Oh, baby! If you—or someone near and dear to you— has got one on the way, it’s time to celebrate with a baby shower. But like all kids, all moms and parents-to-be are different, with their own styles and preferences, and some like to do it up big, and bold, or just a little extra. If you’re looking for a unique spot to host a baby shower in NYC, check out this crop of venues, all extra special in their own way. (For more traditional or classic NYC baby shower venues and ideas, see our story on hosting a baby shower in NYC here!)
For the Irreverent Mom: Magic Hour
Whoever said you had to have your shower in somebody’s living room on a Sunday afternoon? Break all the rules and consider being perched 18 floors above the city at Magic Hour! This venue features an ‘urban amusement park’ that boast five distinct environments, leaving you feeling whimsical, sexy, elegant, and child-like (in a good way) all at the same time. There is also an indoor lounge plus two separate outdoor areas. Although your guest will be fixated on how glowingly beautiful you are, if by chance they happen to take their eyes off of you for a moment, they will see magnificent views of the Empire State Building. Guests will also be able to take part in a little Foreplay, also known as the miniature putt-putt course designed by Tao Group. (Which, given the event, is pretty appropriate, no?) Prices vary at Magic Hour based on the number of guests, date, and time.
Magic Hour
485 7th Ave. (at 36th St.)
Midtown
212-268-0188
Online: marriott.com
For the Mom Who Loves Prospect Park (And a Big Party)
Admittedly, you'll have to put some work into this, but if your mom-to-be loves a singular event and a big to-do, celebrating at the Prospect Park Soiree, a benefit for the Prospect Park Alliance that's billed as "A Magical Evening of Dining and Dancing Under the Stars in Prospect Park", could be the solution. A feel-good, community event, this celebration invites New Yorkers to don festive attire (white is popular) and set their own table—including food and drink. People go all out with both decor and cuisine, but you can be as simple or elaborate as you like. After feasting, revelers hit the dance floor to get down. This year's benefit is June 22, and tickets, on sale now, are $45; blocks of 10 get you two bottles of wine. (Bring some lovely stemware and fancy seltzer for the guest of honor!)
Online: prospectpark.org
For the Mom who Misses the Rec Room: SPiN
Put a new spin on traditional baby shower games at go all in for table tennis, AKA, ping pong. Your event will be held in a private room with three ping pong tables and your own private bar. You will also have the ability to play your own music (with or without a DJ), TV capabilities and a variety of lounge seating. The private room can fit up to 50 adults and costs $1500 per hour with a two-hour minimum. The venue also has a variety of food and beverage packages for all guests at an additional fee.
SPiN New York
48 E. 23rd Street.
Gramercy Park
212-982-8802
Online: newyork.wearespin.com
For the Mom with a Sweet Tooth: Sugar Factory
Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what Sugar Factory is made of. (Well, that, and lots of fodder for Instagram feeds.) This place is a real-life candyland on steroids. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night options of mouth-watering appetizers, entrees, and of course Sugar Factory’s specialty, desserts. The venue offers a variety of packages including a premium menu, deluxe menu and brunch menu. The top floor features a private “VIP’ room that can be rented out and comes complete with a personal candy store that can customized with guest’ favorites—we can finally say goodbye to the “candy table” folks, because we have arrived! In addition to the savory cuisine and sweet confections, Sugar Factory offers an out-of-this-world selection of liquid libations for your guests.
Sugar Factory
835 Washington St.
Tribeca
212-414-8700
Online: sugarfactory.com
For the Badass Mom: Kick Axe Throwing
Being a mom every now and then you will probably have to kick some metaphorical axe. Why not get started at Kick Axe throwing in Brooklyn. Yes, you read that right. The axe throwing venue hosts baby showers! Axperts, as they call themselves, will teach your party the basics in about 10-15 minutes and then let the games begin. You get to battle it out with your friends and loved ones over who is the best axe thrower out of the bunch. Events can be booked seven days a week, and as early as 9 a.m. There are various food and drink packages available, but you are also welcome to bring your own catering. Prices are based on the length of the party and the number of guest, but range from $350 for a 1.5 half hours for up to 10 guests.
Kick Axe Throwing
622 Degraw St.
Gowanus
833-542-5293
Online: Kickaxe.com
For the Proper Mom: Lady Mendl’s
If you’ve been dreaming of a tea party-themed baby shower, head to Lady Mendl’s Tea Room in the heart of New York’s historical Gramercy Park. At this unconventionally chic tea salon, private parties can be held for up to 50 guests in either the main dining room or library. Guests will be served a four-course meal starting with salad, followed by an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones with jam, gateau de crepes, petit fours, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Four teas will also be offered. Prices start at $59 per person, plus a room rental fee. You can also add on beverage packages to include ice tea, soda, wine, and beer also for an additional fee.
Lady Mendl’s
56 Irving Pl.
Gramercy Park
212-533-4600
Online: ladymendlsteasalon.com
For the Mom Who Needs Some TLC: Ohm Spa & Lounge
If you want to skip the big parties and just want to hang out with your closes BFF’s, Ohm Spa & Lounge is where you need to be. They offer a relaxing treatment tailored specifically to alleviate the physical discomfort related to pregnant women via a pre-natal massage. Trained therapists use special techniques to help improve circulation and diminish back and hip pain. The expectant mom will be fully supported with pillows to allow for face-up and side-lying positions. This service is only available after first trimester of pregnancy, however, there are a host of other relaxing services for mom-to-be, including facials and scrubs. The venue offers a variety of packages for parties based on services requested.
Ohm Spa & Lounge
260 5th Ave. 5th Fl. (between 28th & 29th St.)
NoMad
212-845-9812
Online: ohmspa.com
—Elaina Herndon
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