01:38 PM EST on Sunday, November 13, 2005

Compiled by JANINA FERA

The options for children's birthday parties at home or away continue to grow with each edition of our annual Children's Birthday Party Guide.

Today's 2006 guide features almost 200 party options, divided into two sections. The first is a list of places where you can have a child's party; this year we pulled the bowling parties and swimming pool parties into their own sections at the end of this list. The second is a list of entertainers you can hire and games you can rent for a party at home or other location.

This information was received in response to requests for information about birthday parties in LIFEstyles and in Lifebeat; we also sent letters to those who appeared in last year's guide.

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

Party on!

A FORMAL LIMOUSINE, (508) 676-5466 or (401) 738-6751. Birthday parties for up to 16 passengers. Banner, balloons, napkins, party hats and fun glasses. $45 to $90 per hour. Serving both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Web site: www.aformallimo.com.

ABBIGALE'S SALON, 315 Hope St., Bristol. 253-5030. Parties for girls ages 5 to 12, with packages ranging from $30 to $55 per child. Services may include high-style updos, facial masks, spa manicures and spa pedicures. All packages include party favors and fun music. Approximately 2 hours. Mininum 5 children; maximum 10.

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-$7 per person per sport, or an all-activity package with each activity one time for about $15 a person. Tables available; parents may bring refreshments. Reservations required.

AIM HIGH GYMNASTICS ACADEMY, 3355 South County Trail, East Greenwich. 886-7827. www.aimhighacademy.com. Partygoers ages 4-12 play on gymnastics equipment, bounce, jump and laugh. The almost-two-hour parties are available Saturdays and Sundays; prices begin at $200 for up to 15 children. Toddler parties are held on weekdays and begin at $150 for up to 15 children.

THE ALL CHILDREN'S THEATRE ENSEMBLE, 255 Main St., Suite 201, Pawtucket. 728-1222. Treat your birthday child and guests to a day at the theater. Birthday packages include tickets to a performance, a private pre-show acting workshop with ACT staff, and space for presents and cake for one hour after the performance. Prices and package details vary according to the show chosen, but per-child cost is usually between $10 and $12. For every 10 party guests, two adults receive free admission. Contact Brianne Kellogg or visit the Web site at www.ACTinRI.org.

ANGELIKA N' ME, 1450 Atwood Ave., Johnston. 421-4666. Two-hour birthday parties for girls ages 5-13 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Includes nail painting, toe painting, nail art, mini-facial, hairstyle with twisties or hair wrap and make-up; kids also dance and play games. $19 per child. For two-hour parties for boys ages 5-9, choose from a pirate theme (guests dress up like pirates, listen to a priate story and get a treasure map to find treasures) or carnival theme (guests receive tickets to play games for prizes, plus balloons and tattoos). $19 per child.

ARCHERY PARTY at Tangy's Indoor Archery Lanes, 1237 Main St., West Warwick. 1 1/2-hour archery party consists of an hour of shooting time with balloons and targets with all equipment and supervised instruction, plus a half-hour of party time. $10 per child. Minimum 10 children; maximum 15. Call Jimmy or Heather at 826-6262 or visit www.tangysarchery.com.

THE ART COMPANY AT THE ARTISTS' EXCHANGE, 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. Party includes an art project of the birthday child's choice, art teacher and all art supplies, a giant "birthday card" mural for everyone to sign and decorate, and a separate space for refreshments. Parties, 1 1/2 hours, are $150 for up to 10 children, $10 for each additional child. Call Karen Bouchard at 785-4278.

ART PARTIES at Weirdgirl Creations Pottery Studio, 33 Kent St., Barrington. 247-1397; href="http://www.weirdgirlcreation.com">www.weirdgirlcreation.com. Partygoers ages 3 and up can paint on pottery, make ceramic jewelry or sculpt with clay. Parents may bring party supplies and refreshments. Minimum 8 children, maximum 24; larger groups may rent the studio. Prices start at $12 for 1 1/2-hour events. Party includes a gift for the birthday child of a customized plate signed by all participants.

THE ARTISTS' EXCHANGE, at Black Box Theatre, 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston, offers a Theatre Party that introduces guests to the medium of theater by playing theater games and having a performance for family and friends. $150. At a Movie Party guests develop, rehearse and film a movie that the staff edits into a DVD (free to birthday child; copies are $10). $200. Call 490-9475.

ATTLEBORO ART MUSEUM, 86 Park St., Attleboro, Mass. (508) 222-2644. Museum provides instruction and materials for a fun art project (such as puppets, mask making, jewelry boxes, painting) with family and friends at a party that includes a tour of the art gallery. Parties last 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The first hour is with the instructor and includes gallery tour and art project, and remaining time can be used for refreshments and opening gifts. Museum members $10 per child; nonmembers, $12; gift bags $2 per child. Refreshments and paper goods supplied by parents. Maximum number of children is 15.

AUDUBON SOCIETY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER, 1401 Hope St. (Route 114 at the Bristol/Warren town line), Bristol. 245-7500. For a party at this large nature center, choose from themes including whales, reptiles, bugs and butterflies, and tide pool critters. The 2-hour program includes use of a classroom, group admission to center, 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 five children, maximum of 22 children and 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, $225, for up to 20 children ages 4 to 12. Includes face painting, ballet video, private ballet class for guests, tables and chairs for food and cake setup, classical music, games, photo and a gift for the birthday child. A ballerina in tutu will assist. Visit www.stateballet.com.

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 $16 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.

BE YOUR OWN BAKER at Only the Finest Gourmet Cookies & Wandi, 1486 Park Ave., Cranston. 942-4208. Package A: Ages 4 and up cut out, decorate and bake cookies in all different shapes to take home. $18 per child. Package B: Ages 9 and up chocolate dip and decorate apples, pretzels, cookies and more. $22 per child. Two-hour party includes baker's hat, pizza, juice, chips, ice cream, music, paper goods and decorations. Minimum 10 children. Parties held daily. Classroom field trips welcome.

BEAUTY AND THE BATH PARTIES, 11 West Main St., Wickford. Call 294-3576. At Friday night parties from 5 to 7, guests move through three stations: nails, makeup and hair (professional stylist does "twisties" and glitter hair spray). Each child makes a lavender sachet to take home and receives a party favor from the shop. Parents may bring food (a pizza parlor is across the street), music, decorations and cake. Minimum of 10 children at $28 per child.

BEN & JERRY'S, Garden City Center, Cranston. 944-9995. Parties include 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 and party games; parents bring T-shirts to be tie-dyed by Ben & Jerry's staff. $14 per person; 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 on weekends. Weekday discount: birthday child is free. The Big Blast, $10.95 per person, includes 2 slices of pizza, soda, cake, $5 tokens for each guest, $7 tokens and 200 tickets for the birthday child, admission to the giant ball crawl playport for children under 4-feet-9-inches. The Super Big Blast, $12.95 per child, includes 2 slices of pizza, lootbag, soda, cake, ice cream, $7 tokens and 25 tickets for each guest, $10 tokens and 300 tickets for the birthday child, admission to the giant ball crawl playport for children under 4-feet-9-inches. 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 staff-guided 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. $150 for up to 12 children, $10 each for additional child, maximum 20. Adults and children under 4 are free.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD GUILD, South Kingstown Parks and Recreation, 325 Columbia St., Peace Dale. 789-9301. Web site: www.southkingstownri.com/parksrec. Choose from several fun and educational themed parties held in the party room or park space (with picnic tables). Two hours, with one hour for the activity and one for partying. Parents supply food. $10 per child; minimum 10 children. Themes include basketball, dance, crafts, tea parties, creative yoga and movement, dinosaurs, incredible insects, halloween dance party, rainforest and swinging safari.

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 bring food, decorations, cake (can be supplied for extra charge). Bring music of your choice. Also offers mosaic parties and parties to go.

CAROUSEL SKATING CENTER, 4 David Drown Blvd., Fairhaven, Mass. (508) 996-4828. Skating party package includes admission, regular skate rentals, pizza and soda for each guest, paper goods, balloons, invitations, a party host, game tokens, coupon booklet for each guest, gift for birthday person, and a visit by the Roller Roo or Kooky A. Bird. The two-hour party, available Wednesday-Sunday, is $11.95 per child (minimum 10). Tiny Tot Birthday Party, for ages 8 and under to skate with children their own age, Saturdays from 10-noon. Party package includes admission, skate rentals, punch, balloons, invitations, party hostess, game tokens, coupon booklet, gift for birthday child, party table and place settings. $8.95 per child, minimum 10. Web site: www.carouselskate.com.

CERAMIC CITY, 387 George Waterman Rd., 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 25. $7 to $10 per child. Kits available for do-it-yourself birthday parties.

CHARLES I.D. LOOFF CAROUSEL, Bullocks Point Avenue, Riverside. 435-7518. www.crescentparkcarousel.com. Parties include unlimited rides on the carousel, balloon bouquet for birthday child, "Pin the Tail on the Horse" game, popcorn and a helium balloon for each guest. For ages 10 or younger, with a minimum of 10 guests, maximum of 20, at $10 per child. Face painting for an additional charge. Parties are 2 hours -- 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. -- and may be booked on all days except Sundays. Unlimited rides do not apply to adults.

CHEPACHET FARMS AND CARRIAGE WORKS, 226 Tourtellot Hill Rd., Chepachet. 568-9996. Two packages available. Party 1, two hours, 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 woodstove or outdoors around a campfire. $200 for up to 20 children and adults; each additional person, $10. Party 2 includes hayride and visit to petting zoo as well as use of indoor or outdoor facilities. $8.50 per person, 15-person minimum. Zoo includes miniature horse, donkey, llamas, sheep, goats, potbellied pig, peacocks, chickens and a duck.

CHUCK E. CHEESE, 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, 20 tokens per child, live birthday show and visit from Chuck E. Cheese as well as crown, souvenir cup and cotton candy for the birthday child. $11.99 per child. Weekday bonus: At a Standard Party booked for a Monday through Thursday, each guest gets $7 in tokens and unlimited use of reserved table. Super Party Upgrade: Includes Standard Party plus 12 additional tokens per child, goodie bags, 500 prize tickets for birthday child, 100 tickets for each guest. $16.99 per child. Reservations may be made online at www.chuckecheese.com.

CLAYGROUND, 5600 Post Rd. (Benny's Plaza), East Greenwich. 884-4888. See www.claygroundstudio.com. Pottery Party: Paint your own pottery for ages 5 and up. 1 1/2 hours in private party room where guests choose pottery and paint colors. Includes glazing and firing; finished pieces ready in 1 week. $17 per guest. Minimum 6; maximum 20. Beading Party: Create your own jewelry for ages 7 and up. 1 1/2 hours at Bead Bar with choice of beads to make a bracelet and necklace. $19 per guest. Minimum 6; maximum 12. Bring your own cake and refreshments. Includes party supervisor and downloadable invitations.

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, tie-dye T-shirt painting, wooden name plaque, clay pot, wind chimes, teddy bears on a swing, treasure boxes and holiday designs. Includes one hour for project, one hour for cake and refreshments (which parents bring or can be provided for an extra charge). $9.50 per child (minimum 8).

CREATE A CAKE BIRTHDAY PARTIES, held at the Pastry Gourmet stores' state-of-the-art baking facility at 170 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. Call 742-6401, e-mail bestcakes [at] aol.com or see the Web site www.thepastrygourmet.com.

CREATIVE CRAFTS BY JAMS, DBA Creative Crafts by JAMS, 132 Touisset Rd., Warren. 245-8938. Have a birthday party with your child's interests in mind. Your child can pick a theme and crafts relating to that theme can be chosen for their party. Parties are geared for children ages 5-14 years old; 4 children minimim, 10 maximum. Parties are 2-2 1/2 hours where the parents provide the party fixings and crafts supplies are provided. The cost depends on the crafts and number of children.

DUNKIN' DONUTS CENTER BIRTHDAY PARTIES, Dunkin' Donuts Center, 1 La Salle Square, Providence. Discounted tickets are available for events such as Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, Harlem Globetrotters, Stars on Ice, Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus and more. Call 331-0700, ext. 155, or e-mail lnapolitano [at] dunkindonutscenter.com.

EASTON'S BEACH CAROUSEL, 175 Memorial Blvd., Newport, located directly on ocean beach. Carousel birthday parties, complete with private outside deck, tables and chairs, unlimited rides and carousel operator. $50 per hour; $65 per hour off season; 1 1/2-hour minimum. Carousel is heated. Available March 15-Nov. 30. Call Ray Fullerton of the Newport Recreation Department at 845 5810.

THE EDGE DANCE CENTER, 4 Warren Ave. (off Woonasquatucket Avenue), North Providence. 480-0414. cmdancer [at] cox.net. Birthday guests have a dance lesson with two teachers with a choice of ballet, jazz and hip hop. Also included are pizza, drinks, chips, cups, plates, utensils and minimal decorations. Parents provide cake and any extras. Parties are 2 hours; $100 for up to 8 children, $10 for each additional child. Party favors available. Discounts for students of The Edge.

EVER AFTER KINGDOM OF IMAGINATION, 128 B Pleasant View Ave., Smithfield. 349-4889. Two-hour party consists of a story, craft and activity chosen by the birthday child. Maximum 20 children. Pizza, drinks, paper goods and prizes are included for $12 per child.

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. Parties include 6 rides on the 48 handpainted horses of Carousel No. 54 of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, an all-wooden ride from the 1920s that is now one of the oldest operating carousels in the country.

FANTASYLAND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, 1300-1300 Fall River Ave., Route 6, Seekonk. (508) 336-6262. Indoor Birthday Party Package No. 1: For $11.95 per person (minimum 10), each guest receives 10 game tokens, 20 ride tickets, 2 slices pizza, soda, ice cream, balloons, invitations, paper goods, 500 redemption tickets to birthday child, Bears sing "Happy Birthday." Parents bring cake. Winter hours are Friday 3-9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Minigolf Birthday Party Package No. 2: From April through October. For $12.95 per person: 18 holes minigolf, 8 games tokens, 10 ride tickets, 2 slices pizza, soda, ice cream, balloons, invitations, paper goods, 500 redemption tickets to birthday child, Bears sing "Happy Birthday."

THE FUN HOUSE NOVELTY SHOPPE, 328 Wilbur Ave., Swansea. The Fun House is a carnival theme specialty store that holds two-hour Children's Medieval Theme Birthday Parties in a private castle-theme room. The "royal celebrations" include a hostess and a court jester, invitations, pizza, cotton candy, popcorn and slush, royal costumes so all guests are involved in knights and princesses role-playing, games such as archery and carnival games with game prizes. For up to 12 children ages 5 and up, $250; can accommodate up to 18 for extra charge per child. (508) 646-1954. www.thefunhousenoveltyshoppe.com; e-mail maidenmichelle [at] thefunhousenoveltyshoppe.com.

GEORGE'S GAMES, MUSIC & BILLIARDS, 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 $100 for 3 hours, is available by reservation daily. Game rentals also available.

GYM BIRTHDAY PARTIES at Ocean State Gymnastics Center, 3 New England Way, Lincoln. 333-1530. See www.ossg.com. Two-hour parties on weekends include gymnastics, games, inflatables, goodie bags and balloons. $250 for up to 13 children; $20 each additional child.

GYMBOREE PLAY & MUSIC OF SEEKONK, 1448 Fall River Ave., Seekonk. (508) 336-8113. www.gymboree.com. Parties include private use of facility for up to 20 children (parent participation required). Parties include climbing, sliding, dancing and singing, all centered around the birthday child. $150 for 1 1/2 hours; $175 for two hours. Ages newborn through 5 years.

HAIR SALON PARTIES at Melanie's Salon, 784 Park Ave., Cranston. Party package includes manicure, pedicure, hair and body glitter, OPI nail favor, cake and juice. Moms have coffee (but need not be present). Ages 12 and under to 4. $25 per girl, limit 10 girls. Call Melanie at 632-0320.

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/or sports, and finish with cake and gifts. Rates are $225 ($180 for members). Includes up to 20 children. Friday 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday or Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. Visit www.healthtrax.com.

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. Parents may bring food. $180 for members, $230 for nonmembers. Maximum of 16 children ages 5 and up. Call 732-2413, ext. 113.

IMAX EXPERIENCE PARTY at the Feinstein Imax Theatre, Providence Place, Providence. Contact group sales at 453-4446, ext. 200. Child's birthday party package includes reserved seating for a currently playing film of your choice, and use of a reserved area of the lobby for one hour before the film for a party. Tables, chairs, tablecloths and napkins are provided; popcorn and soda with free refills; happy birthday announcement before the film, and picture of your party displayed on 60-by-89-foot screen (the biggest in R.I.). Minimum 10 children; $12 per person. Parents may bring pizza, birthday cake, etc. Price varies for special engagement films.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF RHODE ISLAND, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. Call Darlene at 861-8800, ext. 155. Customized party packages including room for cake and gifts. Themed party packages for ages 3 and up include sports, swim parties, arts and crafts, gymnastics, storytelling, scientific exploration and more. New this year is Laser Tag in our gym and Princess Parties. Pool parties available Sunday 1-3 p.m.

KIDS DAY AT THE SPA, Grace's Hairscapes & Spa, 845 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston. 738-4941, 275-2111. Kids Spa Party includes facials, manicures, pedicures. Cover Girl Party includes hair, nails, makeup and a photo shoot complete with back drop and fans (includes invitations that look like a magazine cover). Tiara Princess Party includes costumes, updos with tiara, nails and makeup. Other themes: Hawaiian, Glamour, Me and My Doll. Parties are 2 hours and are held Friday, Saturday and after school. Packages start at $225.

KIDS PARTY ADVENTURE, 45 Nooseneck Hill Rd., West Greenwich. 397-4211. Many party themes to choose from, including princess, movies, Nascar-racing, pirate treasure, karaoke-open mike night, At the Hop-'50s dance, Hawaiian luau, beach blast, Survivor, Glamour Girl, afternoon tea and more. Three-hour parties include paper goods, pizza, drinks, cake and ice cream, snacks, party room and party attendant, T-shirt for guest of honor. Party supplies and extra food available for additional cost. $250 for 12 children; $9 each additional child.

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 goodie bags for each child. Birthday child receives T-shirt. For 10 children, $75; each additional child, $5. All parties are after noon. Call 941-3333, ext. 5.

LAZER GATE, 288 Plymouth Ave., Fall River. Web site: www.lazergate.com. Call (508) 730-1230. Party guests can have a Lazer-Tag shootout in a multi-level 8,500-square-foot arena with mazes as well as play arcade games at this entertainment complex, supervised by a Party Room Coach. Party 1: $15 per player, minimum 8, includes 2 games of Lazer Tag, 2 slices of pizza per guest, unlimited soda, T-shirt and membership for birthday person. Party 2: $10 per player, 1 game of Lazer Tag, 1 slice of pizza and 1 soda per guest, T-shirt for birthday person.

LET'S PARTY, 2360 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. Call 405-0196. Two-hour themed parties include decorations and games and crafts of birthday child's choice. Choose from two private rooms that house a jump-a-round, dancefloor, Tiki Bar, 28-foot pirate ship play structure, double hoop basketball, percussion musical tower. Add-ons such as pinata, pizza and character visits available. Parties for up to 15 children begin at $230 and rise to $285 for the Bash Party. (Bash Party includes pinata, craft, food and beverage.) Additional guests accommodated at extra charge.

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, candy, ice cream cake and drinks. For 1 1/2 hours, $200 for up to 20 guests; for 2 hours, $225.

LIZZY & THE ENCHANTED CREAMERY, 1700 Mendon Rd., Cumberland. 334-3375. At the Ice Cream Party, $14 per child, guests begin by making the ice cream flavor of the birthday child's choice (each child takes home a pint), then continue with story time and games. The Craft Party, $12 per child, includes a craft project, story time and games. Both parties include balloons, paper goods, juice and ice cream. Party add-ons available. Additionally, birthday child can register to receive gifts from the creamery's toy selection. Parties are 2 hours, minimum 6 children and maximum 12.

THE LITTLE GYM OF CRANSTON, Marshalls Plaza, 1400 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston. 463-3900. www.thelittlegym.com. 1 1/2-hour parties for ages 2-12 include 1 hour of activities in gym and a half-hour in decorated party room. The party package includes T-shirt for birthday child, invitations, paper goods and drinks. Parties are held Fridays at 4 p.m, Saturdays at 1, 3 and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. $175 members and $210 nonmembers for up to 15 children, $10 each additional child up to 20.

MICHAEL'S ARTS & CRAFTS, 85 Highland Ave., Seekonk. A classroom is reserved for party guests ages 5-12 to do craft projects, with supplies and instruction included. Cost: $25 room fee and $6-$10 per person depending on project (which can be custom-designed). Minimum 6 children, maximim 15. Invitations included; parents provide food and paper goods. Call Beverly at (508) 336-7858.

MULLIGAN'S ISLAND GOLF & ENTERTAINMENT, 1000 New London Ave. (Route 2), Cranston. 464-8855, ext. 105. Parties for children of all ages. $14.95 per child includes 18 holes of miniature golf followed by pizza, soda and ice cream under a party tent. Includes all paper goods, a staff member to assist, and a gift for birthday child. Minimum 10 children. Party invitations online. Website: www.mulliganisland.com.

NARRAGANSETT OCEAN CLUB, 360 South Pier Rd., Narragansett. 783-6120. Roller-skating parties for all ages. Admission, skate rental, food, gift for birthday person and discount passes for guests costs $11 per guest, minimum 10 people.

NEWMAN YMCA, 472 Taunton Ave., Seekonk. (508) 336-7103. Variety of parties for all ages including Kid's Gym, Moon Bounce, Splash and Treasure Island (Aquatics), Dance, DDR, Max 2 Party. Game room includes a pool table, climbing wall, foosball and much more. Parties are Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Prices for 2-hour parties are $100 to $250, including gift for birthday child and a staff member host.

NEWPORT ART MUSEUM, 76 Bellevue Ave., Newport. 848-2787. See www.newportartmuseum.com. Choose from 11 themed two-hour parties for ages 3 to 12 including Magical Kingdom, Magical Fairies, Carnival, Pirates, Story Book Art, Treasure Boxes, Carousel Horses, Asian Arts, Jewelry Designers, Comic Strips and Paint or Sculpt Like a Master. Held Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 3 p.m. Cost for 8 to 15 children and two adults is $12 per child for museum members, $14 nonmembers. Goody bags included. Parties that include parents are limited to eight children.

PAINTBALL PARTIES. Paintball parties of 3 hours in a safe, adult-supervised, action-packed outdoor setting in West Greenwich filled with obstacles and bunkers. Party packages include invitation form, safety briefing, paintball guns, CO2, 2,000 paintballs, masks, cupcakes and soda. Ages 10 and up. For 5 players, $195. For 10 players, $260. Each additional player, $19. Additional paintballs must be purchased at the field. See www.atwoodpaintball.com or call 828-5853.

PARTY LINE, 1211 Main St., West Warwick. 827-5086. Two-hour parties with your choice from many themes, in the 4,000-square-foot birthday room. Package A includes invitations, theme cake, drink, activities, helium balloons, ice cream, snacks, party craft, gift. Cost: $9.50 per person (10 person minimum). Two party attendants required at $15 each. Package B includes Package A plus pizza and thank-you cards for $12.50 per person. All parties include games and prizes. Many characters, magicians and clowns are available to attend party, either at the Party Line or your location. 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 themed parties in a decorated party room complete with tablecloths and plastic ware. Lots of music, fun, games and gift for birthday child; invitations provided. $12 per child with a minimum of 10; no maximum. Parents may bring pizza, soda and snacks (provided for a fee). Also available are super parties that include live characters, custom cakes and ice cream.

PLASTER PALACE, 289 Cowesett Ave., West 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 pizza, paper goods, hostess, invitations, plaster piece and a trip to the treasure chest. Minimum 10 guests. Price starts at $10.99 per child.

PLAY & CREATE, Michael's Craft Store, 1385 South Washington St., North Attleboro. (508) 643-2565; www.michaels.com. Craft parties for creative kids. Choose from one of 11 projects for guests to make and take home. Party includes invitations. Parents may bring cake, refreshments, and decorations. Prices $6 to $10 per child depending on craft; 14-child maximum.

POW! SCIENCE!, 1341 West Main Rd., Suite 13, Middletown. 619-0971. www.powscience.com. Fun, hands-on educational science birthday parties for ages 4-12 with themes such as chemistry, disgusting science, spa science, dinosaurs, flying things and more. Two-hour party consists of 55-70 minutes of hands-on experiments (all themes include a take-home experiment for each participant) with time for cake and presents afterwards. Parents provide cake and paper goods. Invitations provided; goodie bags available. Maximum group size is 20. $140 at our activity center, $165 in your home.

PROVIDENCE BRUINS BIRTHDAY PARTY, Dunkin' Donuts Center, 1 La Salle Square, Providence. 273-5000. Party 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 Shaw's Supermarkets. Seating is in 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, ext. 234; www.childrenmuseum.org. ZOOMzone Party: For up to 25 children, kindergarten through fifth grade. Guided by a museum educator, kids design and build air-powered "puff mobiles." Flying Colors Party: For up to 15 children ages 2 to 5. A museum educator reads Bugs in Boxes and helps kids create colorful bugs to take home. Basic and Deluxe Parties welcome 10 to 30 children ages 2 to 11. All parties include unlimited time in the museum's hands-on exhibits and 1 1/2-hour use of private party room, plus party invitations, paper goods, draw-on tablecloth plus museum membership. Deluxe, ZOOMzone and Flying Colors parties also include ice cream and juice (parents may bring cake and refreshments), party favors, museum passes for each child and a museum T-shirt for birthday child. Fees range from $165 for a Basic Party to $265 (inclusive) for educator-led parties. Discounts for members. Weekdays, weekends and Friday evenings available.

PROVIDENCE PAINTBALL, 199 Thurston St., Providence. 467-2815. www.ProvidencePaintball.com. Birthday parties for ages 10 and up, including all necessary gear and a referee who runs the games, plus invitations 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; 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. Come celebrate Kids Night on Broadway with Doctor Doolittle on May 4. Upcoming shows include Sesame Street Live, Jan. 26-29; Dora the Explorer Live, March 31-April 2; Dragon Tales, May 19-21; Annie, May 30-June 4. Call Paul Hiatt at 421-2997, ext. 3162 or visit www.ppacri.org.

RECORDING SESSION BIRTHDAY PARTIES, Reel to Real Recording Studio, 90 Connecticut St., Cranston. Call Anthony Marrapese at 946-1520. Recording-session birthday parties for ages 7 to 18. 90-minute party consists of up to 15 children singing and making their own CD in a real recording studio. More than 3,000 songs available in a karaoke format, from Top 10 hits to oldies. During the session, instruments and props are handed out, lights are turned off and 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 ($10 each additional guest up to 15), includes studio time, CDs, a keepsake CD with pictures printed on it for birthday child, invitations, all giveaways plus a few surprises. Visit www.reeltorealrecording.com or e-mail reelreal [at] aol.com.

REGAL REPTILES, 425 Washington St., Providence. 277-9000. www.regalreptiles.com. Regal offers a 2-hour party for up to 25 people beginning at $125, which includes 1-hour of hands-on educational entertainment with snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, bugs and even live alligators. Birthday child is invited into the alligator pond to be photographed with Wallet, a 6 1/2-foot alligator. Remaining time is for cake, pizza, presents, etc. Guests are welcome to come early and stay later to view more than 400 species on display.

REVOLUTION BIRTHDAY BLAST: New England's professional soccer team offers a party package at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro that includes 10 game tickets, 10 coupons for a hot dog, popcorn and drink, a Revs T-shirt for birthday child, a birthday greeting from a Revs player, and the birthday child's name on the Matrix board along with a photo of that announcement. Ticket prices are based on seat locations and range from $215 to $380 for 10 (additional tickets may be added). Call (877) GET-REVS. Web site: www.revolutionsoccer.net.

RHODE ISLAND MODELING AGENCY, 127 Valley St., East Providence. Professional instructors will host a co-ed birthday party in modeling or acting tailored to your child's interests, such as makeup application, runway skills, auditioning for a commercial. $120 for parties up to 10 children; larger parties can be accommodated. Parents provide cake and decorations. Contact Lisa Luther at 435-6633 or e-mail RIModeling [at] aol.com.

ROCK CLIMBING PARTIES at the Rhode Island Rock Gym, 100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln. 727-1704. Visit www.rhodeislandrockgym.com. Two birthday party options, both $25 per climber, and both include gear and access to 50 top rope stations and extensive bouldering areas. We Belay party has staff provide the rope-holding for two hours of non-stop climbing; one staff per four climbers. Kids Belay party is for climbers 14 years or older and includes a lesson on belaying (rope-holding) for each climber, followed by about two hours of climbing. All groups have access to mezzanine for a party after climbing. Pizza and beverages available. Party start times are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

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. $9.95 per person for children under 12 and $14.95 for adults. Light menu available for extra charge. Train departs at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 27 and 28, Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. Call 841-8700 for reservations and information. www.newportdinnertrain.com.

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

SPA PARTY at Avessa Salon & Day Spa, 464 Maple Ave., Barrington. 247-1110; www.Avessa-Salon.com. Girls of all ages choose from many spa services such as manicures, pedicures, twisties, makeup application and facials. Prices start at $15 per person depending on services. Includes chips, pizza and soda.

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. 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: The Widowmaker movie sub and a package that includes pizza, drinks and party gear (parents bring 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 $100 per hour, second pony is $85 per hour (second pony recommended for more than 10 children). $50 per pony per hour after initial hour. Picnic tables available for all parties. Indoor arena for inclement weather. Horse-drawn hayrides available.

TWIN WILLOWS STABLE INC., 233 Morgan Ave., Johnston. 943-2125. Parties for small children include pony rides, small petting zoo and farm tour. $175 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.

UNITED SKATES OF AMERICA, 75 New Rd., Rumford. 438-9899. See www.unitedskatesri.com. 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 Party is $10.99 per person. Roller Skating and Laser Tag Party or Roller Skating and Rock Climbing Party is $12.99 per person. Deluxe Party, $17.99 per guest, includes roller skating, laser tag and rock climbing, favor bags and 20 extra tokens per child. Cake available for extra charge. Parties held Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Minimum 10 children.

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 ($9.50 per person) to all day ($22 per person). Giant Water Slides, Spills and Thrills, Tunnels and Dips. Picnic tables available. Food may be purchased at nearby concession stands. Pizza delivery available. Early-bird special: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. for $9.50 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. $28 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 birthday. Parents may bring cake and food (concessions available). Season opens mid-June.

WHR FITNESS, 600 Social St., Woonsocket. Call 766-6766. Customized parties depending on age can include swimming-pool games, basketball, wallyball and other activities. Package includes swimming pool, party room, sports and Burger King kids meals. Prices start at $200 for a two-hour party. E-mail getfit [at] whrfitness.com or visit www.whrfitness.com.

WEST BAY FAMILY YMCA, 7540 Post Rd., North Kingstown. Call Amanda at 295-6501. Three birthday party options. Air Bounce Party ($75 member and $125 program member); Splash Pool Party ($100 member and $150 program member); and Theme Party with choice of Ballet Princess, Karate, Hip-Hop, Constructions Zone or Messy Arts ($150 member and $200 program member). Different ages and maximum numbers apply to different parties. All parties include 45 minutes of bounce, pool or theme, 1 hour in the party room, tables, chairs, balloons and a staff host to assist in set up and clean up. Parents bring refreshments, decorations, utensils and paper goods.

BOWLING PARTIES

THE 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. $13.99 per child with 8 bowler minimum. Custom adult parties available. See www.bowlingacademy.com.

EAST PROVIDENCE LANES, 80 Newport Ave., East Providence. 438-2300. Package 1: $9 per child, includes 1 hour in the party room and 1 hour of bowling. Package 2: For $11, includes 1 hour in the party room, 1 hour of bowling, and choice of hot dog, grilled cheese or chicken nuggets and soda. Package 3: For $12, includes 1 hour in the party room, 1 hour of bowling, pizza and soda. Package 4: Lane-only party, up to 5 per lane, 2-hour limit, $1 shoe rental per bowler. Free rental shoes and T-shirt or bowling pin for birthday child in Packages 1-3. Cake available for $14.

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 party table behind your lanes. Package 2 is $10.95 per child and includes 1 hour of bowling, shoe rental, decorated table paper goods, 2 hot dogs and unlimited soda for each child plus utensils, party hats, invitations, a decorated bowling pin with birthday child's name on it and two free game passes for birthday child and one free pass for each guest.

LEGION BOWL & BILLIARDS, 661 Park Ave., Cranston. 781-8888. Birthday Party includes bowling for 1 hour (bumpers available), shoe rental and party tables for 1 hour. Parents provide cake and refreshments; $6.95 per child, minimum $69.50. Rock and Bowl Birthday Party, Friday and Saturday 6:30-8:30 p.m., includes two hours of bowling (bumpers available) and use of party tables plus rental shoes; $7.95 per child, minimum $79.50. Billiard parties may be substituted for bowling parties; adult supervision required.

MEADOWBROOK LANES, 2530 Warwick Ave., Warwick. Call 737-5402. Two-hours of party time include one game of bowling with rental shoes and reserved table and chairs. Parents bring food, paper supplies. $5 per child.

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, french fries, soda, utensils, paper goods, $9.95 per child. The Deluxe Party, everything in The Strike Party plus invitations, balloons, unlimited soda, grab bags, signable bowling pin for birthday child and coupon for free return visit for each guest. $10.95 per child. Minimum 8 children.

TOWN HALL LANES INC., 1463 Atwood Ave., Johnston. 831-6940. www.townhalllanes.com. Happy Birthday Party: Includes invitations, 1 hour of bowling with shoe rental, 1 hour at table set with tableware, and each bowler receives a slice of pizza, chips and drink. 10 child minimum at $11.99 per child. Cosmic Birthday Party Saturday Nights: Ages 12 and up. Includes invitations, 2-hour table set up, large cheese pizza, pitcher of soda, bowling, shoe rental and tableware. Both parties include T-shirt for birthday person. $65 per lane. Recommend 5 per lane.

SWIMMING POOL PARTIES

THE INN FITNESS CLUB & SPA, 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. $165 for 15 children, $5 for each additional guest, $30 per half hour of additional time. Contact Caroline at (508) 823-6190.

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 participants, time of events, and to what extent facilities will be used. Call the RIC Recreation Department at 456-8400; Web site is www.ric.edu/athletics.

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND Tootell Aquatic Center, URI, Kingston. Call 874-5926 or see www.uri.edu/athletics/recservices. 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. $50 plus $5 per person. Maximum 20 guests; special arrangements for larger groups.

BAYSIDE FAMILY YMCA, 70 West St., Barrington. 245-2444. E-mail ekurtzman [at] GPYMCA.org. Kids Gym Party, ages 3-9 party for one hour in supervised gym with Moon bounce and assorted mats and shapes for climbing on or tumbling over, plus obstacle course and parachute games followed by time in party room for refreshments. Maximum 30 children. Member rate $150, nonmember $200. Kids Pool Party, ages 6-12 spend one hour in pool (lifeguards on duty; children who do not swim independently must be accompanied by an adult) then move to party room for refreshments. Maximum 30 children. Member rate $150, nonmember $200. Create Your Own Party, any age. Use party room for the adventure of your choice. View a movie, create a memory book, book a magician, etc. Y has list of suggested activities. Prices vary. At all parties, each guest receives a balloon and birthday child receives a T-shirt. Parents provide paper goods and refreshments. Party upgrade: For additional $65, paper goods, utensils, pizza and beverage can be included with any party.

YMCA-SMITHFIELD, 15 Deerfield Drive, 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, $165 for up to 25 kids and $190 for 26 to 40 kids; for nonmembers, $250 for up to 25 kids and $275 for 26-40 kids. An additional birthday child can be added to the party for $50.

YMCAs in general often offer pool parties. In this guide you'll find details for swimming parties at YMCAs in Seekonk and West Bay under the general listing, because those Y's offer a variety of parties; the separate ones for the Bayside Family Y and the Smithfield Y are in the above paragraphs.