Parties

Muddy Paws closed it's Uptown retail location, but still offers 222 luscious flavors of cheesecake for wholesale clients, parties and weddings, fundraising, and shipping. Sales take place from its baking and corporate headquarters in St. Louis Park. Call to order.

Families can fill up on frozen treats and comfort food at a former Standard Oil gas station restored with loving care. In addition to fast food fare like sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, nachos, and pizzas, this gleaming retro haven serves sundaes, packed pints, ices, and more - and makes custard birthday cakes to order!

The "garage" seating area has a few old games and kiddie rides - and old issues of Life and Look magazines to read while you're eating, to complete the trip back in time.

For 60 years, the Wuollet family has been masterfully baking up elegant tortes, pastries, and breads, which it now sells from five metro area locations.

The cupcakes, donuts, muffins, and cookies are particularly appealing to kids, though perhaps too pricey to purchase for a whole classroom if a birthday at school is in the works.

Traditional (and delicious and delightful) birthday cakes can usually be personalized on the spot, but order (in person, by phone, or online) at least a day in advance if possible. The bakery welcomes custom orders, so if cost is no object, call to discuss special designs and shapes - Wuollet bakers pride themselves on being able to create just about anything.

Some products can be shipped as gifts; all can be delivered locally for a minimum surcharge of $25.

The bakery also sells coffee and espresso, and has a couple of cafe tables, indoors and out.

A Touch of Magic provides kids' comedy, balloon sculptures, face painting, and other entertainment for birthdays, company picnics, block parties, and more.

Birthday kids can choose between candy-making and cupcake-decorating for a party where kids make their own treats to take home - they'll even decorate a box to carry them in! Sweet Wishes brings the needed supplies to the location of your choice - all parents provide is a refrigerator, microwave, room for the guests, and the birthday cake. Fees run $12-$15/child, based on an eight-child minimum. There are several themes and projects to choose from; visit the website, or call, for more information.

Classes: Sweet Wishes also offers candy-making classes for preschools, daycare settings, and youth groups. Classes run about 45 minutes, and all supplies are provided; minimum charge $100.

Sneaky offers magic shows, face painting, balloon sculpting, and other entertainment for children's birthday parties and special events, with most routines geared toward ages three to seven.

She is also available for lectures, magic and clowning classes, and other events. Call to discuss details and special needs.

Peek a Boo Studio specializes in fun, non-traditional portrait photography for newborns, pregnancies, weddings, graduations, and children of all ages.

Party entertainment: Themed photo session at your location includes a group photo, plus two shots of each guest individually. Two props are provided to get kids vogueing. Themes include divas, princesses, pirates, and bikers; $15/child, for a minimum of eight guests. General photography services during the party also available, at $35/half hour.

Expressions by Jessica specializes in artistic portraiture featuring newborns, children and families. Sessions are done at Jessica's new studio loft in St. Michael, or on location at the client's metro area site of choice.

Shannon specializes in contemporary photography for children and families, featuring a fresh take on studio portraits and relaxed life-moment shots. Numerous backgrounds are available in her small studio, and location shoots in nearby Como Park are also an option.

Shannon offers free initial consultations and her basic session fee includes one "look" for up to five people (with a $20 charge for each additional "look"). An online gallery is available for proofing, and prints - in b&w and color - are ordered individually, not by package.

Shannon also offers graphic design and specialty services, working with families to create birth announcements and invitiations to suit specific tastes and needs.

Kids (and grownups!) can get all their jigglies out at Pump It Up. Private parties and open playtimes are held in the air-conditioned arena, filled with huge inflatable play structures for climbing, bouncing, and sliding.

Two-hour parties for up to 26 kids include plenty of time for jumping around on the inflatables in the arena. The last half hour is spent in a private party room. Bring your own cake and chips, or have Pump It Up provide pizza, drinks, and goody bags for an additional fee. Shorter, smaller parties are available on weekdays only.

All parties at Pump It Up include supervision in the arena, invitations, utensils, paper goods, and cleanup. And air. Lots and lots of air!

Don't forget: Every guest needs socks and a parent-signed waiver!

Each engaging, educational Abrakadoodle art workshop, camp, or party highlights a different artist - from Old Masters to Pop icons - and introduces children to different materials and art-making techniques.

Lessons never repeat, and each child leaves each one with a new piece of framed art. Classes are held at locations throughout the metro area, and for different age groups. Get contact information for your closest franchisee from the corporate