Let’s face it, if you have young kids, chances are you are attending at least one birthday party every weekend. (We’ve got tips for how to survive that, too). But where should you go in the Bay Area when it is your turn to play host? If you’re like us and would rather not deal with the headache of planning your child’s birthday party in your own home, rejoice! We’ve put together a list of the 30 best birthday party places in the Bay Area including play spaces, craft studios and outdoor venues. You’re welcome!
For indoor fun
1. Diddalidoo
Where: 544 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno, CA
When: Friday evenings and weekends.
Cost: $375 for 10 kids and 20 adults; $450 for 20 kids and 30 adults.
Includes: Party attendants, two hours private use of Diddalidoo, a return pass for the birthday kid and siblings, customized invitations and paper goods. For an extra fee, you can add on pizza and party favors.
2. JamaRoo Kids
JamaRoo
When: Anytime.
Cost: Varies. For information call 415-614-2001.
Includes: 40 minutes of instructor-led JamaRoo entertainment including stories, instruments, puppets and streamers. Keep in mind that they no longer parties onsite; instead you can hire their entertainers for shindigs at other venues.
3. KidsPark
Where: 2858 Stevens Creek Boulevard
San Jose, CA
When: Sunday mornings and evenings.
Cost: $260 for up to 24 kids.
Includes: Two hours private use of the space, party host, face painting, an art project, games, balloons, a birthday gift for the special guest, paper goods and juice. Parties are best for kids ages two to 11.
4. Peek-a-Boo Factory
Peek-a-Boo Factory
Where: 2 West Portal Avenue, San Francisco, CA
When: Anytime.
Cost: Basic package starts at $200 for 10 kids; private parties are $600 for 25 kids.
Includes: The basic Kidspark package includes one hour of shared playtime, 45 minutes in the party room and paper goods. More expensive options provide exclusive use of the facility for two hours. Themes such as Thomas the Train or Minnie Mouse are available for an additional $100.
5. Play Haven
Where: 254 Laguna Honda Blvd, San Francisco, CA
When: Open parties are available anytime; exclusive parties are available on Fridays from 5 to 7pm and weekends from 3 to 5pm.
Cost: Open parties range in price from $225 to $325; exclusive parties cost $575.
Includes: Open parties include use of the private room and guests can come in and play any time of the event, Exclusive parties include two hours of exclusive play; both include three dining tables and two tables for set up. There’s an option to add in party meals, paper goods and a face painter.
6. Play! Los Altos
Where: 170 State Street, Los Altos, CA
When: Anytime.
Cost: Packages range from $495 to $995.
Includes: One to two hours of party time in the playroom for up to 35 guests, play dough, coloring and a party host. The premium packages allows for up to 65 guests, a special craft and two party hosts. Other options include party décor, party banner, balloon bouquet and a bounce house (small parties only).
7. Peekadoodle Kidsclub
Peekadoodle Kidsclub
4228 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA
When: Weekends.
Cost: Packages start at $595.
Includes: All Peekadoodle packages include a party planner, paper goods, balloons, instructor-led activities, Extreme Pizza, party favors in a choice of themes (Legos, pirates, superheroes, etc.), and shared or exclusive use of the space. For more fun, you can add an animal show, balloon twister or face painter.
8. Wund3rKId
559 College Ave, Palo Alto, CA
When: Weekends.
Cost: Three different party packages from $350 to $500.
Includes: Private facility rental from one and a half to three hours, paper goods, cake candles and lighter. A party coordinator is available for extra, too.
9. La Petite Playhouse
1264 Oddstad Dr, Redwood City, CA
When: Anytime.
Cost: Weekday parties are $225 for 15 kids; weekend parties are $375 for 20 kids; Friday evening parties are $375 for 20 kids.
Includes: Exclusive or shared (weekday parties) use of the Playhouse, 45 minutes of access to a reserved party room, a party coordinator and paper goods.
Note: Due to popularity, reserve space two months in advance.
For the dramatic set
10. The Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole Children’s Theater
Where: 800 Diamond Street, SF, CA
When: Weekends.
Cost: $450 for up to 15 guests.
Includes: A Rabbit Hole puppet show, games, sing-a-long dance party, choice of 11 themes (including Harry Potter and Costume Ball) and two teachers. A magical character and face painting are among several add-on options.
11. Tutu School
Tutu School
Where: 519 Bay St, San Francisco, CA
When: Friday afternoons and weekends.
Cost: Three different packages range from $475 to $575; one and a half to two hour parties for up to 10 guests
Includes: A short Tutu School ballet lesson, a birthday story featuring the honoree, party favors and cupcakes. Advanced packages also offer personalized invitations, a fairy wand craft project and ballerina games.
For animal lovers
12. Lindsay Wildlife Experience
Lindsey Wildlife Museum
Where: 1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA
When: Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Cost: Standard party package runs $375 to $475; New party package is $300 to $400.
Includes: One to one and a half hours access to a reserved party room for up to 25 guests, private encounters with two animal ambassadors, self-guided time in the Exhibit Hall. Upgrades, like goodie bags and a T-shirt for the birthday kid, are available, too.
13. Morning Star Farm
885 Sutro Ave, Novato, CA
When: Saturdays from 11am to 1pm and 2:30pm to 4:30pm.
Cost: $250 to $375 for 15 to 25 kids.
Includes: One hour of pony rides, access to the petting zoo, use of the play area and reserved picnic tables in the apple orchard. You can also add on a bounce house.
Note: All guests must wear closed-toe shoes and all kids need to bring a bike helmet.
14. San Francisco Zoo
SF Zoo
Where: Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway, San Francisco, CA
When: Anytime.
Cost: Basic package is $50 per person and accommodates 20 to 48.
Includes: Room rental at the zoo (it overlooks the chimps!), lunch, present for the guest of honor, face painting, scavenger hunt, goodie bag, birthday cake and ride tickets. Upgrades include special animal experiences (private petting zoo and wild walk).
For curious kids
15. Bay Area Discovery Museum
Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito, CA
When: Weekends
Cost: Packages range from $350 for 10 kids to $1375 for 40 kids.
Includes: The Birthday Bash Package includes museum admission for all guests, a museum facilitator, activity, a private party room, party favors and paper goods. More expensive packages have themed parties, bounce houses and engineering projects.
Note: Balloons are not permitted due to National Park Service regulations.
16. Bricks 4 Kidz
Bricks 4 Kidz
30 29th Street, San Francisco, CA
When: Anytime on weekends; Friday evenings from 5 to 8pm.
Cost: One and a half hours and 10 kids for $300 and three hours and 20 kids for $650.
Includes: Two Bricks 4 Kidz instructors, a main project using STEM materials, access to shared play area and kitchen, and a customized theme (including space adventure or robotic envy).
Note: Parties are held at STEMful, a new play space in Bernal Heights. Parents are responsible for all food, drinks and paper goods.
17. Children’s Creativity Museum
Children’s Creativity Museum
221 4th St, San Francisco, CA
When: Weekends from 10:30am to 12:30pm or 1:30 to 3:30pm.
Cost: Prices range from $200 for the Critter Party to $900 for the Studio Inspiration Party.
Includes: More basic packages include a birthday coordinator, birthday room for two hours and all-day admission to the museum for 20 people. Pricier packages allow you to pick a theme like pirates or royal treasure along with guided theme-related activities. Upgrades include goodie bags and carousal tickets.
18. Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA
When: Weekends.
Cost: $350.
Includes: Admission for 20 visitors, one museum staff host, one hour in a private birthday room, guest invitations and two complimentary passes for the honoree. Gift bags, a science or art activity, and additional time can be added on for an additional fee.
19. Lawrence Hall of Science
Lawrence Hall of Science
1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, CA
When: Weekends.
Cost: $275 to $300.
Includes: One-hour museum workshop for up to 20 children (ages four to 11) and a private party room for an additional 50 minutes. Four workshops are offered: Biology: Animal Discovery; Chemistry: Fizz, Foam, Pop!; Engineering: Design It; Space Science: Mission Solar System. You can also order party favors from the museum’s store.
20. Habitot Children’s Museum
Where: 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA
When: Regular packages are available anytime. Exclusive museum rental is offered weekday afternoons, evenings and all day Sundays (April to September).
Cost: Prices range from $200 to $495.
Includes: Shared or exclusive use of the Habitot space, digital file for printing invitations, a complimentary four-person family pass and three hours free parking for host family. Goodie bags are also available, starting at $6 each.
For future artists
21. Big Spirit Studio
Big Spirit Studio
Where: 5327 Dover St, Oakland , CA
When: Friday to Monday.
Cost: Prices starting at $250 for two hours and eight artists.
Includes: Project ideas like fairy wings or tie-dye. All materials, kitchen and tables, set up and clean up are provided.
Note: Guests are responsible for all food and drinks.
22. Kids n Clay
809 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA
When: Anytime.
Cost: $26 for each participant; minimum 10 participants.
Includes: Two instructors, one hour of clay time and one hour of party time. Guests can either work on the wheel or hand build and then paint. Add on a birthday keepsake plate for $20 (it’s decorated with a thumbprint from each kid).
Note: Staff fires and glazes all pottery created at the party. Artwork will be ready for pickup within two weeks.
23. Laurel Street Arts
Where: 10624 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino, CA
When: Anytime.
Cost: Ranges from $22 to $34 per child; minimum eight kids, maximum 20.
Includes: One to two hours of project and party time, reserved space, specialized instruction in either painting, mosaics, or glass arts and a completed art piece to take home or pick up one week later.
For active kids
24. House of Air
House of Air
Where: 926 Old Mason St, San Francisco, CA
When: Anytime.
Cost: For different party levels add $75 to $345 to the price of jump ticket ($14 to $27 per person depending upon age).
Includes: One to two hours of jumping, a party coordinator, a private room or reserved table and a House of Air themed gift for the birthday kid. A wide assortment is available to add on including goodie bags, snack kits and cutlery kits. For a complete list click here.
25. Bladium
800 W Tower Ave, Alameda, CA
When: Weekends.
Cost: $399 to $549 depending on the activity. Rock climbing, soccer, laser tag and water slides (seasonal) are favorites.
Includes: One-hour exclusive use of the activity area for 15 kids, one-hour in a reserved party space, a party host, four large pizzas, drinks and paper goods.
26. SF Gymnastics
1405 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA
When: Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Cost: Prices range from $270 to $460.
Includes: Basic parties have shared use of the gym, instruction on all equipment, a bouncy house, dessert and a party room. Premium parties offer private time in the gym, a party host and an Olympics theme. For an extra fee, you can have goodie bags, pizza and cake.
For little swimmers
27. Aqua Adventure Waterpark
Aqua Adventure Waterpark
40500 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA
When: Anytime during the summer (end of May to end of September).
Cost: $576 for 24 guests, $810 for 30 guests, $1200 for 40 guests
Includes: The basic Wave Party includes all day admission to the park, a reserved Birthday Hut, a slice of pizza and a soda for each guest and Dippin Dots Ice Cream. More expensive packages provide a wider variety of food options.
28. AquaTech Swim
2203 Mariner Square Loop, Alameda, CA
When: Weekdays 3:30pm to 5:30pm, Saturdays 2:30pm to 4:30pm.
Cost: $440 for two hours swim time; maximum of 20 swimmers.
Includes: One hour of supervised swimming and one hour of reserved party space. Parents are encouraged to swim with their kids at no additional costs! Upgrades include balloons, cake and other food options.
29. East Oakland Sports Center
East Oakland Sports Center
Where: 9161 Edes Ave, Oakland, CA
When: Monday to Thursday and Saturday and Sunday (during Summer).
Cost: $192 to $240 for two hours for a pool party; outdoor party is $50 per hour with a four-hour minimum
Includes: A party room for up to 30 people and shared use of the indoor water park. If you would like an outdoor party, you can reserve the shady party pavilion and pay a separate per person fee to use the pool.
30. Waterworks Aquatics
14401 Willow Lane, Huntington Beach, CA
When: Fridays and weekends; earliest time is 12:30pm.
Cost: Two hour party $395, 2.5 hour party $455, 3 hour party $515
Includes: Private room for duration of the party for up to 15 kids. Free play time and games lead by deck guards with a half hour built in for cake and presents. Inflatable toys, rafts and noodles are also included. For an extra 30 minutes of pool time, it’s $60 and for every five children over 15, it’s an additional $50.
Note: No food or decorations will be provided, but you can bring your own for no additional charge.
