Boston is packed with great indoor party places that cater to kids. But there are still plenty of parents—myself included—who really enjoy hosting a good, old-fashioned, at-home birthday party. The one catch: Coming up with ways to keep kids engaged that don't involve trashing the house. Recently, we rounded up some of our favorite musicians, magicians, clowns, and character actors who travel to homes to perform for Boston-area kids. But in the event you have a child who yearns for something a little different, we've scouted around for party entertainment that's a little outside the gift box, so to speak. Whether you have a kid who's into exotic creatures, cooking, or just romping around, you can count on one of these companies to create a one-of-a-kind party for your unique birthday boy or girl. Rates fluctuate by group size and sometimes seasonally, so be sure to ask details when you reach out for more information.

Whether it’s Throwback Thursday or you’re filled with nostalgia, hosting a kid's birthday has a whole new appeal. Reboots of ‘80s and ‘90s TV shows like Roseanne, Full House, and Will & Grace are gaining popularity and even kids are enjoying watching these blasts from the past. Instead of the traditional bounce houses, parents are enjoying going back in time with roller skating, laser tag and more. Check out these other unique birthday party ideas, too. 

Sometimes even 100 things to do aren't enough to keep active kids entertained. If you're looking for a family-friendly activity but keep striking out, why not try your hand at bowling? It's a sport that's easy to learn for most age groups and there's something very satisfying about knocking things over.

A number of bowling centers across Suffolk County offer kid-friendly options such as lighter balls, ramps, and even leagues for little ones. Some alleys have options for adults to enjoy while their kids bowl. Order a pizza or one of the specials from the center's restaurant and make a night of it. And when the bowling shoes come off, a few of these centers even have arcades for more gaming fun. 

Check out our list of Suffolk bowling centers sure to bowl you over with fun. And if you're in Nassau County or on the East End, don't worry, we've rounded up a list of the best lanes for you.

One of the most bustling neighborhoods in Philadelphia is Chinatown, with so many shops, restaurants, and sightseeing spots. Chinatown is an historic area of Philadelphia filled with culture, fun, and good food.  With the Chinese New Year upon us, now is also a great opportunity to educate little ones about the diverse melting pot of cultures in Philly. It's a great place to spend a day walking around and having a great time with the kids. We've rounded up some really fun things to do with kids in Chinatown.

A host of museums in Fairfield County and New Haven County offer free admission on certain days of the month or promote free admission all the time for young kids. Check out the latest exhibit at the Aldrich, see a classic at Yale Peabody, or something from the bronze age at Fairfield University. Best part is that you can do it for free during their free admission times in these Fairfield County and New Haven area museums. 

A long time ago (early January), in a galaxy far, far away (Florida), I had the pleasure of embarking on a thrilling voyage: Star Wars Day at Sea, aboard the Disney Fantasy. My spouse is an Imagineer who worked on creating the Day at Sea, so our lucky toddler and I got to tag along. Just call us the Death Star... cuz we had a blast.

From the outside looking in, Downtown LA can seem somewhat daunting and unfriendly. Isn't it just another part of LA with tall buildings and not enough pedestrian zones? Tourists and LA natives alike often find themselves wondering what kid-friendly activities there are to do Downtown. Well, I'm happy to be the messenger as well as the reminder of all the wonderful family-friendly activities that there are in this bustling metropolis. Read on for a list of 30 kid friendly things to do in Downtown LA. Then hop on the Metro or the Expo Line and start the adventure!