Family Tides
In the summer, kids’ birthday parties practically plan themselves, with options like the beach, boardwalk, zoo or parks. But once the weather turns, planning a celebration takes a little more creativity, especially when you’re trying to find an indoor spot to host a crowd of kids.
Here are a few places to check out in your search for an indoor party spot.
Adventure Nook (Cape May Court House)
Imaginations can run wild at this recently opened indoor play space. Adventure Nook features interactive, themed playhouses, including a post office, beauty salon and veterinary clinic, designed to spark creativity and exploration. Party packages start at $349 and include two hours of private party time with exclusive use of the facility for up to 25 children. Adventure Nook offers plenty of add-on options (like pizza, ice cream, balloon bundles, tattoo stations and more). For more information, email adventurenooknj@gmail.com or visit adventurenookplay.com.
Bowfish Studios (Ocean City)
Bowfish Studios brings fantasy to life with dress-up and makeover parties starting at $349. Some options include a 1.5-hour mini-mermaid or little unicorn party for ages 3 to 6, featuring dress-up, crafts, nail polish, glitter tattoos and more for six kids, with a maximum of 12. Additional guests are $25 each. Salon-style parties for ages 6 and up offer a full glam experience with themes like Barbie and Swiftie salon. These parties include extras, such as disco dance parties and photo props, and are designed for up to five children, with a maximum of eight or nine guests, depending on the theme. Additional guests are $35 each. For details and a full list of packages and prices, visit bowfishstudios.com/party.
Bright Stars Academy (Egg Harbor Township)
The energetic crew at Bright Stars knows how to make birthdays feel special. Their Ultimate Gym Celebration features 60 minutes of fun in the main gym, followed by 30 minutes of party time, plus a custom birthday medal for the guest of honor. Packages start at $440 for 10 children. Additional guests are $16 each. They also offer a Sweet Peas package for little ones up to age 5. The space can accommodate up to 20 children. For more information, visit brightstarsgym.com.
Get Air Trampoline Park (Mays Landing)
Get Air is a popular spot for birthday parties, with wall-to-wall trampolines that kids will have a blast bouncing on. Party packages typically include jump time, jump socks and food, with options for groups of various sizes and extras. Prices vary by package but generally start around $249 and up. For details and a full list of packages and prices, visit getairsports.com/book-party.
JiLLy’s Arcade (Ocean City)
JiLLy’s table party packages start at $25 per guest, with a 10-guest minimum, and include a two-hour fun card good for unlimited video games, air hockey, Skee-Ball, pinball and more, plus free table and chair setup. The birthday child also receives a complimentary fun card. A second package, at $30 per guest, includes all of the above plus goody bags and a preloaded $5 bonus play card for each guest, which never expires and can be used on a future visit. Outside food and drinks are permitted. For more information, call 609-385-1234 or visit jillysocnj.com/birthday-parties.
Paint Happy (Linwood)
Paint Happy turns birthday parties into imaginative celebrations. Standard packages start at $399 for up to 10 guests, with creative options like slime-making or canvas painting. All-inclusive deluxe experiences feature themed fun, from wizards and fairies to mermaids and pirates, and include an art project, face painting, pizza and dessert. Premium packages start at $649, with plenty of ways to customize the celebration. For more information on pricing and packages, visit painthappystudio.com.
Young’s Skating Center (Mays Landing)
Nothing beats a classic roller-skating party. Young’s Skating Center offers both private and non-private party packages that include skate rentals, pizza and a variety of fun extras, depending on the package. Options are available at different times and price points, with add-ons to customize the celebration. For details and pricing, visit youngsskatingcenter.com.
Madison Russ is an award-winning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene.
