Kids’ birthday party venues in Leslieville, the Danforth, Leaside and East York

Wanda World (Leaside)

Screen-free, story-based games and challenges, where kids become part of an adventure, and the birthday child can be written right into the story. Parties are customised for each birthday, suit roughly ages 5 to 11, and can include both kids and grown-ups.

28 Industrial Street, Unit 206

The Rock Oasis (Leslieville)

A climbing gym on Carlaw Avenue with roped climbing, bouldering, auto-belay walls and a kids’ zone. Their climbing birthday parties suit kids 6 and up, run for about two hours, and work best for smaller groups. Guests’ parents usually drop off.

388 Carlaw Avenue, Suite 204

The Clay Room (the Danforth)

A paint-your-own-pottery studio with a private party room. Kids can paint ceramic pieces (best for ages 5 and up), or try hands-on clay work (ages 7 and up). Finished pieces are fired in a kiln, so plan to pick them up a week or two later. Parties usually have a minimum of 10 kids.

279 Danforth Avenue

Toronto Climbing Academy (East York)

Another indoor climbing option in the east end, with a wide mix of climbing walls and routes.

11 Curity Avenue

East York Gymnastics Club (East York)

Gymnastics birthday parties with trampolines, a foam pit and a private party room, typically on Saturday afternoons.

6 Dohme Avenue

Tips for choosing an east-end party venue

Check the age range. Climbing and clay parties often start at 6 or 7; painting and gymnastics can suit younger kids.

Ask about minimums and maximums. Many venues charge for a minimum number of kids, and party rooms have a limit.

Find out about drop-off. Some parties expect guests’ parents to leave; others need adults to stay.

Ask what’s included, such as instructors, gear, party room time, food rules and whether you can bring a cake.

Book early. Weekend slots fill up fast, especially in spring and December, so aim for four to six weeks ahead.

Plan for take-homes. Pottery pieces need firing time, so they won’t go home on the day.