Family Days: Birthday Party Planning

Birthday. Party. Those two words can instill fear into the hearts of even the most strong-willed parents. Luckily, there are plenty of places in the city that offer party plans for any budget. Here are a few ideas for various price ranges. If you have any other ideas or favorite birthday locations, feel free to leave them in the comments!

Small Parties (up to ten children)

New York City Police Museum
100 Old Slip between Water and South Streets, 212-480-3100

A birthday at the Police Museum is exactly what you expect: fake tattoos, fake mugshots, and real adventure. Kids get to test the sirens in police cars, sneak a peek—but not too close—at Al Capone’s tommy gun, and explore an (unused) jail cell.
Recommended for up to five children between the ages of 5 and 10

Mini Chef NYC
8 Little West 12th St between Ninth Ave and Washington Street, 212-727-2703

It’s a given fact that at any birthday party, part of the cake will end up on someone’s face, the ground, or both. Mini Chef realizes that and lets kids create their own cupcakes or pizza from scratch, and then promptly eat it. Cooking supplies, party kits, and a magic show are part of the package. Face-painting is offered at an additional charge.
Recommended for up to 10 children between the ages of 3 and 10

Medium Parties (up to twenty children)

Fantasma Magic
421 Seventh Ave between 33rd and 34th Streets, second floor, 212-244-3633

Everyone loves magic and Fantamsa offers lots of it in the form of magicians, clowns, and comedians. Parties include a special magic show starring your child; levitation is the shop’s highly-praised act. Best of all, their party plans are completely customizable. Create your own theme and Fantasma will create goody bags, pizza, and a cake to match.
Recommended for up to twenty children of all ages

South Street Seaport Museum
19 Fulton Street between Water and Front Streets, 212-748-8786

Have a nautical-themed party by renting one of the Seaport Museum’s ships and taking a sail along the East River. The Peking, a 337-foot vessel, hosts pirate parties that include an on-board treasure hunt and sailing lessons. Boat rentals are only available from May until September, but indoor festivities inside the museum are available year-round. Cake and goody bags are included.
Recommended for up to twenty children of all ages

Large Parties (up to 35 children)

Sarah the Science Teacher
1182 Broadway between 28th and 29th Streets, 10th floor, 212-683-2010

Sarah specializes in theme parties (ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, astronauts), but also customizes to feature everything and anything science-related. Exploding volcanoes, made from baking soda and vinegar, are a party favorite as well as hand-created goo—we don’t divulge the formula here! The price tag includes balloons, goody bags, and cake just to name a few.
Recommended for up to 18 children between the ages of 4 and 11

Pioneer Theater
44 Ave A between 3rd and 4th Streets, 212-254-0800

This independent theater, affiliated with Two Boots, is the perfect place to hold a movie marathon pizza-fest. Pricing includes unlimited pizza and access to the video store’s unbeatable collection. Play any movie you wish on the big screen for your guests or create your own iPod playlist from the available docking station. Bring you own cake, assuming you’ll have room for it after eating your weight in pizza.
Recommended for up to 35 children old enough to sit still during a movie

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