Best Birthday Party Places in NYC for Winter

When the chill of winter sets in, it’s harder to find kids’ birthday party places in NYC. If the thought of sugared-up kids invading your apartment turns you off, consider these winter birthday party ideas. Winter is the perfect time to turn your birthday celebrations into a magical seasonal experience. Whether you’re looking for great indoor birthday party places or want to embrace the adventure of a seasonal outdoor gathering, these winter birthday party ideas in NYC offer endless possibilities for creating a memorable day.

Once you’ve nailed down a location, visit this list of the best birthday party themes for every age and our NYC Kids Guide to Birthday Parties to find more party planning help.

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Best Indoor Birthday Party Places in NYC for Winter

1. Movie Theaters – Citywide

Many movie theaters offer private events or birthday parties, especially early in the day on the weekends. Cobble Hill Cinemas in Brooklyn offers birthday parties on Saturday or Sunday mornings and anytime on Mondays for up to 20 kids. Choose anything it is currently showing or bring your DVD. Check the details at your local theater. My kids have also attended memorable birthday parties at the AMC 84th on the Upper West Side and Alamo Draft House!

Kids love: The feeling of a private screening with all of their friends in the audience.

Parents love: These parties are really easy with little to no drama other than who is sitting next to whom.

2. Cricket’s Candy Creations – Tribeca

For a unique birthday party experience that will please your crafty birthday kid and all their guests, check out Cricket’s Candy Creations. This multi-sensory play space is a creative outlet for kids, families, and food lovers. Birthday parties are tailored to your child’s age and interests and all involve candy crafts. The Cherry on Top experience features five signature candy crafts, but other themes include a Sushi & Candy Sushi party, a Candy Jewelry party, or even the Sweet Dreams Slumber Party (sleeping over optional!) There are many more themes offered and all of them are sweet.

Kids love: Candy, creativity, and originality!

Parents love: All aspects of the party are taken care of and the sugar high wears off before you get home.

Kids climb, jump, run, and use their brains and bodies to solve the quests during a birthday party CREA. Photo by the author

3. CREA Interactivity – Industry City, Brooklyn

Head to CREA Interactivity in Industry City for a unique, tech-inspired, active birthday party. Kids are directed through the experience by following a light-sensor pathway. Obstacle stations feature motion-controlled games, glowing stackable LED cube puzzles, a rotating rock wall, a physioball pool, and even a calming meditation area. Your birthday child can choose which themed quest to conquer from options like Save the Ocean, Protect the Rainforest, and Mission Hero Space Exploration.

Kids love: The tech-inspired obstacles.

Parents love: The fact this brand-new play space is like nothing you’ve ever seen before and the experienced staff keeps kids engaged.

4. HAPIK – Industry City, Brooklyn

Unlike traditional rock-climbing gyms, HAPIK doesn’t require experience because all climbing walls are equipped with auto belays. Climb the themed walls or try the elevated obstacle course which includes moving platforms and sky-high zip lines. For an extra challenge, add the interactive treasure hunt to your birthday! Climbers split into teams and are encouraged to climb the most walls to solve clues and earn points. Parties are 2 hours long and include 30 minutes of set-up and safety, 1 hour of climbing, and 30 minutes of cake. Groups of 10-150 can be accommodated.

Kids love: The thrill of climbing themed walls and jumping down with complete confidence using the auto-belays.

Parents love: Watching your guests working together to climb and solve clues.

5. Xanadu Roller Arts – Bushwick, Brooklyn

Growing up in New Jersey, the roller skating birthday was a go-to for many parents. Most NYC kids haven’t experienced the fun of year-round roller skating. But roller skating and skate culture are thriving at this Brooklyn rink. Head out to Bushwick’s Xanadu where you can reserve tables or cabanas for your event. Roller hosts even play party games with your crew. After attending a party of 6-year-olds, I recommend reserving the skate gates for your crew. You’ll thank me later!

Kids love: Something different!

Parents love: The nostalgia, the music, and the cocktails

RELATED: Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places with Mega Playgrounds in NYC

Customize your very own slime at a birthday party at Sloomoo. Photo by Jody Mercier

6. Sloomoo Institute – Soho

Create your own slime at this Soho hotspot. Birthday parties here are as customizable as the slime each of your guests will go home with and can include party room rental, VIP tours, slime tricks, and a trip to Sloomoo Falls.

Kids love: Slime, need we say more?

Parents love: Having Sloomoo’s energetic staff keep the party moving and leaving all the slimy residue behind!

Best Outdoor Kids Birthday Party Places in Winter

7. Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks – Multiple Locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island

Embrace the season and visit one of the many outdoor ice skating rinks throughout the boroughs. For an elevated experience, check out the rooftop at Pier 17, where you can book a cottage or bungalow. Or, try Roebling Rink for an unforgettable skating experience under the Brooklyn Bridge. For little ones, be sure to rent a “skate buddy”—a seal they can either hold onto while skating or sit on while others push.

Kids love: Skating with friends and hot chocolate, which is practically required.

Parents love: Enjoying the cold and the joy of kids skating and playing together.

8. Alley Pond Environmental Center – Queens

One of the best parks in Queens also throws one of the borough’s best winter birthday bashes! Your little nature lovers can soak up hands-on learning in a lively, age-appropriate class, all while surrounded by Alley Pond’s lush forests and wetlands. Friendly instructors introduce kids to live animals (turtles they can actually touch!) before taking everyone on a nature walk through the park’s scenic trails. Birthday kids can choose from four themed parties, including a Pet Care Party or a Survivor Skills party.

Kids love: Live animals and being out in nature.

Parents love: The photo-ops and exploring the natural environment right in the five boroughs.

9. Snow Tubing – Various Locations

For a completely wild and unique winter birthday party, take a group of kids snow tubing! Assuming your local snow hill has melted, pack the kids into your car and hit one of these snow tubing locations within 2 hours of the city. This is a thrill-filled birthday party no one will forget!

Kids love: The unique, out-of-NYC experience and the excitement of the tubing hill.

Parents love: The photo-ops and the unique event.

10. Governors Island

We love this playground in the harbor no matter the season. If there is snow on the ground, take the ferry and go sledding at The Hills on Governors Island. No snow? No problem! Embark on a winter scavenger hunt or enjoy one of the seasonal celebrations and annual events. It’s a perfect getaway no matter the weather.

Kids love: Sledding with a view.

Parents love: This unique winter destination is practically deserted in the off season so you’ll have plenty of room to romp!

11. Bumper Cars on Ice – Bryant Park and Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Who says this amusement park staple is only for summer? Both Manhattan’s Bryant Park and Brooklyn’s LeFrak Center at Lakeside let guests hit the ice in bumper cars. Be sure to book your birthday party at one of these venues well in advance as these limited-time attractions book up quickly.

Kids love: Driving and bumping around with their friends.

Parents love: The endless giggles this outing inspires.