Roberts Regional Park has many locations for a cheap birthday party for Oakland kids. A birthday party in a park can be as simple as you want it to be. Make a platter of cheese and crackers, veggies and fruits, bring a cake, and let the kids run around crazy. Or, level up with a bouncy house, a face-painting princess, or a Pinterest-worthy obstacle course made from pool noodles. Whatever works for you, a cheap venue is a good place to start.
Roberts Regional Park in Oakland can be that affordable birthday party place for those lucky enough to have kids’ birthdays during the dry months. As with all East Bay Regional Parks, select picnic areas designed for large groups (more than 25 guests) are available by reservation and the rest of the picnic tables are first-come, first-served. So, feel free to claim a table by showing up early — there are about seven that are not reservable around the playground and swimming pool area – to set up as your home base for the day.
Throwing a big party? If you want to have a large area reserved, the list of reservable picnic areas for Roberts Park on the East Bay Regional Parks District website. The closest one to the playground is called Oaks, and it accommodates 35 guests and costs $60 to reserve for the day.
The only picnic site at Roberts Regional Recreation area that allows inflatables is Manzanitas, which is large enough for up to 300 guests; therefore, the rental cost is greater, at $470 for the day.
How to get to Roberts Regional Park in Oakland from Berkeley or San Francisco
From Highway 13 northbound take the Redwood Road exit. The ramp becomes Mountain Blvd. Turn slightly right onto Redwood Road, then follow the road up the hill to Skyline Boulevard and turn left. Continue to the next light and turn right to stay on Skyline Boulevard. Roberts is a mile up Skyline Boulevard on the right.
From Highway 13 southbound take the Joaquin Miller Road / Lincoln Avenue exit. Turn left onto Monterey Boulevard. Turn left onto Joaquin Miller Road. Follow the road up the hill to Skyline Boulevard and turn left. Roberts is a mile up Skyline Boulevard on the right.
Pro tip: Photo opps at Roberts Regional Park
The park is home to beautiful Redwood tree groves, accessible even to those who cannot hike much. Consider arriving early to take a few family photos among the redwood trees.
Your next read: 10 Free and Cheap Birthday Party Ideas in the East Bay
