Year after year, moms and dads mark their children's special days with unforgettable and unique birthday parties. With almost every venue in St. Louis offering birthday parties, the options often seem endless. In Part II of our Birthday Party Best Bets, we've compiled some additional great places to host a kids birthday party. Party on!

Chesterfield Sports Fusion
140 Long Road, Chesterfield, Mo.
636-536-6720
www.chesterfieldsportsfusion.com
Wear out your party animals with a high-energy birthday at Chesterfield Sports Fusion. You and your guests can choose to participate in up to four of the five party activities: mini-golf, laser tag, dodge ball, rock-climbing and "The Grind" obstacle course. All activities are indoor, taking St. Louis' rapidly-changing weather out of the party planning equation. Cost varies and starts at $200 for 10 guests.

At right: At Chesterfield Sports Fusion, partiers can choose their activities, including mini-golf and rock-climbing.

Dierbergs School of Cooking
Various Dierberg's Locations
636-812-1336
www.dierbergs.com
If you can stand the heat, cook up a birthday party in the kitchen of Dierbergs Schools of Cooking. Up to 15 kids can get busy preparing a meal or dish during these unique parties. Call for fees and menu choices.

My Gym
482 THF Blvd., Chesterfield, Mo.
636-536-9949
www.my-gym.com
Kids will climb, swing, throw, jump and bounce during an action-packed My Gym birthday party. Parties include exclusive use of the gym and its equipment, including ball pits, trampolines, swings and gymnastics equipment. Party hosts also plan activities, games, rides and puppet shows around the interests of the birthday child. Experienced hosts make sure each guest has a fun and safe experience. Cost starts at $200 for 12 children.

At right: Girls enjoy the ball pit at My Gym.

Once Upon a Bash
2732 Sutton Road, Maplewood, Mo.
314-645-2386
www.onceuponabash.com
If you can dream up a custom birthday party, Jaimel Gauda, owner of Once Upon a Bash, can make it a reality. Whether the party is held at your home or their Maplewood party venue, Once Upon a Bash won't skimp on any details. You help determine the theme and party activities, and Gauda and her staff will coordinate the entire event, including decorations, live entertainers, party favors, food and invitations. Popular parties include their Fashionista, Pop Star, Superhero and Pirate parties. Cost varies, but generally starts at about $400 for 10 guests.

At right: The beauty is in the details at Once Upon a Bash. This table is prepared for a Fairy Garden ParTea.

Reading Habitat
6035 Telegraph Road, Oakville, Mo.
314-401-4809
www.readinghabitat.com
Kids are encouraged to act out their favorite nursery rhyme or classic tale during a page-turning birthday party at Reading Habitat. Reading Habitat, which opened in April 2010, is part literary play area  and part bookstore. Parties include reading interactive stories, playing games, and plenty of time for dramatic play in the Habitat's large cardboard castle. Every child receives a book as a party favor. Cost is $275 for 10 children. These parties are best enjoyed by kids ages 4-10.

At right: Kids reign in the castle play area at Reading Habitat.

River City Rascals
T.R. Hughes Ballpark, 900 T.R. Hughes Blvd., O'Fallon, Mo.
636-240-BATS
rivercityrascals.com
Imagine your child throwing out the first pitch at a professional baseball game. That's exactly what birthday boys and girls get to do when they have their birthday parties with the River City Rascals. In addition to going on the field, the party also includes box seat tickets, souvenirs, food, drinks and birthday cake. Guests also receive Fun Zone passes, and the birthday kid gets an autographed baseball. Cost is $240 for 16 guests.

Whittle Shortline Railroad
24 Front St., Valley Park, Mo.
636-861-3334
www.woodentrain.com
Junior conductors will have a chugging good time at a birthday party at Whittle Shortline Railroad. Their 90-minute parties include a train-related game and plenty of time to play on the large, multi-level wooden train table for which the store is known. Whittle Shortline can even provide a train-shaped cake or sandwiches for hungry partiers. Birthday children will receive a personalized birthday boxcar and can leave their handprints on the wall outside the party room. These parties are best for kids ages 1 through 6. Cost is $115 for 16 guests (food is extra).

At right: At Whittle Shortline Railroad, kids can blow out the candles on a stand-up steam engine cake.

Need more party ideas? See Part One of Birthday Party Best Bets.

Best Bets articles represent the views and the research completed by St. Louis Sprout & About journalists and are not driven by advertising or requests by vendors or venues. Best Bets do not imply an endorsement of a business or activity.

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