8 North Fork Birthday Party Ideas

Courtesy of Bella Anima Parties

I don’t know about you, but I’ve reached my limit on Safari Adventure. (Full disclosure: my kids still LOVE the place, ugh.) If you’re in the same overwhelmed, overstimulated boat, here are eight North Fork birthday party ideas you’ll want to consider, especially while it’s still too cold to host a classic backyard party.

For the daydreamers

Bella Anima Pamper and Party, Wading River

If you have the kind of kid who you always find getting into your beauty products and asking to dress up, Bella Anima, located in the Shoppes at East Wind, must be their next birthday party destination. With nearly 10 themes to choose from, including a T-Swift Era theme, tea party, Barbie party, and glow party, the hardest decision you’ll have to make is deciding which to choose as the team at Bella Anima takes it from there! They cover everything, and I mean everything, from party invitations to food to the most elaborate on-theme table decor you’ll ever see. Parties are for 11 children including the birthday child (additional children welcome at an added cost) and typically last two hours. Depending on the theme, parties could include dress-up, hair design and braiding, dancing, manicures, temporary tattoos, and more with many add-ons available. Food and dessert for adults are available at an added cost. Parties start at $1,000. Visit bellaanimaparties.com for complete info and to book.

For the foodies

Pizza Making Class at Barrila’s Pasteria, Riverhead

In this experiential two-hour class, kids will work with a pro to learn how to make, stretch, and shape authentic pizza dough. Next, they’ll choose their toppings, cook, and nosh on their own delectable creation right there! Upon arrival, kids will enjoy drinks and appetizers before digging into the pizza making session. Each kid is given an apron and hat, not only to wear during the party but to take home. Kids will also take home their own handmade dough. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available on request. Barrila's Pastaria offers a fun, light-filled, and open atmosphere for adults to mingle while they watch with appetizer and drink packages available. The pizza making class starts at $69 per child. Visit the restaurant’s website or call for more info. 

For the artists

VEME Studios Kids’ Workshops, Greenport

This warm and inviting Greenport studio offers children a unique space to gather and create with their friends. With five birthday party options currently available, there’s something for every budding artist. The acrylic painting workshop, open to children of all ages, invites kids to draw and paint a subject of their choice on canvas — $50 per child. Air dry clay is another option where attendees will choose a theme and build a creation then paint — $60 per child. A mask pottery-making workshop is also available for kids 8+ and costs $75 per child as well as a coil vase workshop, also for kids 8+, costs $80 per child. A tie dye workshop which is great for kids 3+ costs $30 per child and includes one t-shirt per child. Each of the parties is two hours except the tie dye which is one hour. Add-on options are available such as face painting and a custom handmade pinata. The birthday party minimum is six children and a maximum of 20 children. No food or drinks are included but may be brought in by the party hosts. Email veme.create@gmail.com to inquire and visit vemestudios.com for info.

For the musicians

Music Parties at East End Arts, Riverhead

If your kid dreams of being a rock or pop star, East End Arts is their place to party with two party options geared towards your young musician. In the Rock Band Party, kids are invited to bring their own instruments for a jam session using the in-house PA. Or choose the Karaoke Party and sing like a star to their favorite songs. Each party lasts 1.5 hours and includes one hour of music fun and 30 minutes for food and sweets. Base party costs are $240 with additional time available at $25 per half-hour. Party hosts are responsible for all decorations, food, drinks, sweets, tableware, and cutlery. Parties are offered on Saturdays between 2:30 and 5 p.m. and include 8 guests including the birthday child. Additional children may join for $25 per child up to 15 kids. Visit eastendarts.org for more details and to book. (Paint parties are also available, more info on site.)

For the explorers

Sensory Play Lab Parties at A Bloom Approach, Wading River

At this play and learning center located in the Shoppes at East Wind, you’ll choose your party theme and A Bloom Approach will get to work crafting their magic and creating five sensory and process art stations in that theme. Stations can include wet and dry sensory bins, experiences, make-and-take projects, and more. Families are responsible for all food and beverages including a celebratory sweet. These parties are best for kids ages 1-10 and include 1.5 hours total including time for dessert, however, if food is brought in additional time must be added on. The cost for up to 15 children is $650 with an added $30 per additional child. Add-on options are available such as additional stations and more time. Visit A Bloom Approach for more information. 

For the athletes

Party Like an Athlete at North Fork Cheer, Cutchogue

North Fork Cheer isn’t just for cheerleaders. This sports facility offers various birthday party themes for every North Fork kid. Some of our favorites include ninja training, princess tea parties, superhero parties, and of course, cheer, although other themes are also available. At each party, kids will be engaged and enjoy active games and creative movement. All parties include pizza and party festivities. The base party cost starts at $350 or $470, depending on the theme, for up to 12 guests with the option to add more children at an additional cost. Email nofocheer@gmail.com for more info and to book your party. 

For the gamers

Retro Arcade Party at Game On, Riverhead

Let’s be honest, this party spot is one that you may enjoy equally as much as your kid does, and that’s okay. At this gamer’s party, you’ll dig into private access for an hour and a half of play on vintage 80s and 90s arcade games for up to 50(!) people for $750. Add-on pizza party packages are available at an additional cost. Talk about a classic party! More info on gameonmp.com. 

For the homebodies

Magical Slumber Parties, at home

If your kid is begging for a sleepover but you just don’t have the brainpower (WE GET IT!) to make it happen, you’re in luck because Magical Slumber Parties has you covered. Agata and her team will come to your house and set up a magical slumber wonderland with the theme of your choice. Popular themes include Taylor Swift, beach, gaming, unicorn, Barbie, Harry Potter, sports, and many more. Slumber party packages include a handcrafted indoor tent, mattress, decorative pillows and blankets, personalized name signs, lighting, bed trays, lanterns, bunting, and more on-theme items. Magical Slumber Parties will arrive the day of and set everything up for your child’s sleepover then will come back the following day to pick up all items. The cost is $80 per tent, 5 tents with all decor at $350, or 10 tents at $700. There is an additional $80 per tent over 10 tents. Delivery fees are not included and depend on party location. Magical Slumber Parties also offers complete spa parties. For more info call Agata at 631-626-5632 or direct message Magical Slumber Parties on Instagram.