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Best Manhattan Birthday Party Places for Preschoolers

1. Cricket's Candy Creations – Tribeca

At this colorful candy crafting space in Lower Manhattan, young party-goers decorate festive aprons and tote bags, and participate in two creative candy crafts like lickable fingerpaint and candy accessory making. All birthday packages include juice and water, custom digital invitations, decorations, a dedicated party host, and more. Of course, kids get to take home their delicious creations.

2. Kidville Upper West Side – Upper West Side

Kidville offers all-inclusive birthday party packages, plus several interactive themes to choose from, as well as hands-on activities, crafts, and games. The space can also help you book additional entertainment, including kid-friendly performers and local caterers. Kidville also features a preschool alternative program and summer camp, plus classes, an indoor play space, and other signature programs—all under one roof.

3. 92nd Street Y – Upper East Side

Kids just love partying at the 92nd Street Y, which offers several party packages for all ages. You can book two different kinds of gymnastics parties, indoor and outdoor pool parties, dance, fitness, yoga, and parkour parties. Each party includes a professional instructor to guide the activities. Parties also come with access to the party room with tables and chairs pre-set up for the festivities, though parents are responsible for any additional decorations, as well as food and utensils.

4. Chelsea Piers Field House – Chelsea

Active preschoolers (aren't they all?) appreciate the activity-packed parties at Chelsea Piers. The under-5 set can enjoy time in the toddler gym, complete with a ball pit, hang out on the gymnastics equipment, or enjoy a field day-like "tykes challenge" with tricycle races, games of steal the bacon, and tug-of-war. Major bonus points for time spent in the bounce house with this option.

RELATED: 26 Things To Do with Preschoolers in NYC Before They Turn 5

Animal lovers can invite friends to a party at Art Farm in the City. Photo courtesy of the farm

5. The Art Farm in the City – Upper East Side

Animal lovers will flip over being able to invite friends (both furry and not) to their party at The Art Farm. There are a few themes to choose from catering to different interests like science, princesses and knights, and a pirate treasure hunt. The Art Farm animals can also visit your home for a party with its On The Moove Party package. Read our full review of The Art Farm here.

6. Broadway Dance Center – Midtown West

Little tykes can boogie down at Broadway Dance Center birthday parties. Kids can enjoy the large dance space for an hour-and-a-half dance class and games led by an expert instructor. Dance parties have several themes to choose from for any musical taste, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, Broadway Musicals, and more.

7. Taste Buds Kitchen – Chelsea

Budding chefs love rolling up their sleeves and rolling out the dough during a party at Taste Buds Kitchen. In 1 1/2 to 2-hour parties, kids as young as 3 whip out a scratch-made masterpiece with the help of the staff. The kitchen handles the decor and snacks, and the birthday kid gets an extra special gift. All parents need to do is kick back, relax, and act as a taste-tester.

8. Claire's Creative Party Adventures – Upper East Side

Creative kids can get in touch with their inner artists at these parties from Claire's Creative Adventures meant to be both entertaining and educational. Staff leads the group in an art project that revolves around certain artists or cultures. A party leader helps keep things moving and set-up and clean-up are included, so all mom and dad have to do is party. Extra add-ons include glitter tattoos, face painters, balloon artists, and other entertainers, special gift bags, or an all-group art project used as an ice-breaker.

9. Fastbreak Sports – Upper East Side

Kids ages 3+ can get their wiggles out with the help of Fastbreak Sports coaches. Enjoy everything from bounce houses to gaga or team sports like soccer, floor hockey, and dodge ball. A party host helps with planning and execution, while a pair of coaches keep the kids engaged. There are tons of kid-favorite themes to choose from, like Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Batman, and more. The space has also just added some new fun, including bumper cars and a silent disco.

10. ACT Divine Parties – Morningside Heights

Little ones have the run of the indoor play space at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Experienced party planners take care of all the details so parents just show up and enjoy! You can choose a 2- or 3-hour party window on a Saturday and add-ons include a bounce house, face painter, pizza, juice, and more.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the venues

Originally published in 2012.