Upstate New York has a number of amusement parks available for parties. Harris Hill Amusement Park (www.harrishillamusements.com) in Elmira makes birthdays easy by offering a party room. The park has batting cages, miniature golf, go-carts, an arcade, a pool, a driving range and kiddie rides. If a more adventurous amusement park is desired, consider a party at Six Flags Great Escape (www.sixflags.com/greatEscape) in Lake George, which has an attached water park, Splashwater Kingdom. Birthday party packages include a host, spot in the onsite picnic grove, lunch, birthday cake and park admission.
A variety upstate New York museums are also available to play host to your birthday gathering. The Corning Museum of Glass (cmog.org) in Corning offers glassblowing and flame working demonstrations every day, as well as a hands-on innovation center that allows you to make your own glass cups, beads or ornaments. The National Museum of Play (museumofplay.org) in Rochester is another option for children's birthday parties. It's dedicated to children's playtime and offers hands-on exhibits, an indoor butterfly garden, the National Toy Hall of Fame and a food court.
Indian Ladder Farms (indianladderfarms.com) in Altamont offers birthday party packages that include a party facility, coordinator, goody bags, and dishes and flatware. Choose from the Farm Animal Party, which includes a tour of the barn and farmyard, and the Apple or Pumpkin Picking Party, both offered seasonally. Skyland Farms (skylandfarm.net) in Hector is a tranquil place perfect for more grown-up birthday parties. It offers a cut-your-own-bouquet garden, labyrinth, feeding farm, pottery studio and restaurant.
Located in Saratoga Springs, The Saratoga Winery (thesaratogawinery.com) is a great place for a unique birthday celebration in upstate New York. The winery offers wine tasting events, serves food and features live music every Friday evening. Another option for wine lovers is the Pleasant Valley Wine Company (pleasantvalleywine.com) in Hammondsport. Pleasant Valley is the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes and offers first class wine tasting in eight historic buildings.
