Your munchkin is turning one! Congratulations to you (oh, and your adorable baby) for surviving 12 whole months of spit-ups, messy diapers and wondering if you will ever sleep again (you will!). It’s time to break out the balloons, order a cake and book the perfect party place to celebrate this milestone event with family and friends, but where do you start? That’s where we come in! We’ve rounded up 12 birthday party spots in the Bay Area that offer first birthday parties for the bday kid and their tot friends. Read on to find the perfect package for your tyke!
1. Play Haven, San Francisco
Where: 254 Laguna Honda Blvd,, San Francisco, CA
What to expect: Book an open or exclusive party for up to two hours of fun in a large playroom that includes a mini kitchen, tool workshop, gentle slide, and separate baby and infant section. (Older siblings will love the rock climbing wall and art studio!) Sing a rousing round of “Happy Birthday” to your one-year-old in the event room, which features three dining tables and a staff member to help with setup and cleanup. A nursing room with a glider is even provided for breastfeeding mamas. Keep in mind that on-site parking is limited. Let your guests know that spots are available next door at the Forest Hill Christian Church (except on Sundays from 1 to 4pm).
When: Open parties are available anytime. Exclusive parties are available on Fridays from 5 to 7pm and weekends from 3 to 5pm.
Cost: Open or exclusive party packages range from $225 to $575.
2. Lindsay Wildlife Experience, Walnut Creek
Where: 1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA
What to expect: Make room on your guest list for a couple of four-legged friends! During your allotted hour-and-a-half party time, a handler will introduce littles to three touchable animal ambassadors (think guinea pigs and rabbits). Your birthday package also includes a reserved party room and self-guided time in the Exhibit Hall.
When: Weekends at either 11am or 2pm.
Cost: $450 to $500; it’s recommended you book at least one month in advance.
3. Habitot Children’s Museum, Berkeley
Where: 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA
What to expect: Whether you book a birthday room, private party or the entire museum, party attendants are on-hand to ensure this special day goes off without a hitch. After you capture the obligatory, cake-all-over-the-face shot of the birthday girl or boy, head to the infant and toddler garden—the perfect place for crawling, pulling up and cruising. Need more time to explore the museum? Each party package comes with a complimentary four-person family pass for a future visit!
When: Regular packages (birthday room and private party) are available anytime. Exclusive museum rental is offered weekday afternoons, evenings and all day Sundays from April to September.
Cost: Prices range from $250 to $599.
4. Diddalidoo, San Bruno
Where: 544 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno, CA
What to expect: Party like a one-year-old (think padded tunnels and push toys) at this Peninsula kiddie hot spot. Two hours of exclusive playtime comes with party attendants, paper goods, customized invitations and a return pass for the birthday kid and siblings. For adult sustenance, throw the extra large pizza add-on option to your party order!
When: Friday evenings and weekends.
Cost: $375 for 10 kids and 20 adults; $450 for 20 kids and 30 adults.
5. Wund3rKId, Palo Alto
Where: 559 College Ave, Palo Alto, CA
What to expect: If you’re planning an enormous bash to toast the birthday kid, consider this popular tots hangout. Wund3rKId features party packages that allow up to 50 guests, a party room, basic party essentials and two hours of fun in their facility. Need a hand with planning? For an extra fee, a party coordinator can help with decorations and with booking entertainment.
When: Weekends.
Cost: Two hours for $495 for up to 50 guests.
6. Peekadoodle, San Francisco
Where: 4228 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA
What to expect: Rock out to a musical jamboree or make some furry friends at this Ghirardelli Square-based venue. Select a birthday theme that includes either instructor-led music and movement sessions or supervised animal encounters. All packages also come with balloons, paper goods, a party planner, pizza, juice and shared or exclusive use of the space for up to two hours. If you live in the East Bay you can also book a party at Peekadoodle’s Danville location.
When: Weekends.
Cost: Packages start at $595.
7. Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
Where: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito, CA
What to expect: Explore the museum’s Tot Spot (a multi-sensory experience designed for babies and tots featuring outdoor crawling tunnels, a multi-level rock stream bed and indoor spaces for babies) after indulging in cake at the BADM. You can also listen to kid-friendly tunes and participate in age-appropriate activities led by a museum staff member. There are tons of add-on options, too, like a photo booth, a play corner and party decorations. All party packages include admission to the museum for all guests, staff help with setup and cleanup and free parking. Check the museum’s website to see if their Toddler Pop-Up Program, which features activities for tots ages zero to three, is taking place during your party time!
When: Weekends.
Cost: Packages start at $445; it’s recommended you book at least two to three months in advance.
8. Recess Collective, San Francisco
Where: 2226 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA
What to expect: Recess Collective is a baby’s paradise with its open areas for moving and crawling, and a parent’s paradise with its safety elements. The space is the perfect setting for your little one’s first birthday party as you can enjoy two hours of private use of the crawlers/new walkers play space and kitchen. Included in your party package are platters, serving bowls, cupcake tower and knives, and for an additional fee, you can purchase add-ons like plates, cups, utensils, napkins and tablecloths, a personalized banner, beverages and more.
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 to 3:30pm or 4:30 to 6:30pm.
Cost: $350.
9. La Petite Playhouse, Redwood City
Where: 1264 Oddstad Dr, Redwood City, CA
What to expect: La Petite Playhouse might be known for its huge indoor play space for kiddos up to 10, but it also features a separate baby/toddler area complete with safer and quieter equipment for the fragile set. The playhouse offers different birthday party packages, with the basic one offering one hour of exclusive play time along with 45 minutes of your own private party room for smash cake-eatin’.
When: Anytime.
Cost: Packages start at $399; due to popularity, it’s recommended you reserve space two months in advance.
10. Randall Museum, San Francisco
Where: 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA
What to expect: The Randall Museum’s Toddler Tree House is all the rage these days, so it naturally would be a hit for your new-toddler’s birthday party. The museum offers art or animal-themed parties, and all packages include a party room and access to the museum. Depending on which theme you choose, your baby and their baby friends can enjoy animal encounters or age-appropriate art before crawling around the Toddler Tree House.
When: Art parties are daily from 10am to noon or from 1:30 to 3:30pm; animal parties are daily from 1:30 to 3:30pm.
Cost: Packages start at $425.
11. CuriOdyssey, San Mateo
Where: 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA
What to expect: Packages here include all-day admission, free parking and at least two hours of dedicated party space, plus access to the tot-friendly air tube exhibit. If you’re looking for even more baby play, the museum recommends adding Bay Area Soft Play, a rentable play space for little ones, to your party.
When: Saturdays and Sundays (email birthdays@curiodyssey.org for availability).
Cost: Packages start at $325 per hour.
12. Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, San Jose
Where: 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA
What to expect: Wander through The Wonder Cabinet (an exhibit designed for ages four and under), or head outside to play in Bill’s Backyard, an outdoor play area with tot-friendly elements. Packages include all-day admission, along with one hour in the private birthday room, one museum staff helper and two free museum passes for the birthday baby.
When: Saturdays and Sundays (Bill’s Backyard private parties are only available in the evenings or on Sunday mornings before 11am).
Cost: Packages start at $350.
