It seems like just yesterday that birthdays meant you were out at a midtown bar in skinny jeans three shots deep. These days it’s all about gym parties and bouncy houses. Up the fun quotient on your kid’s next bash with these fresh new party ideas that will have you wanting to jump in.
For The Sporty Tween
Your kid has been campsick ever since mid-August. Give them a taste of summer closer to home at The Rock’s “In It to Rock It Party”. Team building exercises and competition (think tug-o-war and relay races) are played on 30,000 square feet of turf or gym floor and are run by their sporty staff. Have a little one? Pick your tot’s favorite game and add in the inflatables. The Rock, 21 Pralle Ln, Bardonia, New York, 845-507-0046, packages start at $450
For Her Royal Highness
Nothing is good enough for your little princess. It’s always “get my carriage” this and “napkin please”, that. Buy yourself one more year ‘til Disney and invite Bella Princess to your home. After glitter and jewels are applied to your little fairies’ faces, authentic-looking princesses will train your guests on what it takes to be royalty, then have them finish off with a coronation and pictures (don’t be shocked if you shed a tear). For the boys, Bella has a few gents on staff to train your prince in knighthood. Bella Princess Parties, on location, 973-429-1108, packages start at $229.
For the Little Slugger
Baseball season is over for now, but The Rockland Boulders is already booking for spring training. The minor league team, located just over the New York border (and close enough to claim as our own) offers parties on their field of dreams. Let your little baller and his pals feel like major leaguers when the crowd sings “Happy Birthday” to them during the sixth inning. Or go for the “Dugout of Dreams” package: the birthday boy throws out the first pitch and the “seats” are in the home team dugout. Either way, it’s a home run. Rockland Boulders at Provident Bank Park, 845-364-0009, bviggiano@rocklandboulders.com
packages start at $18 per child.
For Your Cowgirl (or boy)
You’re not sure where September went, but you’re in need of a birthday plan stat. Dial up Abma’s Farm and give the celebration an authentic hoedown feel with their hayride and pumpkin picking party which runs through the end of October and includes a petting zoo of ponys, donkeys, and other farm critters. For those winter birthdays, Abma’s offers “make your own farm animal” parties, where children can select and create their own stuffed toy. All partygoers snack on pizza and cupcakes, and leave with a hat and bandana. Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff, 201-891-0278
