Whether you’re celebrating a birthday for the first or 10th time, expectations for kids’ parties are high these days. But in a city like Boston, options abound for unique celebrations! Whether you just need a space to DIY yourself, or you’re searching for an all-inclusive fete, there’s a spot for you. And luckily we’ve done everything but send out the invites—here are 35 of the best party spots in Boston and the ‘burbs:
GET ACTIVE
1. Launch Trampoline Park, Watertown & Norwood
Launch
Where: 570 Boston Providence Hwy, Norwood, MA
When: Any day
Cost: $289-$649
Includes: Depending on the package (there are three options), your kiddos can enjoy the trampolines, laser tag, dodge ball, or all three for up to one hour and 45 minutes. Pizzas, unlimited fountain drinks, Launch socks, a Launch party host and paper goods are also included.
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2. Jump On In, Boston, Lowell & Woburn
Where: 100 Holton St, Boston, MA
When: Any day
Cost: $239.99-$389.99; save by having your party on a weekday!
Includes: Jumping fun on the giant inflatables, plus a room rental for celebrating with refreshments and gifts. The parties here last a total of two hours and include all paper products with set up. Order coffee, juice and pizza through Jump On In.
3. Urbanity Dance, South End
Leilani Thomas/Urbanity Dance
Where: 1180 Washington St, Boston, MA
When: Call for availability.
Cost: $500 at Urbanity headquarters; $450 at the Wellness studio
Includes: A two-hour party with 15 kids; a craft session, dance performance and lesson from Urbanity teachers, all paper goods, set up and clean up. You bring food, cake and balloons, and choose the theme for the dance class.
4. Jump N’ Slide, Newton
Where: 145 Wells Ave, Newton, MA
When: Any day
Cost: $299-$449
Includes: This varies per package, but the basic package includes up to 10 children and unlimited party time in all play areas, thematic supplies, pizza, drinks, and cupcakes, plus $5 game cards for each child. You can also opt for the $299 customized package if you want to plan all food and décor yourself.
5. Goldfish Swim School, Brookline & Needham
Where: 45 4th Avenue, Needham, MA
When: Weekends
Cost: Call for pricing!
Includes: Up to 24 kids from 4 months to 12 years, one party coordinator, and two certified lifeguards. Parties also include two hours of private access to the facility, invitations, paper products, tropical balloons and decorations, cupcakes, and beverages for kids.
6. Dance Place, Arlington
Where: 50 Water Street, Newburyport, MA
When: Sundays, 11am-1pm or 2-4pm
Cost: $125
Includes: If your little loves to dance then grab 14 of their friends and watch them all boogie! The price is definitely right and you’ll get two hours of studio time with games, free play and crafts. You can even choose from three different themes: tumbling party, dance party or dress-up party. Just bring your own refreshments and decorations.
7. Rock On Adventure, Norwood
Rock On Adventure
Where: 661 Pleasant St, Norwood, MA
When: Available most days; check online calendar
Cost: $325-$365
Includes: Up to 10 kids (pay extra for more guests) will get two hours with a mix of three themes (rock climbing, ninja warrior, dodge ball, nerf tag, ariel silks, dance party); all parties include games, a trip down the zip line, space for refreshments with only tables and chairs provided. The “Epic Party” includes more supplies and food.
8. Rock Spot Climbing, South Boston
Where: 30 Old Colony Ave, Boston, MA
When: Weekdays starting at 3pm; weekends starting at 10:30am
Cost: $224-$440; $25 for each additional child; additional $175 for an overnight
Includes: The basic package includes 1.5 hours of climbing, bouldering and team building games for up to eight climbers. It also includes custom invitation templates, goodie bags and a “prize pack” for the guest of honor!
9. CoCo Key, Danvers
Where: 50 Ferncroft Rd, Danvers, MA
When: Thursday-Sunday
Cost: Start at $300
Includes: All packages include unlimited swim time, one hour for a meal in the party room, pizza, soft drinks, sheet cake, party favors and $5 arcade cards for each child. Overnights are also available!
FOR BABIES & TOTS
10. Groovy Birthdays, Various locations
When: Call for availability; depends on the teacher requested
Cost: $250 for the party; space rental is additional cost
Includes: Your favorite teacher provides instruments for the kids to play such as shakers, drums, jingle bells, tambourines, and more. They also play with scarves, rainbow ropes and puppets. Parties are 45 minutes, and they’ll play both children’s music and a variety of jazz, world music and funk.
11. Little Lovage Club, South End
Little Lovage Club
Where: 778 Tremont Street, Boston, MA
When: Thursday and Friday afternoons, all day Saturday and Sunday
Cost: Space rentals start at $499; themed parties start at $875 for 16 children
Includes: This is an absolutely stunning space in Boston’s charming South End neighborhood. The themed parties, while pricey, are absolutely adorable and you don’t have to worry about a thing. Everything from the set up and decor to the delicious themed, gourmet cupcakes and party favors is taken care of.
12. Jam Time, Maynard & Natick
Where: 86 Powder Mill Road, Maynard, MA
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Cost: $250-$500
Includes: 90 minutes long (perfect amount of time) and up to 15 children in this super fun play space. You also get decor, paper goods and lemonade in the most basic package. There are numerous add-ons such as face painting, balloon animals and party favors. Price varies if you’d like a semi-private party versus a completely private party.
13. My Gym, Boston, Newton, Burlington & Framingham
Where: 30 Ossipee Rd., Newton, MA
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Cost: $349-$525
Includes: Every birthday party is planned with special song and game requests, puppets, free play, etc. There are three different birthday packages to choose from and additional add-ons as well. Your party specialists at My Gym will take care of setup, decorations, service of refreshments and clean up. You just bring paper goods and food!
SHOWTIME
14. Puppet Showplace Theatre, Brookline
Where: 32 Station Street, Brookline, MA
When: Depends on performance schedule
Cost: For public shows: $12 per person; for groups of 20 or more tickets are $10 per person. Lobby rental is $125/hour & $75 per 1/2-hour. Private parties are $550.
Includes: Choose from either a Public Party or Private Party. The public party is the most popular! The box office will reserve a group of seats at a regularly-scheduled performance and the birthday child’s name will be announced prior to the show. You can then celebrate after in the theater lobby. Bring any food, paper goods or games you want to play. The cost of a private party gets you the performer’s fee, staff time, and performance space and lobby rental.
15. Improv Boston, Cambridge
Caitlin Cunningham/Improv Boston
Where: 40 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA
When: At a Saturday Family Show at 4pm
Cost: Cost of tickets (minimum of 10 guests) with a 15% discount; $150 for space rental for cake or presents after; $225 for a comedy workshop add-on.
Includes: The basic party is block seating for the show with priority admission and optional guest-of-honor participation in the show. The space add-on is for one hour to do anything you’d like. The comedy workshop add-on includes 45 minutes of games and exercises from a Improv Boston instructor.
16. Boston Children’s Theatre, South End
Where: P.O. Box 171388, Boston, MA
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Cost: $300-$400
Includes: Choose from three options: $300 (12 kids), $350 (18 kids) or $400 (24 kids). All parties include improv and scene games with an instructor, plus pizza, birthday treats, drinks, decorations and paper goods. Choose from themes like Princesses, Wild West, Zombie Training, Star Wars: Jedi Training and more. Add-ons of face painting, crafts and photographer available. You do invites and goodie bags only!
INDOOR PLAY SPACES
17. Inside Playground, Watertown
Where: 100 Parker St, Watertown, MA
When: Any day
Cost: $350-$450
Includes: You have an option to rent the entire space or spend less and join the kiddos already playing there. If you’re planning a weekend party, it’s best to pay the extra for the entire space. The venue is big, but fills up quickly on weekends. There are fun bouncy houses, slides, loads of toys and free parking. Set up/clean up, tablecloths, paper plates, napkins and cups are provided.
18. Imagine, Cambridge
Imagine
Where: 23 Bay State Rd., Cambridge, MA
When: During play space hours (8:30am-7pm); after-hours will include an additional fee
Cost: Varies depending on size; smallest (25 people) starts at $225
Includes: There are five private rooms and two large halls available for a two-hour rental, depending on the size of your party. Imagine can provide paper plates, cups and napkins, but you bring food and clean up your party room!
19. The Golden Chickpea Center, Brookline
Where: 224 Washington St, Brookline, MA
When: Call for information about scheduling; 857-210-9122
Cost: $349
Includes: Up to 20 guests for open play and party games. Balloons, streamers, décor, kitchen access with tableware and cutlery are also provided—just bring food and drink! Custom crafts can be added on as well.
20. Legoland Discovery Center, Somerville
Where: 598 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA
When: Any day, 11am, 1, 3 or 5pm
Cost: $675
Includes: All-inclusive party includes up to 40 guests, admission to Legoland (including all rides), all the party supplies, 60-minutes in the private birthday room complete with pizza, unlimited beverages, cupcakes, and a “build session” where kids can build something to take home as a favor.
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
21. Museum of Science, West End
Where: 1 Science Park, Boston, MA
When: Saturday or Sunday
Cost: Venue rental, $1500 for 40 guests; $1250 for museum members; if this doesn’t fit your budget, you can forego renting a private room and just do exhibit hall passes and vouchers to the dining area.
Includes: Private event space for two hours, exhibit hall passes for the day, on-site parking, 30 minutes of set up and clean up, table and chairs and a party coordinator. You must provide cake, serving plates and cutlery.
22. Boston Children’s Museum, Seaport/Fort Point
Where: 308 Congress Street, Boston, MA
When: Fridays, 2-4pm or 5-7pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 11-1pm or 2-4pm
Cost: $400-$600
Includes: Room rental for two hours, free admission for the day for all party guests and a birthday party coordinator. There are numerous “add-ons” such as face painting, food options, party favors, goodie bags, etc.
23. Boston Fire Museum, Seaport/Fort Point
Where: 344 Congress Street, Boston, MA
When: Saturdays and Sundays; 11am-1pm or 2-4pm
Cost: $250
Includes: Kids get two hours to climb on the truck, slide down a fire pole and play party games. The rental space holds up to 80 guests, with tables and chairs to accommodate. Bring in your own food and drink as well as decorations and party supplies. Children will go home with their own special fire helmet as a gift.
NATURE LOVERS
24. Zoo New England, Stoneham & Dorchester
Zoo New England
Where: 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA
When: Summer (April 1 to September 30) offered at both zoos daily at 10:30am-12:30pm or 2-4pm; Winter (October 1-March 31) at Franklin Park Zoo only; daily from 10:30am-3:30pm.
Cost: $600-$800; rates vary depending on party package & time of year
Includes: You can choose the DIY party option or the all-inclusive Super Safari package at either Stone Zoo or Franklin Park Zoo. The Super Safari option includes a two-hour room rental, admission for up to 16 guests as well as meals for the guests, animal encounters, animal-themed centerpieces, décor, and masks. The DIY package includes just a room, table and chairs plus discounted tickets ($10).
25. Habitat Education Center & Wildlife Sanctuary, Belmont
Where: 10 Juniper Road, Belmont, MA
When: September-May; weekday afternoons (3:30-5:30pm) and weekends (10am-noon or 2-4pm)
Cost: Weekdays $225, Weekends $275
Includes: Parties are for children ages 6 to 10 years and last 90-minutes. Experienced staff will lead the children through a program (according to your chosen theme) which always includes time spent outside. There are different nature-based, season or anytime themes to choose from, like Maple Sugaring, Garden Party and Science Wonders.
26. Puddlestompers, Newton
Where: 1 Bridge Street, Newton, MA
When: Any day
Cost: $275
Includes: Choose from hundreds of nature topics or themes and either explore along the Charles River at Puddlestompers Nature Center or have them come to your home. Designed for up to 15 kids, ages 2 to 8 years, you’ll get an hour-long party with a half-hour use of facilities afterwards.
27. New England Aquarium, North End
Where: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA
When: Call for more info
Cost: $10.45-$12.45 per person for IMAX party; $23.95 per child, $30.95 per adult for aquarium party; $400 for members and $460 for non-members for an On-the-Road party.
Includes: Children ages 5 and up can enjoy an IMAX Theatre movie presentation in 3D while snacking on popcorn and a soft drink. Or visit the aquarium and enjoy the programs and lunch in the café. Lastly, have the aquarium come to you on weekends with various tide pool animals for the kids to see and learn about.
28. Drumlin Farm, Lincoln
Mass Audubon
Where: 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA
When: September to Mid-June
Cost: $275-$400
Includes: The “basic party” includes up to 25 guests and freedom to explore the farmyard guided by Drumlin Farm birthday hosts. Parties can be enhanced with group hayrides, eagle eye exploration, or hot cocoa story time. For the themed party (more expensive and only for ages 5 and up), choose one of four themes: cow, chicken, mouse, or rabbit. These parties include 15 guests and include an animal encounter.
GET CRAFTY
29. Pinecones and Needles, Belmont
Where: 385 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA
When: Any day
Cost: $149-$299
Includes: Space for up to 12 kids (ages 6 and up) for two hours, all craft supplies and instructions and a special gift for the birthday child. You bring the cake or birthday treat.
30. Muckykids Art Studio, Cambridge
Where: 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
When: Contact for availability
Cost: $275
Includes: Up to 12 kids (additional guests are $15 each) for one-and-a-half hours with exclusive use of the space, activities and materials, and staff. You just bring the cake and any other food or drink. You can also customize the theme and crafts.
31. Made by Me Pottery Studio, Cambridge
Where: 1685 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA
When: Call for details regarding dates; 617-354-8111
Cost: $24 per person
Includes: Minimum of six kids and maximum of 11 kids (all 12 and under) with two hours of studio time and a piece that’s up to $12. There is a private space available downstairs to accommodate a birthday party with partyware provided; up to 20 people can fit here.
32. Artbeat Creativity Store + Studio, Arlington
Artbeat
Where: 212A Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA
When: Saturdays, Sundays and some weekday afternoons
Cost: Call for pricing; they can accommodate any budget!
Includes: Children ages 5 and older, available for 10 to 16 friends; mini parties for 6 are also available. An instructor guides them in their art project (choice is up to the birthday girl or boy!) for an hour. Staff will clear tables to make room for your refreshments and gift opening.
FOR CULINARY KIDS
33. Create A Cook, Newton
Where: 53 Winchester Street, Newton Highlands, MA
When: Saturdays
Cost: $500
Includes: Two-hour birthday parties for children ages 5 and up in the customized kid-friendly kitchen classrooms. Parties can accommodate up to 12 children. Staff is provided to assist, just choose one delicious theme (Hawaiian Luau, Brunch, Mexican, etc.), decorate cupcakes, and they provide everything from set up to paper goods and cutlery. Favor bags can be added on for a truly effortless party!
…OR DIE-HARD SOX FANS
34. Fenway Park, Fenway/Kenmore
Where: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA
When: In-season, home games
Cost: Call for exact prices; group tickets range from $22-$175 per person.
Includes: Accommodates up to 20 guests, ages 3 to 18, in a block of bleacher seats above the visitors bullpen; get early entrance to the ballpark, a scoreboard message, and a birthday meal (hot dog or pizza) for each guest, too.
…OR LITTLE PRINCESSES
35. Sugar Plum Parties, Stoneham
Sugar Plum Parties
Where: 297 Main St, Stoneham, MA
When: Every day
Cost: $379-$599
Includes: The first tier package includes up to 5 guests including the guest of honor. You get invitations, 1.5 hours in the space, Sugar Plum Fairy hosts, themed costumes for all guests, singing & dancing on stage, up-dos, nail polish, themed activity, birthday cake, place settings and coffee or tea for the grown ups. They truly take care of everything! Choose from a variety of themes (mermaids, frost princess, spa, etc.), a DIY take home favor and add-ons.
