01:00 AM EST on Sunday, November 16, 2003

Compiled by PAM THOMAS and JANINA FERA

It's your child's birthday again and you need a new idea for fun? We've got them, whether you're looking to dazzle guests who are 4 or 14. The options for children's birthday bashes at home or away continue to grow with each edition of LIFEstyles' children's birthday party guide.

Your guests can indulge themselves at a Chocolate Party on Federal Hill; party on an authentic Russian submarine, in the Krispy Kreme baking room, or in a limousine; and battle each other at a paintball range. Those with Christmas birthdays might hold a party aboard a Newport train called Santa's Express.

If you'd rather have the party at your own house, pros will show your guests how to do just about anything from record a CD to solve a murder mystery. Mystic Aquarium will even bring sea creatures right into your living room with its Traveling Party.

Today's party package is divided into two sections: The first is a list of places where you can have a child's party; the second is a list of entertainers you can hire and games you can rent for a party at home or at another location of your choice (for example, a park).

This information was received in response to requests for information about birthday parties in LIFEstyles and Lifebeat (we also sent letters to those who appeared our last guide).

After talking to these party folks, we emphasize that you have to plan ahead: Contact the company or performer at least four weeks before your target date.

Party on!

A FORMAL LIMO, (508) 676-5466 or (877) 852-LIMO. Birthday parties via 6- to 10-passenger limos for all ages, with balloons, movies, beverages, candy and party hats. $40 to $60 per hour. Web site: www.aformallimo.com.

ADVENTURELAND OF NARRAGANSETT, Point Judith Road (Route 108), Narragansett. 789-0030; 364-2070 off-season. Offering miniature golf, go-karts, bumper boats or batting cages at $2-$6 a person per sport, or an all-activity package with each activity one time for about $14 a person. Tables available; parents may bring refreshments. Reservations required.

AIM HIGH GYMNASTICS ACADEMY, 3377 South County Trail, East Greenwich. 886-7827. www.aimhighacademy.com. Birthday parties for ages 4-12 to play on gymnastics equipment, bounce, jump and laugh. Parties are held on Saturdays 12:30-2:30 and 1:30-3:30 pm; Sundays 10-noon, 11-2 and 12-3. For under 15 children, a 1 1/2-hour party is $150; 2 hours is $175. For 16-20 children, it's $175 and $200. For 21 to 27 children, it's $200 and $225. Price includes invitations, juice and goodie bags. Helium balloons and pizza available. Parents may supply cupcakes (no cakes), paper goods, decorations.

THE ALL CHILDRENS THEATRE ENSEMBLE, 127 Valley St., East Providence. 435-5300. Staff members will entertain the birthday boy or girl and guests with an hour and a half of theatre games, improvisation, pantomime and imaginative play in our studios. Then they perform a short skit they've just created, followed by a half hour for cake and presents. For ages 4 to 7, choose a pirates, princesses or under-the-sea theme; for ages 8 and up, choose comedy improv all stars or musical theater. For an extra $25, you can create your own theme. Parties are held Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Cost is $12 per child, minimum of 10 children or $120. Call Brianne Kellogg or see the Web site www.ACTinRI.org.

ANGELIKA 'N' ME, 1450 Atwood Ave., Johnston. 421-4666. Two-hour birthday parties for girls ages 3-15 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (special needs children especially welcome). $15 per child includes nail painting, toe painting, mini facial mask, hairstyle (beads, accessories), temporary tattoos and arts and crafts, karaoke and dancing while watching themselves on big-screen TV with fog machine. Call about theme parties which include Mom & Me ($45 for parent and child); Little Angels (children receive wings); Beauty Pageant ($35 per child); Pre-teen/Teen, $20 per child. Parents bring food and decorations.

ANNIEMAE'S CERAMIC HUT, 1969 Smith St., North Providence. Call 524-6237. Two-hour paint-your-own-pottery birthday parties for ages 4 and up, with one hour for creating and one hour for celebration. Children leave with a finished piece that day. Parents provide cake and other refreshments. $6 per child plus cost of ceramic item. No minimum, 25 maximum.

ATTLEBORO ART MUSEUM, 86 Park St., Attleboro, Mass. (508) 222-2644. Party guests do an art activity -- such as mask making, puppet-making, painting -- taught by artists and teachers. You choose the theme, with activities personalized to birthday child's interest. The children also tour the art gallery. Refreshments, paper goods, beverages and decorations are supplied by the parent. Cost: Museum members, $8 per child for the activity or $10 per child for activity and gift bag; non-members, $10 per child for activity and $12 per child for activity and gift bag. Includes all art materials. Maximum number of children is 15.

AUDUBON SOCIETY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER, 1401 Hope St. (Bristol/Warren town line; also Route 114), Bristol. 245-7500. Celebrate your child's birthday at this extensive nature center. Choose from themed parties including whales, reptiles, bugs and butterflies, and tide pool critters. The 2-hour program includes use of a classroom, admission to center for your group, 15-minute craft time and 45-minute nature program (including live marine animals and/or nature hike). Remainder of time is for cake and presents. Must have one adult per four children, maximum of 12 children and 10 adults. Two-hour party is $155; Audubon Society of R.I. members, $125.

BALLET BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH MISS ANA, Studio of the Brae Crest School of Ballet in Lincoln. 334-2560. Two-hour birthday party, $195, for up to 20 children ages 4 to 12. Includes face painting with ballet video, private ballet class for party children, tables and chairs for food and cake setup, classical music, games, photo in tutu costume and a gift for the birthday child.

BATTLESHIP MASSACHUSETTS, Battleship Cove, Fall River (508) 678-1100. Treat your guests like an Admiral at a birthday party at the world's largest collection of historic naval ships. All-inclusive catering (cake, ice cream, burger, french fries, drink) is $14 per person for 10 or more people and includes admission to explore Battleship Massachusetts, destroyer Kennedy, submarine Lionfish, PT boats 617 and 796, Hiddensee, the world's only publicly exhibited Soviet-built missile corvette, and the National PT Boat and National Destroyermen's Museum. Open 362 days per year.

BEAUTY AND THE BATH PARTIES, 11 Main St., Wickford. Call 294-3576. Guests come in their pajamas for a party at the Beauty and the Bath shop featuring hair styling, manicures and makeup. Lavender sachets are made at the craft table to take home, along with a favor from the shop. Parents can bring cake and food, decorations or music. Usually held Friday nights. The cost is $28 per child, minimum 10 children. Adult parties and baby and bridal showers also offered.

BEN & JERRY'S FUN STUFF, Garden City Center, Cranston. 944-9995. Party cost of $14 per person includes an ice cream cake (or a scoop of ice cream for each person if you bring your own cake), decorations, ice cream-making with an old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream machine, party games. Parents bring T-shirts to be tie-dyed by Ben & Jerry's staff. 10-child minimum for weekend parties.

BIG TOP KIDDIE PLAYLAND RESTAURANT, 35 Mariano Bishop Blvd., Fall River. (508) 675-4800. Birthday party packages featuring Topper the Clown (weekends). Weekday discount -- birthday child is free. The Big Blast, $9.95 per person, includes 2 slices of pizza with 1 topping, soda, cake, 16 tokens for each guest, 20 tokens and 200 tickets to be redeemed at the general store for the birthday child, admission to the giant ball crawl playport for children under 4-feet-9-inches. The Super Big Blast, $11.95 per child, includes 2 slices of pizza with 1 topping, lootbag, soda, cake, ice cream, 25 tokens and 25 tickets for each guest, 40 tokens and 300 tickets to be redeemed at general store for the birthday child, admission to the giant ball crawl playport. All packages include table settings, balloon for each guest, and hostess service. Table reserved for 1 1/2 hours. Parties are daily at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Minimum of eight people.

BIOMES MARINE BIOLOGY CENTER, 221 Shady Lea Rd., North Kingstown. 295-4690; www.biomescenter.com. Two-hour birthday party includes shark petting, holding tide-pool animals and a boa constrictor, feeding demonstrations, hundreds of animals to learn about, and live reptiles such as tortoises and lizards. Parents bring cake and paper goods. Center supplies private facility, staff, animals and activities. $150 for up to 15 children, $10 each for additional children, maximum 20. Adults and children under 4 are free.

BOWLING PARTY at Bowling Academy, 354 Taunton Ave., East Providence. 434-5839. Party includes 1 hour of bowling with shoe rental, 30 minutes of partying at a table with full setup, soft drink, hot dog or pizza and chips for each child, birthday cake and cupcakes, invitations, bowling coupon for each child, bowling pin for the birthday child, services of party coordinator. Gutter bumpers available. $11.99 per child with 8-bowler minimum. Custom adult parties available. See www.bowlingacademy.com.

BOWLING PARTY at East Providence Lanes, 80 Newport Ave., East Providence. 438-2300. Package 1, for $8 per child, includes 1 hour in the party room, 1 hour of bowling, and a T-shirt for the birthday child. Package 2, for $10, includes 1 hour in the party room, 1 hour of bowling, cake and ice cream, T-shirt for the birthday child. Package 3, for $10, includes 1 hour in the party room, 1 hour of bowling, pizza and soda, and T-shirt for the birthday child. Package 4, for $12, includes 1 hour of bowling, 1 hour in the party room, pizza and soda, cake and ice cream, T-shirt for the birthday child. Package 5, lane-only party, 2-hour limit, $12 per hour plus $1 rental shoe fee per bowler. Free rental shoes in packages 1-4.

BOWLING PARTY at Kingstown Bowl, 6125 Post Rd., North Kingstown. 884-4450. Party Package 1 is $7.95 per child and includes 1 hour of bowling, shoe rental, and table with tablecloth. Package 2 is $14.95 per child and includes 1 hour of bowling, shoe rental, table with tablecloth, paper goods, utensils, decorated birthday cake, pizza, soda and goody bags for each child.

BOWLING PARTY at Legion Bowl & Billiards, 661 Park Ave., Cranston. 781-8888. Birthday party includes bowling for one hour (bumpers available), shoe rental and party tables for 1 hour. Parents provide cake and refreshments. $5.95 per child with a minimum charge of $59.50 Rock and Bowl birthday party, Saturday 6:30-8:30 p.m., includes two hours of bowling and use of party tables, plus rental shoes. $6.95 per child with a minimum charge of $69.50. Billiard birthday party includes billiards for 2 hours, party tables and chairs provided, adult supervision required. $5 per person with a minimum charge of $50.

BOWLING PARTY at Old Mountain Lanes, 756 Kingstown Rd., Wakefield. 783-5511 Ext. 2. The Spare Party: 1 hour of bowling, shoe rental, use of table, $6.95 per child. The Strike Party: 1 hour of bowling, 1 hour for party, shoe rental, choice of hot dog, hamburger or pizza, with french fries, soda, utensils, paper goods, $9.95 per child. The Deluxe Party, everything in The Strike, plus invitations, balloons, unlimited soda, grab bags with candy, signable bowling pin for birthday child, and each child receives coupon for free return visit. $10.95 per child. Minimum 8 children for each party.

BOWLING PARTY at Meadowbrook Lanes, 2530 Warwick Ave., Warwick. Call 737-5402. One game of bowling with rental shoes. Table and chairs are set up; parents bring in food, paper supplies. Party time is 2 hours, $5 per child.

BOWLING PARTY at Town Hall Lanes Inc., 1463 Atwood Ave., Johnston. 831-6940. Happy Birthday Party: Includes 1 hour of bowling with shoe rental, 1 hour at a table set up with tableware, invitations, and each bowler receives a slice of pizza, chips and drink. Birthday person gets a birthday T-shirt. 10 child minimum at $10.99 per child. Cosmic Bowl Birthday Party: For ages 12 and up. Includes 1 1/2 hours of bowling and shoe rental; 30 minutes at a table set with tableware; pizza, chips and drinks for the bowlers; and a Cosmic T-shirt for the birthday person. 5 bowler minimum at $12.99 per bowler. Host may bring cake for either party.

BRUSHSTROKES PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY PARTY, Kingstown Emporium, 99 Fortin Rd., Kingston. 789-5559. Students create a piece of art, from dinner plates to fairy boxes, at 1 1/2- to 2-hour parties. In addition to traditional glazes, Brushstrokes offers pottery glazes, speckle paint, crystallite paint and paintable stoneware. Studio seats 20 to 25 people; no minimum. $10 to $15 per child. Parents may supply food, decorations, cake, which are available for an extra charge. Bring music of your choice.

CAROUSEL SKATING CENTER, 4 David Drown Blvd., Fairhaven, Mass. (800) 870-4828 or (508) 996-4828. Skating party package includes admission, regular skate rentals, slice of pizza and soda for each guest, birthday cake, paper goods, balloons, invitations, a party host, game tokens, coupon booklet for each guest, gift for the birthday person, and a visit by the Roller Roo or Kooky A. Bird. The two-hour party, available Wed.-Sun., is $10.95 per child (minimum 10). Tiny Tot Birthday Party, for ages 8 and under to skate with children their own age, Saturdays from 10-11:30 a.m. Party package includes admission, skate rentals, punch, birthday cake, balloons, invitations, party hostess, game tokens, coupon booklet, gift for birthday child, party table and place settings. $7.95 per child, minimum 10. Web site: www.carouselskate.com.

CERAMIC CITY, 387 Waterman Ave., Johnston. 231-1667. Huge selection of ready-to-paint projects for two-hour birthday parties in the studio; guests take pieces home the same day. Minimum 10 kids, maximum 35. $6.50 and up; pieces determine final cost.

CHARLES I.D. LOOFF CAROUSEL, Bullocks Point Ave., Riverside. 435-7518. Birthday party packages will be available when the carousel, which is being renovated, re-opens in mid-2004. Call for information on children's (and adult) events.

CHEPACHET FARMS AND CARRIAGE WORKS, 226 Tourtellot Hill Rd., Chepachet. 568-9996. Two birthday packages are available. Party 1, a two-hour event, includes a 45-minute horse-drawn hayride, homemade cake, ice cream, balloons and a visit to the petting zoo. Parents supply paper goods, beverages and snacks. Have cake indoors around the wood stove or outdoors around a campfire. $200 for up to 20 children and adults; each additional person, $10. Party 2 includes the hayride and visit to the petting zoo as well as use of indoor or outdoor facilities. $8.50 per person, 15-person minimum. The petting zoo includes a miniature horse, donkey, llamas, sheep, goats and a potbellied pig. There are also peacocks, chickens and a duck.

CHOCOLATE PARTY, Ocean State Chocolates and Confections, 294 Atwells Ave., Providence. 273-2022. www.oceanstatechocolates.com. Two-hour birthday party for ages 5 and up includes making and decorating your own chocolate pizza, chocolate-themed party games, a decorated chocolate birthday cake, ice cream and Italian soda. $200 for 10 children.

CHUCK E. CHEESE'S, 287 Washington St., South Attleboro, Mass. (508) 399-8445. Extensive games arcade geared to families. Standard Party: Decorated table for 1 1/2 hours, host, birthday cake, pizza and drinks, $5 in tokens per child, live birthday show and visit from Chuck E. Cheese, as well as crown, balloon and cotton candy for the birthday child. $11.99 per child. Super Party Upgrade: Includes Standard Party plus $3 additional tokens per child, goodie bags, 500 prize tickets for birthday child, 100 prize tickets for each guest. $16.99 per child. Special deals for weekday parties. Minimum 4 children. Reservations may also be made online at www.chuckecheese.com.

A CLAY GARDEN, 93 Kingstown Rd. (Route 138), Richmond. 539-7164. www.aclaygarden.com. Party guests choose from extensive selection of bisqueware and glazes to create their own work of art at a two-hour party accommodating up to 16 children. Prices begin at $6 per child.

CLAYGROUND, 5600 Post Rd., Benny's Marketplace, East Greenwich. 884-4888. Two in-store parties and an at-home option. At the store, a private room accommodates up to 20 children. With both options, staff helps each child create a masterpiece. Glazing and firing of all pottery, with pickup of items in one week. Parents supply cake, refreshments, decorations. Birthday child receives a T-shirt. Practical Picasso: 1 1/2 hours in party room, choice of pottery (animals, bugs, sport banks, trinket boxes, piggy banks and more). Minimum 6. $15 per child. More Monet: 2-hour party with a choice of pottery for $15 or under (bowls, plates, Harry Potter, mugs, frames and more). Minimum 6. $21 per child. The Van Gogh: Clayground will come to your location for 2 hours. Choice of pottery & paint colors (200 items available). Price varies with items. Minimum 10.

CLOWNING AROUND BIRTHDAY PARTIES, 1500 Atwood Ave., Johnston. 454-0093. Choose one of 7 themes and the staff takes over, planning a two-hour party with crafts, games, karaoke, painting, tattoos, pizza, punch, popcorn and more. $175 for up to 12 children; $6 each additional child up to 25.

CRAFT CORNER, 849 Cumberland Hill Rd., Woonsocket. 762-3233. Offering instructor-supervised 2-hour make-a-craft theme parties such as clay critters or jewelry, T-shirt painting, papier mache, wooden name plaque, clay pot, wind chimes and more. Programs are $9.50 per child (minimum 8). One hour for children to create a project, one hour for anything else such as cake and refreshments, which parents may bring. For an extra charge, Craft Corner will provide cake, ice cream, soda, pizza and balloons.

CRAFT PARTIES, at The Selective Eye, 232 Waseca Ave., Barrington. At this two-hour hands-on party, girls and boys age 4 and up can make beaded jewelry, hemp bracelets, dream catchers or rainsticks. $12 per person, minimum 4, maximum 14. Parents may bring cake and other food. Call 245-0812.

CREATE A CAKE BIRTHDAY PARTIES, held at the Pastry Gourmet stores' state-of-the-art baking facility on Royal Little Drive in Providence. Ages 5 and up decorate aprons and baker's hats, then put them on and decorate their own cakes to take home, followed by a factory tour showing how pastries are made. Includes a cake to cut and serve, pizza strips, juice, paper goods, decorations and personalized invitations. Minimum 10 kids, no maximum. Price for two-hour party is $24.50 per child. Held daily. For information call 223-7100, e-mail bestcakes@aol.com or see the Web site www.thepastrygourmet.com.

DUNKIN' DONUTS CENTER BIRTHDAY PARTIES, at the center, 1 LaSalle Square, Providence. Discounted tickets are available for events such as Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, Harlem Globetrotters, Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus and Dragon Tales. Call 331-0700 ext. 155 or e-mail ciafrate@provcc.com.

EASTON'S BEACH CAROUSEL, 175 Memorial Blvd., Newport, located directly on Newport's ocean beach, below Cliff Walk. Carousel birthday parties, complete with private outside deck, tables and chairs, unlimited rides and carousel operator. Seating for a maximum of 30. $50 per hour with 1 1/2-hour minimum. Available from April 15-Nov. 1 (no heat in off season). Call Ray Fullerton of the Newport Recreation Department at 848-6491.

FALL RIVER CAROUSEL AT BATTLESHIP COVE, One Central St., Fall River. (508) 678-1100. All-inclusive catered parties on the waterfront for a minimum of 10 people starts at $10.50 per person. It includes 6 rides on the 48 handpainted horses of Carousel No. 54 of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, an all-wood ride from the 1920s that is now one of the oldest operating carousels in the country.

FANTASYLAND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, 1300-1302 Fall River Ave., Route 6, Seekonk. (508) 336-6262. For $8.95 per person (minimum 10), each guest receives 10 tokens for the many arcade games, 12 tickets for various children's rides, 2 slices of cheese pizza, soda and ice cream (parents bring cake). Parties are held Friday at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Must be booked at least three weeks in advance.

GEORGE'S GAMES & MUSIC, 101 Main St., Pawtucket. 725-7788. Arcade designed for kids of all ages featuring pinballs, video games, air hockey, foosball, basketball and football throw games, virtual riding games and more. Arcade rental, at $50 for 4 hours, is available by reservation daily from noon to 8 p.m. Tokens are 4 for $1; 24 for $5. Game rentals also available.

GYM BIRTHDAY PARTIES at Ocean State Gymnastics Center, 2 New England Way, Lincoln. 333-1530. In our gym, instructors will take party guests through a gymnastics "fun time" including an inflatable slide and bounce. Eat and drink in a separate area. Two-hour parties, Saturdays and Sundays, are $250 for the first 12 children (not including the birthday child) and $20 for each additional child. Web site: www.ossg.com.

GYMBEAR GYMASTICS AND GYMKIDS, INC. offer birthday party packages for all ages featuring gymnastics, hip hop or creative movement dance, storytelling, arts and crafts, or scientific exploration. All parties, whether at the company's Cranston and Providence locations or at your home, offer one hour of instruction/entertainment and party favors for all guests. Parties at company facilities include an additional hour in a party room. Prices start at $100. Call 724-9800 or see the Web site www.gymbear.com.

HAYRIDES AT PACHET BROOK TREE FARM, 4484 Main Rd., Tiverton. 624-4872 or www.pachetbrook.com. Birthday party hayrides through the woods. Campfire hayrides for any age are held year-round. In the fall, parties for children include a pumpkin hunt on a Halloween-themed hayride. Minimum 10; $10 for each child.

HEALTHTRAX FITNESS & WELLNESS, 15 Catamore Blvd., East Providence. 434-3600. Parties are 2 1/2 hours and include invitations, personalized birthday cake, drinks, balloons, paper goods and a party coordinator. Kids swim, play games and sports, and finish with cake and gifts. Rates are $190 ($150 for members). Includes up to 20 children. To design your own party, party room rental is available for $60 an hour. Friday 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday or Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

HEALTHTRAX FITNESS & WELLNESS, 2191 Post Rd., Warwick. 2 1/2-hour party. 1 hour of games, 1 hour of free swim and a half-hour for cake and gifts. Party includes invitations, personalized birthday cake, drink, balloons, paper goods, lifeguard and a party coordinator. Games include indoor soccer, parachute games, halfcourt basketball, wallyball, floor polo, kickball and more. You may bring your own food. $155 for members, $190 for non-members. Maximum of 20 children ages 5 and up. Call 732-2413 ext. 3013.

HIP HOP DANCE PARTIES, at the Warwick dance studio or at any location. Dance Artistry, 3890 Post Rd., Warwick. Hip hop, jazz, ballet and tumbling parties available -- the birthday child can pick the music. A fee of $10 per child includes a one-hour dance class and an additional 90 minutes for cake, presents, etc. $70 minimum for studio parties, while parties at home are negotiated on the bases of distance and number of kids. All dancers receive several free class passes. Call Nikki Apostal at 885-4750 or see www.danceartistry.com.

HOMESTEAD GARDENS & GIFTS, 200 Industrial Drive, Slatersville. 765-4847. A birthday party in the country. The $50 price includes a hayride for 12 persons ($3 each for additional passengers), feeding llamas, sheep, ducks and swans, visiting the water wheel and the koi, and use of an air-conditioned room for 2 hours. Order pizza or bring your own food.

ICE SKATING PARTY, Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink, 900 Phenix Ave., Cranston. Includes public skating admission, skate rental, one hour of skating, pizza, chips, beverage, use of party area for one hour before or after public skating, paper goods and utensils, party host. $130 for up to 10 guests, birthday child free. $13 per additional child, maximum 22. Call 944-8690. Web site: www.cranstonicerink.com.

IMAX EXPERIENCE PARTY at the Feinstein Imax Theatre, Providence Place, Providence. Contact Greg Lake at 453-4446 ext. 200. Child's birthday party package includes reserved seating for a currently playing film of your choice; use of a reserved area of the lobby for one hour before the film for a party. Tables, chairs, tablecloths and napkins are provided; small popcorn and soda with free refills for every child; happy birthday announcement before the film by staff member, and digital picture of your party displayed on 60-by-89-foot screen (the biggest in R.I.) before the film. Minimum 10 children. Price is $12 per person. Parents may bring pizza, birthday cake, etc. Tableware not provided.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF RHODE ISLAND, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Call Darlene at 861-8800 ext. 155. Customized party packages using gym and/or heated indoor pool; dance, storytelling and sports such as gymnastics can be arranged. Rooms available for cake and gift-opening. Price depends on room/facility being used and length of party time. Package prices offered. Pool parties available Sundays between 1 and 3:30 p.m. All welcome. JCC members get discount.

JOHN CASABLANCAS MODELING AND CAREER CENTER, 1 Lambert Lind Highway, Warwick. Professional instructors host 2-hour parties in the studio for girls and boys interested in modeling or acting (could include makeup application, runway skills, auditioning for a commercial, etc.). $120 for up to 10 children (additional fee for bigger parties). Parents provide cake and decorations. Contact Sharon McCarthy at 463-5866.

KIDDIE LAND BIRTHDAY PARTIES, Lincoln Mall, Lincoln. Call 334-1048. Party guests ride all the Kiddie Land rides for two hours. Includes decorations and popcorn and a gift for the birthday child. Parents may bring cake and other refreshments. Minimum 10 children, $8.35 per child. Can accommodate any size party, in separate party areas.

KIDS DAY AT THE SPA, at Bella DEA Salon, 329 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick. Spa parties with features such as facial, manicure, spa pedicure, makeup and hairstyles including updos. Robe and fuzzy head wrap included. $19.95 per person, 18 maximum (mothers welcome); teen parties available. Limo service for additional fee. Call Grace at 738-4941.

KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, corner of Sockanosset Cross Road and Pontiac Avenue in Cranston. Two-hour birthday party includes tour and doughnut dipping, balloons, party hats, two dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for the group, and doughnut coupon good for the next visit. The birthday child receives a gift and birthday crown. Invitations and services of a party coordinator included. For 10 children the cost is $75; each additional child is $3. All parties are after noon. Call Jeanine Savoie at (888) 693-6844.

LET'S PARTY, 2360 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. Call 405-0196. Choose from more than 150 themes for a two-hour party in the 3,600-square-foot party room with jump-a-round, karaoke, turbo slide, 20-foot pirate ship with slide and more. Party includes decorations, games and crafts. Price is $17.50 per child for less than 15 children; $15.50 for more than 15 children; $14.50 for more than 21. Add-ons available such as pinatas, pizza and character visits.

LITTLE GEMS GYMNASTICS SCHOOL, 30 Martin St., Suite 2A6, Cumberland. 334-1347. Birthday parties of 1 1/2 or 2 hours include gymnastics, games, music, paper goods, balloons, ice cream cake and drinks. For 1 1/2 hours, $175 for up to 20 guests (increased fee for additional guests); for 2 hours, $200.

MULLIGAN'S ISLAND, 1000 New London Ave. (Route 2), Cranston. 464-8855. Parties for children of all ages with activities including miniature golf, batting cages and driving range, plus food. Volcano Party includes one round of mini-golf plus pizza and soda, $10.95 per child, minimum 10 children. Island Adventure, one round of mini-golf, two batting cage tokens, one small driving range bucket, pizza and soda, $15.95 per child, minimum 10. Party invitations online. Web site: www.mulligansisland.com.

MYSTIC AQUARIUM, Mystic, Conn. (860) 572-5955 ext. 520. Birthday parties for ages 4 and up at the aquarium (see accompanying story for a party that travels to your location). At the aquarium: Package 1 includes all-day admission for up to 15 people (with no more than 6 adults), 90 minutes in a private learning lab where guests experience a Touch and Learn session with various sea creatures, an appearance by a costumed character (if age appropriate), plus birthday cake, ice cream, beverage and tableware. $275 ($250 members). Add pizza, hot dogs, favors for extra fee. Package 2: The same as Package 1 for up to 25 people (with no more than 6 adults). $460 ($420 members). Offered weekends only. Sharks Party for age 6 and up, same prices as above. All-day admission plus a 20-minute introduction to sharks and the oceanic food web in a private classroom. Instructor escorts children to Immersion Institute Theater to play two rounds at Sharks Predator Prey Program. Birthday cake, ice cream, beverage, tableware.

NARRAGANSETT OCEAN CLUB, 360 South Pier Rd., Narragansett. 783-6120. Roller-skating parties for all ages. Admission, skate rental, food, gift for the birthday person and discount passes for the guests costs $10 per guest, minimum 10 people.

NATURE BIRTHDAY PARTIES, South Kingstown Parks and Recreation, 325 Columbia, Peace Dale. 789-9301. Web site: www.southkingstownri.com/parksrec. Choose from several fun and educational themed parties to have in the party room or park space (with picnic tables). The parties are two hours, with one hour for the activity and one for partying. Parents supply food. $10 per child with minimum of 10 children. Themes include Birthday Birds of a Feather, ages 6 and up; Rainforest Birthday, ages 6 and up, includes making a rain stick; Swinging Safari, ages 6-10, focus on animals; Wildlife Watchers, ages 6 and up, guided nature hike.

NEWPORT ART MUSEUM, 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport. 848-2787. Choose from 11 themed two-hour birthday parties (Magical Fairies, Pirates, Carousel Horses, Asian Arts, Jewelry Designers) for ages 3 to 12, including a 1- to 1 1/2-hour art lesson. Held Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. Parents provide refreshments and cake. $90 for museum members, $100 for non-members, for 6-10 children and two adults; parties 11-14 children cost $105 or $115. Parties that include parents are limited to seven children. See www.newportartmuseum.com.

PAINTBALL PARTIES, Painted Warriors Inc. Paintball, 471 Atwood Ave., Cranston. 942-9955. www.atwoodpaintball.com. Paintball parties in a safe, adult-supervised, action-packed ourdoor setting in West Greenwich filled with obstacles and bunkers. Prices start at $17 per person (10 player minimum), which includes safety briefing, paintball marker, mask, cupcakes and soda. Typical party is 3 hours.

PARTY LINE, 1211 Main St., West Warwick. 827-5086. Two-hour parties, your choice of many themes, in the 4,000-square-foot birthday room. Many favorite characters, magicians and clowns are available to attend your party, either at the Party Line or your location. Package A includes invitations, theme cake, drink, activities, helium balloons, ice cream, snacks, party craft, gift. Cost: $9.50 per person (10 person minimum). Package B includes package A plus pizza and thank-you cards for $12.50 per person (10 person minimum). Party attendant fee is $15 for 10 guests for both packages. All parties include games and prizes. Party Line is a division of the Judi T. Dance Studio; see www.juditdance.com.

PARTY PARADE by The Fancie Dancer, 30 Martin St., Cumberland. 333-2623. Two-hour parties with theme of your choice in a decorated party room with games, favors, gift for birthday child. $99.50 for up to 6 guests, additional cost for more. No minimum or maximum. Also available are Super Parties that include live characters, custom cake and ice cream, pizza and soda and paper goods.

PLASTER PALACE, 289 Cowesett Ave., Warwick. 826-2200. Web site: www.plasterpalaceinc.com. In the studio, birthday guests paint plaster pieces that go home the same day. Two-hour parties include a large pizza, paper goods, host, invitations, plaster piece and a trip to the treasure chest. Minimum 10 guests, maximum 24. Price starts at $10.50 per child.

POLLY'S PARTIES, 20 Cedar Swamp Rd. (Apple Valley), Smithfield. 232-2883. Two-hour tea parties for girls that provide dress-up attire for everyone, such as gowns, hats, jewels, feather boas and more. Includes invitations, karaoke, games, crafts, tea sandwiches, iced tea in china teacups, apple juice, birthday cake, favors and more. Five themes are Victorian, Flappers, Indian Princesses, Hawaiian Luau and Fairytale Princesses. $185 for up to 12 children ($7 each additional child, maximum 20). Parties may also be held at your location.

POOL BIRTHDAY PARTIES at The Inn Fitness Club at the Holiday Inn, 700 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton. Party includes supervised games and activities in the pool (parachute games available for younger children) and a separate room for cake and presents. Parties are Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 3 p.m. or 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. $150 for 15 children, $5 for each additional guest, $30 per half hour of additional time. Contact Marcie Polopek at (508) 823-6190.

POOL PARTIES offered at the Rhode Island College indoor swimming facility, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence. Field house is available for activities and room to have refreshments. Price varies according to number and age of guests and time of party. Call the RIC Recreation Department at 456-8400; Web site www.ric.edu/athletics.

POOL PARTIES hosted by the staff of the University of Rhode Island Recreation Services at Tootell Aquatic Center, U.R.I., Kingston. Games and activities are organized in three pools during community swim times and a separate room is available for refreshments. Option A includes 1-hour pool time and 1 hour in the party room. Center provides cake (your choice of themes), ice cream and party favors. $75 plus $5 per person. Option B includes 1 hour pool time plus 1 hour in the party room. No food or favors provided. $50 plus $5 per person. Maximum 20 guests; special arrangements for larger groups. Reservations must be made at least two weeks before party time. Call assistant coordinator of aquatics at 874-7035.

POW! SCIENCE!, 1341 West Main Rd., No. 13, Middletown. 619-0971. www.powscience.com. Fun and educational science birthday parties for ages 4-12 with a variety of themes such as Chemistry and Flying Things. Two-hour party consists of 50-75 minutes of hands-on science activities and time for cake and presents (parents provide cake and paper goods). At all parties, children make something to take home. $130 for 15 children at our Middletown facility, $150 in your home. Maximum group size is 20.

PROVIDENCE BRUINS BIRTHDAY BASH, 1 La Salle Square, Providence. 273-5000, ext 32. The P-Bruins Birthday Bash includes 10 tickets for children and/or adults, plus a souvenir for each child. Birthday child receives name announced over the public address system, name in lights on scoreboard, birthday puck autographed by a P-Bruin and a gift from Bob's Stores. Seating is in the non-alcohol sections, 111-113. All for $110, with additional tickets $10, or $11 for ticket and souvenir. See www.providencebruins.com.

PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, 100 South St., Providence. Call 273-5437; www.childrenmuseum.org. Basic birthday party. Two person membership for non-members, use of a private party room for one hour; unlimited time in the museum exhibits; invitations; draw-on tablecloth and paper goods. Price for non-members for weekdays is $10 per child and weekends is $12; members $7 and $5.50. Deluxe Birthday Party. Basic party plus apple juice, ice cream, party favors, complimentary museum passes for each child and museum T-shirt for the birthday child. Weekdays, $15 per child, weekends, $17; members, $13 and $11. Super Party. Deluxe Party plus use of party room for an additional 30 minutes and an experienced educator for duration of party. Weekdays, $22 per child, weekends, $24; members $17 and $19. ZOOMzone Super Party. Party in the ZOOMzone where guests create "Puff Mobiles" with the help of an experienced educator. Using recyclable materials children build air-powered vehicles and test how they travel. Minimum 10 children, maximum 16. Ages 5 and up. Same prices as regular Super Party. Flying Colors Super Party. For ages 2 to 5. Guided by an educator, children toss colored hoops through the air at targets and make a rainbow insect to take home. Minimum 10, maximum 16. Same prices as regular Super Party. All parties include use of kitchen facilities, table and chairs, staff welcome and museum orientation, and name tags.

PROVIDENCE PAINTBALL, 63 Spooner St., Providence. 467-2815. www.ProvidencePaintball.com. Birthday parties for ages 10 and up, including all the gear and a referee that runs the games (plus an invitation you can print out). Each participant receives instructions on operating the markers and playing safely. Cost is $19 per person, plus paint, which sells for $59 per case (2,000 balls).

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. 421-2997. Birthday parties are offered in conjunction with PPAC children's shows. To hold a party, at least 15 tickets to one performance must be purchased. For $8 per child, in addition to the price of tickets, guests receive pizza, chips and soda plus a staff representative one hour before show time. Hosts may bring cake. Upcoming shows include Sesame Street Live Feb. 26-29; The Sound of Music May 4-5; Very Eric Carle by Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia May 8; Bear in the Big Blue House Live! Surprise Party, May 13-16. To book an event, call Kim Reis at 421-2997 ext. 3162.

REEL TO REAL RECORDING STUDIO, 90 Connecticut St., Cranston. Call Anthony Marrapese at 946-1520. Offers recording-session birthday parties for ages 7 to 18. This 90-minute party consists of up to 15 children singing and experiencing a real recording session, complete with making their own CD. More than 2,000 songs are available in a karaoke format, from Top 10 hits to oldies. During the session, instruments and props are handed out, the lights are turned off and the children get to sing with colored spotlights, lasers and dancing lights. Each child leaves with everything that was handed out, plus a CD of the session. The cost, $150 for up to 10 children plus $10 for each additional guest up to 15, includes studio time, CDs, a keepsake CD with pictures printed on it from birthday child, custom invitations, all giveaways plus a few surprises.

ROCK CLIMBING PARTIES at the Rhode Island Rock Gym, 100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln. 727-1704. Indoor rock-climbing parties for all ages and abilities. Staff provides thorough instruction of knot tying, belaying and climbing safety. $20 per climber. See www.rhodeislandrockgym.com.

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO, Providence. 467-0150. Two party packages, with 14-day advance reservation required. Lemur package: Admission to zoo, personal pan pizza, beverage in souvenir cup, ice cream, caterware, reserved space at Alice's restaurant for 90 minutes, and services of zoo ambassador. $12.50 per person for members, $13.50 for non-members. Elephant package includes everything in Lemur package plus animal-theme party decorations, table ware and invitations, plus plush animal for birthday child and free use of zoo cart. $15 for members, $16 for non-members. For an additional $30 your group can join a zoo naturalist in a one-hour guided tour (weekends only) prior to the birthday meal. Minimum of 10, maximum 30. www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org.

SANTA EXPRESS, 90-minute children's holiday birthday parties aboard the Newport Dinner Train, which becomes the Santa Express pre-Christmas. Santa Express travels from the Newport railroad depot through the Navy Base out to Narragansett Bay and returns to the depot. Children are entertained by Santa and Mrs. Claus with stories and singalongs, plus face-painting by elves. $8.95 per person for children and $11.95 for adults includes a light menu and favors for children. The train departs at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 and 30, Dec. 6 and 7, Dec. 13 and 14, and Dec. 20 and 21. Call 841-8700 for information.

SEBASTIAN'S PARTY PLACE, 928 Plainfield St., Johnston. Contact Steve Santilli, 944-7337; www.SebastiansRI.com. One-stop party service featuring dance parties for teens at this full-service catering facility with night club sound and lights and a huge dance floor. Can accommodate 50 to 300 people.

SHOWCASE CINEMAS REEL-KOOL BIRTHDAY PARTY, 1200 Quaker Lane, Warwick. A birthday party in the movie theater includes movie admission, use of a party room for one hour before the show, a host for the party, all paper goods, invitations, reserved seating, birthday announcement prior to show, a group photo and gift for birthday child, plus a Kool-Pak tray for each child which holds unlimited popcorn and soda. $16 per child, minimum 10, maximum 20. For every 10 kids, one adult gets in free as chaperone. Call the Warwick Showcase Cinemas at 885-1345. Other Showcase theaters may also offer parties; call for information.

SPA PARTY at Avessa Salon & Day Spa, 464 Maple Ave., Barrington. 247-1110; www.avessa-salon.com. Girls choose from many spa services such as manicures, pedicures, facials. Usual prices range from $15 to $30 per person, depending on services chosen. Includes cake, chips and soda and a goodie bag for each guest. Parties are held Tuesdays-Saturdays.

SPA PARTY at Elan Salon and Day Spa, 99 Bald Hill Rd., Cranston. www.elandayspa.com. At a two-hour party, girls receive a mini manicure and pedicure and party favor. Ice cream, cake and private room included. $290 for up to 8 children. Call Cassandra at 463-6749.

SUBMARINE BIRTHDAY PARTY, aboard the Russian Submarine Museum on the Providence waterfront. Year-round parties include a tour of the K:19 Widowmaker movie sub and a package that includes pizza, drinks and party gear (but parents bring the cake). $15 per child. Adult parties available. Call 521-3600.

TOWER HILL EQUESTRIAN CENTER, 2415 Tower Hill Rd., North Kingstown. 294-8190. Birthday trail rides through acres of wooded trails, $40 for one hour, $25 for a half hour, discounted rates for groups. Pony parties, on the farm or at your house. One pony is $95 per hour, second pony is $50 per hour (second pony recommended for more than 10 children). $25 per pony per hour after initial hour. For all parties, picnic tables and barbecues are available. A visit to the petting zoo is included; indoor arena available for inclement weather.

TWIN WILLOWS STABLES, 233 Morgan Ave., Johnston. 943-2125. Parties for small children include pony rides, small petting zoo and farm tour. $145 for up to 15 children. For older children (to adults), customized parties include a mini riding lesson; price varies. Picnic tables provided; parents may bring birthday cake and refreshments. Indoor ring available later in 2004.

UNITED SKATES OF AMERICA, 75 New Rd., Rumford. 438-9899. Offering roller skating, laser tag and rock climbing parties. Party includes admission and skate rental, invitations, reserved seating, food (excluding cake), paper goods, host to serve, game tokens. Roller Skating/Laser Tag Party, Roller Skating/Rock Climbing Party is $12.99 per person Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun. Minimum 10 children. Deluxe Party at $17.99 per guest includes roller skating, laser tag and rock climbing, party favor bags and 20 extra tokens per child. Cake available.

URI BASKETBALL BIRTHDAY PARTIES, Marketing and Promotions, 3 Keaney Rd., Kingston. Call 874-8591. Your child can celebrate his or her birthday at a URI men's or women's basketball game this winter. The cost is $10 per child, which includes a ticket to the game, a concession voucher for a small drink, personal pizza or hot dog and a bag of chips, a "special gift" from URI athletics, and a group picture taken with URI mascot Rhody. The birthday child will also have his or her name announced during the game. Each party must include at least 8 children and 2 adults and must be reserved 48 hours before the games in Kingston at the Ryan Center.

WATER WIZZ, Atlantic Avenue, Misquamicut Beach, Westerly. Call 322-0520 when park opens for season on Memorial Day weekend; call 364-2070 before that. Offering parties ranging from 40 minutes ($9 per person) to all day ($21 per person). Giant water slides, Spills and Thrills, Tunnels and Dips. Picnic tables available, but should be reserved if needed. Food may be purchased at nearby concession stands. Pizza delivery available. Refrigerator use free. Early-bird special available Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. for $9 a person.

WATER WIZZ of Cape Cod, Routes 6 and 28, Wareham, Mass. (508) 295-3255. Six slides, wave pool, three tube rides (including enclosed tube ride), kiddie water park, miniature golf, lazy river ride and swimming pool. $27 for adults, children under 48 inches tall and seniors $11, for all-day play, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Half-day rates, which begin at 4 p.m. are adults $18, children under 48 inches and seniors $11. After 5 p.m., the price is $10 for everyone. Birthday person gets free admission with proof of D.O.B., 2 days before or 2 days after actual birthday. Food concessions available, but you may bring your own food. Parents provide cake. Season opens mid-June.

WHR FITNESS, 600 Social St., Woonsocket. Call 766-6766. Customized parties depending on age can include swimming pool games, basketball, beach wallyball, karate demos and other activities. Package includes swimming pool, party room, sports and Burger King kids meals. Prices start at $200 for a two-hour party.

YMCA-NEWMAN, 472 Taunton Ave., Seekonk. (508) 336-7103. Gym Party, ages 7-10. One hour of basketball, soccer or gym games of your choice, followed by an hour in the X-time room with climbing wall, foosball, ping-pong table and more. Fridays, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Members, $75; non-members, $150. Kids Gym Party, ages 2-7. Sundays and Fridays. Members, $75; non-members $150. One hour of gym sports and one hour to party. Moon Bounce Party, ages 2-7. An hour in the inflatable Moon Bounce and an hour in the party room. For 10 children, $125 for members, $200 for non-members, each additional child $12. Splash Party, ages 1-14. One hour of shared pool time and one hour in the party room. $75 for members, $150 for non-members. Parties held Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. Treasure Island Pool Party, ages 6-14 (limit 20 children). An hour of private pool time followed by an hour in party room. Birthday child receives a Treasure Island T-shirt; all guests receive balloons. Saturdays and Sundays. $125 for members, $200 for non-members. X-Time Splash Party, ages 7-13. One hour in the X-time room (climbing wall, foosball, ping-pong table and more) followed by 1 hour in the pool, sharing with Family Swim. Sundays, 12:45 to 3 p.m. Members, $75; non-members, $150.

YMCA-SMITHFIELD, 15 Deerfield Dr., Greenville. 949-2480. Two-hour parties 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays include 1 hour in the pool and 1 hour in the party room, including a party host, lifeguard and gift for birthday child. For YMCA members, fees are $150 for under 25 kids and $175 for 26 to 40 kids; for non-members, $250 and $275.

YMCA-WEST BAY, 7540 Post Rd., North Kingstown. 295-6501. Two birthday party options. Air Bounce Party: Bounce into your birthday with a two-hour party for ages 2 to 10, hosted by a staff member. 20 guests maximum. Includes Air Bounce, party room, balloons, tables and chairs. Parent brings refreshments, utensils, paper goods. Member $75, non-member $125. Splash Party. Two-hour pool party on Saturdays and Sundays, hosted by a staff member, for ages 4 to 12. 20 guests maximum. Included are pool, party room, balloons, tables and chairs. Parent brings refreshments, utensils, paper goods. $100 members, $150 non-members.

ZOINKS! PARTY, Providence Place mall. Guests can make their choice of a plaster craft in the art studio at this mall toy store. $11.99 per child includes all materials, birthday hats and a giant birthday card for all to sign. Parties last two hours and include a separate area for families to bring their own cake and refreshments. Other crafts may be available. Minimum of eight. Call 270-2347, ext. 12.