Check out some creative party venues for kids in the greater North Jersey area

“You’re invited!”

It’s the sentence that makes children shriek with excitement. Full of presents, treats, and entertainment, birthday parties are the height of childhood fun. But as parents keep upping the birthday party anti, the yearly celebration can leave families at a loss for new and creative ideas. Alas, the days of Pin the Tail on the Donkey and ice cream cake might be ending, but luckily, our area is filled with unique birthday venues to keep you up with the Joneses. From pirate parties to video game fetes, we outline party venues that will make all of your child’s birthday wishes come true.

Imagine That! Children's Museum

4 Vreeland Road, Florham Park

Imagine That! is a 16,000 square foot children’s museum with over 50 kid-friendly exhibits and five party rooms. They offer 11 party packages with themes such as Pampered Pooch, Deluxe Princess Party, Sports Star, and Jungle Jamboree, as well as a Create Your Own Party option. Most packages include themed paper products, favors, a puppet show, a slice of pizza, and an unlimited amount of time to explore the museum. Party packages range from $289.99 - $599.99.

Ahoy Mate! Time to Play Pirates. Our pirates climb aboard and pretend to navigate the salty seas in search of hidden treasure. (Photo courtesy of Imagine That!!!)

GameTruck Clark/Garwood

Westfield, Garwod, Cranford, Clark, and the surrounding areas

This portable party service brings over 36 video game titles that can be played on high-definition televisions right inside the truck. Each truck has Nintendo Switch consoles, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Wii-U. Price quotes for Video Game Parties are available upon request.

What are you playing? (Photo courtesy of the @gametruck_hq Instagram page)

Field Station Dinosaurs

Overpeck County Park, Leonia

Why not party with some dinosaurs? Field Station Dinosaurs is an outdoor exhibition that has over 30 life-sized robotic dinosaurs on display. Their Cretaceous Celebration party package includes admission to the entire park, a photo-op with their giant T-Rex, a personal party planner, cupcakes, and a goodie bag item for each guest ($39/child; $20/parent; $10/guests 6m-1y). When you upgrade to the Fossil Fete, a 3D movie and BBQ is also included ($49/child; $30/parent; $15/guests 6m-1y).

Life size Triceratops and other prehistoric creatures await birthday boys and girls at First Station Dinosaurs. (Photo courtesy of fieldstationdinosaurs.com)

Diggerland

100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin

We promise that this venue is worth a trip to South Jersey. The 14-acre construction themed park allows anyone 36” and up to operate real machinery that’s been modified to allow everyone – including children – to safely operate them. Birthday boys and girls have “buckets of fun” as they enjoy two hours of ride time on all the park attractions. They can also enjoy reserved time in the Party Pavilion along with pizza, soda, and gem stone mining bags for the guests. Party packages range from $99.95 - $369, with add-ons available.

Dig in to some fun at Diggerland USA. (Photo courtesy of diggerlandusa.com)

Turtle Back Zoo

560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange

There are plenty of party animals at the Turtle Back Zoo. More specifically, there are prairie dogs, giraffes, penguins, jaguars, and a variety of other wildlife living on the property. For various prices, the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex and Verona Park Boathouse can be rented out for birthday celebrations that include a catered lunch, goodie bags from the gift shop, face painting, wildlife education, and more. Detailed pricing information is available on their facility rental brochure.

All aboard! Ride one of the 30 creatures on the Turtle Back Zoo’s Endangered Species Carousel during your birthday party. (Photo courtesy of turtlebackzoo.com)

Glassworks Studio

151 South Street, Morristown

Reserve a private room at this popular DIY Glass Fusing Studio for your birthday celebration. You bring the food, drinks, and candles, and Glassworks will provide the fun. During the party, ten guests can create a nameplate, frame, or round dish that will be fired in the kiln and be ready for pick up a few days later.

Customer studio work from the @glassworks_studio Instagram account

Glitter & Glam

700 Paramus Park, Paramus

Glam squad alert! This kids’ salon makes every birthday boy or girl feel like royalty with their party packages featuring age appropriate hair, makeup, and spa services. Get colored hair extensions and a shot at karaoke with the I’m a Rockstar package, rival Cinderella with the Princess package, or discover treasure with the Pirate package. Prices range from $19.95-$499.95.

Get glammed up for your birthday bash at Glitter & Glam (Photo courtesy of glitterglamnynj.com)