A winter birthday means that it just might rain on your parade. IÂ have first-hand experience making the last-minute call to move my son’s party inside — to my own house — when October weather put the kabosh on our reserved park space. So I’ve put together a list of several options for indoor birthday parties (that are not my house). We have been to many of these wonderful indoor party places.
Brushstrokes Studio (Berkeley)
Pottery painting parties include selection of ceramics like piggy banks, boxes, picture frames, and 100s of others. Guest creations will be glazed and fired. Other party themes choices are mosaics, glass fusing, clay, or canvas painting. Bring your cake or schedule the soft-serve truck they’ve partnered with. 2-hour party: Flat rate of $264 for up to 8 guests. Additional guests: $33 per person. Visit website.
Junior Center of Art and Science (Oakland)
Art or Science parties of different themes are available for children ages 4 to 10. Guests participate in a hands-on project, demonstrations, cake and gift time. Includes access to the animal room, too. Materials and instructor included. Parties are 90 minutes or 2 hours. Starting at $350 for 14 children. Visit website.
Oakland Zoo Discovery (Oakland)
Best for ages 3 to 8. Education Parties are 2-hour program with guided activities, live animal close-up, and admission for all guests. Prices start at $250 for non-members for up to 20 guests. Food costs extra. The Zoo also hosts a rides party or can send a ZooMobile party to your home for birthdays after age 4. Read our in-depth post about Oakland Zoo parties.
Sticky Art Lab (Berkeley)
During a 2-hour party guests will make mini castles, flying cars, fuzzy monsters, or straw rockets. Includes a Sticky Art Lab t-shirt for the birthday kid, one-hour guided art project custom-designed to match level and interest, and access to inside space and outdoor courtyard. Families provide food, treats, paper products. Up to 14 kids for $300. Visit website.
Twirl (Alameda)
This lovely art space offers a classic party package which includes 2 hours private use of the Party Room, pinwheel party favors, canvas stamping, Twirl invitation, and a guided art activity. You bring food and drinks. $300 for up to 12 children. Visit website for more information. See the 510Families.com review of Twirl.
Other indoor party ideas for Oakland and Berkeley families
Tutu School – Alameda, Berkeley, Montclair
East Oakland Swim Center – Oakland
Aquatech swim school – Alameda
Oakland ice rink – Oakland
Where do you love to celebrate an indoor birthday party?
Find more fantastic East Bay birthday party inspiration on our 510families birthday party guide!
[Photo credits noted above]
4 thoughts on “East Bay Indoor Birthday Party Places”
Don’t forget to add Kinetic Arts Center to this list. We have 2.5 hours of circus fun with plenty of free parking, lots of circus equipment and clowning fun in addition to private PERFORMANCES BY OUR OWN CIRCUS SPIRE YOUTH PERFORMANCE TROUPE MEMBERS. Check us out at
http://www.kineticartscenter.com/birthday-parties/
Other great indoor birthday parties I’ve been to: Berkeley YMCA swim party and Fenton’s ice cream party. Let’s not forget the in-house Lego and craft parties. Or Whitney’s aforementioned switcheroo from park party to house party with entertainer!
Ghost Golf Indoor Miniature Golf is a mini golf course themed in a haunted cemetery. The course is family-friendly and great for ages 5+ (and courageous toddlers!) You can rent the venue out as a private party and offers very competetive pricing.
Pizza, Sode, Golf with light up LED balls and arcade games are all included in the price.
Please call
925.521.1913
or email
[email protected]
Just had a party for my 7 year old son at Subpar Miniature golf in Alameda and it was stellar, I definitely recommend!