Rent the perfect children's birthday venue in New York

With four locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Oddfellows revamps the whole "kid in a candy store" shebang to be a little more... chill. Known for their unique twists on classic flavors (Coffee Crunch, Cookies and Mint, and Peanut Butter S'mores) and their funky limited seasonal ones (Miso Cherry, Coconut Pandan, and Vanilla Blackberry Blondie), Oddfellows offers an elevated ice cream experience without stepping too far outside the box – yes, we're looking at you, Salt and Straw.

Their private party packages are ideal for big and little kids alike, and include an 8" personalized ice cream cake or a build-your-own-sundae bar. You can book the whole shop for a two-hour slot, decorate as you like, and use the sound system. If you've got a guest with an unfortunate dairy allergy, don't worry – Oddfellows has vegan flavors too, and they're just as good.

Sometimes you want a family-friendly sit-down pizza restaurant that's not A) a limewashed, minimalist spot that sells natural wine or B) a carpeted chain with smelly bathrooms. Kid Pizza is the answer. Blending 80s nostalgia and modern design, the interior is colorful without being too flashy – you'll find pistachio green booths, checkered floors, and globe lighting, along with primary color accents. The menu features nostalgic finger food accompanying their crispy, wood-fired NYC pies. Buffet-style set menus are available for $55, $75, $95, and $125 per person, with exclusive additions for events. And for those Park Slope moms: yes, there is a natural wine menu.

There are two Wes Anderson-inspired private dining spaces: The Green Room and The Skylight Room can be booked individually or combined via a private bar for up to 30 guests. There's a projector, audio set-up, and retro games available for entertaining the kids while the adults chat.

If your kid has a green thumb (or if you just want to get them to get off of the iPad and touch grass), the New York Botanical Garden offers children's birthday party packages for up to 20 little ones over the age of 3. A group tours coordinator will guide guests through custom activities, from gardening to scavenger hunts to crafts. The package also includes pizza and drinks, and you can bring your own cake and decorations.

If you don't want to book a private event, NYBG has plenty of family friendly seasonal activities at the Children's Adventure Garden.

If you're a beige mom, maybe consider giving your child the gift of color this year. Color Factory in SoHo offers over a dozen interactive exhibits that'll engage the senses in unexpected ways, from ball pits to mirrored disco rooms. Each room is designed in collaboration with a local or international artist, made to celebrate the vibrant color palette of NYC.

Each visit includes surprise giveaways, sweet treats, and complimentary photos. All party packages (for up to 40 guests) include the full Color Factory experience, along with exclusive two-hour use of their private Celebration Room. Bring your own snacks and cake, but you won't need many decorations – the place is colorful enough.

The Brooklyn Children's Museum was the first documented children's museum in the world, opening in 1899. Located in a quiet residential area, the cultural institution is designed for families, serving 300,000 children annually with exhibits and cultural programming focused on hands-on, sensory experiences.

Birthday parties are available to book in their private indoor or outdoor spaces, for 25 to 50 people, which includes admission to the Museum for every guest. Every party package also includes a private rental space. There are multiple upgrade options, like the "Explore Edition" (for scavenger hunts) and an "Art and Party Edition (for arts and crafts projects). You can also host a private movie screening in the theater. Every upgrade includes pizza, juice, and utensils, as well as a customized parting gift for guests.