The Arts & Crafts movement in Portland isn’t just the signature bungalows: PDX kids are as creative as they come (indoor play is a fine art in a rainy city). This year, make their birthday party one that supports their craft-acular side. Read on for 8 awesome local spots to book your little artists’ next birthday bash.
photo: The Craft Factory via Yelp
The Craft Factory
It’s a crafter’s wonderland here as little artists come together to celebrate. Children get to choose a craft base and grab a bucket, then the sky’s the limit for how much they embellish their project from the many options available. Party guests get to crafting by attaching their treasures with one of the glue guns available (with assistance, if needed). The Craft Factory provides partyware, decorations and a dedicated hostess. You just bring the cake and guests for a super fun, 90-minute party. Want to kick it up a notch? Add extra features for a longer party, such as face painting, balloon twisting, fairy makeup and even a visit from your child’s favorite princess.
Cost: $175-$350
7832 SW Capitol Hwy. Ste. B
503-577-4310
online: craftfactorypdx.com
Little Engineers
A LEGO lover’s dream! Grab your budding engineer and all their friends for a building party. Parties last about 2 hours, and guests will have free-build time with LEGOs and toys, one building activity facilitated by experienced staff and another physical activity to help with those extra wiggles. Upgrade to the deluxe package for provided themed decorations and tableware and party favors for everyone to take home.
Cost: $145 – $260 for up to 10 guests, $25 for an extra half hour
10110 SW Nimbus Ave.
503-372-9817
Online: little-engineers.frontdeskhq.com
photo: My Masterpiece Art Studio
My Masterpiece Art Studio
Your little artists can show off their skills in their favorite medium with a Gallery Party. In this two-hour party they have many options in an open studio format for the birthday kiddo and their guests to have an art making experience they won’t soon forget. Bump it up to a Museum Party, which is an instructed art class available in both canvas painting and sculpting with clay.
Cost: $155-$435
7905 SW Cirrus Dr.
Beaverton
503-453-3700
Online: mymasterpieceartstudio.com
Little Pixels
Imagine having a party where your little drama stars can dress up to their heart’s content, all the while being photographed by a professional photographer. At Little Pixels, party guests will dress up and model on stage, posing for photos. Party themes include Little Princess, Rock Star and Fashion Show, or will work with you on the idea you dream up. Party time includes the photo shoot and dress up play, dance party and games as well as time for treats and presents. The best part? Every guest goes home with a CD of photos at the end of the party! Moms of littlest ones, she also offers a smash cake party for first birthdays
Cost: $200 – $250 & more for optional extras
12620 SW Farmington Rd.
Beaverton
503-933-6677
Online: littlepixels.net
photo: The Merry Kitchen by Julie M. via Yelp
The Merry Kitchen
Have a little sous chef at home? This is the place for your birthday party, or she will even come to your home. Select a theme or pick your own for an entire meal your birthday baker and their friends will absolutely love fixing together and then sharing. For an extra $15 cost they can even bake the birthday cake! Party guest counts are limited based on age and a party generally take two hours. Make it organic for $5/person extra.
Cost: $30/child onsite; $35/child in your home; extra $5/child for organic
5202 NE 72nd Ave.
503-946-8357
Online: themerrykitchen.com
photo: Mimosa Studios
Mimosa Studios
Bring your little painter and their favorite friends for a party that lets them find their artistic side. Party guests will have about an hour to choose from a wide assortment of ceramics and paint til their hearts’ content, with lots of help from the staff. The party finishes with about a half hour at the end of the party for cake and presents. The birthday kiddo also receives a custom painted birthday plate with a design they choose and all the party guests’ names on it.
Cost: $12-$18/child
1718 NE Alberta St.
503-288-0770
Online: mimosa-studios.com
Mad Science
Have a budding scientist with an upcoming birthday? Parties begin with a fun and entertaining science show that lasts about an hour. Each child will get to be part of a unique experience that results in a party favor to take home. Birthday scientists will get to wear a lab coat and receive a full color poster and certificate. Lab parties provide all paper products, beverages, and use of the party room. Just bring the guests and cake. For an extra special science party, choose from one of their grand finales, such as cotton candy making, dry ice and bubble potions, rocket launching, rolling robots and for parties at the lab you and your guests can take a hovercraft ride. Special invitations and goody bags are also available to make your party complete. Mad Science parties can come to you, or you can have the party at the lab.
Cost: $209.99-$334.95 for parties at home;$284.95-$314.95 for parties at the Lab; $229.95-$394.95 for themed parties, additional $44.95/grand finale
1522 N. Ainsworth St.
503-230-8040
Online: portland.madscience.org
photo: Young Art by Chloe W. via Yelp
Young Art
For a party that will inspire a refrigerator-full of drawings for months to follow, book a party with an art lesson. With three levels that vary in length and features from Mini Monets to Dazzling DaVincis to Perfect Picassos, there’s a party for everyone. They begin with an art lesson that includes supplies (45–90 minutes, depending on party level), and also include nail art or glass coloring and use of a reserved birthday area for cake and treats. The DaVinci and Picasso parties come with upgraded deluxe party favors, and Picasso guests also receive a gift for everyone.
Cost: $19.95-$29.95/guest
9585 SW Washington Square Rd.
503-352-5965
Online: youngartusa.co
Where is your favorite place to host a birthday party that let’s your child’s talents shine? Tell us below!
—Stacy Coplin
