It takes a lot of imagination and organization to plan a party, especially a party for kids. Let’s face it: There’s a lot of pressure to pull off a fresh and creative fiesta, whether you’re planning a birthday party for a 7-year-old, a bar mitzvah for a 13-year-old or an open house for an 18 year-old. No worries; we’ve got you covered. Check out this list of 10 local party ideas.

Painting Party
763.577.0600
thepaint-pot.com

Go ahead—get messy! Plan a party at The Paint Pot, where the kids get to dip their brushes into a wide palate of colors and decorate their very own take-home ceramic keepsakes (while your house stays spic and span!). While any girl age 5+ loves a painting party, boys through age 10 also enjoy the art; special sports-themed items (and dragons) can be ordered for them. Reserve one party room and bring 12 party-goers, or reserve two party rooms and bring 24. A typical painting party lasts an hour and a half, which includes painting time, cake and the opening of gifts. Order pizza and stay two hours. Parents provide all food and serving utensils/paper products. $35 for 1½-hour room, plus price of artworks chosen by each participant ($22.50 minimum); extras include $2/invitation, $1/thank you, $50 each extra ½ hour

Magic Party
612.518.0364
magicianmattdunn.com

You won’t believe your eyes when you hire Plymouth’s very own Matt Dunn to perform at your party. Not only is he a master at working the crowd, his magic tricks will boggle the minds of young and old alike. Dunn performs for kids age 5 and older (the wee ones have trouble sitting still). Each 40-minute show is tailored to the audience. Even middle schoolers will giggle and hoot as their friends get roped into the action. Heck, even the parents are likely to stick around for the fun. Want a roving magician instead of a sit down show, perhaps for an open house? Dunn can do that, too. $195 for in-home parties; $195–350 for larger events

Wrestling Party
612.834.0769
wrestlingparties.com
 
Does your son dream of being a super hero? Or maybe he watches SmackDown every Friday night. If so, you’ll want to plan a wrestling party with Lenny Lane. A professional wrestler, Lane tumbled his way around the world before opening a gym in Golden Valley. Bring 8–10 kids for a two-hour party. Lane will get each child into the ring, and teach the lot (safe) pro-wrestling moves. Kids ages 7–12 are ideal, though groups of high schoolers get into the action, too. The top-rope package (including invitations, cake and t-shirts for each attendee) is the most popular. $349 for eight kids, add $25 for each additional child

Swim Party
763.478.3025
marthaburns.com

The crew at Martha Burns Swimming School in Medina will make your child’s next birthday party a splash. Kids younger than 12 have a great time playing in the pool, which is kept at a comfy 92 degrees. Certified lifeguards will watch your party swim for 1½ hours. Then the group moves into the party room for cheese pizza and cake, both of which are included in the party package price. Parties are only scheduled on Sundays, so if you want a swimming theme you’ll need to book ahead. If some parents are unsure about the pool, floaties and lifejackets are welcome. $330

Art Party
763.494.6957
kidzartmn.com

Two former art teachers have teamed up to bring art to your next kid-centered gathering. Using only artist-grade materials, the instructors will lead your party-goers through a variety of projects. Choose from packages that teach kids how to draw, decorate a piggy bank, marbleize a journal or more. Activities can be tailored to kids as young as 4 or as old as 12. Host the 60- to 75-minute party at your home, or hold it elsewhere; regardless of location, the KidzArt team brings in all supplies and cleans up all the mess. $150–250, depending on project; includes 10 kids, add $10 for each additional child