Chances are, when you were growing up, birthday parties involved playing in the back yard with neighborhood friends — and some cake and pizza if you were lucky. Today, kids’ birthdays are cause for big celebration, whether they’ve reached a milestone like their first birthday or just passed another year.
If you’re like most parents, you spend a lot of time thinking about your children’s birthday parties. After all, little ones love a day that is all about them. While parents may grumble about spending big on a party, it’s always a delight to see our kids having a blast. Picking a great location for the party is one way to ensure success. (And enlisting some help from your babysitter or nanny is always helpful!) Here are the best 10 places in Boston and the surrounding area to have a birthday party that will keep a smile on your child’s face all year long.
The Boston Children’s Museum
Address: 308 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210
Phone: 617-426-6500, ext. 380 (Email: birthdays@bostonchildrensmuseum.org)
Fees: $400+ for up to 40 or 60 guests, depending on the package
The Boston Children’s Museum is a favorite destination for kids around the city, so having a party there will make your own child’s birthday very special. The museum has private party rooms that fit up to 60 guests, and the price of the party includes all-day admission to the museum for all guests. Kids will love that they can have all the birthday fun they want before setting off on a day at the museum.
Because this is a popular spot, the museum recommends booking your party two to three months in advance. You can bring your own cake and decorations, but you must use one of three approved food vendors the museum offers. You will have the private room for two hours and can utilize the museum all day.
Legoland Discovery Center
Address: 598 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA 02145
Phone: 866-228-6439 (Email: bostongroups@legolanddiscoverycenter.com)
Fees: $675 for up to 40 guests
Legoland is a newer attraction in Boston, but it has been an instant hit with the kids. There are lots and lots of Lego bricks, as well as rides, a theater, and the chance for kids to build (and destroy) an entire city. What more could the birthday boy or girl want?
The Legoland birthday package includes one hour in a private party room and admission for all guests. That ticket covers all attractions and rides. The price of the package also includes paper goods, as well as pizza, drinks, and cupcakes. While kids will love the location, parents will love the ease of having everything taken care of. You can even book the party entirely online!
Jump On In!
Address: 100 Holton St., Boston, MA 02135
Phone: 617-789-5867
Fees: Starting at $239.99 for 15 kids, Monday – Thursday | Starting at $349.99 for 15 kids, Saturday & Sunday + school holidays
If you’re looking for a birthday party that will be lots of fun and guarantee tired kids who will sleep well that night, look no further than Jump On In! The gym is full of inflatable bounce houses, obstacles, and slides of every size. Kids will love running around, working up an appetite for all the food and pizza that is sure to be coming.
Your party at Jump On In! will include times in both gyms, so kids won’t get bored before the event is over. You’ll also have 45 minutes in a private party room to eat pizza and cake. Jump On In! has the flexibility to hold bigger parties, too. So if you want to invite the whole class, this could be a great option for your child.
Artbeat
Address: 212A Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA 02474
Phone: 781-646-2200
Fees: $350 for 10 kids
There’s something so classic about an artsy birthday party, and Artbeat is the perfect place to make creations and memories that will last all year. The drop-in art studio does parties for between six and 16 guests. Depending on how old your little one is, the pros at the studio will work with you to pick a project that is easy and engaging. Options range from dollmaking to candlemaking. There are projects that suit kids as young as 5, as well as projects that are great for teens.
If you’re worried about art projects gone awry, don’t fear! Your party fee includes an instructor who will guide kids through the craft. Guests will also leave with a party bag that’s filled not with candy or cheap plastic toys, but a fun, at-home craft project. The party fee includes an hourlong craft and a half-hour for cake and other refreshments.
Sugar Plum Parties
Address: 297 Main St., Stoneham, MA 02180
Phone: 781-438-8488
Fees: Starting at $379 for five children
If your child is into fancy parties and the finer things in life, she’ll love Sugar Plum Parties. The Stoneham hosts create birthday parties that look as if they’ve come straight out of a fairy tale. Your little one can choose from party themes such as fairies, mermaids, divas, and more. Guests will have the chance to dress to theme in the fashion options provided, get their hair done, and complete an activity. Of course, there is also plenty of singing and dancing.
For an added thrill, check out the storybook character meet and greet, where a special guest or favorite princess can show up to give your child an unforgettable birthday surprise. Although space is limited at these parties, the quality of the experience will ensure that your child is not disappointed.
Little Lovage Club
Address: 778 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 857-217-4502 (Email: laura@littlelovageclub.com)
Fees: Space rentals start at $499 | Themed parties start at $875 for 16 children
The Little Lovage Club is a favorite destination of Boston’s youngest crowd and their caretakers. The space is designed to engage babies and toddlers and allow them to safely explore, and the birthday parties at Little Lovage Club are no different. The space is clean enough for crawling babes, and all activities are designed with toddlers’ scant attention spans in mind.
When it comes to choosing a party, you have two options: Rent the space and organize your own decorations, theme, and other details. Little Lovage Club staff will clean up and you and your birthday boy or girl will be on your way. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the club’s themed parties, which range from dinosaurs to music and crafts. The club takes care of everything, and your party planning is done with one call.
Rock Spot Climbing
Address: 30 Old Colony Ave., Boston, MA 02127
Phone: 617-269-2084
Fees: $100 for four kids + $25 for each additional child | Additional $175 for overnight
If you’re looking for a birthday party that is full of adventure, Rock Spot Climbing is a great option. The climbing gym provides one staff member for every five climbers and will teach kids of every ability to climb safely. Your party includes two hours of climbing time, all gear rental, and the use of the private party room for food and presents.
If you’re really trying to win Parent of the Year, you can take the birthday party to the next level by opting to spend the night. That’s right, for just $175 more, your child and friends can camp out at the rock gym for a truly unique experience.
My Gym
Address: 1065 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-789-3669
Fees: Starting at $375 for 20 kids
My Gym offers the younger kids the chance to romp around and test out their skills in a facility that is built just for them. From swinging to balancing and practicing flips, children up to 10 years old will love tumbling through My Gym with their friends and family.
My Gym’s birthday packages are affordable and offer plenty of add-ons to make sure your child gets just what he or she wants. For example, you can add on a bounce house or character appearances for even more kid-friendly fun. The birthday party package includes two hours of gym time, and each guest will leave with a free pass to come back and try a class in the future.
SkyZone Trampoline Park
Address: 91-B Sprague St., Boston, MA 02136
Phone: 857-345-9693
Fees: Starting at $249 for 10 jumpers, Monday – Friday | Starting at $369 for 12 jumpers, Saturday & Sunday
As a kid, did you ever dream about having access to professional-quality trampolines that allowed you to jump as high as the sky? Well, now you can do just that and give your child a birthday party that will leave them jumping for joy.
Birthday party packages at SkyZone include an hour of jumping, games like dodgeball under the supervision of a facilitator, and a private room for cake and pizza, which is also included in the price. If you’re looking to book a party for younger kids, check out Sunday Toddler Time.
The Zoo (Franklin Park or Stone Zoo)
Locations:
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Franklin Park Zoo: 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121 | P: 617-541-5466
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Stone Zoo: 149 Pond St., Stoneham, MA 02180 | P: 617541-5466
Fees: DIY parties start at $300 (not including zoo admission) | Safari parties start at $705
If your child loves animals, host a birthday party at the zoo. Both of Boston’s zoos — Stone and Franklin Park — offer birthday packages ranging from do-it-yourself (where you just rent space) to safari adventures that allow kids to get up close to the animal residents.
Your guests will love being able to spend the day at the zoo. All the birthday guests will enjoy seeing animals they wouldn’t normally encounter anywhere around Boston. For parents, having a party at the zoo is an easy way to keep kids entertained and teach them something, too! To book, call one of the numbers listed above or email MPolk@zoonewengland.com.
What’s your favorite Boston birthday party destination? Tell us in the comments below!
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