There are lots of ways to splurge on kids' birthday parties in NYC. But just because you can spend thousands of dollars celebrating your child's big day doesn't mean you have to. During warm months, New York City's plentiful parks and playgrounds bloom with colorful balloons as DIYers throw their own outdoor birthday bashes. Granted, this type of party requires more work than booking one of those all-inclusive packages, but you get to control most of the details, including the cost (though sadly not the weather).
While you can just set up in your local playground (assuming you have less than 20 people, otherwise permits are technically required), not all green spaces are created equal. Certain parks have special perks that can make hosting an outdoor party easier or more fun, like picnic tables, lots of space to run around, nearby play equipment and even rides. Here are our top 10 parks for throwing a kids' birthday party in NYC.