I love a happy birthday party that doesn't cost a ton – Target Dollar Spot anyone? Pick up cute plates, a tablecloth, and even little party favors for an easy party sure to please everyone. We asked our Facebook community where you like to throw parties on the cheap in the East Bay, and we've rounded up the top ten. Thanks, guys!
10 cheap birthday party places in the East Bay
Adventure Playground
How about painting and sawing at Adventure Playground and picnicking at the spaces near Shorebird Park?
Codornices Park
Daniella tells us her favorite party park is Codornices for the big open field, playground and concrete slide. Read our post of Codornices Park as a birthday party spot.
Lake Anza
A beach party on a nice day is great for a crowd where the adults will stay with little ones. Otherwise, wait to host this party until your guests are all competent swimmers. Be sure to bring a portable table, or you'll be risking sand in your food.
Little Farm at Tilden Park
Rachel and Britt love the Little Farm at Tilden, free for kiddos to run around and play. The nearby picnic sites need to be reserved, but they're not too expensive. Bring enough celery for each child to feed a bunch to the goats.
Public School Playgrounds
Check to see if your public school playground is open on the weekends, and tell everyone to bring their wheels and helmets. Set up a track with chalk and let the kids wheel around. Thousand Oaks School and Park is a popular spot.
Roberts Regional Park
Can be a picnic party in the spring or fall, or a swim party in the summer. Reader Danielle recommends the area away from the playground.
Sulphur Creek
An East Bay treasure and the best birthday place for animal lovers with a beautiful, quaint nature reserve with cool animals, guided nature walk. The staff brings out animals of your choosing to hold. Reader Mandy's kid chose a tarantula and a chinchilla.
Splash Park
Summer birthdays can take advantage of a nearby splash park. Arrive early to get the perfect spot and bring water squirters for extra fun.
Temescal Regional Park
Some of the picnic sites are reservation-based, but many are FREE.
Your Favorite Neighborhood Park
Pick up a dozen donuts and chocolate milk cartons to serve your guests at your neighborhood park. We do this every year and it never disappoints.
Add to our list of free and cheap party venues on Facebook or see our fantastic Guide to Throwing Birthday Parties in the East Bay.
So, you’re basically all about donuts?
Could you do a guide for winter birthdays? I would love to do a park birthday but December weather isn’t always cooperative and parties for the whole preschool class can get really expensive.
Have you seen our really thorough Birthday Party Guide? The whole section on “indoor party places” goes well beyond “my living room” for fun parties… but I do hear you on the expense. Let’s work on that!