Philadelphia has lots of spots that are suited to a child's birthday party, and their appeal covers various favorite activities and subjects. Options range from outdoor venues, such as parks and the zoo, to indoor educational (but still fun) party sites for children ages 11 and under. You can also hold a birthday party at play places specifically designed for the purpose.

Throw a party with an educational twist by hosting it a museum. Both the Franklin Institute, located in Center City, and the Please Touch Museum, located inside Fairmount Park, provide birthday party packages.

Both museums give you access to a private party room for one hour and include admission to the museum for the day in the package. Birthday parties at the Franklin Institute include a science activity and a movie screening in the IMAX theater, or a show at the Planetarium. Party themes at the Franklin Institute include astronomy, bioscience and flight.

The party packages at the Please Touch Museum include food, such as pizza, but a birthday cake is not included. Your child will be crowned in a coronation ceremony and receive a birthday gift from the museum.

The Franklin Institute 222 N. 20th St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 448-1200 fi.edu

Please Touch Museum Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park 4231 Avenue of the Republic Philadelphia, PA 19131 (215) 581-3181 pleasetouchmuseum.org

If your child's birthday falls in the warmer months, you can hold the party at your choice of various outdoor venues. Franklin Square, a Center City park that was renovated in 2006, houses attractions that include a carousel, playgrounds and mini-golf. Party packages at Franklin Square feature discounted pricing for the carousel and mini-golf, as well as a party attendant and a picnic area.

A party at the Philadelphia Zoo includes admission for at least 10 people and up to 20, a private tent or room for an hour and a half, party favors for the guests and a gift for the birthday child. Party packages are available year round and must be booked at least three weeks in advance.

Franklin Square
200 N. 6th St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 629-5801, ext. 204 historicphiladelphia.org

Philadelphia Zoo 3400 W. Girard Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 243-5657 philadelphiazoo.org

Located in northeast Philadelphia, Kix and Giggles is a play place designed to help children develop and grow. Birthday parties at Kix and Giggles start at $15 per child, as of February 2010, and include pizza or hot dogs, a party favor for each child, a birthday cake and access to the play area all day. The play place features a rock wall and nets to climb on, moonbounces, music and games, and story time.

Smith Play Place is located in Fairmount Park and hosts birthday parties on weekend afternoons. There's an indoor party room for up to 10 children under 5 years old. Two porches are provided for birthday parties from April to October for children under 10 years old. Smith Playground spans 6.5 acres and features the famous "Giant Wooden Slide."

Kix and Giggles 9356 Old Bustleton Ave. Philadelphia Pa. 19115 (215) 677.4140 kixandgiggles.com

Smith Play Place East Fairmount Park Philadelphia, PA 19121 (215) 765-4325 smithkidsplayplace.org