What is the easiest way to plan a kids party? The answer is to have someone else do it. [LOL – stop reading here, folks, you have the answer] The lovely thing about NYC is there are many places and people who will happily do this for you, but you have to be ok with paying for the service.
Kids parties come in all shapes and sizes: the outdoor party, the all inclusive party, the backyard party, or the sleepover style party. For younger children, party planning is a big deal because you have to entertain children for more than 30 minutes, so the task is not an easy one.
Here are some of the best ways to plan a party without a lot of stress [keyword *a lot*]:
Party Planners
This full service vendor handles everything and can come to various locations. They will provide entertainment in the form of bubble shows, magic shows, character appearances and face painting with balloon animals.
We’ve used them for our kids parties in Central Park – they brought their equipment on time, set up quickly and made sure the kids were constantly entertained. Very professional and easy to work with!
The name says it all, a full service party planning machine. The team here treats your party like it’s the only one they are doing, and trust me they do at least three a day every single weekend. From managing goody bags for various ages to animal petting shows, art work, and serving your cake to all guests, they are the best.
We were able to bring in adult catering and alcohol [being the only childless adult there, I would like to say thank you] and everything else related to the kids was managed and planned by their awesome staff. The price tag is not low but it’s worth every penny as they really do white glove your party and leave kids very tired… which we know is a sign of a great time 🙂
One of the sweetest ice cream shops (… get it?!). They provide party planning, but the space itself is what makes it very charming. You can bring in your own entertainment or use any of their suggested vendors and they will provide ice cream and all the decor. It’s a great party for younger kids, as they have a whole ice cream shop to themselves!
Only negative is the size. The location isn’t that large so it’s better for smaller groups but they do close down the ice cream shop for your party so you don’t have to worry about other guests.
Birthday Cakes
Maybe the most important part of a birthday party… There are some fantastic bakeries in the city but here are a few that you can’t go wrong with. [not me only having commentary on the cake section…]
Sully & Vanilla: For custom cakes and cookies this is your best bet. Located in the Upper East Side, but will deliver anywhere in the city. She can really make your cake visions come to life! [these are the cutest I have seen – especially for the kids]
EatGoodNYC: Talk about custom. Celebs use them – and trust me it’s worth the hype. Very friendly, reasonable prices and some SICK cakes. Just check out their Instagram page… you will be blown away. [this was legitimately cake art – they can make anything edible, solid choice for an adult birthday or groom’s cake]
Buttercup Bakeshop: A spin off from Magnolia Bakery, but I think it’s 100% better. They have all sorts of goodies and can do sweet gender reveal treats as well! [my personal favorite for their delicious funfetti]
What are some of the places you go to for party planning or treats?
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