can make pizza, pasta, or cupcakes. You can even request a special party room for the accompanying parents. These parties are geared toward children 4 and older.

First published in March 2013. Rosalind Muggeridge contributed additional reporting.