Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Museums and Iconic Landmarks: Where History Meets Party

1. Intrepid Museum – Hell's Kitchen

Best For Ages: 6-10
Why it's Only-in-NYC: Celebrate on a real aircraft carrier docked on the Hudson River with historic aircraft, a space shuttle, and interactive STEM fun.
Party Highlights: Private party room, museum educator-led tour, hands-on STEM activities, XD simulator rides, basic supplies, and optional food add-ons.

2. New York Transit Museum – Downtown Brooklyn

Best For Ages: 7-12
Why it's Only-in-NYC: Party in an underground subway station-turned-museum with vintage train cars you can actually board.
Party Highlights: Museum educator-led tours, train-themed crafts, private party room, and time to explore the museum.

3. Jane’s Carousel – Dumbo, Brooklyn

Best For Ages: 2-10
Why it's Only-in-NYC: Celebrate at a beautifully restored historic carousel set along the East River with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Party Highlights: Unlimited carousel rides, picnic tables provided in the summer, and indoor seating provided in the colder months, flexibility to bring-your-own food and party supplies.

Immersive Worlds and Creative Playgrounds: Beyond the Norm

4. Color Factory – SoHo

Best For Ages: 6-12
Why it's Only-in-NYC: Explore artist-designed, color-themed installations, from a confetti room to a giant ball pit and interactive photo-ops.
Party Highlights: Timed guided admission, private celebration space, treats throughout, keepsake photos, and optional add-ons.

5. Space Club – Greenpoint and Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Best For Ages: 1-6
Why it's Only-in-NYC: This uniquely designed indoor playground boasts glowing rooms, star-shaped ball pits, and sensory zones.
Party Highlights: Access to all play zones, a private party room, plus help with prep and clean up.

6. Sloomoo Institute – Soho

Best For Ages: 5-12
Why it's Only-in-NYC: Kids get to dive hands-first into a multi-sensory slime wonderland with glow-in-the-dark goo, slime waterfalls, and an immersive experience that’s equal parts science, art, and pure messy fun.
Party Highlights: Private party room, slime-making stations, guided exhibit experience, customized slime favors, and optional food and merch add-ons.

Active Adventures & Performing Arts: High-Energy NYC Fun

7. Chelsea Piers – Chelsea

Best For Ages: 5-13
Why it's Only-in-NYC: This massive waterfront sports complex offers high-energy party options from rock climbing to swimming, gymnastics, and more—all with NYC skyline views.
Party Highlights: Choose-your-own sport, private party room, food and drink, basic decor, and optional custom add-ons.

8. New York City Ninja Academy – Midtown West

Best For Ages: 6-12
Why it's Only-in-NYC: Inspired by the American Ninja Warrior TV show, this one-of-a-kind gym lets kids test their skills on real obstacle courses designed by actual ninjas.
Party Highlights: Ninja-led training sessions last the full 90 minutes and your party gets exclusive use of the facilty. There's no party room here—the entire party is the activity. You can grab pizza nearby once the gym time is over.

9. Galli Theater – Financial District

Best For Ages: 4-10
Why it's Only-in-NYC: Book the "Be the Star You Are" party and kids can star in their own fairy tale play on a real off-Broadway-style stage led by professional actors at this charming German-founded venue that specializes in creative drama experiences for young performers.
Party Highlights: Theater workshop, costumes, live performance, private party space, themed decorations, pizza, juice, and a custom cake.

Sweet Dreams and Culinary Creations: Edible Party Experiences

10. Taste Buds Kitchen – Chelsea

Best For Ages: 3-17 (themes vary by age)
Why it's Only-in-NYC: Learn to cook like a pro in a stylish open-concept teaching kitchen where kids create (and eat) their own meals.
Party Highlights: Chef-led cooking class, chef hats and borrowed aprons, ingredients, and a celebratory meal made by the kids.

11. Milk Bar – NoMad

Best For Ages: 5-12
Why it's Only-in-NYC: Celebrate at the home of the cult-favorite birthday cake that helped redefine NYC desserts. Founded by celebrity chef Christina Tosi, Milk Bar brings serious fun (and frosting) to the party.
Party Highlights: Private cake class, confetti cookie decorating, multiple frosting colors, and crafting activities.