Kids' Party Places and Spaces for All Budgets

Maplewood and Millburn-Short Hills both give you great incentive to go the Recreational Center route:

Maplewood rents out spaces at both  and the charming  to residents and non-residents (the later at a nominally higher rate). Program Supervisor  says that most of the coveted weekend spots fill up 4-6 months in advance, but some spots are still open.

Prices differ for larger versus smaller specified rooms, weekend versus weekday, but your best bet on a budget is the Civic House where the smaller of the two rooms room will run you $30 an hour ($35 for non-residents) and the larger room $45 an hour ($50 for non-residents). There’s a two-hour minimum and a $50 refundable security deposit required. You can reach Michelle at 973-763-0750 for booking availability and other questions.

Millburn/Short Hills rents out to the to residents only at the rate of $65 an hour for the assembly room and $40 for the youth room. No security deposit or hour minimum required. For more information you can contact Liz Perez of the  at 973-564-7099.

South Orange does not rent out space for parties at the Baird Center and the booking of outdoor park places must be done through the Essex County Parks Department, 973-268-3500.

All three towns do, however, offer some other great spaces and places to make your soiree a success for kids of all interests and ages (and most budgets).

First stop South Orange:

 - The most terrific toy store in town also offers parties in their new space, The Super Groovy Party Room. Current themes include Egyptian Treasure Hunt Party, Volcano Party, PJ Party, Outer Space Party, 70's Disco Party.

Party packages include themed décor, paper goods, a party coordinator, take home craft, activities and stories. You only have to bring food and drink. Price for a party of 12 children is $250 ($10 each additional child. Recommended ages 5 and up.  Sparkhouse can provide goodie bags for an additional charge from their store’s stock).

“Sparkhouse prides itself on unique, quality toys,” says store manager . “Our parties are an extension of that spirit; we strive for fun, adventure and creativity.” The space is also available for rent for $50 an hour (two-hour minimum) and a $25 refundable security deposit.

Next, onto Maplewood:

 - The six screen theater offers a variety of movie choices in a cozy, contained space as well as an affordable approach to keeping kids of all ages entertained. You can book parties during general hours, which include reserved seating, small popcorn and a soda for $12 per child, $14 per adult (3D are $3 more per ticket).

Throw in a stop to one of the nearby pizza parlors before and after and you’ll have a very happy birthday bunch! Call Maplewood Theater at 973-763-3100 for more information.

South Mountain YMCA – This is a great destination location for the sports loving boys or girls of all ages. Kids can break a sweat in the gym under the direction of party facilitators then head to the adjoining party room for treats and sweets you bring along. Gymnastic or sports themed parties run about 90 minutes and include a party facilitators to lead the events.

Prices for Saturday parties are $145 for members, $190 for non-members for a party of 15 ($8 extra for each additional child). Sunday sports parties are available, but at a higher rate ($165 for members, $215 for non-members). For bookings and more information, contact Rosalyn Trewick, director of marketing and membership, at (973) 762-4145 x113.

Final stop, Millburn:

 - Spa-loving hipster chicks of all ages will find all the glam they could possibly desire at this trendy salon and store catering to all things eye-candy and girlie. Pampering, primping and posing keep gals of all ages attractively entertained and moms can call even call ahead to book services in the upstairs salon during the drop-off event.

“Parties here are truly beautiful in many ways,” says Christine, a sales associate at The House. “Everyone leaves here feeling special and gorgeous whether they’re the birthday girl or not!”

Prices vary, but booking the downstairs salon room runs about $30-$35 per child with a 12 child minimum (gratuity extra). Smaller parties can book ala carte services in the salon. Party hosts can bring in their own food or the salon will arrange delivery from local businesses (at no up-charge). For an additional cost attendees leave with goodie bags sure to keep them in glitz and gloss long after the party ends.