The Cookie Workshop, Trumbull
Make and decorate cookies, as well as a cookie box. This bakery is nut free, which makes it a great option if you are hosting kids with allergies.

My Three Sons, Norwalk
Super fun arcade that works for all ages; younger kids can stick to the arcade games, older kids can play laser tag and other interactive games.  Be prepared to spend a little extra time with your child as they cash in their tickets at the penny candy counter…

Mead Farm, Stamford
For your horse lover - have a party at the farm. Pony rides and everything horsey is provided at Mead Farm, voted best horse back riding in the area.

Kids U, Stamford
Indoor gym space with inflatables and slides.  Great for running off some pre-cake energy!

Pump it Up, Norwalk
Another great indoor gym space with inflatable structures.   More suited for the 7 and up crowd, in my opinion.

Hands on Pottery, Fairfield
Paint your own piece of pottery…

Art and Soul, New Canaan
Another paint your own pottery place…they offer beading here as well.

Bowlmor, Norwalk
Bowling is always a hit!  Tough for the under 5 crowd, though doable, if that’s what your youngster’s heart is set on.

Pied Piper Pony Rides
Great for animal lovers! This organization will bring small farm animals to your home - well, yard - …and you don’t need a lot of space to accommodate the animals.  We’ve had them come with two bunnies, a baby goat and a pony – a huge hit!  And super easy.

Darien Nature Center, Darien
Sticking with the animal theme, try the Darien Nature Center.  After an outdoor scavenger hunt, the kids will be enchanted with the animal encounters, where they will meet a hedgehog, snake, and rabbit, among others. 

Norwalk Maritime Aquarium
Bring the aquarium to you!  The Norwalk Martitime Aquarium’s crab and critters party is delightful…the aquarium will send staff to your house with a selection of…well, crabs and critters!  The staff will stay for 45 minutes, and kids will learn about the animals, touch them and hold them.

Fuji, Darien
A big hit amongst my 8 year old's friends has been a small birthday outing to a Hibachi Grill.  One of my favorites?  Fuji in Darien, CT.

My Gym, Stamford
A great tumbling gym particularly well suited for the toddler crowd.  The staff is excellent and the kids will have a blast!

Stamford Twin Rinks
Nothing quite like a skating party to tire out a bunch of kids.  Stamford's Twin Rinks will do just that!

Here's the Party, Shelton
They have a party room and will decorate it according to your theme. They have themed packages that they offer. Parties run for 2 hours and include a party planner to setup, run and clean up your event!

I hope this list helps alleviate any birthday stress you may have.  Happy birthday to your youngster, and enjoy the party!

Originally published 1/30/12.

Photo Courtesy of Let's Dress Up.