Birthday parties have morphed into an entity all their own. Each year the celebration has to be bigger and better than the last. So, where do you start?

Don't worry—we've rounded up some of Long Island's best venues for parties to please a variety of kids, from divas and princesses to tumbling tots and animal enthusiasts. These places make party planning easy, and almost all include a host, setup and cleanup, food, and other essentials. The only hard part is picking just one! 

Be sure to check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids for even more tips on planning the perfect party for your child. It has ideas specific to first birthdays, toddlers, active kids, and more.

Xplore Family Fun Center has leveled up its playtime with the addition of an elevated ropes course. Xplore, which was has been rebranded by the folks behind Safari Adventure in Riverhead in 2018, has been transformed into one of the top indoor play destinations in Suffolk's North Shore. 

Nerf parties offer a fun and safe way to play indoor war games without the threat of breaking Grandma's prized china cabinet. Bonus, these indoor games are available year-round and aren't dependent on weather or time of day. So let the kids loose at these indoor obstacle courses, where they can have a rootin' tootin' shootin' good time.

Ready, set — pew pew!

Check out more birthday parties for active kids here or obstacle courses, rock walls, and ninja training here.

Social Play Haus, a large, open concept, play space and cafe opened in Plainview this November. No matter the ages in your squad, there's plenty to keep everyone in the family happy and entertained at this unique whole-family focused play space, so head over for some quality family time and socializing.

Tired of prying phones, tablets, and game controllers out of the hands of your littles? Maybe you just want a digital detox for your own sanity. Mommy Poppins has created a round-up of places to go and things to do on Long Island that offer unplugged fun. Put down the phones and head out the door.

For more family fun, connect with Mother Earth at these Long Island nature centers, plan a day trip and explore a nearby town or visit one of Long Island's many museums. Or if you're not totally screen-free, check out the 50 Best Kids' Movies for Family Movie Night.

From local museums and gorgeous beaches to kid-friendly restaurants and unique shops, Mattituck has much to offer Long Island families.

Spanning the Long Island Sound to the Peconic Bay, this North Fork hamlet is perfect for a day trip or a week’s vacation with plenty of fresh-from-the-vine wine and produce, farms and local food, hiking, fishing and beaching to do! We’ve put together a list of things to do and see while you’re there.

Need more suggestions for things to do this fall? Check out our Fall Fun Guide and Long Island Events Calendar. For more out-east fun, take a look at our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork.

Row, row, row your boat—all across Long Island. Our ponds, preserves, and bays are prime spots for water sports. So get set to make a splash with your kids as you row, pedal, paddle, and more at these sporty Long Island locations.

Looking for more wet and wild fun? If you're on the East End, check out our guide to kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals in the Hamptons and North Fork. Or enjoy a spritz at a sprinkler park on Long Island. Use our outdoors guide to explore parks, playgrounds, and other fun destinations on the Island.

Bounce house boredom setting in? A tween eager for new interests and engagement offers parents exciting possibilities for family fun on Long Island. Here are some of our favorite destinations and activities for that hard-to-define age between young childhood and these teenage years.

Added bonus: These activities are guaranteed to get your tween off the couch and away from the electronics.