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FeedIt's Party Time!
Smashing Celebration Spots for a Fun-Filled Birthday Bash
123RF.com/Anatoliy Samara
Will your birthday celebrant be an astronaut, artist, explorer or gymnast for the day? The options are manifold, but one thing’s for sure: This birthday’s bound to include massive amounts of fun!
Expanded and updated, our annual list of birthday party venues in the East Bay include some refreshing ideas and budget-friendly options. Relocate the party from your living room to one of the following venues to enjoy a change of scene while a party host does most of the work.
Rental costs vary by day of the week, membership, number of celebrants and package specificity; high and low ranges are included here for your budgeting purposes.
KEY
X = Location
$ = Cost
g = Duration
R = You Provide
Multiple Bay Area Locations
Build-A-Bear Workshop
(925) 946-4697 • www.buildabear.com
Party leader helps guests create their own stuffed animal. Outfits and accessories available with additional fee. All guests receive party favor; guest of honor receives keepsake photo and gift. Free printable invitations and thank you cards online.
X Walnut Creek, San Mateo, San Francisco
$ $10–$30 per guest (6 minimum)
g 1–1½ hours
R No food allowed in store
Chuck E. Cheese’s
www.chuckecheese.com
Indoor play space equipped with simulator rides, a play gym and various electronic and skill games for toddlers to older kids, with stage entertainment and prizes for playing. Party package includes 20 game tokens, two pizza slices and unlimited soft drinks per child. Your table will be decorated with paper goods, with a host to serve you, and the birthday child gets extra goodies and a shout out during the show. Complimentary Evites. Book online for 20 more free tokens.
X Dublin, Concord, Brentwood, Pinole, Hayward, Newark, San Bruno, Fairfield
$ $13.99 per guest
g 2 hours
R Cake and ice cream
Color Me Mine
www.colormemine.com
Party rooms available for painting parties, with a staff person assisting. Kids decorate bisqueware with a range of supplies at the ready, from sponges to stencils. Party packages vary by location. All include invitations and balloons.
X Alameda, Daly City, Elk Grove, Folsom, Fremont, Lafayette, Menlo Park, San Jose, Pleasanton, Tracy
$ $16–$32 per guest, with 8-guest minimum (includes ceramics)
g 1½–2 hours
R Options vary depending on location. Higher-priced package usually includes ice cream cake, plates, napkins, forks and candles.
East Bay Regional Park District
(888) EB-PARKS (327-2757) • www.ebparks.org
Celebrate outdoors at an East Bay Regional Park, with more than 100 picnic areas available, many with barbecue and swimming facilities.
X Throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties
$ $55–$325 (150 person max)
g Whole day
R Everything
Gymboree
www.gymboreeclasses.com
Themed parties for infants to preschoolers, with tumbling and gymnastic-related games led by a trained Gymboree teacher. Parents must accompany children to event. Invitations, party supplies and a special gift for the birthday celebrant are typically provided. Pricing and packages vary by location.
X Concord, El Cerrito, Fremont, Lafayette, Las Altos, Oakland, Pleasanton and San Ramon
$ $195 (San Ramon)
g 1½ hours
R Cake and boxed drinks
Pump It Up
(866) 977-JUMP • www.pumpitupparty.com
Inflatable arena for jumping, climbing and sliding, with a private party room for celebrants. Play time and amenities, which include pizza, drinks, goodie bags and balloons, vary by package selection.
X Concord, Belmont, Oakland
$ $229–$319 (Oakland)
g 1½–2 hours
R Pump It Up provides everything for an extra charge. Ask for the Party Essentials package.
The Little Gym
www.thelittlegym.com
Indoor gymnastics facility gets kids in motion. Parties for ages 1–12 include exclusive use of facility with two party coordinators who will assist with games and activities. Balloons included.
X Brentwood, San Jose
$ $350 for up to 20 kids (San Jose)
g 2 hours
R Everything
Touchstone Climbing
www.touchstoneclimbing.com
Basic rock-climbing instruction and belaying for kids. Climbing gear included.
X Berkeley, Concord, Oakland, San Jose and San Francisco
$ $100 for 5 kids, $20 each additional child (Berkeley)
g 2 hours of rock climbing and party area
R Everything
Alameda County
Albany Bowl
(510) 526-8818 • www.albanybowl.biz/parties.html
Bowling under a glow-in-the-dark light show, then cake and presents at a reserved table behind lanes. Party package includes pizza and beverages, all paper products, from invitations to napkins, balloons, a party host and a visit from Mr. Pin or Miss Trixie.
X Albany
$ $20 per child
g 2 hours
R Goody bags and cake
Albany YMCA
(510) 525-1130 • www.ymca-cba.org/albany
Birthday specialist leads group for kindergym, sports or art-themed party, with activities such as parachute time and other games.
X Albany
$ $185–$225
g 2 hours
R Food, cake, drinks, decorations and goody bags
Aqua Adventure
(510) 494-4426 • www.goaquaadventure.com
All-day admission at the water park, with 2½ hours to all day in the birthday hut, where pizza or hot dogs, soda, chips and ice cream will be served. Includes free sunscreen for each child and free return ticket for birthday celebrant.
X Fremont
$ $299–$499
Duration: Full day
You provide: Cake (no outside food or drinks allowed)
Aran’s Art Studio
(510) 728-1333 • www.aranceramic.com
Pottery-painting parties with supervision from staff. Guest of honor receives birthday plate signed by guests.
X Castro Valley
$ $30 plus price of art project, pottery or glass
g 1½ hours
You provide: Cake and utensils/napkins
Bay Aerials Gymnastics
(510) 651-5870 • www.bayaerials.com
Gymnastics instruction on the floor, then parachute, games and relay races, followed by refreshment in the party room for guests 3–12. Invitations are provided.
X Fremont
$ $199–$309
g 1½ hours
R Everything
Bay Island Gymnastics
(510) 533-3939 • www.bayislandgymnastics.com
One hour of gym time, including games and activities and use of the trampolines, Sky High Swing and the foam pit, followed by 45 minutes in the party room. Gold medal for birthday child; invitations available by request.
X Oakland
$ $230–$370 ($10 for each additional guest)
g 1 hour, 45 minutes
R Everything
Bladium
(510) 814-4999 • www.bladiumalameda.com
Rock climbing, volleyball, hockey or soccer. There are nine themes to choose from, all of them
designed to unleash the kids’ inner Olympian. In addition to use of the “theme” area, partiers get another hour in a party zone to chow down on pizza. Invitations and paper products provided.
X Alameda
$ $349 (up to 15 guests)
g 2 hours
R Cake, additional foods, decorations and goody bags
Boomers!
(925) 447-7225 • www.boomersparks.com/park/livermore
Three packages help you get the most of miniature golf, bumper boats, go-karts and laser tag. All packages include pizza, soda, unlimited popcorn during table time and a round of mini golf.
X Livermore
$ $12.99–$22.99 per person (minimum 8)
g Varies by package
R Cake and goody bags
Bounce U
(925) 416-0888 • www.bounceu.com
Five packages available in bounce stadiums equipped with various inflatables and interactive games. For an extra fee, venue will turn down the lights and create a cosmic lighting experience. Packages include invitations, party host and decorations. Food must be ordered on site for packages that don’t include food. Ice cream cake available for extra.
X Pleasanton
$ $149–$310
g 1½–2 hours depending on package
R Cake and ice cream; no outside food or drinks allowed
Brushstrokes Studio, Inc.
(510) 528-1360 • www.brushstrokestudio.com/parties.htm
A ceramics studio where kids get to paint pottery, mosaics or clay in the upstairs Art Loft. Packages include one project piece for each child and a personalized birthday plate for guest of honor. Invitations and party favors included.
X Berkeley
$ $25.50–$29.50 per person
g 2 hours
R Everything
Buddy Club
(510) 236-SHOW (7469) • www.thebuddyclub.com
Party guests receive a personalized ticket and VIP seating to a Buddy Club show, where audience will sing “Happy Birthday” to celebrant. Afterwards, guests are invited to eat and play in the special party room. Discounts on pizza delivery available. Invitations available for printing.
X Berkeley, Danville, San Rafael, San Francisco
$ $85 plus show admission
g Show duration plus 2 hours in party room
R Lunch, cake, ice cream, decorations and goody bags
Castro Village Bowl
(510) 538-8100 • www.castrovillagebowl.net
Bowling package includes shoe rental, place settings, party favors and the assistance of a party coordinator, with neon lights and music putting bowlers in the partying mood. Saturday and Sunday parties only.
X Castro Valley
$ $11–$13 per child (minimum 8)
g 1–2 hours
R Pizza, cake and ice cream (no outside drinks)
Chabot Space & Science Center
(510) 336-7300 • www.chabotspace.org
Go cosmic, make ice cream, take a solar challenge or launch your own rocket. Each themed party includes exhibit access, planetarium show, admission for up to 20 and T-shirt for birthday child. Downloadable invitations included; gift bags available for extra fee.
X Oakland
$ $189–$375
g 1 hour in private room, with free use of center afterward (activity times vary)
R Everything
Children’s Fairyland
(510) 452-2259 • www.fairyland.org
Packages include entry to the park and use of party space. Catered party option includes a private location, with party host, Fairyland T-shirt and crown for birthday child. Do-it-yourself party in the Teddy Bear Picnic Grove available on first-come, first-served basis.
X Oakland
$ $20/child catered (10 minimum); $70 noncatered one-day group pass for 10 to Teddy Bear picnic area; Cinderella and Japanese Tea Garden areas are $40 per hour.
g 1 hour for catered party; all day for first-come, first-served picnic area
R Catered party includes park admission, ice cream, cupcakes, fruit punch, paper plates, cups and napkins. Hosts provide food, drinks, and goody bags. Noncatered parties: hosts bring everything.
Children’s Natural History Museum
(510) 790-6284 • www.msnucleus.org
Prehistoric mammals, dinosaurs, volcanoes, stars, constellations and magnets are the subject of five fun-filled packages. Personal guide leads hands-on science activities. Party favors included.
X Fremont
$ $200–$285 (15 guests)
g 2 hours
R Everything except invitations
Circuits
(510) 522-6600 • www.circuitsofalameda.com
Party supervisors help lead team games and facilitate use of interactive arcade games, sportwall, electronic games and inflatables. Party rental includes use of entire facility.
X Alameda
$ $135–$270 ($10 for each additional child)
g 2 hours weekend, 1 1⁄2 hour mid-week
R Everything
City Beach
(510) 651-2500, ext. 119 • www.citybeach.com, birthdays@citybeach.com (preferred)
Fremont packages include use of sports courts, rock climbing or the most popular option, giant inflatables. City Beach T-shirt for birthday child. Party host and place settings provided. Party food and balloons available for purchase.
X Fremont (also Santa Clara)
$ $285–$750
g 2–3 hours
R Cake, decorations and goody bags (outside food not permitted)
City of Berkeley Parks
(510) 981-5150 • www.cityofberkeley.info
Popular picnic areas include, but are not limited to, Aquatic Park and Codornices Park. Recreation and pool facilities are available for rent in select parks. Some picnic areas do not require reservations and are first come, first served and free.
X Berkeley
$ $30–$80 per 4-hour block for picnic facilities; $40–$96 per 2-hour block for recreation facilities; $97–$253 hourly for pool rentals
g 1–4 hours
R Everything
City of Fremont Parks
(510) 790-5541 • www.fremont.gov
Various community centers are available for rent, as well as several picnic areas with the parks, two historical sites and Central Park facilities.
X Fremont
$ Costs vary widely by facility type.
g All day, hourly, four-hour, and six-hour blocks available.
R Everything
Cloverleaf Family Bowl
(510) 656-4411 • www.cloverleafbowl.com
Bowl with or without the bumpers — the Cloverleaf package includes one game of bowling for each child, a party attendant, pizza, soda, paper goods, decorations, invitations and even a souvenir bowling pin for the birthday kid. Ice cream and goody bags are available for additional charge.
X Fremont
$ $18 per child
g 2 hours
R Cake
Crab Cove Visitor Center
(510) 544-3187 • www.ebparks.org
Bay critter or reptiles themes. Children explore outdoors under guidance from naturalist, with a nature game and craft included. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic outside.
X Alameda
$ $75 for 10 children, $5 each additional child (maximum 15)
g 1 hour
R Everything
Dance Out Loud
(510) 301-5073 • dancingloud.wordpress.com/parties/
Music, performance and movement take place through a variety of mediums, including face painting, crafts, parachute and balls. Packages include entertainer coordinating activities, with music and props. Invitations, snacks, cake and all other amenities available by request for additional fees.
X San Leandro
$ $225–$450 (15 children)
g 30 minutes to 1 hour
R Varies by party package
Downtown Berkeley YMCA
(510) 848-9622 • www.baymca.org
Interactive gaming party in the wellness center with refreshments in the party room. Place settings and ice water provided.
X Berkeley
$ $195–$245
g 2 hours; 1 hour in party room and 1 hour for playtime
R Food, cake, drinks, decorations and goody bags
East Bay SPCA
(925) 479-9670 • www.eastbayspca.org
Animal lovers tour the shelter, meet furry friends and learn more about them with themed activities like vet for a day or rescue race. Party favors, invitations, tablecloths and plush animal for birthday guest available.
X Dublin
$ $200 (15 guests)
g 2 hours
R Food and drinks, utensils, cake, decorations
Glitter and Razz
(510) 654-7166 • www.glitterandrazz.com
Weekend packages include Classic Make-a-Play Party and Go Girls! Birthday Party. Led by a creative coordinator who provides all creative material, celebrants either create and perform an original play or play dress-up with painting and poetry included. Ages 4 and up for classic; 6 and up for Go Girls!
X Your location
$ $250–$500
g 1–2 hours
R Everything
Golfland
(510) 537-2168 • www.golfland.com
Food first in the party room, then tee time for a minimum of 10 mini-golfers. Two party packages include a miniature golf party, with one round of golf, 20 arcade tokens per guest, pizza and soda; and an arcade party, with 60 tokens per guest, pizza and soda. Paper products included.
X Castro Valley
$ $12.99 per person
g 1½ hours
R Decorations and utensils, cake, goody bags; no outside food allowed
Green Forest Art Studio
(415) 595-4680 • www.greenforestartstudio.com
Exclusive use of party studio, with art supplies provided to create projects with assistance of art teacher.
X Union City
$ $250
g 2 hours
R Cake, paper goods, utensils, goody bags (no outside food allowed)
Habitot
(510) 647-1111 • www.habitot.org
Interactive museum for younger children may be rented for exclusive use for 5 and under parties. Restricted to weekday afternoons, evenings and Sundays. Or, rent the party room while the museum is open to the public for a smaller fee.
X Berkeley
$ $175–$475
g 1½–2½ hours
R Everything; food and beverage packages also available.
Hayward Parks and Recreation
(510) 670-7275 • www.haywardrec.org
Facilities include Matt Jimenez Community Center, with teen room, pool tables and pin-pong; nature-themed parties at Hayward Shoreline and Sulphur Creek and Sulphur Creek birthdays with one-hour animal presentations included. Each offers a unique party package.
X Hayward
$ $153–$325
g Times vary
R Varies widely by package
Hayward Plunge Pool Parties
(510) 881-6703 • www.haywardrec.org
After-hours and public swim hour reservations available, with lifeguards, equipment, tables and chairs at the ready.
X Hayward
$ $65 (1–12 guests age 6 and over)
g Varies
R Everything
Head Over Heels Gymnastics
(510) 655-1265 • www.hohgymnastics.com
Age-appropriate activities led by trained instructor include fun with tumble track, trampolines, ropes and a foam pit. Package includes tablecloths and balloons. Deluxe package includes additional decorations, tableware, party hats, confetti, blowouts and goody bags (no goodies).
X Emeryville
$ $225–$600
g 2 hours
R Cake, food, beverages and goodies
Homeroom Racing Café
(510) 865-6257 • www.homeroomracingcafe.net
Slot car racing at a unique Carrera track available for party reservations. Reserve track time, with or without your own car, and a private party table with in-house catering service available for additional charge.
X Alameda
$ $249.99
g 2 hours (1 hour of track time; 1 hour for party)
R Cake, food and beverages (optional), paper goods, decorations and goody bags
Horizons East Equestrian Center
(925) 960-1733 • www.showstables.com
Treat guests to pony rides and a mini-horsemanship lesson before celebrating in the party lounge.
X Livermore
$ $375–$500
g 2 hours
R Everything
Iceland Dublin
(925) 829-4445 • www.dubliniceland.com
Skate the entire public session, then fuel up with food and cake in the party room. Set-up and clean-up included. Package includes 10 admission passes.
X Dublin
$ $180 ($10 for each additional skater)
g 45 minutes in party room, and 1 skating session
R Everything
iFly Union City
(510) 489-4359 • www.iflysfbay.com/ifly-indoor-skydiving
Guests ages 3–100 will soar, literally. Group flight package includes gear, 2 flights per guest, orientation and DVD recording featuring everyone. Party room rental with catering optional for additional booking fee; comes with decorations and utensils.
X Union City
$ $515.56 (12 fliers)
g 1 hour, 45 minuets–2 hours
R Cake and goody bags
Jazzy Crafts
(510) 583-1422 • www.jazzycrafts.com
Craft parties for 6–16 guests in well-lit store, with supplies, instruction and crafting activity customizable by age group. Make everything from lunch boxes to decorated flip flops.
X Castro Valley
$ $12 per person to start
g 2 hours
R Varies — food, ice cream, cake and balloons may be arranged by venue
Junior Center of Art and Science
(510) 839-5777 • www.juniorcenter.org
Six themed parties feature hands-on art and science activities for 5–12-year-olds. Choose between fairy princess, recycled robot, animal adventures, rocket science, pottery or painting activities, then enjoy cake and presents while overlooking Lake Merritt. Decorations included.
X Oakland
$ $220–$319
g 1½–2 hours
R Cake, refreshments and servingware
Kids ’n’ Clay
(510) 845-0982 • www.kidsnclay.com
Wet clay instruction on the wheel, hand building and under glazing will become familiar terms after a Kids ’n’ Clay party. Use of facilities with two instructors helping, an hour of clay time and an hour of celebrating included, with decorations and paper goods provided.
X Berkeley
$ $26 per child (10 participants, $24 for additional participants)
g 2 hours
R Cake, pizza, refreshments
Kids ‘N Dance
(510) 531-4400, (925) 284-7388 • www.kidsndance.com
Themes run the gamut from Magical Forest Adventure to Peter Pan and the Pirates. Partiers learn five to six dances in an hour, followed by play time, games or more dancing.
X Oakland and Lafayette
$ $199 (first 12 children; $3 per additional child)
g 2 hours
R Everything (balloons, piñatas, tableware and favors available for purchase)
Kinetic Arts Center
(510) 444-4800 • www.kineticartscenter.com
A circus show, workshop and performance starring all the young guests. There’s even some face painting thrown in. Guests receive coupons for future visits, a free class card, and clown nose; birthday child also receives a free gift.
X Oakland
$ $350 (maximum 15 kids)
g 2 hours
R Food and drink, decorations, paper products and utensils, invitations
Lawrence Hall of Science
(510) 642-5132 • www.lawrencehallofscience.org
Planetarium, chemistry, biology or physics parties mean getting slimy or journeying to the moon. Following a 50-minute workshop, enjoy refreshments in your section of the multipurpose room.
X Berkeley
$ $210–$250
g 50-minute workshop, 50 minutes for refreshment
R Everything; food, invitations, goody bags available for sale
Le Petite Matisse
(415) 368-5155 • www.lepetitmatisse.com
Open studio, splatter party, Da Vinci, Matisse and pottery are some of the party themes available in this open, light-filled studio. Partygoers will bring home their creations. Invitations, goody bags and balloon bouquet included.
X Alameda
$ $284 (10 children)
g 2 hours
R Food and utensils/place settings
Magic Paintbrush
(510) 523-6244 • www.themagicpaintbrushceramics.com
Party hostess during exclusive use of party room, when guests choose a cup, salad plate, piece of bisque or glassware to decorate. Guest of honor receives birthday cake picture frame to decorate and fill with group photo of party; each guest receives balloons.
X Alameda
$ $17–$28 per guest (6 minimum)
g 2 hours
R Food and drinks, dessert, decorations, utensils ($3.50 extra per guest for pizza and soda)
Manor Bowl
(510) 351-2101 • www.manorbowl.com
Unlimited bowling and shoe rental included in package, along with unlimited sodas, music and lights while you bowl, place settings, party host, free gaming coupon, and souvenir bowling pin for birthday child.
X San Leandro
$ $14 per person (8 minimum)
g 2 hours
R Food, cake, invitations and goody bags
MOCHA (Museum of Children’s Art)
(510) 465-8770 • www.mocha.org
Creative hands-on daytime or evening parties in the studio or galleria, with assistance of a MOCHA coordinator, art materials, invitation template, paper products; MOCHA shirt for guest of honor included.
X Oakland
$ $250–$450
g 2 hours
R Food and beverages; goody bags available for purchase
Oakland Ice Center
(510) 268-9000 • www.oaklandice.com, oaklandparties@sharksice.com
Birthday child gets free admission; packages include 2 hours of skating and skate rental for each guest, paper goods and pizza and soda in the party room. Standard or hosted party packages available.
X Oakland
$ $18–$22.50 per guest (minimum 10)
g Skating 2 hours, 1 hour in party room
R Cake and goody bags (no outside food allowed)
Oakland Zoo
(510) 632-9525, ext. 100 • www.oaklandzoo.org
Education parties include a story, live animal presentation and special project for a zoo animal. Rides packages include full or discounted zoo admission and a half-day site rental. Additional items, including parking passes, ride tickets, gift bags and decorations vary by package and are available for purchase.
X Oakland
$ $150–$410
g Times vary depending on package.
R Food and cake for education party. Cake, food, drinks, paper goods and goody bags for ride area party.
Pacific Pinball Museum
(510) 205-6959 • www.pacificpinball.org
Guests have their pick of close to 100 fully playable, historic pinball machines — all set on free play. Party room is equipped with seating, art and music.
X Alameda
$ $50 per hour of party room rental; guest admission not included
g 2-hour minimum rental for groups over 20
R Drinks, food, cake, decorations, paper products and goody bags
Play Café
(510) 638-3712 • www.playcafellc.com
Put your celebrant’s name on the birthday marquee. Private space with paper products, pizza, beverages, an assistant and a free pass for the birthday child included in all packages. Other amenities vary; more deluxe options include face painting, ice cream and an espresso bar.
X Oakland
$ $295–$750
g 1½–2 hours
R Goody bags. No outside food allowed. (Birthday cake available through Just Dessert.)
Playland Not-at-the-Beach
(510) 592-3002 • www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org
Everything from video games to Fascination games, live magic shows to sideshow acts celebrating the history of carnival oddities. Packages typically include treasure hunt, pinball machines and arcade games set on free play, free movies, live magic show (for larger parties) and more.
X El Cerrito
$ $150–$350
g 3 hours
R Food and beverages, decorations, paper goods and utensils
Rockin’ Jump
(925) 828-7676 • www.rockinjump.com
Guests will literally jump off the walls at this trampoline park. Parties include 2 hours of jump time, with access to party room available during the second hour. Personal party assistant, paper products and utensils, hand sanitizer, and invitation template included.
X Dublin
$ $200 for 12 guests
g 2 hours
R Cake, decorations, goody bags (food and drink available for purchase)
Ruby’s Tumbling
The gymnastics studio will be ready with balloons and instructor-led gymnastics fun.
X Alameda
$ $175 for 10 kids
g 2 hours
R Cake and paper goods
Science Adventure Birthday Parties (Kids for the Bay)
(510) 985-1602 • www.kidsforthebay.org
Field-trip-style birthdays meet at locations such as the Berkeley Marina Shorebird Park, Wildcat Creek in Richmond’s Alvarado Park or Sausal Creek in Oakland’s Dimond Park.
X Berkeley
$ $250 (up to 16 children)
g 1–1½ hours
R Everything
Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center
(510) 578-4620 • www.newark.org
Indoor water park with lazy river, activity pool, two water slides and snack bar. Three packages available include swimming and party space.
X Newark
$ $135–$195
g 2.25 hours
R Everything. Food must not compete with concessions sold at Otter Alley Café. Party extras, including goody bags, goggles, invitations and paper goods available for additional fee.
Studio Grow
(510) 526-9888 • www.studiogrow.com
Saturday and Sunday parties held when studio is closed to the public. Includes exclusive use of play space, with staff to facilitate.
X Berkeley, Concord, Blackhawk
$ $400–$600
g 2–3 hours
R Everything
AMF Southshore Lanes
(510) 523-6767 • www.amf.com/southshorelanes
Kids’ party packages include bowling and bowling shoes. Party supplies provided, your bowling-side table will be all set up, and even the invitations, thank you cards and goody bags (ready to fill) will be available. Separate decorated party room available for larger parties. One-topping pizza for every five kids; every kid gets a milkshake.
X Alameda
$ $17.99 per guest
g 2 hours (1 hour bowling; 1 hour in party room)
R Cake, ice cream, goody bag goodies; no outside food allowed
Sticky Art Lab
(510) 981-1148 • www.stickyartlab.com
Chat, craft, build, laugh — and bring home your projects to remember the occasion. One-hour projects are guided and custom designed to match interest and level. Birthday kid gets a Sticky Art Lab shirt or apron. Studio and courtyard available for party.
X Berkeley
$ $225 (14 guests; $10 additional kids)
g 2 hours
R Food, beverages, cake, paper products and decorations
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
(510) 881-6747 • www.haywardrec.org
Four party packages include a live animal presentation, games, crafts and a nature hike. Photo of birthday person with animal included, and depending on the weather, picnic tables or a classroom will be reserved for post-presentation party.
X Hayward
$ $153–$191.25
g 3 hours (includes 1-hour animal presentation)
R Everything
Super Franks Fun Adventure
(925) 271-5882 • www.superfranks.com, parties@superfranks.com
Private party rooms available for themed birthdays, like the Fish Tank party, which takes place in glow-in-the dark “underwater aquarium” with play jet skis and a Fish Tank foam pit. Princess party includes dressing area behind the castle, with decorated table for high tea. All packages include a party host, food and drinks, invitations and thank you cards.
X Pleasanton
$ $295–$395
g 1½–2 hours
R Decorations, cake and ice cream (no other food allowed)
Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round
(510) 524-6773 • www.tildenmgr.com
The historic carousel in the woods hosts basic, superior and deluxe parties at the picnic tables. All include cake, ice cream, drinks, paper goods and ride tickets. Higher-priced packages include party favors and lunch.
X Berkeley
$ $13–$20 per guest
g Call to reserve desired time slot two weeks in advance
R Food (for basic and superior packages), invitations, decorations
Top Flight Gymnastics
(510) 796-3547 • www.topflightfremont.net
Gymnastics, games, crafts and a bounce house. Basic and deluxe packages include variety of amenities, with bounce house, invitations, tablecloth and one hour of gymnastics for basic and invitations, table cloth, plates, utensils, pizza, juice, birthday cake from Vienna Bakery and one hour of gymnastics/games (bounce house with slide included) for deluxe.
X Fremont
$ $150–$500
g 1 hour gymnastics, 45 minutes in party area
R Cake (with basic package, if desired)
Trapeze Arts Inc.
(510) 419-0700 • www.trapezearts.com
Birthday packages include an hour of circus instruction in circus skills, flying trapeze or both. Choose the standard package for instruction only, or book some time in a private room by the hour or via a deluxe package, which includes invitations, beverages, and a video of the circus portion of party.
X Oakland
$ $150–$750
g 1–3 hours
R Everything; invitations and beverages available with deluxe package
USS Hornet
(510) 521-8448, ext 282 • www.uss-hornet.org
Kids explore a WWII battleship, eat on board in the Officer’s Mess, meet former crew, tour the ship and hop on board a flight simulator. Personalized “dog tags” for guest of honor. Lunch included.
X Alameda
$ $30 per guest (minimum 12)
g 3 hours (includes 1 hour guided tour)
R Cake, decorations and paper goods
West Coast Olympic Gymnastics Academy
(925) 846-1010 • www.wcoga.com
Two hours of bar-swinging, beam-balancing and trampoline-jumping with coaches. Weekend packages include WCOGA sports bottles for each child, one birthday leotard (girl) or one birthday T-shirt (boy), balloons, invitations and tableware.
X Pleasanton
$ $300 (for up to 20 children)
g 2 hours gym time, 30 minutes in party room
R Food, drinks, additional decorations
Contra Costa County
All in the Kiln
(925) 939-2888 • www.allinthekiln.com, info@allinthekiln.com
Exclusive use of paint-it-yourself ceramic studio, decorated with balloons and colored table paper. Keepsake plate with guests fingerprints for guest of honor. Extra table with balloons for food, drinks, gifts. Art supplies and firing/glazing included.
X Walnut Creek
$ $7–$10 per painter (does not include price of bisque)
g 1½–2 hours
R Food, drinks, cake, tableware, additional decorations, goody bags
Antioch Waterpark (Prewett Family Park & Community Center)
(925) 776-3070 • www.ci.antioch.ca.us
All-day waterpark passes, with pizza, drinks and goody bags included in the reserved picnic area, where Allie the Alligator will visit.
X Antioch
$ $14–$16 per guest (10-person minimum; additional tickets $10–$12)
g All-day swim, 90 minutes at picnic area
R Cake, paper products and decorations (cake available for purchase by order)
Brentwood Family Aquatic Complex
(925) 516-5444 • www.brentwoodca.gov
Pool party option with lap pool, shallow pool and water slide. Picnic table rental available.
X Brentwood
$ Entrance fee of $4 per person weekdays ($2 after 4 pm); $5 weekends. Picnic table rental is an additional $29.00 per 2 hours.
g 2 hours
R Cake, paper goods and drinks; food available for purchase at concession stand
Castle Rock Arabians
(925) 933-3701 • www.castlerockarabians.com
First-time and experienced riders learn to trot on a horse and spend quality time with horses unmounted. Following the ride, the party gathers round the hay bales or indoors in one of two houses to continue the celebration.
X Walnut Creek
$ $70–$80 per rider, cottage and picnic area $100 extra
g 45–90 minutes of riding
R Everything
Chow Bella
(925) 878-9932 • www.chowbella.net, info@chowbella.net
Hands-on cooking party for all ages. Themes include classic pizza, classic pasta, around the world, Italian, iron chef and cupcake wars. Packages includes party facilitators, chef hats, gift for the birthday child, snacks, juice, recipes, goody bags, paper goods, set up/clean up. Deluxe package offers cupcakes to decorate and apron for each child.
X Lafayette
$ $40–$60 per child (10 minimum)
g 2 hours
R Cake, food and drink for adults, invitations (all available for purchase)
Clayton Valley Bowl
(925) 689-4631 • www.claytonvalleybowl.com
Packages include bowling souvenir for birthday child, birthday host, plates, napkins, placemats, cups and balloons. Pizza and hot dog optional for additional fee; glow bowling available.
X Concord
$ $11–$17
g 2 hours (1 hour bowling, 1 hour party room)
R Cake and ice cream (no other outside food allowed)
Club Sport
(925) 735-8500 • www.clubsportsr.com
Kid gym, Silly Willy, cheerleading, hot shots basketball and funky dance are some of the themes available. Each package includes 45 minutes of instruction, Cold Stone ice cream cake, two pizzas, two pitchers of juice or soda, paper goods, decorations, set-up and clean-up. Ages 3 and up.
X San Ramon
$ $350 (members), $375 nonmembers (12 guests)
g 1 hour, 45 minutes
R Nothing
City of Hercules Pool Party
(510) 799-8288 • www.ci.hercules.ca.us
Private Wednesday and Sunday rentals available for a minimum of three hours. Public swim parties are $5–$7 per swimmer plus booking fee.
X Hercules
$ $169–$231 per hour (1 to 150 guests); additional fees apply
g By the hour
R Food and drink that falls under rules and conditions
Danville Bowl
(925) 837-7272 • www.danvillebowl.com
Every guest gets a game and bowling shoes with package. Comes with cake, ice cream, soda, candles, paper products and pizza. No outside food or drink allowed.
X Danville
$ $15 per guest (minimum 8)
g 1½–2 hours
R Nothing
Diablo Gymnastics School
(925) 820-6885 • www.diablogym.net
Four- to 9-year-olds get trampoline time and rope swinging, gymnastics and games before heading to the party room for pizza and cake. Beverages, tableware, candles and decorations included.
X San Ramon
$ $250–$290
g 1 hour, 45 minutes
R Varies by package
Diablo Valley Bowl
(925) 349-5622 • www.diablolanes.com
One hour of bowling, party host, invitations, place settings, soda and bowling pin with balloons for birthday child are included in each package. Additional amenities include food and cosmic lights for higher-priced packages.
X Concord
$ $10.95–$14.95 per child (minimum 8 guests; party room $25 per hour)
g 1 hour bowling, 1 hour in party room
R Cake and candles
Encore Gym
(925) 932-1033 • www.dscreationencoregym.homestead.com
Activities like rock climbing and obstacle course are led by creative coaches and cater to age group, with invitations and thank-you cards, paper products, decorated party room and T-shirt for birthday child included.
X Concord
$ $220 (ages 1–3); $250 (ages 4 and up)
g 1½ hours (ages 1–3), 2 hours (ages 4 and up)
R Cake and drinks, goody bags
Q-Zar at Entertainment Zone
(925) 521-9663 • www.q-zar.com
Laser tag, exclusive use of a party room (pizza and soda provided), video tokens for arcade and T-shirt for birthday boy or girl.
X Concord
$ $139–$1,018
g 1.75–2.75 hours, 45 minutes in party room
R Goody bags, cake and paper goods
Flips-N-Flops Gymnastics
(510) 525-3313 • www.flipsandflops.com
One hour of structured gym time with obstacle course, games, activities and the trampoline, followed by 30 minutes of cake and presents in the birthday room. Paper products and utensils provided.
X Richmond
$ $225–$325
g 1½ hours
R Cake, juice boxes and goody bags
Gymtastic
(925) 277-1881 • www.gymtastic.com
Two to three instructors provide one hour of gymnastics and tumbling activities, from bounce house and rock climbing to music, followed by a half hour in party room. Twenty invitations and thank you cards, paper products, serving utensils, beverages, helium balloons (decoration and one for each child), set up and clean up provided.
X Danville
$ $295 (20 children)
g 1½ hours
R Cake, juice boxes, goody bags
The Golden Skate
(925) 820-2525 • www.thegoldenskate.com
Roller skating party includes party room (minimum 15), roller skate rentals, skating session, paper goods and utensils, including cake cutter, game tokens and a party host. Birthday celebrant receives birthday button and free pass for future visit. Higher package includes cake, beverages and balloons.
X San Ramon
$ $17.95–$24.95 per guest (minimum 10)
g 2–2 1⁄2 hours (depending on package)
R Cake (Prospector Party); food and goody bags available for purchase
Hilltop Family YMCA
(510) 222-9622 • hilltop.ymcaeastbay.org
Saturday- and Sunday-only parties with YMCA staff assistance include swim parties, gym parties or Kids Club parties with time to celebrate in the party area.
X Richmond
$ $150–$325 (maximum 18 guests)
g 3–4 hours
R Everything (bash party option includes cake, decorations, paper products and utensils.)
The Jungle Fun and Adventure
(925) 687-4386 • www.thejunglefun.com
Party hostesses lead party through jungle-themed indoor play center. Three packages to choose from; each include unlimited jungle play, pizza, invitations, utensils, paper goods, tokens and more. Overnight parties available. Extra pizza, food, drinks, goody bags and tokens available for purchase.
X Concord
$ $16.95–$24.95 per guest (10 minimum)
g 1 hour in party room; kids can play on the structure all day.
R Cake and goody bags (Jungle Package)
Kids ‘N Dance
(510) 531-4400, (925) 284-7388 • www.kidsndance.com
Themes run the gamut from Magical Forest Adventure to Peter Pan and the Pirates. Partiers learn five to six dances in an hour, followed by play time, games or more dancing.
X Oakland, Lafayette
$ $199 (first 12 children; $3 per additional child)
g 2 hours
R Everything (balloons, piñatas, tableware and favors available for purchase)
Play Well Pleasanton Lego Party
(925) 484-1547 • www.play-well.org/parties/offsite
Lego, expertise, project and spacious activity room with eating area. Hands-on learning and free play with Legos included.
X Pleasanton
$ $256 (8 kids minimum; $12 per additional child)
g 2–2½ hours
R Everything
Lindsay Wildlife Museum
(925) 935-1978 • www.wildlife-museum.org
Guests meet live animals, learn animal facts and create a hands-on project with help of party host. Includes same-day admission for guests, gift bag for birthday child, decorations for party room, paper goods and serving utensils.
X Walnut Creek
$ $310–$460
g 2 hours
R Invitations, food, beverages, cake and goody bags (pizza may be coordinated; goody bags available for purchase in gift shop)
Mad Science
(925) 687-1900 • www.madscience.org
Entertain guests with an interactive Mad Science show, with birthday child as assistant. Guests take home their experiments and Mad Science goody bags. Grand finale extras like dry ice and laser shows optional. Invitations included.
X Your home, park or other venue
$ $200–$270
g 45 minutes to 1 hour
R Everything except invitations and goody bags
My Gym
(925) 952-9791• www.my-gym.com
Experienced My Gym teachers handle set-up, decorations, clean-up and leading group activities like games, rides, songs and puppets during exclusive use of facility.
X San Ramon and Walnut Creek (also San Jose, Santa Rosa, San Francisco)
$ $250
g 1½–2 hours (varies on gym)
R Cake, food, drinks, goody bags (paper products, depending on the package)
Paradise Skate
(925) 779-0200 • www.paradiseskate.com
Three packages include a variation of everything from admissions to full rink rental, cake and popcorn to a full meal.
X Antioch
$ $169–$479 (12 to 40 guests)
g Times vary
R Varies by package
Pinole Valley Lanes (AMF)
(510) 724-9130 • www.amf.com/pinolevalleylanes/centerhomepage.htm
Includes two lanes and shoe rental. Party supplies provided, as well as pizza and soda.
X Pinole
$ $15.99 per child
g 2 hours
R Cake and decorations; no outside food allowed
Pixieland Amusement Park
(925) 676-9612 • www.pixieland.com
Reserve tables in the amusement park for your party, or book the Ultimate Party Package for unlimited rides, food and drinks in the special party area.
X Concord
$ $249.99 (Ultimate Package); tables also available to rent and can include Family Fun Pack, $50–$110
g 2 hours unlimited rides, 2 hours at party table (Ultimate)
R Invitations, cake, paper goods and goody bags; party supplies available for fee
Rancho Saguaro
(925) 372-5867 • www.ranchosaguaro.com
Pony rides or mini lessons, grooming and feeding horses. Use of picnic tables or party room for games, piñata, cake, etc. Saturday or Sunday afternoons, 2–5 p.m. Custom programs available.
X Martinez
$ Varies; contact for custom prices
g 3 hours (15 minutes of riding per child)
R Everything
Sewnow! Fashion Studio
(925) 283-7396 • www.sewnow.com
Includes all materials, instruction and use of studio with facilitators guiding an activity based on your child’s interests and age. Guests receive a complete sewing machine lesson and create their own keepsake item to take home.
X Lafayette
$ $300 (10 guests; $15 each additional guest)
g 2 hours (1½ hours guided lesson; 30 minutes in party room)
R Everything
Science Adventure Birthday Parties (Kids for the Bay)
(510) 985-1602 • www.kidsforthebay.org
Field-trip-style birthdays meet at locations such as the Berkeley Marina Shorebird Park, Wildcat Creek in Richmond’s Alvarado Park or Sausal Creek in Oakland’s Dimond Park.
X Richmond
$ $250 (up to 16 children)
g 1–1½ hours
R Everything
Sky High
(925) 682-5867 • con.jumpskyhigh.com
Three trampoline areas, with reserved table for party. Pizza and bottled water, utensils and paper goods, and set-up and clean-up included.
X Concord
$ $200–$250 (10 jumpers)
g 2 hours
R Cake, goody bags (available for fee), decorations; no outside food allowed
Small World Park
(925) 439-4879 • www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us
Open April through October, a fairytale theme park with train, carousel, whale ride, fishing and play equipment. First-come, first-served picnic areas and reserved areas for larger parties. Party castle available for extra rental fee of $51–$100.
X Pittsburg
$ $20–$100 (plus admission of $1.30–$4 for all-day ride wristband)
g 2 hour reservations
R Everything
Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation
(925) 296-3147 • www.arf.net
Visit with an ARF therapy pet, tour adoption center and learn animal facts from experienced learning center party leaders. Room rental with lifelike plush pets, complete with adoption certificates and coloring books for favors.
X Walnut Creek
$ $15 per guest (minimum $150 charge)
g 2 hours
R Cake, snacks and decorations
Waterworld
(925) 609-1364 • www.waterworldcalifornia.com
Includes single-day park admission for each guest, host services, 90 minutes in Birthday Beach Club area, pizza, cake and soda.
X Concord
$ $309.90 (minimum 10 guests)
g Full-day admission; 1½ hours in party area
R Goody bags
Further Afield
There are many, many options for partying with kids in the greater Bay Area. Here’s a list of some possible venues and a bit of info about what they have to offer. Please contact venue for pricing and details.
Art Abloom
(415) 256-1112 • www.artabloom.com
Create a customized party in the studio and gallery, with a variety of media to choose from for creative projects.
X San Anselmo
Aquarium of the Bay
(415) 623-5387 • www.aquariumofthebay.com
Visit and tour world of sharks, bat rays and sea stars. Package includes ocean-themed party room with decorations and place settings and naturalist-led activities.
X San Francisco
Bay Area Discovery Museum
(415) 339-3931 • www.baykidsmuseum.org
Have fun throughout the museum then party in a private room with themed activities like music and crafts, face painting, or bounce house.
X Sausalito
Ben’s Shaolin Kung Fu
(510) 834-0148 • www.benskungfu.com
Guests take part in a half-hour Kung Fu training session, followed by games, food and fun.
X Sunnyvale
California Academy of Sciences
(415) 379-8000 • www.calacademy.org
Weekend parties only, with decorated room, assistant, cupcakes, snacks and refreshments, themed crafts and activities, general admission, party souvenir for each child, special party pin for birthday child, and more.
X San Francisco
California’s Great America
(408) 986-5853 • www.cagreatamerica.com
Free theme park admission and a gift for birthday child, with a meal for party in reserved area complete with themed place settings and decorations.
X Santa Clara
Children’s Creativity Museum
(415) 820-3320 • www.creativity.org
Create movies, music videos and art with a themed party complete with admission and birthday coordinator.
X San Francisco
Children’s Discovery Museum
(408) 298-5437 • www.cdm.org
Active learning in a family-friendly environment, with a party coordinator handling details. Several packages available with catering options, admission and various amenities.
X San Jose
Crown and Crumpet
(415) 771-4252 • www.crownandcrumpet.com
Full tea party especially for kids, with tea sandwiches, scones, fairy cakes, fruit tea or juice/cocoa, individual crafts, use of drawing room and more.
X San Francisco
Doodlebug
(415) 456-5989 • www.doodlebugmarin.com
Creative headquarters, with pottery and arts studio for party themes like clay play, wheel-
throwing, knitting, sewing, glass fusing, canvas painting and more. Private party room included.
X San Anselmo
Exploratorium
(415) 561-0308 • www.exploratorium.edu
Special rates and lunch options available, with picnic seating in the park grounds before or after exploring the museum.
X San Francisco
Gilroy Gardens
(408) 840-7100 • www.gilroygardens.org
Discounted park admission, private decorated patio for 2 hour party with all-you-can-eat meal.
X Gilroy
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
(408) 794-6449 • www.hhpz.org
Eight diverse outdoor party areas to choose from, with four party plans, catering and extras available.
X San Jose
Laser Quest
(650) 965-9800 • www.laserquest.com
Two Laser Quest games, complimentary pass for future visit and private party room.
X Mountain View
Richardson Bay Audubon Center
(415) 388-2524 • www.tiburonaudubon.org
Wildlife sanctuary party, with naturalist guide, environmental games and nature art.
X Tiburon
San Francisco Zoo
(415) 753-7055 • www.sfzoo.org
Zoo admission, a private birthday room stocked with goody bags, decorations, tableware and covers, personalized cake, party coordinator and more. Activities include face painting, rides and visiting with the animals.
X San Francisco
Scientopia
(707) 259-1559 • www.scientopiadiscoverycenter.com
Party themes encourage hands-on discovery with focused project or activity. Get sticky and messy or investigate a theory, then enjoy food and drink in the party room.
X Napa
Sonoma Train Town
(707) 938-3912 www.traintown.com
Tickets for train ride and amusement rides, with picnic table reservation.
X Sonoma
