Maine Birthday Party Planning Guide

207 Bounce Event Center) – you can rent out their party space in Windham and it includes a bounce house, obstacle course, a giant connect-4 and more!

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland– Is your kiddo an animal lover? Book a Critter Crazy Party with ARLGP that is well planned with 1.5 hours of programming.

Atlantic Dance Arts LLC– Ask about the themed dance parties!

Aquaboggan- Birthday Party discount available for parties of 10 or more. Prices include an assigned picnic area. The birthday child is free of charge, and can be included in the count.

Bayside Bowl– Rent a couple of lanes or rent them all in this amazing facility in Portland. This option would work for kids and adults alike.

Big 20 Bowling Center– Located in Scarborough, offering candlepin bowling and party package options priced per bowler.

Brio Dance Studio– Book an awesome themed party like Frozen, Princess or Hip Hop!

Broadway Bowl– Rent a couple of lanes or rent them all in this amazing facility in South Portland. This option would work for kids and adults alike.

Cape Elizabeth Pool & Fitness Center– We rented out this space for my daughter’s 4th birthday as well as the cafe (available at an additional charge) and if you choose you can include the blow up obstacle course for an added fee.

Casco Bay Movers – choose from available themed parties which include crafts for the younger dancers, dance instruction to fit the party’s theme, goody bags and set up/clean up. Parties can accommodate up to 14 children.

Centerpoint Martial Arts – A variety of themed parties are available and parties are customizable as well. Centerpoint will take care of everything including cake cutting and clean up. They also provide all paper products and decorations (balloons, banners) in the theme of your choice and Pizza, drinks and fun group games and activities.

Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine– Offering Friday Fun Celebrations after-hours and Playful Parties during regular hours on Saturday and Sunday only. Both of these options are ideal for a small birthday party celebration.

Color Me Mine Portland – Guests of your party will be able to paint a piece of pottery and have cake and celebrate afterwards! They can host a smaller number of kids when parents are in attendance, and a larger amount if a parent drop-off option works for your age-group.

Dragon Fire Martial Arts – Multiple party package options available, all including some karate fun!

Dragonflower Ranch – Located in Yarmouth, this is where we held our daughter’s 5th birthday party– the great room is located above a very well-kept horse barn and it offers a picturesque view of the property. Opportunities at the ranch extend beyond this event space for a summer or fall party with use of the deck, or planning an activity with the horses, etc.

Drouin Dance Center– Available on Sundays and includes dance class and craft time in addition to cake/gift time.

EVO Rock + Fitness Portland – Birthday parties for ages 5+. Come with your party guests to scale the 24 to 40 foot walls. They provide belayers, equipment, and a separate space that all help make your party experience as easy as possible.

Evolution Athletix– Offering birthday parties for kids ages 4 and up! The party is structured around the age group, with fun games and obstacles on the 3,500 square foot mat area. Birthday parties are available for booking on all Saturdays & Sundays.

Falmouth Martial Arts – Invite up to 12 friends to participate in 45 minute martial arts training classes, ninja warrior obstacle course and the facility will provide a special birthday cake with candles, Ice cream, water and a thank you gift for all. Parents are welcome to coffee and tea.

Fiddlehead Center for the Arts– Choose from arts and science projects within themed parties like extreme science, unicorn, fairies, princesses, dinos & volcanos.

Fort Williams Park– I have attended a family party here where we rented out a covered pavilion years ago. It was actually pretty cool, and lessened the stress about the weather. It was a good walk away from the lighthouse, and pretty private from the public and crowds. We had dogs, kids, adults, but as with any party at a park, plan on bringing everything that you need because there isn’t much there aside from a shelter.

Goldfish Swim School– This venue offers 2 hours of private pool access and a designated party space. The space is fully equipped with all the essentials, including invitations, balloons, centerpieces, table coverings, forks, napkins, cups, plates, and tropical decorations. A fantastic location for a laid-back yet fun poolside celebration!

Gorham Sports Center – Enjoy exclusive use of a half field and a party room for 2 hours, all with no limit on the number of guests! This venue offers a fantastic space for large or small parties, with access to equipment such as soccer balls, kickball bases, a parachute, and volleyball setup. It’s a great option for active kids and a fun, open space to celebrate!

Greater Portland YMCA– This venue offers a variety of party options including splash parties, sports & gym parties, and art, dance & yoga parties! Whether your child loves to get active, be creative, or have fun in the water, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. A fantastic way to make a birthday celebration special and unique!

Growing Littles– The perfect spot for a birthday party for kids of all ages, especially the littles with toys on site. Offers a separate space to play and to have cake.

Happy Wheels Skate Center– Located in Westbrook, this venue takes care of all the details to make your party easy and stress-free! They handle the setup and cleanup, cater the event with a personalized cake, drinks, ice cream, and provide all paper goods. Perfect for those who want to focus on the fun and leave the rest to the experts!

Junction Bowl– If bowling and an arcade sound like the perfect party mix, check out Junction Bowl! They offer both bowling and arcade games, making it an ideal spot for a fun and active celebration. Plus, they cater, so you can focus on enjoying the day while they handle the food!

Let’s Play (Kittery)- A play gym offering birthday parties that can accommodate up to 50 total guests (# includes parents).

Mad Science of Maine– For the science-loving child, there are plenty of party options to choose from, either at home or at the lab! Whether you want the science fun to come to you or prefer to host the party in a specialized space, there are exciting, hands-on experiments and activities that will keep kids engaged and learning. Perfect for those curious minds who love to explore science in a fun way!

Maine Academy of Gymnastics – This popular party option in Westbrook tends to book up pretty far in advance! Your party will be led by two gymnastics coaches for an hour of fun, followed by 30 minutes in a private party room. A bounce house is included, in addition to the regular gymnastics equipment, making it a fantastic and active way to celebrate! Available on Sundays only, it’s perfect for kids who love to move and play!

Maine Athletic Complex – Enjoy 2 hours of exclusive field and party space use, complete with access to sports nets, balls, parachute, and more! This is a fantastic option for active birthday parties, offering plenty of space and equipment for kids to have a blast with sports and games. Perfect for an energetic and memorable celebration!

Maine Warrior Gym– Get the entire gym to yourself for 90 minutes with coaches available to assist! This fun “play-place” offers equipment perfect for birthday parties for kids ages 4 and up. It’s a great way for kids to enjoy some active play while having the space and support they need for a fantastic celebration!

Maine Wildlife Park– In the summer months and shoulder seasons, the Maine Wildlife Park offers a great, affordable option for smaller parties! You can set up your celebration at their large picnic/BBQ area. While these spaces are first-come, first-serve, it’s a perfect choice for those looking for something budget-friendly and who don’t mind a little flexibility. Plus, the beautiful outdoor setting and proximity to wildlife make it a memorable spot for a laid-back gathering!

Measuring Up Kitchen– This business offers cooking birthday parties for all ages or space rental in Scarborough! Whether you’re looking for an interactive cooking experience at their location or prefer to rent the space for your own event, it’s a fantastic option to add fun and flavor to your celebration. Perfect for any age group and a great way to make the party even more memorable!

MEPowered Pastries– We’ve used Laura and her team at MePowered Pastries for a cooking activity at my daughter’s birthday party, and it was a hit! You can rent out their entire space for your event, and the entertainment is built right in with a fun cooking class. Alternatively, they can come to you, which is what we did (more on this under Entertainment below). Located right on Route 1 in Scarborough, MePowered Pastries offers a unique, interactive way to make your party even more special!

Mindy’s Munchies– Mindy’s Munchies in Falmouth is the perfect spot for your next kid’s birthday party! They handle all the details and activities, from making delicious chocolate munchies and packaging them for fun party favors, to playing “Mindy’s Munchies” Bingo or Hot Potato. Dessert includes Make-Your-Own Sundaes, and when they sing “Happy Birthday,” cupcakes will be served. Pizza, drinks, and paper goods are also included, making this an easy and delightful choice for a fun-filled celebration!

Mr. Drew Exotic Animal Education Center– Mr. Drew has moved to a new location in Poland, Maine! At this facility, you can see, touch, and learn about exotic reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates from around the world. For birthdays, he offers a separate party room, making it an exciting and unique venue for animal-loving kids to celebrate their special day with hands-on learning and fun!

Muse Paintbar- Portland – Leave the party planning to the artists at Muse with fun add-on options.

Pineland Farms– If you have a farm-loving child, this could be a perfect birthday option! It’s also a very affordable choice compared to other venues. They offer an indoor “classroom” space that you can decorate for your party, plus an Outdoor Fitness Center where you can enjoy 2 hours of open gym time and/or bowling alley fun. You’ll also have an additional hour at the lodge to celebrate with cake and activities. A great way to combine farm fun with plenty of active play!

Portland Pottery– A creative and fun party option for kids and adults alike! This pottery party includes demonstrations on the potter’s wheel, with the chance to make two pieces during the 2-hour session. As an added bonus, cakes and refreshments are available from the onsite cafe, making it a perfect spot for a hands-on, artistic celebration with a tasty treat to enjoy afterward!

Raise Playspace– Located in Scarborough, Raise offers a great party option for younger kids! You can rent out the entire play space and a party room for up to 30 guests on a Saturday or Sunday. I’d personally recommend it for kids ages 1 through 4, as the play area is perfect for that age group. However, if you have older siblings or guests (like ages 5 or 6), they’ll still have fun with the space as well. It’s a great way to create a fun and memorable birthday experience!

River Winds Farm & Estate– This property in Saco features a beautifully restored barn, perfect for larger events or gatherings of over 50 guests. We’ve had the pleasure of hosting a birthday party here, collaborating with multiple businesses, but this stunning space is more commonly used for weddings and other significant celebrations. It’s a versatile and picturesque venue, ideal for any special occasion!

Roots Learning Studio– Located in Cape Elizabeth, Roots offers a wonderful studio space for your next party! Let one of their children’s yoga instructors guide the little ones through a fun, relaxing class, followed by a snack and a craft to keep the creativity flowing. It’s a calm yet engaging birthday option for kids who enjoy a bit of mindfulness mixed with creative activities!

Seashore Trolley Museum (Kennebunkport)- Historic trolley rides and a party space with room with plenty of space for games and refreshments.

Salt Pump Climbing Co.– A great party option for kids ages 5 and up! Located in Scarborough, climbing parties include 90 minutes of climbing fun and 30 minutes in a community room for food and cake. The auto-belay space makes it easy for kids to get started quickly, and the staff can also assist with additional belaying to ensure more kids can climb at once. It’s a perfect way for energetic kids to have a blast while staying active and engaged!

Smiling Hill Farm– This venue offers a covered outdoor space for your party, with the added bonus of a visit to the barnyard afterward to check out the animals! While you’ll need to clean and pack up your party space before heading over to the barnyard (which can feel a bit overwhelming), the covered area does ease concerns about bad weather. However, keep in mind that while the roof provides shelter, it might still affect your barnyard visit if the weather isn’t ideal. Still, it’s a fun, unique option for animal-loving kids!

Smitty’s Cinema– Located in Windham, Sanford, and Topsham, this movie theater party option is perfect for film-loving kids! Schedule your celebration during a regularly scheduled showing and enjoy movie admission for all guests, unlimited popcorn and soda, a meal, an ice cream sundae, and a private personalized table for the birthday guest of honor. A fun, low-stress way to celebrate with a movie and all the treats!

Southworth Planetarium– The planetarium is a stellar party option for solar system-loving kids ages 5 and up! While younger children might find it trickier to fully appreciate the sitting-still aspect, older kids will be mesmerized by the show. You can reserve the dome for an hour to enjoy any available planetarium show, plus an additional hour in the gallery for food, cake, a piñata, and more. A truly out-of-this-world birthday experience!

Spare Time Portland – Choose from a variety of exciting party packages, including bowling, laser tag, or a combination of both! Each package includes pizza, soda, and Game Zone cards, ensuring a fun and stress-free celebration. Whether your guests are into bowling, laser tag, or gaming, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Studio Artisane– Have you considered a birthday woodworking workshop? It’s a wonderfully unique and hands-on birthday party idea for kids ages 5 and up. Not only will they have fun creating their own projects, but they’ll also leave with something they made themselves—a special keepsake from the day! A perfect choice for little crafters and anyone looking for a memorable, creative celebration.

The Drawing Room– Located in the Dana Warp Mill in Westbrook, this unique space is part of a caricature art studio! You can elevate your event by incorporating a caricature artist for a fun and memorable touch, or you can host a variety of other types of events within the space. It’s a creative and flexible venue that adds a personal, artistic flair to any celebration!

The Little Gym– Located in Scarborough, this is the perfect birthday party spot for active kiddos! The space typically hosts gymnastics classes but also features a separate party area, making it an ideal setting for a fun and energetic celebration. It’s a great choice for kids who love to move and have a blast in a gym-like setting!

The Point Community Center – An affordable and fun party option for little ones! Renting a party room here—big or small—is a budget-friendly choice compared to many other venues. Kids (especially ages 2-5 or 6) will love the indoor playscape, and there’s even access to the turf field if it’s not privately rented. Keep in mind that weekends can be busy, with multiple parties happening at once. Plus, since this venue is part of a church, weekend parties are only available on Saturdays. A great option for an active and cost-conscious celebration!

The Playlot– A fun indoor playground space, lots of different party options available including playground parties and nerf parties too. Private and semi-private options available.

Treehouse Toddler Room at Westbrook Community Center– To book a Big Bounce Party, which includes use of the Treehouse Toddler Room AND the Birch Room for food and drink, please e-mail gpost@westbrook.me.us

Tumble Tikes Party + Play Gym– With “party” in their name, you know they’re a celebration-ready destination! This fun-filled space comes with built-in excitement, making it an easy choice for active, play-packed birthdays. Plus, they offer tiered party packages and done-for-you themes, allowing you to customize the experience. A variety of add-on options allow you to take as much off your plate as you’d like.

Urban Air Adventure Park– This place is a birthday-party-producing machine—and kids absolutely love it! It’s a consistently popular choice that keeps the fun going. With multiple attractions and various party spaces—some more private than others—there’s something for every group. Some kids gravitate toward the big playground, while others can’t get enough of the trampolines. No matter their favorite, this venue delivers an exciting and memorable celebration every time!

William B. Troubh Ice Arena– Enjoy a cool and unique birthday celebration with private ice rental! Packages typically include ice time, rental skates, a private room, hockey pucks, and nets—everything you need for a fun and hassle-free skating party. Whether it’s a casual skate or a hockey-themed bash, this option guarantees a memorable experience on the ice!

X-Golf Portland– Indoor golf simulator with a private event space for any age.

XL Sports World– A sports-filled celebration with options for every group! Choose from multiple party packages based on size, activity, and age group—whether it’s a favorite sport or a high-energy Nerf party. Each party includes a dedicated host, paper goods, and the flexibility to bring your own cake. Want an easy meal option? The facility can also provide pizza upon request. A stress-free, active way to celebrate!

Balloon Decor by Laur– Lauren creates stunning balloon garlands that make any event extra special! She designed the most beautiful backdrop for my daughter’s first birthday, a detail I’ll always remember when I think of that day. We also trusted her talent for a large balloon arch over our event banner at the 2024 Kids’ Pick Awards, and it was a showstopper. Whether it’s a small celebration or a big event, Lauren’s work adds the perfect festive touch!

Bloom Bar 207– Bloom Bar 207 brings creativity and beauty to any celebration! They offer interactive Flower Bars, Slime Bars, floral backdrop rentals, table arrangements, and custom bouquets for recitals, proms, sporting events, and more. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Bloom Bar 207 on multiple events in 2024, featuring a fun slime bar, an elegant champagne wall, and a stunning flower backdrop. Their attention to detail and unique offerings make them a fantastic choice for any occasion! Highly recommended!

Castles in the Sky Events – Castles in the Sky Events brings the magic to your celebration! They offer teepee tent sleepovers (and sleep-unders!), helium balloons, and more to make your event unforgettable. We’ve personally used them for my daughter’s 5th birthday party and other special occasions, and they always deliver a dreamy experience. Based in Falmouth, they’re a fantastic choice for a unique and memorable celebration!

Maine Happy Glampers – Luxury glamping experiences for unforgettable celebrations! Offering teepee-style glamping setups with a variety of fun themes, plus a spacious bell tent for outdoor parties, this Saco-based business creates the ultimate cozy and stylish celebration. Whether indoors or outside, their beautifully designed setups bring a magical touch to any event!

Maine Party Pop– Maine Party Pop offers professional event styling and decor including, but not limited to, balloon garlands.

Party Cute Balloons– Offering Balloon ART that includes, but is not limited to, balloon garlands. She can make pretty much anything you’d like out of balloons. We collaborated with this business on a birthday party in November 2024 and were very pleased with the results.

Art Play Maine– Owner Stephanie can set up creative activities for any age group or occasion. We have worked with her at both a children’s birthday party and an adults night out. She is well-prepared, great with people of all ages and of course, creative, easily adapting and planning according to your theme. If you are looking for assistance with a setup for any creative activity, contact this business.

Bouchard Entertainment– Chris has provided DJ services for us for a kids’ birthday party and did an excellent job creating a fun vibe for the party with his selections. More often, however, Chris offers DJ services for events like weddings.

FaceCapades– We have utilized Robyn at a birthday party in 2024. She is wonderful with children and provides detailed and fun face painting for your party.

High Touch High Tech of Maine– Bring the science to your party with hands on science entertainment. All different science topics and Adaptable to any age group.

Jurassic Jo’s Dinos– Jurassic Jo’s provides interactive and educational entertainment experiences that give dinosaur-loving kids the opportunity to meet and learn all about our favorite prehistoric pals!

MePowered Pastries– Did you know they will come to you! Host a baking class at your own venue or at theirs.

Maine Foam Parties– This is a new and unique party experience in Maine! Let the kids have a blast in some foam!

M & M Entertainment– This DJ offers Kid’s Bubble parties! We have attended one and it was pretty fun, as was the DJ service that was provided simultaneously.

Mr. Drew & Animals Too– Mr. Drew will come to you with 12 to 15 animals that your guests can touch and hold (if they choose). Party Palooga– Balloon twisting, face painting, glitter tattoos, photo booth, DJ services and more!

207 Bounce– Lots of bounce houses to choose from, as well as other types of rentals like slides, interactive games, obstacle courses, tents, concessions, dunk tanks and more.

Andrews Amusements– rent concessions, inflatable lawn games, tables, chairs, etc.

Castles in the Sky Events – We have worked with Castles in the Sky Events for a few different parties in recent years. Offering teepee tents and boho-table set ups. If you prefer a party outdoors ask about the 20′ bell tent!

Art Play Maine– Custom playdough favors.

Crider’s Creations– Goodies beyond cake at this at home bakery! Decorated sugar cookies from basic to extravagant and other treats too that would be great for favors including brownie cookie sandwiches!

Gladly Craft– Custom cups, t-shirts and small gifts!

Heavenly Dough Creations– We ordered the cutest play dough favors from this shop for my daughter’s 6 birthday party. It was easy for this shop to match our theme and customized labels were included!

Len Libby’s Chocolates– Don’t forget your favorite local candy shop when it comes to favors! This is a great last-minute option.

Mainely Cookies by Kim– Custom sugar cookie sets decorated by hand, for every occasion.

Sugar ME– This at home bakery in Yarmouth makes the cutest custom sugar cookies, gourmet cookies and cookie cakes too! Meredith created a custom cookie set for my daughter’s 6^th birthday, as well as for our 2024 Kids’ Pick Awards event and the winter wonderland party for MaineLife TV. We have also tried her paint your own cookies kit, decorate your own cookies kit and have attended a cookie decorating class.

Sweets From The Clichen– This is an incredibly talented baker located in Saco. Custom order cakes, cupcakes and cookies to match any theme. We utlized this business for a children’s birthday in 2024 and were blown away by the talent, the quality and taste/consistency of her cakes. Every aspect was spot on and we will certainly be ordering again.

The Messy Cookie– A bakery located on Forest Avenue in Portland specializing in custom-decorated cookies, with decorations by hand and also printing capability.

Wicked Whoopies– Mini whoopie pies are a great favor option and you can go grab a bunch from their Freeport store anytime with no advanced l planning needed!

Cakes Extraordinaire– This business is located in Yarmouth and helped me out for my daughter’s 5th birthday party. When another bakery cancelled my order the day before our party, I called Cakes Extraordinaire and Steve offered to decorate a cake he had in the bakery for us as a unicorn and also pulled together a variety of cupcakes. When trying to coordinate pick-up during a snowstorm, I learned Steve and I lived nearby and he delivered my cake and cupcakes to my house that day, during the snowstorm. As if that wouldn’t be enough for me to swear by this bakery for life, the cake was absolutely, melt in your mouth, delicious. We didn’t hesitate using them again for my other daughter’s party a few months later!

Crider’s Creations– We used this Gorham baker for my daughter’s birthday a couple of years ago and if you are looking for truly beautiful cakes with that wow factor, this is a great option. The cake was delicious too (which hasn’t always been our experience with the pretty cakes).

Grants Bakery– My family has been ordering cakes from Grants Bakery of Lewiston for many years… and we also ordered our wedding cake from them. I probably eat 4 or 5 grants cakes a year, no joke. They absolutely never disappoint. They are great if you are looking for taste over design, and if you trying to get an excellent cake on short notice. Do yourself a favor and grab a whole box of pastries while you are there!

MePowered Pastries– Laura can make some delicious desserts, but I have here here because she also specializes in smash cakes! We used them for my youngest daughter’s 1st birthday and I loved how Laura customized the ingredients to my daughter’s favorite things! Why feed your baby ingredients they’ve never tried or that you’ve never heard of. Laura will be very transparent about what is going in the cake for your peace of mind.

Reilly’s Bakery– This Biddeford bakery makes tons of amazing pastries and treats. Cake design is impressive at this shop and they can get pretty intricate. We recently ordered mini cupcakes from this shop for the Kids’ Pick Awards and they offered to match our theme with custom colored frosting and sprinkles. This was a nice special touch that I haven’t seen at many other bakeries.

Sweets From The Clichen– This is an incredibly talented baker located in Saco. Custom order cakes, cupcakes and cookies to match any theme. We utlized this business for a children’s birthday in 2024 and were blown away by the talent, the quality and taste/consistency of her cakes. Every aspect was spot on and we will certainly be ordering again.

The Messy Cookie– Now offering birthday cakes too with an in-house cake decorator at this Portland bakery.

Wicked Whoopies– I have used the jumbo Wicked Whoopie pie for multiple birthday parties. I just call ahead to reserve a jumbo and pick it up in Freeport. It is always a crowd-pleaser.

Fred’s Fried Dough– What kid (or adult) doesn’t love fried dough! Book Fred’s Fried Dough cart for your next family event!

Kelly’s Ice Cream Truck– Kelly’s Ice Cream Truck is an ice cream truck for hire serving the Southern Maine area.

Maggie Mae’s– Located in Yarmouth, this is a great option for simple party catering featuring local ingredients when possible and lots of great options on the catering menu.

Mainely Treats Ice Cream Truck– Portland, ME based food truck serving gourmet ice cream sandwiches, root beer floats, brownie sundae

Ottos Pizza– We love Ottos for their ease of ordering and delivery from multiple Greater Portland locations. They are a premium pizza offering that is loved by adults and children alike. Easily place your order online in advance of the date you need it and, in our experience, Ottos will have it ready to go and delivered at the time you need.