From dodgeball to obstacle courses to Ga-ga, classic childhood games are making a comeback at kids’ birthday party venues across New York City. Here’s where to find them.
Manhattan
Adults and Children in Trust (A.C.T.)
1047 Amsterdam Avenue, Upper West Side
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
(212) 316-7530
The campus that hosts the preschool, afterschool, and camp has a Ga-ga pit. They do birthday parties with retro sports upon request only. Call for pricing and scheduling information.
The Fieldhouse at Chelsea Piers
23rd Street and Hudson River Park (between Piers 61 and 62)
(212) 336-6500
The Fieldhouse has dodgeball and ultimate challenge birthday packages that include activities such as tug-of-war, relay races, potato sack races, and “steal the bacon” for kids 5 and up, and a tyke’s version for kids 3 to 5. Check the website for additional info.
Multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn
(347) 706-4700
The X-treme Birthday party option for kids 6 and up includes disco dodgeball, relays, and other “x-treme sport games.” Open play times and kids classes are also offered.
230 E. 93rd St.
(212) 920-7884
Offers several Gaga-themed birthday party packages that include instruction, individual play, and team play, plus customizable goodies—from a live DJ to a personalized Gaga pit cake. Parties are private and take place in one of the center’s three permanent Gaga pits.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Sports and Party Center
800 3rd Avenue, Sunset Park
(718) 965-0004
Birthday packages include time in the arena playing sports such as dodgeball or kickball. Arena rental is available to play these activities throughout the week. Call for reservations.
Multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn
(347) 706-4700
The X-treme Birthday party option for kids 6 and up includes disco dodgeball, relays, and other “x-treme sport games.” Open play times and kids classes are also offered.
Queens
67-09 108th Street, Forest Hills
(718) 266-5011
Super Sports program for grades K-6 involve numerous sports including kickball. They also do birthday parties. Contact Dale Stark, party coordinator, at [email protected].
162-26 Crossbay Boulevard, Howard Beach
(718) 848-2052
At the summer camps and birthday parties, dodgeball, kickball, Wiffleball, and other activities are offered.
5-02 50th Avenue, Long Island City
(718) 392-KIDS (5437)
Obstacle courses play a role in many of the classes, preschool alternative and afterschool programs, and birthday party themes. Kids as young as 1-2 years are able to participate in the obstacle courses.
Worth the Trip!
575 Underhill Boulevard, Syosset (Long Island)
(516) 921-GAGA (4242)
Gaga for ages 5 to 6 years through adult, $15 for children during Open Play sessions; adults must either rent the pit or throw an adult party to play.
Also see: Retro Sports for Kids