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Birthday Party Places for Creative Kids in New Jersey

1. HealthBarn USA – Ridgewood

If your kid loves spending time in the kitchen, HealthBarn USA offers themed cooking party packages like "Garden-to-Table" and "La Fiesta." Guests learn how to prepare a healthy main dish plus a sweet treat, then sit down to enjoy their meal while waiting for dessert to bake. 

2. Bach to Rock – Wyckoff

Rock out at Bach to Rock with a birthday party recording session. All guests learn to play a song on the keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, or other rhythm instruments, and everyone can download the birthday band's recording, which is engineered at the studio. Karaoke parties and Rock City parties (geared toward ages 4-6) are also available.

3. Montclair Culinary Academy – Montclair

Montclair Culinary Academy has unique parties for kids who love to cook and bake. Just pick a theme (Asian, Mexican, pizza, brunch, sushi, or bake and decorate) and kids learn everything they need to make some delicious eats. Parties can also include a cake or cupcake-baking component.

RELATED: New Jersey Bakeries Serving Over-the-Top Birthday Cakes

Celebrate a birthday at the Angry Birds Not So Mini Golf at American Dream. Photo courtesy of American Dream

Birthday Parties in New Jersey for Adventurous Kids

4. Angry Birds Not So Mini Golf – Secaucus

Head to American Dream's Angry Birds Not So Mini Golf Club to enjoy 18 holes with Red, the pigs, and your birthday crew. Packages start at 10 guests, with a max of 35 total attendees. Note that all guests–both adults and children–require a ticket. Food can be brought in.

5. Battleship New Jersey – Camden

Celebrate aboard Battleship New Jersey for an overnight adventure. Eat dinner and breakfast at the chow line, take a guided tour of the Battleship, and sleep in the same bunks once used by the crew of the USS New Jersey.

6. Black River & Western Railroad – Ringoes

BR&W birthday packages feature a short ride on a restored caboose or 1920s-style club car. After the ride, party in a private room in the Ringoes Station.

RELATED: Indoor Party Spots with Mega Playgrounds for NJ Kids' Birthdays

Defy gravity with your friends at an iFly birthday party.

7. iFly – Paramus

Kids over 3 can defy gravity at iFly, an indoor skydiving center. Guests strap on a helmet and flying suit, take a lesson, and then experience the thrill of flight. These parties are sure to blow everyone away.

8. Jersey Shore Pirates – Brick

Turn your party into a gang of swashbuckling pirates as they set sail on a "real" pirate ship called the Sea Gypsy II. Jersey Shore Pirates takes care of face painting and pirate tattoos, plus a loot bag full of sunken treasure for each guest to take home. Watch them battle Pirate Pete with water cannons, raise the battle flag, and hoist sunken treasure from the high seas. Some packages include a private cruise and the use of a party room.

9. TopGolf – Edison, Mount Laurel

It won't be hard to get in the swing of things at a 2-hour golfing party. Enjoy the driving range while snacking on your choice of breakfast or lunch items served right in the golf bay. Add-ons include golf lessons, goodie bags, and desserts.

Top Birthday Party Places in NJ for Animal and Nature Lovers

10. Adventure Aquarium – Camden

Got a shark lover or fish fanatic? This one's for you. Parties at this fantastic aquarium include admission for up to 35 guests (adults and kids) and up to 2 hours in the Skyline Room, which offers a beautiful view of both the Delaware River Waterfront and the Philadelphia Skyline. Outside food is permitted, or packages can include pizzas and drinks. 

11. Alstede Farms – Chester

This famous PYO farm also offers great birthday parties, where an Animals and Activities package includes activities like pony rides, wagon train rides, and a bouncy house, as well as a visit with the farm animals and animal feed bags for up to 15 children. You'll also have time for refreshments in a reserved party area with picnic tables and benches. 

12. Field Station: Dinosaurs – Leonia

Take a step back in time and let your birthday party crew walk the dinosaur-lined trails at Field Station: Dinosaur. You'll receive VIP seating for the amphitheater show, and the birthday child gets a photo opportunity with the mighty T. Rex, plus a special hat to remember the day. All guests receive a take-home gift.

13. Kafka Farms – Watchung

Have a unicorn birthday party at Kafka Farms, where a "unicorn" pony is adorned with glitter and ribbons to make the birthday child's day. Host this special pony ride party at the farm or your own home. A petting zoo option is also offered.

14. The Lizard Guys – Northern and Central New Jersey

Ready to take a walk on the wild side? The Lizard Guys travel to much of Northern and Central New Jersey with its menagerie of turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, and bugs. Kids hear a funny 45-minute educational presentation about the animals tailored to the age of the party guests.

15. Turtle Back Zoo – Livingston

Turtle Back offers unforgettable parties for children. Rent out the gazebo, the beautiful carousel area, a picnic table, or a classroom, and have a wild party. Lots of catering options are available and you can order goodie bags, too.

RELATED: Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in NJ that Come To You

Mad Science brings the party to you with exciting demonstrations and experiments.

Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Little Scientists

16. Mad Science – Statewide

With themes like space, superhero, and slime, these 45-60-minute parties are held at the venue of your choice and are perfect for kids ages 4-12. Expect an exciting show (think fire, air pressure, chemistry, and static electricity demos), and you can add additional science fun like a rocket launch, cotton candy making, and dry ice.

17. Arena Stem – Paramus

Expect interactive and competitive fun at these parties. Pick engaging activities like remote-control speedboats, drone flying, and slot car racing. Some packages include pizza and beverages.

18. Robert J. Novins Planetarium – Toms River

Blast off with your buddies at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium. A private party includes a 45-minute show (choose a planetarium film or laser show) and an hour in a party room (bring your own food). At the end of your show, the planetarium programs a personalized “Happy Birthday” message on the dome.

Photos courtesy of the venues

This piece was originally published in 2019 and has since been updated.