Uno Chicago Grille  

We go to Uno more than I care to admit (hey, it’s because they have gluten-free pizza), but we didn’t know about their birthday parties until recently. For a foodie kid – or really, any kid who likes pizza and ice cream (and I know a few) – the Uno birthday party package is a dream realized. Each party includes Make Your Own Pizza and Make Your Own Sundae, unlimited refills on kids beverages, chef's hats to decorate and take home, goody bags (cookies, activity book) and a party area. Actually, it’s starting to sound like a parent’s dream come true, too. I mean, seriously: I don’t have to clean the house, make any food, or come up with something for the treat bags?  Pinch me.

Location: There are several Uno’s locations in the Boston area, including the ones on Boylston, next to the Huntington Theater, and in Kenmore Square. You can do a search for the one closest to you.

Cost: $ - $$ (Charged per child, with a minimum of 10 children and must be under the age of 12)

Contact: The manager of a specific location or Lisa Reilly, Divisional Marketing and Sales Manager at lreilly@unos.com.

Lizzy’s Ice Cream 

From a Grab n’ Go Sundae Party Kit to a fully catered ice cream party, Lizzy's offers a range of options for hosting an ice cream party at home. Better yet, at their Waltham location, you can have the party at their place. The basic party package includes a make-your-own-sundae buffet, 2-hour use of a private room, invitations, and children’s activities. If you want to go all out, you can add on food service, drinks, a decoration package, entertainers, and extended use of the room.

Location: Lizzy’s Parlor & Function Room at 367 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453. Pick-up locations in Harvard Square and Needham.

Cost: A Grab n’ Go Party Kit for 5 is $24.85, parties at their Waltham location start at $150

Contact: Email form  see Contact page for phone number at a specific location

Treat Cupcake Bar in Needham 

Treat Cupcake Bar takes the goodie bag (or box, in this case) to a whole new level. The party guests watch the masters of cupcakery demonstrate decorating tips, and then they each decorate a six-pack of cupcakes of their very own (I’m guessing five of the cupcakes make it home). The birthday child also gets a custom designed cupcake when the singing and cupcake eating commences. To round out the foodie party experience, you can add on catered pizza and apron decorating.

Location: 1450 Highland Avenue, Needham MA, 02492

Cost: $300 for a 10 person, basic cupcake decorating party. Aprons for decorating are $10 each, and catered pizza (3 large pizzas, plus water, plates and napkins) is $35.

Party times: Thursday, Friday or Saturday at 12:30-2pm, 3:30-5pm, or 6:30-8pm

Contact: 781-444-4995 or parties@treatcupcakebar.com

Cutie Cakes 

If you’re willing to have your child’s birthday party at home, you should consider Cutie Cakes for a complete and more economical birthday party package. For $250, you get the works: a cupcake party for 8 children, which includes a Cupcake Designer who sets up and leads the fun, decorations, individual Cupcake Creation Stations with an assortment of decorating treats, 4 ready-to-decorate cupcakes per child (1 to eat and 3 to be packaged to take home), and a cupcake activity placemat with games. The kids decorate real aprons or chef hats and make a craft to take home.  Plus, your birthday child gets a gift from Cutie Cakes. It seems like Co-owners Janet Dixon and Donna Sullivan have thought of everything!

Location: Your venue. There is a travel fee for locations outside of 25 miles from Mendon, MA.

Cost: $250 for 8 children, $15 per additional child.

Contact: Cutiecakeparties@comcast.net

Ben and Jerry’s Catering 

Sounds like heaven to me: Ben & Jerry’s does ice cream catering. You choose your (I mean your kids’) favorite flavors and decide which kind of party you want: cups and cones, ice cream sundaes, or pints. You can also order a custom ice cream cake, complete with two flavor choices layered with fudgey brownies and topped with whipped cream. Like I said – heaven. The Ben & Jerry’s crew will set it up, scoop it up and clean it up. You only need to provide the venue.

Location: Your venue. The ice cream shop is at 174 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

Cost: Varies, depending on what type of party you choose

Contact: 857-233-0531

Photo: A sundae at Lizzy's