Five best kiddie party venues

eXplorerkid

The largest indoor playground on the island boasts separate play features for toddlers, as well as bigger kids. The trick is to sign up as an eXplorerkid member for a minimal fee so as to score the discounted price of $24.40 per head for the two-hour birthday packages – they throw in unlimited playtime, goodie bags (party poppers only), sculpted balloons, snacks (for kids only) and a party host. $24.40 per child (eXplorerkid members), minimum 15 kids (ages 12 and below). Level 3, E!hub@Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Cl (6589 1668, www.explorerkid.com).

Pit Parties

This 2.5-hour military-style obstacle course party – think mud banks and rope swings – is for kids who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. They say it’s for children six and up, but smaller-framed kids may have difficulties rising to some of the challenges. With a coach on hand to supervise, all you need to do is supply the grub, as food is not included in the price. $495 for groups of 20 children; $100 extra for up to 10 additional kids (ages 6 and above). #02-05 Turf City, 200 Turf Club Rd (6468 9851, www.centaursgroup.com).

Ben & Jerry’s

This United Square outlet is where you get the scoop on the coolest, creamiest birthday party treats in town. Pick from waffle bowl-making (for 5- to 7-year-olds), chocolate waffle cone-making (for 7- to 10-year-olds) or ice-cream cake decoration (for 10-year-olds and above). Head to the Dempsey branch if you have a group of more than 15 kids. Warning: an ice cream bash is going to set you back at least $40 nett per head. $40-$55 per child, minimum 10 kids (ages 5 and above). #02-K1 United Square, 101 Thomson Rd (6732 6996, www.benjerry.com.sg).

Leisure Park Kallang

At Singapore’s largest ice skating rink, a party package buys you a party room and skating shoes for two hours, with the added option of booking a coach for $100-$200 per half-hour (depending on level). However, gloves, socks and jackets are not provided, and neither is party food. You may want to consider the neighbouring KFC; only finger food is permitted for catering. $20 a child, minimum 15 kids (ages 4 and above). 5 Stadium Walk (6348 1123, www.leisurepark.com.sg).

Climb Adventure

Active kids who enjoy a bolder challenge will love the two-hour, climb-all-you-want birthday party at SAFRA Adventure Sports Centre in Yishun. Twenty climbing harnesses are provided and four trainers will be on duty to supervise the climb. No special gear is required – just come in your sports attire (and hardy sport shoes). Food, yet again, is not included but there’s a café in the SAFRA building for the kids to grab a bite after the calorie-burning exercise. $17.50 a child, minimum 20 kids (ages 5 and above). 60 Yishun Ave 4 (6852 8200, www.safra.sg or send an email for further information).

This story first appeared as 'Party on, dude' (Nov 2010).