East Bay Kids Birthday Party Guide

Are you planning a child's birthday party? Let us help. Click on a category below to browse listings of the East Bay's best birthday party ideas. (Oh hey, if you're finding us from search, we don't run these parties or book 'em. Please follow up directly with all the party venues, entertainers, and cake bakers.)

Indoor birthday party places | Outdoor birthday party places | Birthday party activities & entertainment | Birthday cakes & treats

Indoor Birthday Party Places

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	Kids Gym (Berkeley) Exclusive use of the 600+ square foot studio or mini party room for 2 hours. Packages start at $270 for up to 10 kids. Optional extras include popcorn machine, balloons, face painter, favors, pizza, cake, and full-facility rental. For ages 0 to 9. Contact at 510-845-9787 or visit website.
	Brushstrokes Studio (Berkeley) Pottery painting parties include selection of ceramics. Guest creations will be glazed and fired. Other party themes choices are mosaics, glass fusing, clay, or canvas painting. BYO cake. 2 hour party: Flat rate of $264 for up to 8 guests. Additional guests: $33 each. Visit website.
	Gymboree (Oakland, El Cerrito, Lafayette) A Gymboree party is a personalized party experience filled with kid-friendly activities with zero clean up! Best for ages 1 to 5. 90 minute party. Visit website.
	Lawrence Hall of Science (Berkeley) Choose a 1-hour workshop from many fun science themes then move to the party room or cafe for your food and cake. Perfect for kids age 4-11. Prices start at $435 ($400 for members). Includes museum admission for one adult per child with access to all exhibits. Visit website.
	Habitot Children's Museum (Berkeley) Fabulous play-based experiences in a grocery store, fire engine, waterplay zone, and art studio will delight party-goers ages 1-5. Rent the birthday room, private classroom or whole museum! Upgrades can include food and party favors. Prices start at $225 for 8 children. Visit website.
	Bladium (Alameda) Let the Bladium Birthday Party Host lead your guests through a fun, high-energy event while you relax! Many exciting themes to choose from. Starting at $399, a 2-hour party includes four pizzas, drinks, and paper goods for up to 15 children. Parents bring cake. Call 510-814-4999.
	SensationAll Kids Gym (Concord) Exclusive use of facility for 2 hours on weekend for up to 20 children including tables, chairs and use of refrigerator. Projector and screen available for movies/picture show. $400 Saturdays or $350 Sundays. Additional hour for $125. Visit website.
	Sticky Art Lab (Berkeley) During a 2-hour party guests will upcycle materials into magnificent imaginative creations. Includes one-hour guided art project custom designed to match interests, access to studio and courtyard. Families provide food, treats, paper products. Up to 14 kids for $300. Visit website.
	Blue Door Beads (Oakland) Learn how to construct a beaded necklace or bracelet; paint some beads; or emboss brass blanks. For ages 7-14, limit 9 guests, offered weekdays for $22-$35 per person. Parents bring decorations, cake, and food to enjoy after the instruction is over. Visit website.
	Oakland Zoo Discovery (Oakland) Best for ages 2 to 8. Education Parties are 2-hour program with guided activities, live animal close-up, and admission for all guests. $400 for up to 20 guests. Food costs extra. The Zoo also hosts a rides party or can send a ZooMobile party to your home. Visit website.
	Junior Center of Art and Science (Oakland) Choose from Rocket Science, Creative Creatures, Painting, or Animal Adventures (extra fee). Parties start at $350 for 14 children. Guests participate in a hands-on project, cake and gift time. Parties are 90 minutes – 2 hours. For ages 4 – 10. Visit website.
	Twirl (Alameda) This lovely art/play space offers a party package which includes 2 hours private use of the Party Room, pinwheel party favors, canvas stamping and shared access to the interactive play space/art studio. You bring food and drinks. $300 for up to 12 children. Visit website.
	MOCHA Museum of Children's Art (Oakland) MOCHA provides teaching artists and project materials for two hours in a beautiful space. Choose a date, time, and theme – and MOCHA staff will work with you to make your event memorable! Party packages start at $350 for 15 kids. For all ages. Visit website.
	theCoderSchool (Berkeley) Party guests can code a game of their own plus enjoy unplugged time in the coder lounge with puzzles and foosball. Prices start at $279 for up to 6 coders ($25 per additional) if you bring food & drinks. Visit website.

{more indoor birthday party places, listed alphabetically}

Albany Bowl (Albany) Two-hour party includes bowling with lightweight balls, shoes, pizza, soda, balloons. Bring your own fruit/veggies and cake. $20/kid; 8-child minimum. Visit website.
APEX Movement (Concord) Parkour and Ninja Warrior for ages 8 and up. BYO food and utensils for the party room. $250 for up to 10 kids. Visit website.
AquaTech (Alameda) Swim parties for all ages of children. 20 kids included for base price of $440. Party includes 2-hour rental: 1 in pool and 1 in designated party zone. Visit website.
Bay Island Gymnastics (Oakland) Parties include an hour of gymnastics time and 45 minutes in the refreshment area. Prices start at $365 for up to 18 guests. Visit website.
Berkeley City Ballet (Berkeley) Ballerina birthday parties starting at $350 for up to 10 people ages 4+ dressed up in tutus, tiaras, sashes and crowns. Visit website.
Blank Page Studio art party (Oakland) Art party for 12 guests for $250. Ages 5 and up will produce an art project to keep, with an instructor's guidance. BYO food and drink. Visit website.
#BounceFarm (Martinez) Includes 75 minutes private bounce time plus 1 hour dining for up to 20 children for $425. Ages 1 to 6. Includes pizza, cupcakes and a birthday photo. Visit website.
Cal Golden Bear's Gymnastics (Berkeley) Parties are 2 hours: first hour is coached gymnastics time with obstacle course and trampoline. $265 to $425. Ages 3 to 12. Visit website.
Chabot Space & Science Center (Oakland) Birthday party packages include admission for up to 30, a planetarium show, and use of the party room for 90 minutes. Party prices range from $400 to $450 based on membership status. Visit website.
Color Me Mine (Alameda) Pay $100 plus the price of the ceramic pieces. Birthday child gets special plate as a keepsake. Now offering canvas painting parties. Visit website.
East Oakland Sport's Center (Oakland) Go through Oakland Parks and Rec to reserve this spot, but the indoor pool includes a party room and water slide. $212 to $240 for a weekend party. Read our review of this indoor pool party venue.
East Bay SPCA (Oakland or Dublin) parties for animal-lovers includes tour, animal activities, and animal meet & greets $250 for up to 16 guests Visit website.
Golden Skate Roller Rink (San Ramon) For up to 10 people, $299.50 includes skate rental, soft drinks, game tokens, paper products, and use of a room in addition to access to the rink. Optional upgrades: pizza, birthday gift. Visit website.
Head Over Heels (Emeryville) Two hour parties fly by for kids with access to a foam pit, trampolines and more. Supervised gymnastics is followed by food and cake. Prices start at $275 for up to 10 kids. Visit the website.
High Scores Arcade (Alameda) Party guests get private use of the arcade with all video games set to free play and a small area for food. Parents provide any food, drink, and favors. Parties for ages 8 and up. Starts at $300 for up to 15 guests. Visit website.
John's Incredible Pizza (Newark) Create an all-you-can-eat-and-dessert party with arcade games and rides a la carte or book the party room. Fun for many ages. See our experience or visit website.
Kids n Clay (Berkeley) Kids will work with wet clay at a pottery wheel or do hand-building. BYO food. $260 for up to 10 children. Call 510-845-0982 for details or visit Kids N Clay's birthday party flyer online.
LeMans Karting (Fremont) Indoor go-karting for kids 8 and over. Little Indy 500 drivers must be 48″ tall. Party includes race gear, private track usage, party area and cupcakes for $50 per driver with a minimum of 8 participants. Visit website.
Oakland Ice (Oakland) Two hours of skating with a lesson and skate rental are included for $27 per guest, minimum 10 guests. 1 hour party room reservation, includes soda and pizzas. Extra pizza and soda available, but no outside food beyond commercially-prepared cake. Visit website.
Pacific Pinball Museum (Alameda) Party Packages run from $195 for up to 10 children. Unlimited game play on classic pinball machines. Visit website.
Playland Not-At-The-Beach (El Cerrito) $15 for the first 20 guests ($10 for each add'l) for unlimited play on pinball machines and amusements at Playland. Basic magic show included in 3-hour party. Upgrades available. Visit website.
Pump it Up (Oakland) Weekend parties start at $319 for up to 10 guests, but the extras really add up. Children move through two private inflatable jumping rooms on then to the party room for food and cake. For kids 34″ and bigger. Visit website.
Tutu School (Berkeley or Oakland) 90-minute ballerina party party includes a brief lesson, crafts, tutu favors, and cupcakes. Packages start at $475 for 10 kids. $20 for each additional child. Best for ages 2-8. Available in Montclair or Berkeley.
Rec Room (Berkeley) Lovely play space for small children. Paper goods, coffee, tea and water included. $475 for 2 hour private party, unlimited guests. View website.
Rockin' Jump (Dublin) Two hours of unlimited jumping for 10 jumpers starting at $245 Mon – Thurs, $295 Fri – Sat, with addl. fees for addl. jumpers. Private party room during second hour. Onsite cafe can provide food & drinks. Birthday cakes are welcome. Ages 4+. Visit website.
See Spot Run (Alameda) Pet party with hands-on experience with a rabbit, guinea pig, bird, kitten, and a hedgehog. Time will allow for cake (provided by you) and singing. Up to 10 children ages 4 to 12 years old. Cost is $200 for a 1.5 hour event. Visit website.
Sport Fencing Center (Richmond) 90-minute party includes an introduction to swordplay followed by fun fencing games. Equipment and table and chairs provided. BYO food, beverages, and utensils. $399 for up to 12 people, and $20 for each additional. Visit website.
SubPar Miniature Golf (Alameda) Indoor mini golf and arcade party includes unlimited golf for two hours, private room w/ tables and chairs, staff, plus arcade tokens for each player. Cost is $15 per player. Pizza is extra. Best for ages 5-14. Visit website.
Taro Origami (Rockridge) Each guest will fold, decorate, and take home creations guided by staff. $450/party (up to 15 kids). Does not include food, but refreshments and cake can be set up in the back of the studio. Visit website.
Trapeze Arts (Oakland) Guests will participate in 2 or 3 circus activities, depending on their age. 4-6 year old party does not include trapeze while over age 6 does. Get Party Package details on website. Prices vary.
Wheelhouse (Richmond) Bring your own everything to the party room and reserve one or two lanes for guests to practice batting. Parties begin at $250 for 2 hours with 1 hour in party room and 1 in the cages. Visit website.

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Birthday Party Entertainment: Face painters, Art, Music, Magic, Bounce Houses, and More

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	Techsplosion Hands-on Science Choose from 90-minute Minecraft Survival or LEGO Robot Battle birthday parties led by the enthusiastic Techsplosion team. $375 for up to 12 children; $475 for up to 24 children. Recommended for ages 7 to 15 or as young as 4 with heavy parent involvement. Visit website.
	Dinosaurs Rock They bring the museum to your home. Dinosaurs Rock parties include museum-grade exhibit, interactive show, real take-home fossils, and games. Gems & Oceans themes too. Costs $450 for up to 12 kids ages 3 to 13. Optional add-ons: goody bags, fossil excavation. Visit website.
	Cooking Round the World Two-hour cooking party that's 100% experiential: prep, cook eat! Choose one of 5 International party flavors. Ideal for ages 5 – 14. $400 includes all food, cookware, paper goods, props, and the teaching skills of a culinary professional for up to 12 guests. More info >
	Rockin' Kids Birthdays Stephanie Pepitone, host of the Rockin’ Kids Sing-Along, plays acoustic guitar and leads children in 45 minutes of an interactive performance. Family sing-along & instrument petting zoo best for ages 1 – 7. Live Music Karaoke Party perfect for ages 8 and older. More info >
	Different Drummer Dance Party w/ Jody Foucher Photography Choose a ballet, hip hop, or musical theater dance party for ages 3-12. 60 min party includes customized dance lesson and choreography, costumes for dress up, a craft for guests to keep, and 5 digital images, with option to purchase more. $350 for 10 kids. More info >
	Mike Della Penna, Magician Mike offers a variety of magic show packages. A favorite performer at area preschools, libraries and family venues like Children's Fairyland. Known for captivating the 3- to 7-year-old crowd with his laughter-filled, participatory magic shows. Parties start at $300. More info >
	Local Food Adventures Treat your birthday kid and friends to a yummy pizza party and informative Rockridge Ice Cream and Gelato tour. Plates, balloons, goody bags included! Accommodations for allergies available. $495 for up to 20 guests (children and adults). More info >

{more birthday party entertainment and activity ideas, listed alphabetically}

All Star Showgrams Character impersonators perform songs and activities. The basic package includes 3 activities for one hour at $200-$250. Visit the website to browse choices.
Barrel Full of Monkeys offers clown magic, bubbles, glitter tattoo, balloons, and more for many ages. Visit website to inquire about prices.
Bay Area Jump Rent bouncy houses in all shapes and sizes for use in your yard or a park (check with the local city's policies!) for $145-$405 for the day depending on options. Visit website for details.
Bliss Belly Kitchen You pick sweet or savory. Chef shops and teaches. Kids eat what they make. 10 participants for $350. Visit website.
Budderball the Clown paints faces, twists balloons, does glitter tattoos, and performs an interactive comedy magic show. Professional clown for 16 years, she is sensitive with children who are tentative about costumed characters. Visit website to find prices.
California Puppets (Bay Area) Shows featuring Jungle Joe, a professional puppeteer and ventriloquist. His passion for puppetry and love of animals are combined to bring you hilariously funny and educational shows. Visit website to find details.
Happily Ever Laughter Specializing in character shows like faerie, pirate, or mermaid. Performers provide magic shows, face painting, balloon twisting for any age. Prices start at $210 for an hour. Visit website.
Little Folkies Music Parties with an acoustic vibe. A few performance options change the party based on the kid. Most basic package starts at $250. Visit website for details.
Look at You! (extreme face-painting) This face painting is a work of art with full face transformation using high-quality, skin-friendly, professional makeup. Balloon twisting included. Call 510-815-3994 for a quote or visit Facebook for gallery >.
Mr. SHAP is a balloon artist and magician entertainer who performs for children and adults of ALL ages. Be dazzled. $175/hour. Visit website.
Play-well Teknologies (LEGO) You provide the kids and space, they bring 20,000 pieces of LEGO and guides to lead the projects based on a chosen theme. Prices vary. Visit the website.
Roleplaying Adventure with Jake turns your party into a self-contained adventure. Jake can lead parties for 3-12 kids for $10 per kid per hour where a typical session runs 2 to 3 hours. Recommended for ages 8+. Read our review of Jake's DnD party.
Sing Along With Grampa Clyde performs song circles for little kids (30 – 45 minutes) for 30 min. $100 or 45 min $125. Visit website.
Viola's Notes Viola offers a 30 minute music and movement class for birthday parties of up to 12 children ages 2-5. $100 for up to 12 kids. Visit website.
Vivarium Traveling Reptile Program Expect a fun and educational one-hour programs featuring between 20 and 30 amazing creatures. Pay $300 plus travel for a weekend booking, discounts for weekdays. Visit the website.

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Outdoor Birthday Party Places

Sherman Swim School (Lafayette)
Two-hours of uninterrupted swim and party time weekends February through November. Packages start at $350 for up to 20 kids. BYO snacks and treats. Contact at (925) 283-2100 to request a date or visit website.

{more local outdoor birthday party locations, listed alphabetically}

Adventure Playground (Berkeley Marina) You'll want to set up for a picnic outside the grounds of Adventure Playground in Shorebird Park. All groups larger than 5 children require a reservation with fees for safety reasons; 5-10 kids cost $75/2 hours. Visit the website for rates and booking info.
Arlington Park (El Cerrito) Great for all ages. Via the El Cerrito Rec Department, rent Arlington Park or Castro Park Clubhouse, which can accommodate up to 50 people seated. Tables and chairs provided. Call 510-559-7004 for more information. Don't forget to pay extra for a bathroom key!
Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito) Indoor and outdoor space with hands on stuff to do makes this a fun destination for ages 3-8. Add face-painting, goody bags and more at different price points. Visit website.
Berkeley Public Parks These outdoor Berkeley picnic facilities requires permit and registration: Aquatic Park, Codornices, Live Oak, Ohlone, Strawberry Creek. All other City of Berkeley parks are first come first served. Visit the website to check availability.
Cesar Chavez Park (Berkeley Marina) The no-frills picnic benches are available first come, first serve with a 5-minute walk to outhouse bathrooms. Very fun location for a kite-flying party. Read our post about throwing your own kite birthday party.
Children's Fairyland (Oakland) – Fairyland hosts catered birthday parties (they supply cupcakes and ice cream) in one of three themed party areas. Price includes rides, puppets, Children’s Theatre, and special performances all day long for each guest at the rate of $25/child and adult pair (10 child minimum). Visit the website.
Crab Cove (Alameda) hosts nature exploration parties for children ages 3 to 12 based on either bay critters or reptiles. $75 covers the first 10 children (15 is the max). Read our post about Crab Cove parties.
Golden Tee GolfLand (Castro Valley) The main birthday party includes 90 minutes in the party room or patio; 18 holes of mini golf and arcade tokens; and 2 XL pizzas, 2 liters of soda. BYO cake. Arcade party also available. $15.99/person with a 10 person minimum. Visit website.
Sulphur Creek Nature Center (Hayward) Sulphur Creek's naturalist will lead a customized 1 hour presentation with live animals, crafts, games, hikes or puppet shows plus 2 additional hours at the park on your own. Also available as a mobile party at your home. Can be customized for ages 1 through adult. $220 for residents of Hayward; $275 for non-residents. Visit website.
Tilden Steam Trains (Berkeley) First come, first served for the picnic tables located up the hill from the trains (in between the two parking lots). Free for those under 2, 5 rides for $12, so we'll call it $60 for 25 ride tickets. Invite just one other family, and we think this is an excellent second birthday “party” idea.
9 free and cheap party places that are mostly outdoors!

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Birthday cakes, cupcakes, ice cream cakes, and more

Baskin Robbins (Emeryville, Alameda, El Cerrito) Choose a creative ice cream cake from their gallery or build your own. Visit the website to customize and order online.
Ben & Jerry's (Berkeley, Oakland) Design your own ice cream cake; choose flavors, fillings, decorations, and the message for the top. Or walk in and grab one from the case. Call 510-900-2460 or visit website to order online.
Costco (Richmond) With at least 24 hours notice, Costco will decorate a chocolate or vanilla half-sheet cake for $18.99, basic decoration included. Come to the store to order in person. Membership required.
CREAM (Berkeley, Oakland) Two choices for CREAM at your birthday party: pre-made ice cream sandwiches served cold or CREAM Experience with staffers serving up cold ice cream with hot cookies. See website for details
Fentons Creamery (Oakland) Ice cream cakes are made to order. Choose cake flavor & ice cream flavor. 6″ round cake starts at $32.95. Full sheet cake is $59.95. One-week notice required. Call 510-658-7000 or visit the website.
James and the Giant Cupcake (Oakland x2) Cupcakes and cakes are available for pre-order by phone or online. Visit website.
Love at First Bite (Berkeley) Requires 48 hours advance notice for custom cake and cupcake orders. Delivery also available. Call 510-848-5727 or visit the website
Mariposa Baking Company (Oakland) has a variety of cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other treats that are perfect for birthday celebrations – all of which are Gluten-Free! Visit website.
Nothing Bundt Cakes (Emeryville, San Leandro, Fremont) 25 birthday designs and ten flavors. Visit the website to order online.
Taste of Denmark (Oakland) Freshly baked specialty cakes with Scandinavian flair. Call 510-420-8889 or visit the website.
Tucker's Super Creamed Ice Cream (Alameda) A favorite place in Alameda for ice cream cakes decorated with any theme. Call 510-522-4960 or visit the website.
Whole Foods Market (Berkeley/Oakland) Order delicious customized cakes for all occasions! Choose a delicious standard flavor in store or by phone and it will (usually!) be ready for you the next day. Quarter sheet cakes start at $19.95. Visit website.

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All decisions for this guide were made by Heather and Whitney, founders of 510families.com, we apologize for any errors or glaring omissions. Promotional consideration was paid by sponsored listings as indicated. If you'd like to be considered for future Birthday Party Guides, please contact us at ads@510families.com for information.

Please note that prices are current to the best of our knowledge as of November 2017 and may change over time. Check with vendor for current pricing and availability. Happy birthday to you!