Let’s face it, if you have young kids, chances are you’re attending at least one birthday party every weekend. (We’ve got tips for how to survive that, too). But where should you go in Philadelphia when it is your turn to play host? If you’re anything like us and would rather not deal with the headache of planning your child’s birthday party in your own home, rejoice! We’ve put together a list of the 30 best places birthday party places in Philly—we’ve even broken them down into categories. (Note: At press time, both the Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Zoo have stopped doing birthday parties. We know—we can’t believe it either.) Let the planning begin!
For babies and toddlers
1. Nest
Where: 1301 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA
When: Weekends for private parties.
Cost: Parties start at $495 for 10 kids, $12 for additional kids. Higher-tier packages and add-ons are detailed on their website. Weekday parties available as low as $200, but are not private.
Includes: From a baby’s first cake smash to a toddler’s tumble-and-jump extravaganza, Nest has got you covered. You can choose from the downstairs play space or the upstairs gym, which Nest will close down completely for your private party. Basic parties include balloons and paper goods to fit your theme, two hours of private play, and two party helpers to aid with everything from setup and clean-up to entertaining the guests. Nest’s fabulous event planner will help you craft the party of your little one’s dreams (or choose from one of their themes), and help coordinate add-ons like catering, a custom cake, favors, live entertainment and DIY crafts.
Insider tip: Socks are required for all guests, so be sure to make a note on the invitation. Nest also provides discounted parking in the lot next door for all guests.
2. PlayArts
Laura Swartz
Where: 1241 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA
When: Private parties are held on weekends from 4 to 6pm; all other parties are anytime during business hours.
Cost: Basic parties start at $350 for up to 15 kids and 30 adults; private parties start at $550 for up to 25 kids and 50 adults.
Includes: Two hours access to private party room in the back, and 1.5 hours access to play space (for private parties, you’ll have this all to yourself); table and chairs, decorations, tableware and balloons, along with staff members on hand to assist with the party. Add-ons like pizza, cake and an art activity are available.
Insider tip: Socks are required in the play space. Outside decorations require approval and an additional fee. Outside food and even alcohol are permitted, but not in the play space.
3. Kids at Play
Where: 3502 Scotts Ln, Philadelphia, PA
When: Sunday, 11am-1pm or 2-4pm.
Cost: Party packages range from $300-$650. Members receive at 10 percent discount.
Includes: Two hours use of the private party room, as well as access to Kids at Play’s fantastic indoor playground (there’s even a zip line swing!) with staff on site for up to 15 kids. Add-ons include pizza, cake, beverages, decorations and a party host who will help run your party with age-appropriate games.
Insider tip: Adults are free, but limited to two parents per child and eight additional adults (including the birthday party parents). You are welcome to bring more children and adults for a fee of $10 per child and $7.50 for adults. All guests must wear socks in the play area.
Please Touch Museum
Where: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday.
Cost: Parties start at $495 for up to 25 people.
Includes: Parties begin with a one-hour private party room experience with age-appropriate activities and games, and then guests get access to enjoy the rest of the museum all day! Party packages also include tableware, decorations, a special birthday gift from the museum and a dedicated PTM party facilitator, who will help you unload your car, decorate the room, assist with guests and bring things to your car after the party. Add-ons include food and beverages, and themed decorations.
Where: 2227 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday afternoons, or anytime on Sunday. Weekday afternoons may also be available upon request.
Cost: Parties start range from $220 (ages 1 and 2) to $240 (ages 3 and 4). Parties for more than 30 people start at $350, and can only be held at the Fairmount location.
Includes: Birthday guests will enjoy a personalized 40 minute “storyplay” for up to 30 people and use of the space for 90 minutes. Choose from either the Graduate Hospital “Little Theater” location, or the Fairmount location. For larger parties, the time increases to 2 hours, but the party must be held at the Fairmount location. Add-ons include live music like African drums with Miss Marcy and Jan, or Dan the Tabla Man. For kids age three and up, add on an interactive theater component.
David Difuntorum
Where: 3500 Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA
When: Weekends (see Smith’s website for the specific time slots based on season).
Cost: $150 for the party room (up to 15 kids), or $275 for a side porch.
Includes: Parties are held in one of the private spaces, and kids can play in the playhouse and—weather permitting—the playground all day. The birthday child gets a Smith t-shirt and birthday crown. A staff member will also be present to direct guests to the party room and dispose of your trash bags when you leave, but you are responsible for set up, catering and clean up. Don’t forget to celebrate the big day with a ride down the giant wooden slide!
For the athlete
7. North Bowl
Where: 909 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday, noon-4pm.
Cost: Parties start at $26.95 per person (minimum 10 kids) plus fees and tax. A higher tier party (with private lanes) is $33.95 per person. For parties of 30 or more kids, add a space rental fee of $300.
Includes: A two-hour bowling party with shoe rentals (pay more for private upstairs lanes). Menu includes veggie tray, tater tots, beverages, ice cream and choice of two entrees. Party also includes a bowling pin, balloons, bowling-themed tableware and pictures of the birthday kid displayed on the bowling monitors. Price covers one adult for every five kids. Pay extra for more guest and entrees.
Where: 10990 Decatur Rd, Philadelphia, PA
When: Parties are available during all public skating sessions; daily from 12:30 to 2:30pm, and Friday and Saturday nights from 8 to 10pm.
Cost: $14.95 per person (10 person minimum).
Includes: Private party room with host, tableware and menu of pizza and drink. Guests get admission to public skating session (two hours) and skate rental (two parents/chaperones can skate for free), and a Flyers Skate Zone sticker pack. The birthday kid gets a t-shirt and a picture while sitting on the Zamboni. Add-ons include more food, t-shirts for everyone and a private skating instructor.
Laura Swartz
Where: 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday, 90 minutes before game time.
Cost: Parties start at $500 for 10 people.
Includes: The Perfect Pitch Pizza Party takes place in the Tour Group Meeting Room (up to two other party groups may take place simultaneously, so if a private party is essential, be warned) and includes a menu of pizza, cupcakes and beverages. Phoebe Phanatic (the Phillie Phanatic’s mom) will visit your party, and everyone will get to cut the line to Phanatic Phun Zone play area. After the party, guests get tickets at the Field Level, and the birthday kid will see their name and age in lights on the message boards during birthday greetings at the end of the 4th inning! Guests also get foam fingers to cheer on the Fightin’ Phils, and the birthday kid gets a special Phillies hat. For additional cost, you can add more tickets and food for additional guests.
Where: 722 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Cost: Parties start at $450 for 15 kids (each additional child is $15).
Includes: Parties are two hours long and include an hour of gym playtime, an hour for snacks and cake and a dance party finale. Also includes help with set up and clean up in the party room. Gym time is supervised and includes all four gymnastics events (vault, bars, floor exercise and balance beam), as well as trampoline time and other activities. Parents are responsible for all food and drink.
Where: 11586 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
When: Wednesday and Friday evenings; all day on Saturday and Sunday.
Cost: Basic package is $12.95 (plus tax) per child, though Wednesday evening parties are only $9.95 per kid. For Premium Party, add $2 per kid.
Includes: Parties last from 2 to 3 hours depending on the time slot, and include admission and skate rental for all kids. Menu includes a slice of pizza or a hot dog, and juice or soda. Also includes set up of paper products and tableware and a party host. The birthday kid gets a free gift pass and their name announced. Premium package adds themed tableware, more food, free skate for the birthday kids’ parents and 30 seconds in the Fun Machine.
Insider tip: While you can bring in your own cake or cupcakes (the venue does not provide them, so in fact you have to), no other outside food or drink is allowed. Parents who want to skate pay an additional $7 for rental and skate time. If your party is for smaller kids, parents can only walk on the floor to assist kids during the Saturday and Sunday morning parties. Be on the lookout for Character Skate times! If renting out the entire place for a private party (including bringing in your own food) is more your style, that’s also an option on certain nights (for additional cost).
Philly InMovement
Where: 500 Kenilworth St, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday afternoons; all day on Sunday.
Cost: Standard parties start at $350 for up to 18 kids (including the birthday kid), add $15 for each additional kid (up to 25 kids total). Higher-tier packages and add-ons are detailed on their website.
Includes: Choose between a gymnastics party or a moon bounce party—each is 90 minutes (one hour in the gym plus a half-hour in the party room) and includes two experienced helpers to aid in setup, clean up and guiding the kids through all the gym activities. Birthday kid gets a t-shirt and water bottle from InMovement. Higher tier parties include extras like tableware, decorations, pizza, beverages, cake and party favors. Add on an extra half-hour for $50, which includes the option to do a combination of gymnastics and moon bounce parties. Other add-ons include a photographer and a half-hour Music Party Sing-Along with a live musician.
Insider tip: If your kid and their bestie want to have a joint birthday party, you can add $25 for an additional birthday kid (no additional fee if the birthday kids are siblings). The 25 kid maximum really is firm—if you exceed it, expect a $50 charge per additional kid for inconvenience and liability.
For the budding scientist
13. Academy of Natural Sciences
Academy of Natural Sciences
Where: 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia , PA
When: Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am or 2pm.
Cost: Basic birthday parties (for up to 20 guests including adults) start at $335 for members, $375 for nonmembers (add $10 for each additional guest). Theme parties start at $440 for members and $470 for nonmembers (add $12 for each additional guest). The birthday kid and their parents are free.
Includes: Two hours with private party room and birthday host who will provide a private party tour, plus all-day museum access for all guests. For theme parties, you also get a themed cake and decorations, as well as a birthday gift for the birthday kid (choose from dinosaur, butterfly, animal, or bug themes; Dino Brick party theme requires an additional cost). Add a special Academy encounter like live animals, bugs or handling real fossils to basic or theme parties. Other add-ons include food and beverages, gift bags and even an Adopt-a-Critter plaque in the Outside In exhibit to commemorate your special day for years to come.
14. Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion
Where: 8046 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA
When: Everyday—time slots are 10am, noon, 2 and 4pm.
Cost: Pay a flat rate of $250 for the space, or opt for a more inclusive party package of $19.95 plus tax per child ($9.95 plus tax per adult) for a party including catering.
Includes: Both packages include a dedicated birthday party room for two hours with an attendee, and a one-hour guided tour of the newly renovated butterfly pavilion and insectarium, including all their fantastic interactive exhibits, and even up-close critter encounters! During parties, visitors generally spend one hour in the museum and a half hour in the party room. The per-person option includes choice of chicken fingers or pizza, beverages, and tableware. Add-ons include sheet cake and a balloon artist.
For the artist
15. Lume Creative Learning Studios
Lume Creative Learning Studios
Where: 1916-18 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA
When: Various 90-minute timeslots are available on Sundays. Depending on class schedules, a Saturday or weekday may be available upon request.
Cost: Basic parties start at $350 for up to 15 kids (additional kids for $15, maximum of 20). Higher-tier packages and add-ons are detailed on their website.
Includes: All parties are 90 minutes (one hour in the studio, 30 minutes in the party room) and include setup, clean up, balloons, tableware and decorations. Lume will really work with you to customize one of their themes to suit your child’s age and interests and help you plan everything. Pick from their list of amazingly creative themes (from Messy Art to Royal Tea Party, and everything in between) and two teachers will be there to assist, as well as provide all materials. Higher tier parties include food and dessert. Special themes and materials are available for an extra cost. Other fun add-ons include live music, dance instructor (complete with dance party!), party favors and extra time.
Insider tip: You are welcome to BYOB for adult guests! Also, if you want to do a joint birthday party, add $25 for an additional birthday kid. Maximum number of kids is 20, but they recommend capping parties for younger kids at 10 to 15.
The Expressive Hand
Where: 622 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA
When: Anytime, subject to availability; schedule online.
Cost: Basic parties start at $250 (plus tax and tip) for up to 10 kids (each additional child is $20, maximum of 14).
Includes: 90-minute party in a semi-private party room. Choose from pottery painting or a Clay Names party—both include one piece of pottery for each child, paints, glazing and firing. A personal party attendant is provided to set up, clean up and guide the kids through their craft. The birthday child will also receive a personal party gift. Parents must provide all food, drink and paper goods.
Insider tip: Parents of guests are encouraged to drop their kids off at this venue.
Laura Swartz
Where: 904 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA
When: Friday evenings, Saturday after 4:30pm, or Sunday after 12:30pm.
Cost: $250 for just the space rental; $475 for a party with Mister John or Ms. Lilly.
Includes: Two hour rental of the entire studio, which accommodates up to 44 guests. Mister John or Ms. Lilly will provide a 50-minute, multi-sensory and interactive music set incorporating everything you love about the classes. Songs and activities are tailored to suit your party’s theme and the birthday girl or boy’s preferences. Bring your own food and drinks.
Where: 514 Bainbridge St, Philadelphia, PA
When: Sundays.
Cost: Parties start at $375 for up to 18 kids (extra fee for additional guests).
Includes: All the fun of an art party without worrying about the mess! Parties include two hosts to engage your guests in an hour of art time—art materials and take-home bags are provided for their masterpieces—and also do all the set-up and clean-up. Tableware and balloons are also included. Add on a pottery party or other special theme for an additional cost.
Insider tip: For a joint birthday party, you can add $45 (no additional fee if the birthday kids are siblings).
Where: 262 S 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sundas after 3pm, anytime in summer.
Cost: Party packages start at $300 for space rental. Themed parties start at $450 for up to 20 kids ($10 for each additional guest).
Includes: At the basic level, you get access to the full studio space for three hours, as well as setup, clean up, tables and chairs and a gift bag for the birthday child. But, you’ll definitely want to add on a themed party to experience all MTP has to offer. Choose from themes like Broadway Dance Class, DJ Dance Party, Karaoke, or even Improv! Themed parties include both an activity and a choice of craft that fits with your party’s theme. A personal birthday host will assist you with your party needs and planning. Add-ons at the higher tier include food and drink, birthday cake, decorations and party favors.
20. SplashLab Arts
SplashLab Arts Studio
Where: 3510 Scotts Lane, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday, 2-4pm.
Cost: Parties start at $280 for up to 15 kids (add $15 for each additional kid).
Includes: Two hour use of the SplashLab Studio for up to 15 birthday guests with tableware, basic decorations and use of the PA system. Parents select two activities from project lists, and an instructor will lead activities and supply art materials. Kids will take home their masterpieces and also receive a SplashLab goody bag. Guests will also get access to the Splash Room for some out-of-control and messy fun (without worrying about cleanup!). Add-ons include food and drinks, themed parties and clay activities.
21. Sue’s Art Class
Where: 2119 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA
When: Usually on Saturday or Sunday, but anytime upon request.
Cost: Parties start at $375 for up to 11 guests.
Includes: Use of the private art studio for 2.5 hours, an art project (customized to your child’s tastes, theme, needs and age), step-by-step hands on instructions with a lesson on techniques and all art materials (and best of all, cleanup). Choose themes and materials ranging from wearable art and painting to sculpture. You don’t need to worry about party favors because all guests will create something special to take home with them! Price varies based on which art project you dream up for the party. Add-ons include cupcakes, drinks and paper goods.
Outdoor fun
22. Franklin Square
Laura Swartz
Where: 200 6th St, Philadelphia, PA
When: Any time.
Cost: Party packages start at $475 for up to 20 guests (higher-tier packages available for a larger number of guests).
Includes: Two hours of event time in the climate-controlled indoor pavilion. Unlimited rides on the Parx Liberty Carousel, mini golf, playground access, tables and chairs, time for setup and cleanup, event supervisor, additional lawn space (weather permitting). Add-ons include catering (must use one of their approved vendors), a personalized brick, historical interpreters, a visit from Mother Goose, drum and fife.
23. River Rink at Penn’s Landing
Guy Ginn
Where: 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
When: Summerfest runs from the end of May through Labor Day; Winterfest runs from December to March. Inquire about booking dates on their online form.
Cost: $20 per person (minimum 10 people). There is also the option for semi-private lodge rentals for an additional fee.
Includes: Whether it’s rollerskating in the summer or ice skating in the winter, the River Rink is such a fun outdoor option. Kids will love the skating rink, the indoor arcade and much more. Parties include reserved tables for 90 minutes, admission and skate rental, and food and drink by Chickie’s and Pete’s or Garces Catering. Add-ons include additional food, unlimited skating, and (in the summer) a round of mini golf. Bring your own cake or cupcakes, but no additional outside food.
Laura Swartz
Where: 210 N 18th St, Philadelphia, PA
When: Parties are given in two hour time slots at 10am, 1 or 4pm.
Cost: $16.95 (plus fees) per person (minimum 10 guests).
Includes: Packages include a two hour party with guaranteed seating for up to 20 guests inside Logan Square Café, Earth Fountain, or at the Boat Pond (add $1 per person for that last one). Set-up, cleanup and catering is also provided by Logan Square Café including choice of entrée (kid friendly options like pizza, chicken fingers, or sandwiches), sides and beverages. Add-ons include treats like cupcakes, a make-your-own ice cream bar, fresh popcorn and custom birthday cakes. After your party, get on your swimsuits and splash at the Children’s Discovery Garden all day!
Insider tip: You can choose to bring your own cake, but add a $10 fee for that option.
For the little historian
25. Penn Museum
Where: 3260 South St, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am-noon or 2-4pm.
Cost: Parties start at $380 for up to 20 people (including the birthday child and family), $20 for each additional guest. Member discounts apply.
Includes: The Egyptian Expedition birthday party will delight your mini archaeologists with interactive gallery tours, art projects, games (like Wrap the Mummy!), and two hours to celebrate in a pro at party room. Guests are also free to explore the galleries after the party ends. The birthday child’s family receives one free parking spot for the day. The birthday child also receives an ancient Egypt-inspired gift. Add-ons include themed tableware, party favors and best of all, a live mummy encounter! If you prefer a different theme, such as Greco-Roman or a multicultural Animals on Parade theme, the Museum can make it happen for no additional fee.
Insider tip: Balloons and lit candles are not allowed, so you will need to get a little creative when the time comes to sing “Happy Birthday.”
26. Independence Seaport Museum
Where: 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10:30am-12:30pm or 2-4pm.
Cost: Party packages start at $300 for 20 guests (including adults and children). Members receive $25 off their party. Additional guests are $5 each.
Includes: All parties include two hours in a private party room, paper products and party set-up, a scavenger hunt, Museum exploration, hands-on craft and self-guided tours of the Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna. Add-ons include goodie bags, a visit from a pirate storyteller and tickets to paddle the Delaware River (seasonal, from May-October).
Venues worth traveling outside city limits
Where: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
When: Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am, 12:30 and 2:30pm.
Cost: Party packages start at $575 (plus tax) for up to 22 guests.
Includes: Aquarium admission for everyone in the party, a special behind the scenes tour, a personal birthday party coordinator, pizza and
