A Visit to Kids Playhouse in Astoria and Jackson HeightsDo you ever have those mornings when it’s freezing outside or raining (or both) and you look at your kids and wonder how on earth you’re going to fill the next 12 hours of the day? While all parents have days like that, I’m willing to bet they’re more frequent during the months of January, February, and March—that long, cold stretch that must be endured before the promise of spring can finally be realized. Luckily, there are many great indoor play spaces to help keep parents—and their kids—from going crazy on those long days when going outside isn’t an option. Read more
Your child has seen every episode of MasterChef and is convinced he can do better. Cultivate your little foodie’s love of fine cuisine (or her simple appreciate of delicious sweet treats) by throwing a party where food is the main event.Read more
Does your child’s idea of a great time involve breaking out watercolors, pottery, or props to use in his one-man show? Maybe she knows the floor plan of the Metropolitan Museum of Art by heart or can effortlessly take apart your television and put it back together. If so, one of these crafty parties will color him/her happy.Read more
Your children aren’t the sitting still types. Instead of fighting their urge to stretch, throw, catch, climb, and run wild and free, work with their energy levels by hosting a birthday party at one of these great venues that will keep them moving.Read more
Best Spots in NYC to Throw an Amazing Children’s Birthday Party - Part 1: For Your Little Lady or LordSure, you could host your child’s birthday party in your apartment—if you’re in the mood to clean prior to the event, cook and bake for hours, fiddle with unruly strands of crepe paper, serve as a cruise director to 25 excited kids, and clean up after 25 excited kids who, in their excitement, spilled a pitcher of fruit punch and plates of cake on the carpet.Read more
Sing-along Birthday Parties and Playgroups in New York CityWith hundreds of children’s birthday parties taking place in New York City each weekend, parents are always looking for the best themes, event spaces, ideas and affordable options out there. Children’s entertainers are plentiful in a city as big as New York, and while there are many options and varieties to choose from, if you’re just looking for a pure singing entertainer that will make your children (and adult guests) happy, here’s a list of some great ones to play at your next gig, and keep your kids entertained and focused while hyped up on pizza and birthday cake!Read more
Celebrations: Planning your Child’s First Birthday Party on the Upper West SidePlanning your child’s first birthday should be simple. After all, he or she probably won’t remember it and at this young age, a party is much more for the adult guests than the little tots. However, a first birthday is a huge milestone – especially if it’s your first child’s first birthday – and it’s a day that deserves to be celebrated. Plus, parents owe it to themselves to take a moment to say “wow – we made it through the first year!” Hopefully the sleepless nights are behind you and you’re feeling a bit more confident about all that parenting entails so we say go for it!Read more
Classic Birthday Parties in Staten IslandA birthday is a special time for a child, and there is no limit to ways you can make your child’s birthday a memorable one. I recently did a roundup of themed birthday party venues in Staten Island for kids who want to spend their birthday ice skating or paintballing or at the spa or doing whatever else it is that they really love to do. But a party doesn’t need to have a special themed activity to still be enjoyable for all. A party with all of the classic birthday elements—balloons, cake, games, friends and family—is all anyone really needs to make a child’s birthday unforgettable.
I’ve rounded up a bunch of birthday party venues in Staten Island, from private party rooms to indoor amusement parks and everything in between, where the theme for the birthday child is simple: just have fun! Read more
Themed Birthday Party Ideas in Staten IslandI recently celebrated my son’s birthday and, as usual, we had a backyard party filled with kiddie pools, older relatives, and lawn chairs. It was a nice party and my son had a good time, but I think backyard parties should be left to family barbecues and three-day weekends from now on. He’s just turned five years old, which means he is officially old enough to start telling me what he really wants to do on his birthday—and I’m pretty sure eating Auntie Gertrude’s potato salad isn’t it. So next year I’m giving him some new options.
With that said, here’s a roundup of themed party places in Staten Island for any kid who knows what they love to do and wants to spend their birthday doing it! Read more
We used Looney Louie for my daughter's 4th birthday party and he was amazing! He kept the kids (and adults) engaged and laughing the whole time. I have seen a lot of magicians and clowns at other parties and...
I've seen Looney Louie several times and knew he would be a hit. The kids loved him and laughed the entire time. My daughter (the birthday girl) had seen his show three times before but still laughed like it was...
Simply said, Looney Louie is OUTSTANDING!!!!
We had Louie last year for our son's 1st Birthday and the children had such a blast that we asked him to help us out again for our Jack's 2nd Birthday last week....
We've hired Looney Louie twice (2 years ago for our daughter's 4th birthday party, and recently for our son's 5th). He is AMAZING. Aside from being an absolute pro and pleasure to work with THE KIDS...
Best of Birthday Parties
Applause/Broadway Babies and Superstars 184 E 76th St (St. Jean's Community Center) (Btwn Lexington Ave & 3rd Ave) New York, NY 10021 Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Creative Play for Kids 263 W 86th St (at Church of St. Paul/St. Andrew) (Btwn Broadway & West End Ave) New York, NY 10024 Neighborhood: Upper West Side