Cool Kids' Birthdays at Long Island Museums

5/12/14 - By Jaime Sumersille

Finding the perfect birthday party place takes a lot of planning and consideration. How many children can they accommodate? Is it unique enough? Does it interest my child? Several Long Island museums offer customizable kids' party packages that are engaging, educational and energizing. For other cool ideas on where to host your child's party, check out our Long Island Party Guide.

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Long Island Children's Museum
11 Davis Avenue, Garden City
516-224-5800
At LICM, various birthday party themes have been created utilizing the museum's popular exhibits. There are age-specific parties for ages 2-12, with fun themes including Superhero Party and Weird Science. Messy Merriment is a fun, hands-on party for young toddlers. For easy gift-giving, LICM even offers a wish list where kids can choose items they want from the museum store. Pizza and cake packages are also offered.

Cradle of Aviation Museum
Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City
516-572-4111
Just down the street from LICM on Museum Row, the Cradle of Aviation Museum also offers kiddie parties. A variety of themes are available to accommodate kids ages 3-12. The museum also boats an IMAX theater that can be incorporated into your child's special day. A two-hour guided party is $375 for up to 25 guests and includes invitations, an "out of this world" activity (according to chosen theme), a craft and food. Bonus add-on options includes a carousel ride at $1.50 per ticket at Nunley’s Carousel next door.

Firefighters Museum and Education Center
1 Davis Avenue, Garden City
516-572-4177
Your child's party will include a tour of the Museum, a paper craft activity, pizza and soft drinks and a party host. State certified instructors provide interactive presentations. The birthday party package is for up to 25 people.

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
631-367-3418
The Whaling Museum offers 1.5 to 2-hour parties for children ages 3-12. Prices vary from $330-$500, depending on the day and theme. Party cost is for 15 guests, plus the birthday child. Maximum of 27 children; extra guests are $12. There is no charge for adults. Themes include Mermaids n’ Friends, Pirates and Gross Out parties. It also offers a camp-out sleepover party for ages 7 and up.

Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove
516-571-8010
Garvies Point offers hands-on, investigative birthday parties for curious minds. Various themes are available around environmental and natural history, including dinosaurs, Native Americans and nature. These parties are suitable for ages 4-10. The cost is $250 (plus materials fees where mentioned) for up to 15 children and 2 hours of programming and activities. There is no charge for the parents and grandparents of the birthday child.

Tackapausha Museum and Preserve
Washington Avenue, Seaford
516-571-7443
This 84-acre sanctuary boasts oak forests, ponds, streams, small mammals and birds. It also features displays about the ecology of Long Island, as well as animal exhibits, shows and interactive activities for children. It is available for birthday parties on weekends.

Children's Museum of the East End
376 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
631-537-8250
Pirate, princess and various other birthday party themes are available starting at $400 for a two-hour party for 20 children and 20 adults. Smaller birthday parties for up to 10 children for a flat rate of $250 for a single room rental are available. Party-goers enjoy free admission to the museum post-party.

Main Photo: Cradle of Aviation Museum. Credit: Jackie Malzone

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