East Bay Kids Birthday Party Guide

Are you planning a child's birthday party in the Oakland Berkeley area? We got you. 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 | Decor

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 $300 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. Read about our birthday party at Kids Gym. Contact at 510-845-9787 or visit website.
	Bliss Belly Kitchen (Berkeley) Artisanal Chocolate! Chef sources farm-fresh, organic ingredients, teaches breathing & meditation, and they prepare a feast together. Kids eat what they make. 12 participants for $540; $30 per additional child; two-hour party. Ages 5+. Visit website.
	Play Date (Fremont) Play Date birthday parties have an array of themes for ages 0-8 years old. You can DIY in their private party space or they'll do it all for you. $450-$1650 for up to 15 children. Visit website.
	Hands-On! (Berkeley) Customized for your kiddo! Possible STEAM themes/activities include slime, mad science, unicorns and candy experiments. Ages 4-11. Choose to have your party on-site in the science lab or in an off-site party location of your choice. Packages from $275-$365. Visit website.
	Lawrence Hall of Science (Berkeley) Explore exhibits then move to the party room or cafe for your food and cake. Upgrade your party with a 1-hour science workshop. Perfect for kids age 4-11. Includes museum admission for one adult per child with access to all exhibits. Prices start at $545 ($510 for members). Visit website.
	Gymboree (Oakland) Gymboree parties include your child's favorite theme and a private, personalized party experience, filled with kid-friendly activities guaranteed to be 100% fun with zero clean up! For ages 1 to 4. Contact 510-834-0982. $350 for 90-minute party with 15 children. Visit website.
	Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round (Berkeley) Birthday party package includes private decorated party area for 3 hours, party snacks, 42 carousel ride tickets, and 5 chaperone wrist bands for $300. For any age that loves the merry-go-round. 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.
	Yama Kids Yoga (Berkeley) Parties are two-hours long and include a one-hour yoga session, and an additional hour of food, dancing, singing, cake, and fun! Parties are for any age. Parents must provide food, decorations, and any other party supplies. $250 for 10 kids; $10 for each additional. Visit website.
	ITK Culinary (Berkeley) Kids cooking parties are a specialty — from Cupcake Wars, Iron Chef, Taqueria, Pizza Shop, and more — all done in the Top Chef Kitchen. $600 for up to 12 kids. 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.
	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.
	Creatif Art Studio (Pleasanton) Private birthday parties for art lovers, ages 2yrs+. Paint ceramics, canvas, rocks or unfinished wood. Instructor led canvas themes. Choose from three party packages with food options starting at $299 for 12 kids. Add-ons: face painting, balloons, goody bags. 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.
	Swings and Wings (Alameda) Birthday parties include access to entire indoor play space for children and adults. You can bring the food or order from them. $350 for 25 guests, $450 for 35 guests and $600 for up to 45 guests (Guests include children and adults). Visit website.
	Aran's Art Studio (Castro Valley) Parties for all ages. $50 for 1 1/2 hours for up to 16 participants plus the price of art projects: pottery painting, glass fusing, or canvas painting. Instruction and materials included. Whole studio available to rent. Please call (510) 728-1333 for details and to book. 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. $275 for up to 10 kids. Visit website.
• Aquatech (Alameda, Concord) Swim parties involve a 2-hour party for 20 children with 1 hour of AquaTech supervised swimming and 1 hour in the party space for $500.
• Bay Island Gymnastics (Oakland) Parties include an hour of gymnastics time and 45 minutes in the refreshment area. Prices start at $400 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) Two-hour 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.
• Cal Golden Bear's Gymnastics (Berkeley) Parties are 2 hours: first hour is coached gymnastics time with obstacle course and trampoline. $315 to $475. 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 $500 to $550 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.
• Coop (Pleasanton) Private or shared-space parties in this stylish indoor play space. Prices vary.
• East Bay SPCA (Oakland or Dublin) Parties for animal-lovers age 6+ includes tour, animal activities, and animal meet & greets $300 for up to 16 guests; add 5 more kids for $50. Visit website
• East Oakland Sports 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.
• Golden Skate Roller Rink (San Ramon) For up to 10 people, $349.50 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.
• 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 $250 for 8 children. 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 $300 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.
• Hotel with swimming pool (various) Upgrade your tween's slumber party with a hotel stay. Make sure the hotel has a pool to make it epic.
• Junior Center of Art and Science (Oakland) 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.
• K1 Indoor Go Karting (San Francisco, Santa Clara, Dublin) Prices and party packages vary by location.
• 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 food with a minimum of 8 participants. Contact for pricing. Visit website.
• Lindsay Wildlife Experience (Walnut Creek) parties, for ages 1 to 12, include animal ambassadors like chuckwallas or snakes with handlers and admission to the museum for the rest of the day for 15 kids and adults. $500 for non-members, $450 for members. Hawk or porcupine available for extra charge. Visit website.
• KidTopia (Fremont) Big play space for high energy kids. Parties range in price. $225 for up to ten children and ten adults. Visit website.
• MOCHA (Oakland) MOCHA provides enthusiastic teaching artists and project materials for two hours in a beautiful space. For artists of all ages – just choose a package, date, time, and theme. Parties for 10 start at $375. Visit website.
• Oakland Ice (Oakland) Two hours of skating with a lesson and skate rental are included for $30 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.
• 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. Food costs extra. The Zoo also hosts a rides party or can send a ZooMobile party to your home. Visit website.
• Pacific Pinball Museum (Alameda) Party packages include unlimited game play on classic pinball machines. 3 hour room rental: $150 + $15 per person admission.  Visit website.
• Paper Source (Berkeley) Crafty parties for kids start at $200 for 5 kids with themes like paper crafts and slime. Request an in-store private party >
• Paradise Skate (Antioch) Birthday parties run from $200 – $380 for up to 12 party-goers for 2 1/2 hour party including roller skating and access to the party room with food based on party theme and amenities. Just BYO cake. Visit website.
• Pump it Up (Oakland) Weekend parties start at $345 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.
• Q-Zar (Concord) Play laser tag and video games for ages 7+. Visit website or see how to get a cheap birthday at Q-Zar.
• 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.
• 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.
• StemChef Candy Lab Escape Room (Danville) At Blackhawk Plaza, the Candy Lab escape teaches kids STEM skills through food-based science with rotating monthly themes. Parties offer one hour of fun problem solving and an edible treat for ages 8-14. Prices start at $35 per participant (minimum 6 children, max 10). View 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.
• Traverse Fitness (Richmond) hosts Ninja Warrior parties for 10 kids starting at $250. Find out more.
• Tutu School (Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, Hercules) Choose a 90-min. or 120-min. ballerina party including a ballet class, crafts, tutu favors, light snacks, and cupcakes. Packages start at $495 for 10 kids. Additional child: $20. Best for ages 2-8. 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.

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Birthday Party Entertainment: Face painters, Art, Music, Magic, Bounce Houses, Princesses, 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; Best for ages 7 to 15. Visit the website or see our profile of Techsplosion birthday parties.
	Drumming Magic Interactive drumming on buckets and frame drums along with dancing and singing for 45-60 minutes with gifted musical facilitator, Mika Scott. Costs $200 to $300 depending on size of group. Visit website.
	Storybook Creations A Royal Dress-up party includes high quality costumes (like princess, knight, or dragon!). Optional upgrades include craft activities, a tea party, makeover, manicures, and hair styling. $395 for up to 10 kids for 1.5 hours. Visit website.
	Mike Della Penna, Magician Mike offers a variety of magic show packages. A favorite performer at area preschools, libraries and 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 >
	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 6 – 13. $400 to $500 includes all food, cookware, paper goods, props, and the teaching skills of a culinary professional for up to 12 guests. 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. $425 for up to 16 guests (children and adults). Read about Local Food Adventures birthday. More info & book >

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

• Abracadabra Face & Body Painting will whimsical, delicate, wild, or scary face painting skills to your party. Contact for quote.
• Bri & The “Silly Circus Show” will bring non-stop giggles to your party, featuring juggling, magic, illusion, and physical comedy. Ages 4-6. Visit website for quote.
• Bricks 4 Kids offers 90-minute LEGO birthday parties at your location where they bring it all. Best for ages 5 to 11. $290 for up to 10 kids. View website or check out other LEGO birthday party ideas here.
• 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 the day depending on options. Visit website for details.
• Bot Bash party guests destroy each others' robots in a controlled, safe environment. Bot Bash parties are two hours long and can be at your house or their HQ. Recommended for ages 6+. Basic $350 party includes 16 kids. Visit website
• Dinosaurs Rock brings the museum to your home with museum-grade exhibits, interactive shows, real take-home fossils, and games. Party 12 kids ages 3 to 13. Optional add-ons: goody bags, fossil excavation. Visit website for prices.
• Drea Lusion Invite a character — from circus to princess to superhero — to your party; games, face paint, balloon art options, too. Visit website for quote & details.
• Grampa Sings Grampa Clyde performs song circles for kids 2+ (30 – 45 minutes) for 30 min. Visit website.
• Jumpin' Gymsters brings active, sporty birthday fun to your backyard or park. Consider gymnastics or baseball activities for 60 minutes. Parties start at $275 for up to 10 kids.  View website >
• Little Folkies Music Parties with an acoustic vibe. A few performance options change the party based on the kid. Contact for pricing. 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. Visit Facebook for gallery >.
• Mr. SHAP is a balloon artist and magician entertainer who performs for children and adults of ALL ages. Be dazzled. $250+  Visit website.
• Pinky's Painting Party brings the art materials and step-by-step instructions to create a masterpiece. You provide the indoor space. $500 covers 20 painters for 2 hour project. More details >
• 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. [Other LEGO birthday party ideas here]
• Ricky Roo & Friends puppet show will fill a party with laughter and fun. Best for guests aged 2 to 7 and anyone who loves puppets. Parties starting at $279. Visit website.
• Roleplaying Adventure with Jake turns your party into a self-contained adventure. Jake can lead parties for 3-12 kids, where a typical session runs 2 to 3 hours. Recommended for ages 8+. Contact Jake for pricing. Read our review of Jake's DnD party.
• Viola's Notes Viola offers a 30 minute music and movement class for birthday parties of up to 12 children ages 2-5. 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.
• X-Fit Training Lil Ninja Warrior birthday parties are hosted in El Cerrito's community center or your own home. Visit website for rates.

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Outdoor Birthday Party Places

{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. Learn about throwing a party at Adventure Playground. Visit the website to book.
• 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!
• 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 for ages 6 months to 7 years. Price includes rides, puppets, Children’s Theatre, and special performances all day long for each guest (10 child minimum). Visit the website.
• 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. $17.99/person with a 10 person minimum. Read our mini golf birthday party or visit website.
• Lake Merritt Kayaking Party (Oakland) Read about how we assembled a Lake Merritt boating birthday party >
• Sherman Swim School (Lafayette) Two hours of swim and party time in three (warm!) outdoor pools. $350 for 2 hrs with up to 20 children. View website.
• Sulphur Creek Nature Center (Hayward) At Wild Things Birthday Parties, Sulphur Creek's naturalist will lead a customized one-hour presentation with live animals, crafts, games, hikes or puppet shows plus two 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. $235 for residents of Hayward; $294 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.
• 10 more 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, San Leandro, and more) 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 (Alameda, 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 $35.95. Full sheet cake is $62.95. One-week notice required.  Call 510-658-7000 or visit the website.
• James and the Giant Cupcake (Oakland x3) Cupcakes and cakes are available for pre-order by phone or online. Visit website.
• La Farine (Oakland x3) French style cakes and princess cake available to order by phone. 6″ round starts from $29. Visit website for list of flavors.
• Lavender Bakery (Berkeley) has European inspired cakes and baked goods with seasonal items. Call (510) 529-4433 or order online.
• Love at First Bite (Berkeley) Requires 48 hours advance notice for custom cake and cupcake orders. 6″ round for $36, $18 for dozen cupcakes. 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 Cake (Emeryville) Looking for alternative cake? Try a bundt cake with signature thick frosting petals. Call 510-923-2253 or order online.
• Oh Sho Sweet (San Leandro) Beautiful custom cakes. Prices vary. Get a quote.
• Rainbow Donuts (Berkeley) How about a tall tower of donuts in lieu of cake? We like the unicorn donuts at Rainbow (visit website) and lots of other donut spots.
• Sheng Kee Bakery (Berkeley, Richmond) This Taiwanese bakery offers Asian style and classic cakes. Call or visit to order. 510-848-8200 (Berkeley) 510-558-8807 (Richmond)
• 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. Cakes start at $22.99. Visit website.

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Birthday Party Decorations

Don't stress whether you're looking for a bubble maker, photo backdrop, or paper products, it's going to be great.

• Lemon Blossom Creations (Walnut Creek or delivered to your place) brings all the paper goods and decorations for your theme to your place. Basic packages starts around $350 for stunning party decor. Visit the website for more info.
• Paper Plus Outlet (Berkeley) is the go-to place for helium balloon art and party supplies. Visit website.
• Pippa & Co (Alameda, Berkeley). Independent shop specializing in unique and handmade party decor, celebration accessories and gifts. Visit website.

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 2019 and may change over time. Check with vendor for current pricing and availability. Happy birthday to you!