Looking for birthday party ideas for your child? Whether you host at home and hire entertainment or let someone else do the work at a separate location, we have 26 differ-ent ideas for you on these pages.

• New York Islanders Group Sales

  1535 Old Country Rd., Plainview
  800-882-ISLES, Ext. 3
  www.newyorkislanders.com

  Hey kids, it’s time to celebrate your birthday in style — and the Islanders want to play the part of host. With three great birthday parties to choose from, there’s no question that an Islanders party is perfect for the big-time fan. Whether you choose the Stanley Cup, Hat Trick or Great Save party, you’re sure to experience birthday memories that will last a lifetime. With each of our three party options, partygoers will have great seats to take in all of the action, as well as a hot dog and soda. In addition, the  birthday child will receive an autographed puck and sunglasses from Davis Vision. So celebrate in style — and with your favorite team. For more information call 800-882-ISLES.

• Bouncers and Slydos

  1835 New Hwy., Farmingdale
  631-752-2324
  www.bouncersandslydos.com

  Bouncers and Slydos, the newest and most exciting party facility on Long Island, offers the best birthday parties and extras to make your event unforgettable. Kids enjoy an hour in the giant arena with seven to nine inflatable rides (fully supervised and climate controlled), followed by a half-hour celebration in the party room. Pizza, juice and bottled water are included for every child — the birthday child’s free. Set up and clean up is taken care of and they supply the paper goods and invitations. Goody bags are available as well as piñatas, balloons and characters. Bouncers and Slydos can even handle the videotaping and provide a one-hour keepsake DVD. Call today to plan your next party at Bouncers and Slydos.

• International Soccer Academy     

  905 Jericho Tpke., Smithtown
  631-864-3088
  www.isasoccer.com
  info@isasoccer.com

  Soccer never Stops at International Soccer Academy. Conveniently located on Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown, this unique indoor soccer facility offers programs for children of all ages, all year round. From their Little Stars Program (three to four years), to their Individual Training Program (five to16 years) children are challenged to be their best, by professional, internationally recognized and experienced coaches. We also offer tournaments and leagues for youth and adult teams. And don’t forget to ask about our amazing birthday parties. They’re an hour-and-a-half filled with food, fun and soccer. Call us at 631-864-3088 to set up a tour where you’ll meet the staff, see the facility and learn about the programs weoffer throughout the year. You may also want to visitour Web site at www.isasoccer.com.

• Active Kidz

  210 Forest Dr., East Hills
  516-621-6600
  www.activekidzlongisland.com

  Active Kidz, an 8,400-square-foot indoor sports and athletic facility, is expanding. In addition to our gym, rock climbing wall and three-level adventure maze, we’re adding a 5,000 square-foot themed multilevel laser tag arena, two batting cages, five large inflatables and a 1,000 square-foot preschool room with computers, interactive sensory toys and soft play climbing equipment. We’re a great place for school and camp trips and birthday, bar mitzvah, sweet sixteen and graduation parties. On weekdays, we have sports and art classes for children. Open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm, Active Kidz is a place where the whole family has fun. Call ahead for open play times and beginning in January our extended hours. Visit www.activekidzlongisland.com for more information.

• Atlantis Marine World Aquarium

  631.208.9200, Ext. H2O (426)
  www.atlantismarineworld.com

  Bring oceans of fun to your child’s next birthday with a party at Atlantis Marine World Aquarium. We offer everything for an unforgettable aquatic celebration — party room, pizza, cake, a guided tour of our fascinating exhibits, unlimited Submarine Simulator rides, reserved seating at our Sea Lion Show and more. You can even add a tour boat cruise or arrange a themed party hosted by one of our Aqua Squad mascots. Atlantis Marine World is also a special place for special celebrations, such as Sweet 16 parties and bar/bat mitzvahs. Beyond our unique atmosphere, we offer exquisite cuisine, prepared by chefs who can customize a menu for any requirement and budget. Make a splash with your next party — celebrate at Atlantis Marine World. Check us out at www.atlantismarineworld.com.

• Bayville Adventure Park

  8 Bayville Ave., Bayville
  516-624-RIDE
  www.bayvillescreampark.com

  Bayville Adventure Park turns into Bayville Scream Park during the month of October with five thrilling haunted attractions including their newest addition, “Evil in the Woods.” Mini Golf and all the Adventure Park attractions will be open as well as the new Amazing Arcade of  Amusements, featuring the hottest arcade games available and Beaches and Cream Soda Shoppe that specializes in homemade ice cream, sundaes and more. For non-thrill seekers, “Not So Scary Days” on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 5 pm, will feature a pumpkin patch, Funhouse of Fear with no actors and spooky gifts and treats. Birthday parties are available. Special event coordinators will help customize a memorable and stress-free event to match your child’s age and your budget. For more information, contact Vita Mannino, director of special events at 516-628-2628 (option 4) or vita@bayvilleadventurepark.com.

• Chilibeans Party Place

  103 Meade St., Hempstead
  516-680-3024
  (upper level Little Stars Academy)
  www.chilibeans.com

  Chilibeans offers the best private parties for your child — all you bring are the guests and the cake. Chilibeans provides the invitations, all paper goods and utensils, juice boxes, water bottles and a balloon-filled party room. Kids enjoy the Tumble Tots Playroom, perfect for infants, toddlers and young children, while the Rock & Roll Room is a favorite for ages four and up featuring a Nintendo Wii, a rock climbing wall and more. Chilibeans has a wide variety of crafts, including ceramics, magnets, bookmarks and decorated hand mitts for every age. Chilibeans’ very own Story Lady interacts with the guests as she reads favorite selections with fun voices and lots of imagination. Costumed characters and face painting are fun options. Make your child’s day unforgettable for family and friends. Call Chilibeans today.

• Clix

  326 Walt Whitman Rd. (Rte. 110),
  Huntington Station
  631-425-2900

  Now your 7- to 17-year-old and 10 of her best friends can live it up like a fashionista with a CoverGirlz birthday party hosted by Clix, where the birthday girl can have her own high-profile photo shoot. Weeks before the diva of honor has the initial session. She’ll get personalized invitations, thank you notes, a 4 x 5 portfolio of her 20 favorite images and a “Clix CoverGirlz” magazine cover. During the main event, models wear their favorite outfits and use Clix’s trendy accessories. Each guest receives a mini-modeling session and contact sheet with 16 images. The main Covergirl gets an 8 x 10 group portrait and a DVD of all the images of guests. Fun games and dancing keep the models entertained before and after their shoots.

• Darlene Graham Productions

  Serving LI, NYC, CT
  917-648-6891
  www.darlenegrahammusic.com

  Looking for a fresh idea to enhance your child’s birthday party? Need a new twist on your holiday party or other special occasion? Call Darlene Graham. A certified, NYS licensed music teacher — and mom herself — has left the classroom and recorded a brand-new album (you can listen on her Web site). Invite Darlene to perform at your next party. She comes with her guitar and about 100 other instruments for the kids (and even parents) to join in the music-making fun. Darlene’s music is upbeat and soulful, gets children on their feet and dancing, and everyone participates in the concert. She has appeared at the Long Island Children’s Museum and other venues. Now Darlene can headline at your next party. Call today to learn more and visit the Web site to listen.

• Dinosaurs Rock® Fossil & Mineral Events

  800-411-DINO (3466)
  www.DinosaursRock.com

  We bring the museum to you. It’s our ninth year and we’ve been seen by one million-plus for a 65-million year learning adventure. “See and Touch” up-close, giant exhibits, with 50-plus museum-quality fossils, minerals and dinosaur artifacts, life-size T-Rex skull, 9-foot high Ice Age mastodon leg, dinosaur footprints and glittering minerals. DINOSAURS Rock® Fossil or GEMS ROCK Mineral Adventure are original, highly interactive shows, that “wow” kids with educational entertainment. Hands-on Fossil Digs, Excavations, Gemstone Mining, Geode Opening and Mineral crafts let kids discover dinosaur bones, shark teeth, real rubies and emeralds to take home. We have demonstrations of fluorescents, magical magnetic and X-Ray Rocks. For ages 3 to 13, Pre-K Little Raptors and our new, outrageous Extreme party. Shop the Superstore at www.DinosaursRock.com for unique party supplies and gifts.

• Flips Gymnastics

  975 West Jericho Tpke., Smithtown
  631-863-3547
  www.flipsgymnastics.com

  Has your child ever dreamed of flying through the air, just like Peter Pan or Wendy? That dream can come true at a Flips Gymnastics birthday party. All kids enjoy jumping, tumbling and balancing their way through a program that’s fun for all ages and abilities. The birthday child takes center stage when he or she puts on a spotting belt and soars over the trampoline for a thrilling ride. Every Flips party consists of fun-filled gymnastics routines with trained instructors guiding kids through an entertaining hour in their fully air-conditioned setting. In the last half hour, guests enjoy pizza, juice and a delicious cupcake in Flips’ party room. Flips provides all paper goods, invitations, food, balloons and a party T-shirt for the birthday child.

• Fun Craft

  www.plastercraftonline.com/Locations

  What would be more fun for a child’s birthday party than Fun Craft, where kids get creative while having a blast with their friends? They have everything from Plastercraft Painting to Create-Your-Own CD to Stuff-A-Pet. Fun Craft parties include a craft, private disco room with latest sound and lighting show, 135-inch entertainment screen, video games, bubble fun, food and party favors. Everything is done for you. Just bring the camera. Additional services include party themes, characters, carnival cotton candy, popcorn wagon, face painting, tattoos, piñatas, balloons and much more. Customize your party or choose from four packages: Deluxe, Premium Deluxe, Royalty Prince/Princess or Tween Party. Locations include Jericho (516-933-1785), Great Neck (516-487-0255), Dix Hills (631-462-0576); Commack (631-493-0620) and Copiague (631-789-2733), which is open for parties, retail and wholesale.

• The Rinx/Hidden Pond Park

  660 Terry Rd., Hauppauge
  631-232-3222, Ext. 224
  www.therinx.com

  Throw your child the party of their dreams at the only twin, full-size, all-season skating facility on Long Island: come to The Rinx. Party packages include a two-hour party with 75 minutes of skating, skate rentals, special gift for the guest of honor, free admission and skate rentals for the parents of the birthday child. We provide special “icing on the cake” invitations, balloons and all paper goods. At the Time Out Café, children enjoy soda, punch, chips and choice of a hot dog or slice of pizza. There’s a 10-child minimum; the cost is only $175 ($15 for each additional child). Half-hour group lessons are also available ($30 per instructor). Call today and reserve a date for your child’s special day.

• Island Fencing Academy

  101-32 Dupont St., Plainview
  516-576-0646
  www.islandfencingacademy.com

  Do you want to throw a birthday party that your child and his/her friends will talk about long after the cake sugar-high has worn off? Tired of the cookie-cutter parties? Island Fencing Academy (IFA) offers something different with their fencing birthday parties for ages five to 12. All partygoers receive fencing instruction (safety, etiquette, rules, tactics) and then compete against each other. Your child(ren) will learn from athletes who train and compete at a national and international level. All necessary equipment is provided. Thirty minutes of festivities are continued after the fencing is finished. Food can be arranged. Parties may be scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Limit of 12 children. For scheduling or questions, call Island Fencing Academy at 516-576-0646.

• Jump

  151 Dominion Blvd., Ronkonkoma
  631-585-JUMP
  www.jumparties.com
  info@jumparties.com

  Jump is a spectacular indoor inflatable party center. Fantasy becomes reality as kids jump, climb, slide and play their way through our many outrageous inflatables with twists and turns around every corner. Our state-of-the-art game room has all the coolest simulators and sport games. Each party is your own private party and includes your own personal party counselor. Jump has two huge Jump rooms with three to four inflatables in each. Each party runs approximately 2 hours with 30 minutes in each Jump room, 30 minutes in the game room and30 minutes in the party room where pizza, bagels, beverages and cake is served. Jump is perfect for all types of parties. Get ready for the time of your life . . .  Because there’s no party like a “Jump” party. Call 631-585-JUMP or visit www.jumparties.com for more information.

• Just Fabulous Parties

  1842 Jericho Tpke., Dix Hills
  631-486-5130

  At Just Fabulous, it’s not just another party; it’s an event. They offer everything for cuties to beauties ages four to 16. Bright pink carpet, animal print rugs, custom-designed vanities, comfortable sofas and a stage — it’s all part of an amazing and unique atmosphere. Your two-hour party can include manicures, pedicures, facials, funky hair-do’s, dance parties and stage performances. To enhance your party experience, choose from à la carte features such as a chocolate fondue fountain or limousine ride. Teens love to hang out in the JFab bar and lounge area where they can have a pretend sleepover party with no parents allowed. Come visit or call for more information about other services and special event packages.

• Kitchen Time’s Party Place

  691 Broadway, Massapequa
  516-795-4980; 516-735-6919
  www.kitchentime.net

  Are you looking to do something special to celebrate your child’s birthday? Kitchen Time creates birthday memories while engaging kids in making cookies, baking soft pretzels and creating full meals to eat. Hands-on is the concept; sticky fingers are part of the fun. Kids measure ingredients, grate cheese and use a pastry bag. All two-hour parties include a cake decorating session, and icing tattoos are the reward for a job well done. What could be more fun? Plus, parents love the organization, cleanliness and experience of over 25 years in the kitchen with teacher-hostesses who attend to every detail. Ask about the “Small Fry” classes, scouting parties, bachelorette parties, and adult recreational cooking and candy making classes. Call Terry for details.

• LilChefs.com Special Events

  516-338-0552
  www.LilChefs.com
  Paula@LilChefs.com

  LilChefs.com Special Events has been voted “Best of Long Island 2008: Best Place for a Kid’s Party” and nominated again for 2009. Their food has been featured on Food Network TV, radio and in magazines. Customized cooking parties inspire children to spice up family kitchens in Long Island, New York City, Westchester, Rockland and New Jersey. Children four-plus create delicious dishes, decorate chef outfits, play food-related games and learn the essentials of food preparation, safety and hygiene. All two-and-a-half-hour parties include custom invitations, photography and video. LilChefs.com parties can be hosted either at home or at a partner location. They do all the work; you take all the credit. Workshops and demonstrations for after-school programs, scout troops, camps, charitable events and corporate parties are also available. Call Chef Paula today.

• Mad Science of Long Island

  866-331-2493 or 516-620-6768
  www.madscienceli.org

  For over 20 years Mad Science has provided top quality educational and fun science programs for children. Hands-on, high-energy parties are performed by a trained Mad Scientist who brings all the necessary equipment to the location of your choice. All party packages include Mad Science invitations, a Mad Science poster and a take-home activity each child works on during the party. They also offer add-ons like bubbling potions, rocket launching and toy-filled goody bags. Mad Science specializes in after-school enrichment programs/science clubs, in-class workshops, science shows/assemblies, Boy and Girl Scout programs and summer camp programs. Mad Science programs are developed by a team of professional educators, scientists and entertainers to ensure they’re accurate, educational and fun.

• Once Upon a Sundae

  2943 Long Beach Rd., Oceanside
  516-208-6737
  www.onceuponasundae.com

  Once Upon a Sundae is a whimsical children’s party place featuring an adorable kiddie-size ice cream parlor. Magical parties are one hour and 45 minutes of sweet, hands-on fun. Themes include pirate/fairy adventure or little lords and princesses (dress up), tea party, glitter glam, pajama party, carnival and a baseball trading card party, to name a few. We now do Nintendo Wii and Pinkalicious parties. Children also participate in multiple theme activities, including craft time. Finally, kids move to the ice cream parlor where counters and stools are just their size, and they enjoy pizza and drinks and create their own sundae. We’re a peanut and egg allergy-friendly facility and also offer Kosher parties. Make your child’s special day a memorable one at Once Upon a Sundae.

• Once Upon a Time

  6096 Jericho Tpke., Commack
  631-486-4327
  www.onceuponatimeli.com

  Have it your way at Once Upon a Time. Our all-inclusive package consists of two hours, invitations, craft, pizza and juice, five to seven activities, cupcake decoration station, goody bags, thank you cards and a happy staff. (All inclusions are theme related.) Example themes include Pirate, Princess, High School Musical, Science, Cheetah Girls, Dora, Diego, Sesame Street, Thomas the Tank Engine, Luau, Glamour, Tea Party, Create Your Own and much more. Our parties are appropriate for ages one to eight. Call to explore all our options. But whatever you choose, your child’s sure to enjoy a dream come true birthday at Once Upon A Time.

• Q-Zar Family Entertainment Center

  151 Voice Rd. (off Glen Cove Rd.), Carle Place
  516-877-7200
  www.qzarny.com

  Q-Zar is an action-packed challenge that appeals to ages seven to 70. The state-of-the-art laser game is fully interactive, complete with a high-tech sensor vest and laser handset. Participants enter the futuristic arena enhanced with special effects, electronic-techno sound and amazingly exciting lighting. There are a variety of game options, all of which feel like getting inside a video game. Party packages feature two exclusive games of laser tag with a personal party host, all paper goods, invitations and thank you cards and prizes for each guest. Plus, the birthday child gets an annual membership so the fun can continue year-round. Call today to learn why Q-Zar’s reputation is so stellar; it’s “the game that runs on adrenaline, not batteries.”

• Slots-a-Lot Raceway

  1100 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
  516-616-7075

  Rev up your engines. Slot-Car racing, the fun, fast-paced craze of the seventies is back at Slots-A-Lot Raceway, a family-run business for the last 13 years. We’re dedicated to providing your birthday child with a unique party experience. After racing, guests will enjoy pizza, drinks, ice cream and prizes for the winners. But remember, everyone is a winner at Slots-a-Lot. You don’t have to wait for a party to join in on the fun. We have three tracks of at least 240-feet of winding road course each and a HO’ scale track. You can either buy a car or rent. Stop by on Tuesday, family night where two can race for the price of one. See you soon for awesome racing.

  Sportime

  Bethpage, Kings Park, Massapequa, Quogue,
  Harbor Island, Syosset, Roslyn, Schenectady,
  Lynbrook, the Hamptons
  888-NY-TENNIS

  SPORTIME offers the very best children’s birthday parties. Our state-of-the-art multi-sport facilities, enthusiastic staff and wide variety of activities make our birthday parties truly unique. We provide everything but the cake. Birthday parties are 90 minutes long, with the children spending the first hour playing all of their favorite sports, and the final 30 minutes celebrating in one of our special party rooms. All of our multi-sport facilities are designed and equipped to provide party guests with a wide variety of sports activities. Children may choose activities from a list that includes basketball, soccer, baseball, floor hockey, volleyball, dodge ball, kickball, roller hockey and inline skating. Select SPORTIME facilities offer special party options that include rock climbing, indoor turf field activities, tennis and dance.

• Strike Long Island

  1350 Union Tpke, New Hyde Park
  516-354-1222
  www.strikelongisland.com

  Strike is the dramatic transformation of a fifties-era bowling alley into a cutting-edge entertainment destination. Strike houses a total of 27 lanes of bowling plus a Formula One style go-kart track that enables 13 racers to safely compete at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and provide the ultimate competitive party experience. Strike also offers a state-of-the art arcade room with the latest games and prizes, as well as a private banquet room and numerous kids’ birthday party packages.

• Thomas School of Horsemanship

  250 Round Swamp Rd., Melville
  631-692-6840
  www.tshcamp.com

  Experience more than a birthday party at the Thomas School of Horsemanship. Each child will meet “their own” horse and have a ride lesson. They’ll feel a great sense of empowerment as they navigate the horse around the ring. The parties give each child the chance to experience why they say: Horses bring out the best in everyone. Parties include invitations, thank you cards, goody bag, a horse-related craft and one-hour of ride time, and an additional half hour is spent in the indoor party cottage or outdoor picnic area and sports field, petting zoo, balloon jumper at an extra charge, and full playground with a pirate ship. A party hostess, riding instructors and ride assistants are all provided. The cost is $350 for up to14 children and $25 for each additional child.