Bumble Beads Boutique
594 New Loudon Road
690-7896
A multi-faceted boutique featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories and, of course, beads. Bumble Beads is also known for its popular birthday parties and events.
Birthday on a budget: The Junior Jewel Box Party lets guests pick out beads and a charm and design a “one of a kind” necklace.
All-out bash: Go the extra mile with the Beads and Braids, Sparkle Party, Candy Cottage or Night Owl parties.
Capital District YMCA
465 New Karner Road, Albany
486-3500
The Capital District YMCA is a charitable nonprofit focused on strengthening the community by focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Birthday on a budget: Prices vary depending on the options chosen, from a gym birthday party to a pool birthday party.
All-out bash: From obstacle courses and bounce houses to the chance to swim in the pool and play in the gym, there is something for everyone.
Drama Kids International
36 Graffin Drive, Latham
458-1313
Drama Kids is an after-school drama program, developing acting talent, verbal communication skills and confidence in children ages 4-18.
Birthday on a budget: The cost for one hour of entertainment is $90, for up to 12 children.
All-out bash: Drama Kids can also provide dramatic goody bags for each child: $125 for parties of up to 12.
Funplex Funpark
589 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush
477-2651
One of the Capital District’s premier family entertainment facilities featuring mini golf, go-karts, rock climbing, bounce houses and more.
Birthday on a budget: The $7.99 package includes pizza, popcorn, soda, cake, a T-shirt for the birthday child, mini golf and a toy for everyone at the party.
All-out bash: The $19.99 package includes pizza, popcorn, soda, cake, a T-shirt, a toy for everyone, and two hours of unlimited activities at Funplex.
Great American Cookies
1 Crossgates Mall Road
608-4544
Great American Cookies makes life sweet by providing superior, fresh-scooped cookies, brownies and cookie cakes in a celebratory, fun and friendly environment.
Birthday on a budget: An individually yours cookie cake serves 1-2 people while a 12-inch round cookie cake serves 4-8 people.
All-out bash: Our pan-size double doozie cookie cake serves 24-30 people and has two cookie cakes with icing in the middle.
Howe Caverns Adventure Park
255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave
296-8900
Underground Adventure: descend 156 feet for a tour of beautiful Howe Caverns. Above ground adventure: a four-tower zipline, ropes course, 25-foot rock-climbing wall, air jumper and H2OGO balls.
Birthday on a budget: For the Rock-On-Party, guests will take part in gem mining, the rock wall and either adventure ropes or zipline. Pizza and beverage included. Cost is $25 per person plus tax.
All-out bash: Also offered are the You’re a Gem and Little Miner parties. Make a full day of it and add the cave tour and H2OGO Ball to the party package.
Mad Science of the Capital District
110 Bluebird Road, Fort Edward
373-2864
www.thecapitaldistrict.madscience.org
Unique hands-on science programs to help children have a better understanding of science and the world around them.
Birthday on a budget: At the basic birthday party, there is a 45-minute show, and then children get to make slime or putty to bring home.
All-out bash: There are plenty of add-on features, such as dry ice and bubbling potions, as well as goodie bags for all of the children.
miSci (Museum of Innovation and Science, formerly Schenectady Museum)
15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady
382-7890
Discover hands-on fun at miSci with interactive exhibits, including traveling exhibits from San Francisco’s Exploratorium, and educator-led planetarium shows.
Birthday on a budget: For $225, miSci members get access to a private party room, museum self tour, planetarium show, make-and-take activity, goodie bags, a gift for the birthday child and personal party host.
All-out bash: $250 (10 children and 10 adults, each additional child $9.50, each additional adult $7).
Zing-A-Gram, Inc.
40 McCormack Road, Slingerlands
462-1703
Zing-A-Gram specializes in children’s party entertainment and balloons and is a great resource for parents who need assistance in planning and budgeting their child’s party.
Birthday on a budget: The two-hour party entertainment package includes a popular children’s costume character and a face painter or balloon twister for one hour each for $375.
All-out bash: Zing-A-Gram’s Zaniest Party Theme Package includes a costume character, puppet or magic show, face painter/balloon twister, bounce house, pony/petting zoo and balloons starting at $1,750.
