Busy Bees' Play Hive venue

Party details checked · Sep 2026

Indoor Play

Busy Bees' Play Hive

Norwich, CT 4.7 (48 Google reviews)

At a glance

Starting price
From $325
Duration
2 hours

Why parents choose it

  • Every package includes private use of the entire building for two hours.

Good to know

  • A $100 non-refundable deposit is due when booking, with the balance due on the event day.

Birthday party packages

Party Packages

The Basic Bee

$325

Duration
2 hours
See all inclusions

Private use of the entire building for two hours; host handles cleanup.

  • Full use of the entire building for 2 hours
  • No restrictions on number of kids
  • Access to the building 1/2 hour prior to party time for setup

Source: Official venue website · View package source

The Worker Bee

$375

Duration
2 hours
  • ✓ Food included
See all inclusions

Private two-hour building use with pizza, chips, and a juice box or water bottle; host handles cleanup.

  • Full use of the entire building for 2 hours
  • No restriction on number of kids
  • Access to the building 1/2 hour prior to party time for setup
  • 2 large 2-topping pizzas
  • Individual bag of chips
  • Juice box or water bottle

Source: Official venue website · View package source

The Big Bee-Day Bash

$450

Duration
2 hours
  • ✓ Food included
See all inclusions

Private two-hour building use with food and drinks, staff party-room setup and cleanup, and a 10-inch cake.

  • Full use of the entire building for 2 hours
  • No restriction on number of kids
  • Access to the building 1/2 hour prior to party time for setup
  • 2 large 2-topping pizzas
  • Individual bag of chips
  • Juice box or water bottle
  • Staff party-room setup
  • Staff cleanup
  • 10-inch cake

Source: Official venue website · View package source

What parents should know

Busy Bees’ Play Hive is an indoor playground in Norwich geared toward younger children, with a compact, open layout that lets parents keep sight of much of the room. Reviews describe a dedicated baby/under-two section alongside a climbing beehive, train table, pretend-play stations, ride-on toys, a small swing set, and other rotating toys and activities. Families most often mention toddlers and preschoolers, though one party host said even a nine-month-old participated comfortably.

The venue’s 4.6 Google rating from 115 reviews points to broadly positive experiences. Parents repeatedly describe the space as welcoming, clean, and manageable rather than overwhelming, with friendly staff and owners who are often present. Several appreciate the designated tables for bringing in food and a coffee station for adults. A Domino’s is next door, which one family found convenient for party food. Reviews also mention occasional special events, including character- and holiday-themed activities and animal visits.

Birthday parties are a central part of the offering. Recent hosts report staff help with advance planning, décor drop-off and setup, cleanup, and cake arrangements; some packages have included a custom cake and pizza coordination. Families describe parties for first, second, and fifth birthdays, with children enjoying the play equipment and parents valuing the hands-on setup support. One large gathering was reported as comfortable, though capacity and package details should be confirmed directly. Booking well ahead appears sensible, as one reviewer reserved months in advance.

The detailed review sample does surface practical caveats despite the strong overall sentiment. One parent reported unclear expectations about public access during paid early setup time, while another found the staff unable to answer some facility questions. There are isolated concerns about play items not being reset promptly, restroom odor, table wiping, and older children entering the small-child area; one party review also alleged cleaning and maintenance shortcomings. Most other reviews characterize the venue as clean and well maintained, but parents of very young children may want to ask how age-specific areas are monitored and clarify setup access, cleanup, food, and party-room timing before reserving.

Why it may work for birthdays

Birthday parties are repeatedly documented in reviews, with packages, advance planning, decoration setup, cleanup, cake arrangements, and play access. Confirm setup privacy and package timing before booking.