Trying to plan the perfect birthday party for your child? Need a face painter but don’t know who to call? Searching for the most delicious cupcakes in town?
Well, look no farther! Nola Family has done all of the work for you, compiling more than 80 of the best party places, people and products all in one spot!
ACTIVE PARTIES (NO SITTING ALLOWED!)
Adventure Quest Laser Tag
1200 Clearview Parkway, Ste. 1106, Harahan
504.207.4444
Play laser tag in ancient Mayan surroundings, as well as Cosmic Golf and bumper cars under black lights. Plus, arcade parties for younger kids.
Airline Skate
6711 Airline Drive, Metairie
504.733.2248
Have public or private skate parties, bring your own cake and purchase pizza.
All Star Gymnastics
2073 Bonn St., Harvey
504.328.3838
With a mission to provide a fun and safe environment where children can learn to enjoy and benefit from physical activity. Parties held on Saturdays and Sundays.
Big Easy Sportsplex
800 Webb St., Jefferson
504.733.0046
Includes time on the field or court (your choice), plus soft drinks (water is free). A games facilitator will help with on-field play, while a host or hostess will coordinate everything else.
Bookoo Bounce
5604 Blessey St., Harahan
504.835.6424
Indoor inflatable playground and party place. Parties are private and the professional staff takes care of everything. Just mail the invitations (which are provided).
Bounce de Lis
4001 General DeGaulle Drive, Ste. J, New Orleans
504.570.6385
Open play and private party venue with inflatables, jumps, hoops, slides, TVs, Internet, etc. Various party packages available.
Colonial Lanes
6601 Jefferson Highway, Harahan
504.517.9908
Two hours of bowling fun, with two or four lanes available for your party. Bumper bowling for children ages 7 and younger.
Elmwood Gymnastics Academy
700 Elmwood Blvd., Ste. C, Harahan
504.733.4496
Be the next Olympian and play on trampolines, bars, rope swing, balance beam and spacewalk.
Fulton Alley
600 Fulton St., New Orleans
504.208.5569
Bowl in style and book a lane for your next event. Bowlers younger than 21 are welcome before 8 pm.
Gymrompers
5212 S. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans
504.481.0835
Kids will enjoy singing, musical instruments, puppets, bubbles and more than 50 pieces of equipment to play on.
ICE Computer Café
5928 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie
504.309.5333
Explore 20 high-end gaming computers loaded with 100s of games and a console area with 20 Xbox Ones, all networked together so guests can play in matches together. Party packages include unlimited gaming, plus pizza and soft drinks.
Jewish Community Center – Uptown
5342 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
504.897.0143
Goldring-Woldenberg Jewish Community Center
3747 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie
504.887.5158
They set the tables, hang the balloons and clean up after these 90-minute affairs, which are designed for children ages 3 and older. Parties can include karaoke, gymnastics, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and many other kid-friendly activities.
Kidsports
1200 S. Clearview Parkway, Harahan
504.733.1200
Combine fitness and fun in a safe and friendly atmosphere for your child’s next birthday. Options include (but not limited to) XRKADE, Splash and Adrenaline Rush parties.
Love Swimming
5221 S. Front St., New Orleans
504.891.4662
Have a swim party at its indoor facility in warm saltwater. For kids of all ages (even the littlest tots with their parents), and staffed by lifeguards and a game-master to lead fun activities.
The Monkey Room
1501 Religious St., Ste. C, New Orleans
504.301.2695
Contains a huge, custom-designed play structure for toddlers on up with slides, climbs, obstacles and other fun elements to explore.
Palm Tree Playground
3011 N. Interstate 10 Service Road East, Metairie
504.828.8164
The ultimate party place for kids 8 years old and younger. Toddlers love the large, enclosed play area, while the big kids have a custom play structure to climb and slide down. The facility has three private party rooms (and seven themes), and 25 kids are included in the price.
Rock ‘N’ Bowl
3000 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans
504.861.1700
Even if they’ve never tried the sport, they’ll be sure to have a blast at this party. For kids ages 7 and older; bumper bowling is available.
Sector 6
612 Distributors Row, Harahan
504.539.4224
Extreme “air” sports, including gutter run, floating beams, rock wall, and a huge foam pit. Birthday packages include one hour of flight time and 45 minutes in a party room. It even offers an Extreme slumber party package.
Skate Country Westbank
1100 Terry Parkway, Gretna
504.392.2227
Party packages include food, drink and skating. It’s extra to have the rink to yourself.
Sky Zone
6509 Riverside Drive, Metairie
504.900.9663
Enjoy high-flying fun and choose from one of three available party packages that fit any occasion.
Surge Trampoline
6930 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie
318.680.0744
Get energized at this exciting trampoline park. Opening soon and accepting advance bookings.
ADVENTUROUS PARTIES
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal St., New Orleans
800.774.7394
Have your birthday celebration with the penguins, fish and sharks. The private party room offers a porthole window looking into the Gulf of Mexico exhibit.
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
423 Canal St., New Orleans
800.774.7394
Enjoy a special party room in addition to the spectacular butterfly garden and hands-on bug encounters.
Cajun Encounters
55345 U.S. Highway 90 East, Slidell
504.834.1770
The birthday party package includes a private, one-hour swamp tour hunting for gators, followed by a two-hour party on the grounds. Note: Parties are only offered Nov. 20-Feb. 28 and June 15-Sept. 20.
Global Wildlife Center
26389 Louisiana Highway 40, Folsom
985.796.3585
The new, private Pinz tour in a 4X4 Pinzgauer accommodates up to nine guests and reaches places the safari wagons cannot, allowing for a one-of-a-kind safari experience.
Insta-Gator Ranch
74645 Allen Road, Covington
985.892.3669
Experience the life of Louisiana’s most ancient residents — alligators. Parties include a tour of the ranch, photo and T-shirt for birthday child, cake, ice cream, and lemonade.
Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour
6601 Leo Kerner Lafitte Parkway, Marrero
504.689.4186
Experience a real-life Cajun encounter on comfortable and spacious swamp boats while meandering deep into Louisiana’s mysterious and picturesque bayous.
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Louisiana SPCA
1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New Orleans
504.368.5191
A fun and educational, hands-on animal experience. An extra bonus for animal lovers, the “Birthday Pawty” booking fee will help the thousands of companion animals in the facility’s care each year.
New Orleans Paddlewheels
1 Poydras St., New Orleans
504.529.4567
Have your party aboard the Creole Queen or take a thrilling ride through the swamps with the Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour.
NOLA Motorsports Park
11075 Nicolle Blvd., Avondale
504.302.4875
Have a Geaux Karting party this year. Parties include a reserved karting heat for up to 15 people, as well as a party room and pizzas.
NOLA Paddleboards
3536 Toulouse St., Ste. B, New Orleans
504.717.8847
Bring your party to Bayou St. John for smooth water paddling in the middle of New Orleans. Sessions last for 75 minutes and begin with a complimentary lesson. Groups of eight or more will receive a discounted rate.
Pony Tales
156 Bertucci Lane, St. Rose
504.469.0148
Ponies delivered to you for all occasions, or have a pony — or wagon — riding party at the barn.
Splendor Farms
27329 Mill Creek Road, Bush
866.543.2767
Kids ages 6-14 can ride horses, fish, visit the petting zoo and swim. Girls ages 10-19 also may have slumber sleepovers.
CREATIVE PARTIES (ARTS, CRAFTS, TREATS AND MORE)
Art BaYou Studio
4422 Shores Drive, Metairie
504.264.2788
The perfect artistic adventure for your next birthday party.
Bricks 4 Kidz
Parties held at Mellow Mushroom in Metairie
985.705.0805
bricks4kidz.com/louisiana-covington-mandeville/
With a variety of themes and model builds available, enjoy a party package tailored to your child’s interests.
Calliope Puppet Center
623 Vallette St., Algiers
504.913.8486
Experience the magic of puppet theater inside a working puppeteer’s studio. Parties include a performance and a puppet craft activity for kids ages 3-11. They’ll also bring the show to you.
Chez Clay
862 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans
504.522.3240
504-522-3240
Offers parties for all ages. Choose to paint bisque from the shelves or customize a hand-building clay class. Kids’ parties last 1 1/2 hours. Bring your own birthday cake and drinks without incurring a studio fee.
Cop A Donut
2321 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner
504.305.4858
Children get to play chef and can roll and cut their own donuts, and decorate them.
Creole Creamery
4924 Prytania St., New Orleans
504.894.8680
6260 Vicksburg St., New Orleans
504.482.2924
Have a party at this ice cream parlor, where children can create their own ice cream sundaes.
La Petite Tea Room
5928 W. Metairie Ave., Ste. 3, Metairie
504.733.1001
Your birthday princess, fairy or fashionista will enjoy a private party with dress up, games and tea; a painting party; an ice cream sundae party; and, even parties for boys.
Lolli’s Chocolates
1827 Hickory Ave., Ste. 1, Harahan
504.739.9020
It’s a fun “dipping party” where everyone gets to make — and take home — their own box of treats. Aprons provided.
Louisiana Children’s Museum
420 Julia St., New Orleans
504.523.1357
Choose from three party packages, the “Birthday Blast,” “Birthday Blowout” or the “Big Time Birthday Party.”
Painting with a Twist
700 Dublin St., New Orleans
504.541.9062
1900 Lafayette St., Ste. 2A, Gretna
504.521.7747
Parties for kids turning ages 7 and older. The birthday child chooses the painting. Guests are free to bring food and drink.
Posh Paint Pub
3218 Taft Park, Metairie
504.835.4155
Great pottery, canvas painting or clay parties — for kids and adults.
Prytania Theatre
5339 Prytania St., New Orleans
504.891.2787
Rent the Uptown, single-screen movie theater for special Saturday morning screenings.
Sip and Paint
3350 Ridgelake Drive, Ste. 105, Metairie
504.208.9420
Kids ages 5 and older can have their birthday party at the studio and select from the “Student and Young at Heart Paintings.”
FAIR WEATHER (OUTDOOR) PARTIES
Audubon Zoo & Cool Zoo
6500 Magazine St., New Orleans
800.774.7394
A magical place for a celebration with the animals. With indoor private birthday party rooms near the Gottesman Family Endangered Species Carousel, or hold out for the sunny, hot days and have a wild and wet party at the Cool Zoo.
Lafreniere Park Carousel
3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie
504.838.4389
Rent the Carousel or Spray Park — and picnic tables — for your private party on a Saturday or Sunday for two hours of fun.
Longue Vue House and Gardens
7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans
504.488.5488
Discovery Garden birthday celebrations offer children interactive activities that allow imaginative exploration. Dig for worms, design a garden, investigate insects, plant seeds, play with bubbles and more.
New Orleans Baby Cakes
6000 Airline Drive, Metairie
504.734.5155
Choose from three great packages, all of which include the birthday child’s name on the scoreboard and announced at the game.
New Orleans City Park
1 Palm Drive, New Orleans
504.482.4888
Have your child’s next birthday at Storyland, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, City Putt or the Train Garden.
Woodlake Backyard Parties
82 Sequoia St., Kenner
504.274.1404
Choose from its pools, sport courts, covered decks and spacious clubhouse to create your perfect party plan.
PARTIES AT HOME (TALENT AND RENTALS TO MAKE YOUR PARTY AMAZING)
About to Bounce
504.914.6489
Full-service inflatable party supply rental company that also offers a variety of games, carnival food machines, and tables and chairs.
A-maze-ing Mazes
855.262.9346
Life-size mazes built for your birthday parties, field days, camps, festivals and more.
The Andes Extreme Portable Rock Wall
504.390.8558
Make your next party a memorable one with this 24-foot-tall climbing wall. Suitable for all ages with an instructor’s guidance.
Art from the Heart
504.416.1430
When “face painting” becomes beautiful art. Detailed “cheek art” and “full-faced animals, masks and butterflies” — some with added glitter and jewels.
Bounce Factory
504.269.7057
Combo units, dry slides, water slides, slip & slides, and basic spacewalks, plus popcorn and cotton candy.
Drone Party Planet
4436 Veterans Blvd., Metairie
504.684.7076
The only provider of the Drone Birthday Party. Parties can be hosted onsite or at your home, with classes and air time rentals available.
FunFlicks
504.304.0815
A wide selection of inflatable screen sizes for fun outdoor movie screenings for your next birthday party.
GoGoBooth
504.224.9801
This photo booth company with more than 20 years of experience provides quality and professional service with a flair for fun and design.
JD Sports
469.585.9510
Delivers fun, safe sports instruction throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Party sessions last 90 minutes and can include its famous gymnastics obstacle course.
JoJo the Magician and Clown
504.866.4400
Wow the kids with some amazing magic. JoJo has been entertaining the Greater New Orleans area for more than 40 years.
NOLA Amusements
504.905.6368
These amusements are the perfect addition to your child’s next birthday party. Choose from inflatables, Ferris wheels, cartoon characters or many other options.
NOLA Games On Wheels
504.237.3157
They bring the ultimate gaming experience right to your front door with a luxury, limo-style theater on wheels featuring seven huge high-definition TVs.
NOLA Rockstar
504.684.5256
Have a rockstar party, where highlights include the birthday child staring in her own birthday video along with her guests at your home or other venue.
Party Peeple
504.421.0348
They’ll come to you with games, storytelling, magic, balloon sculpting, face painting and characters. Some performers also speak Spanish or French.
Plum Street Snoballs
1300 Burdette St., New Orleans
3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie
504.866.7996
Tired of the same ol’ party? This New Orleans tradition will bring a snoball stand to you. Or, bring the kids to its well-known stand.
Pop Up Party Town
504.952.8828
The variety of themed tents are great standalone entertainment options for parties or events. Tent sizes range from 5-by-6 feet to 6-by-12 feet.
Porta-Puppet Players
3141 Michigan Ave., Metairie
504.669.4159
Storytelling with puppet packages, caricaturists, musicians, magicians, princesses and more.
Riverside Amusements
504.347.7156
Amusement rentals, characters, clowns, snoballs, party photography and more.
Rolling Video Games of New Orleans
504.417.4368
They’ll bring the ultimate in fun to your child’s birthday party: video games. If you want them more active, go for the laser or water tag, or way crazy — a human hamster ball.
Thinkerella
260 Hickory Ave., Ste. D, Harahan
504.232.1394
Children get to participate in cool experiments in a controlled, non-messy, safe environment. They even get to bring home a science favor.
Tumblebus
5620 Arts St., New Orleans
504.891.9615
Provides on-site party fun for kids to learn basic gymnastics and self confidence in a safe, non-competitive environment. One-hour party for up to 12 kids.
When You Wish Entertainment
504.208.HERO
Providing the most professional and authentic princesses, superheroes and fairy tale characters in the greater New Orleans area.
Zoo 2 U
504.756.1501
They provide a complete petting zoo and pony rides. A great way to educate kids about animals while having fun.
LAGNIAPPE: CAKES AND PASTRIES
Girls Gone Vegan
504.510.3590
A gluten-free and vegan bakery dedicated to making delicious renditions of classic treats.
Gracious Bakery
1000 S. Jefferson Davis Parkway, Ste.100, New Orleans
504.301.3709, ext.1
7220 Earhart Blvd., New Orleans
504.301.3709, ext. 2
2854 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans
504.301.9949
Bakery offering breakfast and brunch, pastries, sandwiches, salads, breads and dessert. Catering packages are available with free delivery for orders of $100 or more.
Haydel’s Bakery
4037 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson
504.837.0190 or 800.442.1342
Create your own masterpiece and make this birthday extra special and extra delicious with a unique-themed birthday cake.
JCB Creations
4836 Magazine St., New Orleans
504.324.9933
Cookies, cakes, cupcakes and more. Personalize your party with these specialty items.
The Kupcake Factory
3319 Williams Blvd., Kenner
504.464.8884
6233 S. Claiborne Ave., Uptown
504.267.3328
911 Veterans Blvd., Metairie
504.570.6420
Special cupcake orders, specialty cakes and other treats.
Laurel Street Bakery
2701 S. Broad St., Uptown
504.897.0576
Cakes, cupcakes and other wonderful baked goods.
Maple Street Patisserie
7638 Maple St., Uptown
504.304.1526
The bakeries of Europe are filled with handcrafted extraordinary creations. No need to bake ever again, with its delicious cookies, pastries, breads and cakes.
Sucre
3025 Magazine St., New Orleans
504.520.8311
3301 Veterans Blvd., Metairie
504.834.2277
622 A Conti St., New Orleans
504.267.7098
Offering cakes, desserts and macaroons for your next party.