Even if your kid isn't a budding Jackson Pollock, he will be blissfully occupied at the Mad Potter. This place has birthday parties down to a science: Carefully smocked children joyfully smear clay animals, boxes and plates with paint while adoring adults sip cocktails. Helpful staffers dole out small blobs of paint to the tiny artists and help to keep clothes clean with plenty of wet paper towels. When it's time for birthday cake, staffers whisk away the painted creations for firing in the kiln. It's effortless, clean, artistic fun. The ceramics are ready for pickup several days later. Best of all, the little masterpieces make lovely party favors.