Party Time: 9 Places to Host an Indoor Birthday Bash
by Allison Sutcliffe
Having a winter baby means finding an indoor birthday party spot, especially considering Boston’s chilly climate. While you can definitely go the bouncy house route, sometimes it’s fun to branch out and find a venue with a personality that matches your kiddo’s. Whether yours loves to play, game, cook or create, we’ve got an indoor birthday party place to match. Here’s where to plan your next celebration.
Where to Celebrate with Little Kids
Boston Playground
It’s everyone’s favorite indoor playground, so it only makes sense it’s a popular indoor party spot too. Hosting a birthday here is super simple, whether you plan a simple private playdate, or bump it up a notch and make it a private party for just $50 more. If you take the plunge, you’ll get access to the private party room, plus an additional 30 minutes of play. Prices start at $175 and can accommodate up to 40 guests. You bring the décor, food and cake and let the folk at Boston Playground handle the plates, napkins and cutlery.
Good to know: If the playground doesn’t entice your kids, maybe a Nerf Wars or Archery Games party will. They’re great for older kids and are offered at the same location.
This colorful playspace and school in Brookline is a mecca for toddlers. It’s got everything the need to have a good time including games, toys and costumes. When you book at birthday party here, you’ll have access to the whole space during the 2.5-hour party. BYO food and cake, they provide the tableware and cutlery. The price is $400, or you can email about custom arts and crafts party options.
Because it doesn’t get easier than planning a kids’ party at a museum dedicated to play, booking this bash is a no-brainer. Partygoers can enjoy cake, ice cream and a fun celebration in the dedicated party room after exploring over three floors of educational fun and festivities. Parents will love the dedicated party coordinator who’s there to help set up and clean up. Parties start at $600 for up to 25 guests, and they’re booked in 3-hour blocks on the weekends. As this is a popular party spot, we recommend booking at least 2 months in advance to get the weekend you want.
North of the city is where you’ll find this indoor playground that caters to kids under six. Like many of Boston’s playspaces, this one has everything you need to keep kids active for the whole two-hour party session. They’ve got swings and slides, kitchens and markets, trampolines and climbing arches to make kiddo’s imaginations take flight. Parties range from $200-$300 and can include up to 46 people. We love the add-ons, like custom party themes and special craft projects. Food is BYO, or hit up the food truck across the street. Just remember, this is a nut-free facility.
If you’re looking for a wide open space for toddlers to party and play, it doesn’t get easier that the Little Loveage Club downtown. For $900, families get the 5,000 square feet to spread out in, and all the toys babies and toddlers love. Parties are booked on Friday evenings and the weekends in three-hour slots, and there’s seating for up to 16 youngsters, with a 60 person maximum so parents can stay to enjoy the day.
When it comes to magical parties, Sugar Plum Parties tops the list. Their decked out space includes gorgeous tables, a stage where kids can perform, dress up costumes and hair and nail styles so every partygoer can look their best. There are two ways to party here—by hosting a personal play date for two to three kids ($125-$150) or by going all in on a party package (starting at $430). Parties are for 5-10 guests and it’s where parents will get the most bang for their buck including invitations, DIY favors, themed tables, a fruit and pastry tray, and most importantly a Sugar Plum Fairy helper. We love the storybook character meet-and-greets that are an easy package add-on.
If art and pizza sound like your kid, book a party at The Glass Bar in Needham. With two party options, you’ve got choices. Kids six and up will decorate a mosaic tile before noshing on pizza and cake. Kids nine and up can try their hand at glass fusion first; then it’s time to celebrate. Parties are for up to 16 kids and it’s a parent drop-off dream (only hosts are allowed to stay).
Whip up fun at this party spot for budding chefs ages five and up. Along with 7 of their friends, the birthday kid can cook two to three dishes and decorate cupcakes alongside Create a Cook’s experienced staff. You choose from cool cooking themes (think: Asian wraps, Mexican, cupcake wars and more), and everything is taken care of, down to the aprons little chefs use. The package costs $550 and party favor bags can be added for $15 each.
53 Winchester St. Newton Highlands, MA 617-795-2223 Online:createacook.com
Empow Studios
If you’ve got a tween, chances are they can’t get enough gaming. Let your celebration center around this passion at Empow Studios, where kids can choose from five different party themes (Minecraft, LEGO robot, video game design, animation or music production) and two different party packages that range in price from $350 to $545. Each package is good for up to 10 kids and includes 90 minutes of gaming activity and 30 minutes to celebrate the birthday kiddo. It’s a trendy spot to plan a party for a reason—it’s easy for parents and the kids love it.
1776 Massachusetts Ave. Lexington, MA Online:empow.me
