Arcades are an ideal place to celebrate a kid's birthday. Blinking lights, spinning wheels, ringing bells, and mechanical jingles give arcades a festive atmosphere, and the assortment of amusements offers something for everyone. Even if your child isn't the biggest video game enthusiast, most gaming parlors offer air hockey, skee-ball, and basketball games, too—some even have laser tag, escape rooms, or other challenges. These kid-pleasing party spots are full service, so hosts only have to provide a cake or cupcakes. Many offer games that award tickets redeemable for prizes to fill a goody bag.

Our list of nine arcades for kid birthday parties features spots across New York City, from Manhattan to Staten Island, plus a mobile arcade that comes to you. Read on for all the details.

Looking for more birthday party ideas? Check out our NYC Party Guide or directory of birthday fun suppliers.

Featuring New York's most iconic park, world-renowned museums, some of the city's most unique play spots, and eateries for all, the Upper East Side has easily earned its spot as a family favorite. Watch Avery, a Kids Access Press student reporter, take us on an action-packed video tour of the fun-filled neighborhood. Then read on below for more details about some of the area's best spots for kids.

Thanks to our sponsor 180 E 88th St for making this video possible. 180 E 88th is a luxury building in the heart of everything that makes NYC’s Upper East Side a perfect fit for families. Take a peek at the stunning full- and half-floor residences, complete with 14’+ ceilings and sweeping views of Central Park, plus the 8 floors of amenities, including a wine room, game room, indoor basketball court and soccer pitch, and a playroom conceptualized by the Children's Museum of the Arts.

Not too long ago, longtime Houstonians may have referred to Cypress as "the country," but the northwest Houston suburb has certainly grown. It's bustling with unique small businesses, particularly some great restaurants and breweries. There are plenty of reasons to spend the day out in the CYP, and there is plenty to do. These are our top recommendations for places to see and where to eat in Cypress with kids.

Tis the season for fall festivals and Halloween fun in New York City, and what better place to celebrate the changing seasons than beautiful Governors Island? Its season runs through Halloween, and its October calendar is scarily packed with plenty of fun.

For the third consecutive year, the Friends of Governors Island and Trustees for Governors Island have teamed up to put on a classic, daytime, small-town Halloween at Pumpkin Point. If you prefer your Halloween fun to fall in the post-dusk hours, exciting news: The Night of 1,000 Jack O'Lanterns returns for its second run in three years. For all the details about Halloween events on Governors Island this year, read on.

Halloween is a holiday that everyone from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy, and there's no shortage of parades, events, and parties in the Boston area. But while there are plenty of sweet Halloween activities for preschoolers as well as terrifying haunted theme parks for 'tweens and teens, it can be hard to find Halloween activities that can feel suitably exciting (but not terrifying) for the elementary-school set. Here are local activities that will thrill kids ages 6 to 12 without scaring the pants off of them. Happy haunting!