Birthdays are a time of celebration, reflection and good 'ol fun! There are lots of ways to throw a fun-filled birthday bash in St. Louis. From pirate ship rides to bouncy playgrounds, an abundantly stocked artist's studio to a pool protected from inclement weather, consider these great birthday party venues in the St. Louis area.

Gypsy Rose Pirate Ship
Climb aboard for what might be one of St. Louis' most unique birthday party experiences. The Gypsy Rose, a realistic pirate ship helmed by a swash-buckling captain takes little ones on their own voyage. Parties include setting course along the Mississippi River, launching Nerf cannonballs and docking along a private beach where kids can dig for buried treasure. The ship can hold about 30 guests, and cruises begin at $300. Partiers may bring their own food and drink aboard.

Gypsy Rose Pirate Ship is docked at North Shore Marina, 601 N. Shore Drive, St. Charles, Mo., 63301, 314-541-7394.

The Magic House
Little fairy tale princesses, super sleuths, construction workers and artists will love magical parties at The Magic House, St. Louis' children's museum. Parties can accommodate up to 30 children, and Magic House staff facilitate party activities, serve refreshments and handle all of the clean up. Parties include all-day admission to the 50,000-square-foot museum. Prices start at $15 per child. For a true extravaganza, consider renting the entire museum on Sunday mornings and evenings for you and your 50 closest friends. Magic House parties are best for kids ages 2-10.

The Magic House, 516 S. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, Mo., 63122, 314-822-8900, ext. 10

Grant's Farm
Besides your hungry party guests, you can also feed goats and camels during a Grant's Farm birthday party. Enjoy all the animals on the farm, and party in their private gazebo. Prices start at $250 and include children's meals, cake, ice cream, prizes, animal feedings and parking passes.

Grant's Farm, 10501 Gravois Road, St. Louis, Mo., 63123, 314-843-1700

ABC Chefs Academy
Turn up the heat on your party in the kitchens of ABC Chefs Academy, located in Chesterfield Mall. Party guests cook two to three dishes and make their own party drink. Eight different party themes range from tea parties to pizza and pasta. Parties begin at $325, and can accommodate up to 20 children. The birthday boy or girl gets his or her own signature apron, and guests also decorate their own cupcakes.

ABC Chefs Academy, 231B Chesterfield Mall (second floor between Macys and Williams Sonoma), Chesterfield, Mo., 63017, 636-543-8650

Monkey Joe's
Monkeys always seem to be having fun, and so will your kids at a Monkey Joe's birthday party. Bounce, slide and jump through the inflatable play center. Parties are for kids 12 years and younger and can accommodate up to 24 kids. With full service parties, the only thing you'll need to bring is socks, which are required in the play area.

Monkey Joe's, 9061 Watson Road, St. Louis, Mo., 63126, 314-962-5637; and 10855 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights, Ill., 62208, 618-398-7800

The Lodge Des Peres
Kids have a splash at pool parties at The Lodge Des Peres. The party room is located just off the pool deck and can hold up to 30 people, and guests have access to the indoor pool, including the wave pool, kids play area and slides, and when open, the outdoor pools, including the lazy river, slides and spray garden. Parties start at $155 for members.

The Lodge Des Peres, 1050 Des Peres Road, Des Peres, Mo., 63131, 314-835-6150

Chuck E. Cheese has four locations in the metro area including Ellisville, Fairview Heights, South St. Louis County and St. Charles

Craft Caboose

Craft Caboose, 105 E. Argonne, Kirkwood, Mo., 63122, 314-835-9977

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

St. Louis Sprout researcher This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it compiled this list of best bets. Mefford is a St. Louis native and a local insurance broker who works from home to spend time with her 2-year-old daughter. Having a flexible work schedule has allowed her family to keep a very active schedule full of swim lessons, playgrounds, countless zoo visits, and long weekends out of town.

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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