Great Places to Host a Birthday Party
Silicon Valley & South
Aerial Tumbling and AcroGymnastics. A party host leads age-appropriate games, races and and runs through obstacle courses. For ages 4-12. The basic party option is $282 for non-enrolled students. 422 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose. 408-224-5437.
Almaden Valley Athletic Club Swim. Enjoy a two-hour party indoors or outdoors. Parties range from $225 to $475 and include pizza, drink, tablecloth, plates, cups, napkins and party favors. 5400 Camden Ave., San Jose. 408-445-4900.
California Sports Center. The kids get to bounce on trampolines, run relay races and obstacle courses under the supervision of two instructors. Price ranges from $300-$575 for 20 kids depending on the party supplies and food. Eight locations in San Jose, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale.
Children’s Discovery Museum. Looking for a hands-on celebration? Birthday parties start at $350 for 20 guests and include all-day admission and one hour in the private birthday room. Members receive a discount. 180 Woz Way, San Jose. 408-673-2828.
ClubSport San Jose. Prices range from $300-$575 depending on the equipment and décor requested. 800 Embedded Way. 408-574-2419.
Cucina Bambini. Put on chef’s hats, learn cooking and then decorate cupcakes. Take home recipes. Packages range from $400 to $600. 1041 Lincoln Ave., San Jose. 408-564-7773.
East West Music and Dance. Choose between the themes of Princess, Beach Party, Hip Hop and Ballerina. Instructors teach an hour-long dance class followed by presents and cake. $200 for 15 guests. 7283 Coronado Drive, San Jose. 408-865-0654.
Gilroy Family Gardens. Groups of 15 to 50 can enjoy a private decorated patio and meals and snacks. 408-840-7100.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. Party with the animals! Choose from between seven outdoor locations. Packages range from $255-$625. 748 Story Road, San Jose. 408-794-6400.
Laser Recon. Your child can act out his favorite movie or video game. Packages start at $200. 800-213-2468.
Monterey Mirror Maze. Located at Cannery Row, there are lots of activities for kids, including the maze and laser challenge. Birthday packages start at $15 per person and up. 751 Cannery Row. 931-649-6293.
Off The Wall Soccer. Make fun and fitness the goals for your child’s birthday celebration. Kids can enjoy 55 minutes of staff-lead games on the field and 45 minutes in the party area after the field time. Prices start at $370. 700 Mathew St., Santa Clara. 408-988-6900.
Raging Waters. Kids can explore 23-acres of water play, rides, and delicious dining. 10 person Minimum – 25 person Maximum. Check the website for current rates. 408-238-9900
San Jose Batting Cages. Get a batting lesson, practice in the cages, then head to a party room decorated with balloons for cake and ice cream. Basic rates range from $359 to $499. 474 Piercy Road. 408-360-9076.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Bring your party to the beach with $150 for the room rental. Additional packages include mini-golf, laser tag and all-day rides.
Silver Creek Sports Plex. LOL Parties include organized games or free play on indoor turf fields, jumping on giant inflatables, private party rooms and party coaches. 2-hour party starts at $345 for non-members. 800 Embedded Way, San Jose. 408-225-1709.
Sky High Sports. Let your kids jump with their friends for hours in a safe, fun venue. Party packages start at $255. Multiple locations.
Tech Museum of Innovation. Basic party packages include general admission for 25 guests and a $10 gift card for the Tech Store for the guest of honor. $375 for members, $425 for non-members. IMAX Packages and Lab Party Packages are also available. 408-795-6325.
Tutu School. The kids will twirl, spin and curtsy to mark the festive occasion, then listen to a birthday story featuring the guest of honor and enjoy a cupcake picnic. Packages start at $475. Multiple locations.
Wushu Central Martial Arts Academy. Martial arts experts will teach a Kung Fu and padded sword lesson. Then enjoy karate-themed games involving Jedi games, Kung Fu Panda, Mulan and more. Packages start at $395. 879 Coleman Ave. #40, San Jose. 408-850-9479.
San Francisco, Peninsula & Marin
Aquarium of the Bay. Let the aquarium set up and clean up for this celebration that allows your guests priority entrance, a 20-minute animal encounter and a special gift for the birthday child. $698 for nonmembers. Embarcadero and Beach Street, San Francisco. 415-623-5313.
Art Attack. A three-hour party includes up to 10 guests, art supplies, instruction, an original oil painting created by each guest to take home and an Art Attack T-shirt for the birthday child. $499. 1812 C Magnolia St., Burlingame. 650-552-0001.
Bay Area Discovery Museum. Package includes all-day admission for guests. Rentals range from $295-$895 depending on the number of guests and services. 415-942-3353.
Bounce-a-Rama. Whimsical party packages start at $279. 1450 Great Mall Drive, Milpitas. 408-200-8868.
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. Indoor birthday parties include up to 15 kids and last 1.5 hours. $250/$225 Members. Outdoor parties options are available Available April – October with a maximum of 20 children for two hours in the outdoor adventure pavilion. $325/$300 Members. 707-546-4069.
Circus Center. Have a three-ring-worthy celebration. Kids can try out the flying trapeze and trampoline in a safe environment. Packages range from $399 for a simple tumble party to $3,599 for flying trapeze, trampoline and circus variety tricks. 755 Frederick St., San Francisco. 415-759-8123.
CuriOdyssey. A perfect party spot for your budding scientist. Prices range from $325 to $550. 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo. 650-342-7755.
Hiller Aviation Museum. A two-hour party rental includes use of the Hall of Fame room and a chance to explore the museum. For additional cost, you can add use of the Imagination Playground, Invention Lab, Flight Sim Zone and more. Birthday party packages start at $300. 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos. 650-654-0200, ext. 213.
Lemos Farm. Choose between pony parties and choo-choo parties for your child turning between ages 1 and 9. Both types of parties include a petting zoo, air jumpers, a play structure and downloadable invitations. Indoor party room available. Prices range from $325-$335. 12320 San Mateo Road (Highway 92), Half Moon Bay. 650-726-2342.
Mo Music! This company comes to your setting with music classes at your child’s birthday party. Celebrate with singing, dancing, instrument play and a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Call for costs. 1514 Stafford St., Redwood City and 1001 Chestnut St., San Carlos. 650-365-5355.
Peekadoodle. There are a variety of packages, including Cool Chemistry, Pirate Adventure, Dinosur Dig and more. Call for prices. 900 North Point St., Suite F100, San Francisco. 415-440-7355.
Recess Urban Recreation. Your kids will get the entire play space to celebrate their special day. Packages range from $145 to $395. 470 Carolina St., San Francisco. 415-701-7529.
San Francisco Children’s Art Center. Kids can express their talents in painting, sculpture, printmaking, play dough, collage and more, and come home with a completed project. $290-340 for ages 2-4. $340-$390 for ages 5-10. Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd. Building C. 415-771-0292.
San Francisco Zoo. Let exotic, furry creatures host your child’s party. Rates start at $600. Sloat Boulevard at Great Highway. 415-753-7055.
Sky High Sports. Let your kids jump with their friends for hours in a safe, fun venue. Party packages start at $255. Multiple locations.
Tutu School. The kids will twirl, spin and curtsy to mark the festive occasion, then listen to a birthday story featuring the guest of honor and enjoy a cupcake picnic. Packages start at $475. Multiple locations.
East Bay
Bay Aerials Gymnastics. Begin with a short group warm-up on the floor before splitting up into small groups supervised by an instructor. Kids explore obstacle courses, foam pits and more. Packages range from $350 for 10 kids to $465 for 30 kids. 4883 Davenport Place, Fremont. 510-651-5870.
Chabot Space and Science Center. Weekend birthday packages include all-day admission to the center for up to 30 guests. Begin in a party room decorated with celestial themes, take pictures in the photo booth, then enjoy a planetarium show and explore the exhibits. $450. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-336-7300.
Kids Gym Berkeley. Let the kids bounce and run during the celebration. Rates range from $220 for a simple party to $800 for the “ultimate party package” with a completely private setting. 2920 Seventh St. 510-845-9787.
LeMans Karting. Young racers beginning at age 8 can enjoy the thrill of racing. Call for prices. 45957 Hotchkiss St., Fremont. 510-770-9001.
The JUNGLE Concord. Birthday safaris guarantee a wild day for your little one. Choose between Jungle, Expedition, Bunzee and Arcade Safari packages for $199-$349. Or pick a theme party revolving around your favorite character or superhero for $564. 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. 925-687-4386.
Oakland Zoo. Go wild for your birthday. Party at the zoo or have the zoo mobile come to you with visiting animals. Packages range from $225 to $435. 9777 Golf Links Road. 510-632-9525.
Pacific Pinball. Kids can play with more than 100 vintage/modern pinball and amusement machines. Packages start at $450. 1510 Webster St., Alameda. 510-769-1349.
Sky High Sports. Let your kids jump with their friends for hours in a safe, fun venue. Party packages start at $255. Multiple locations.
Tutu School. The kids will twirl, spin and curtsy to mark the festive occasion, then listen to a birthday story featuring the guest of honor and enjoy a cupcake picnic. Packages start at $475. Multiple locations.
See http://www.bayareaparent.com/Article/Five-Fun-and-Easy-Birthday-Games/ for party games the kids will love.
Want more inspiration? Watch below for a super quick DIY Birthday cake that your little one will love!
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