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 twelve. Thanks, guys!
12 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? A great option for a 6th birthday party since you have to be that old to ride the zipline. Here’s how we throw a birthday party at Adventure Playground.
Codornices Park
Daniella tells us her favorite party park is Codornices for the big open field, playground and concrete slide. You can reserve a picnic spot, or get there early and grab the tables by the creek north of the tot park for free. Check out how to host a simple but fun birthday party at Codornices Park.
Fly a Kite
Wind is free and accessible throughout the East Bay, so consider putting together a Kite-Flying Party for your next birthday bash. Whitney went to a kite-flying birthday party with her daughter and had a blast. And here are three more windy spots to consider>
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. How to have an affordable kid birthday party at Little Farm.
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.
Lagoon Swimming
For summer birthdays, check out one of the fun swimming holes in the East Bay. Don Castro and Cull Canyon both have first-come first-served picnic sites available and very cheap entry fees. Read more about our visits here and here.
Roberts Regional Park
Can be a picnic party in the spring or fall, or a swim party in the summer (pool set to re-open Summer 2023). Here’s how to throw a cheap birthday party at Roberts Regional Park >
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.
Steam Train at Tilden Park
If you have a train loving kiddo, the steam train at Tilden Park is a fabulous birthday party idea. First-come, first-served for the picnic tables located up the hill from the trains (in between the two parking lots). More information about the steam train here>
Temescal Regional Park
Some of the picnic sites are reservation-based, but many are FREE. Learn more about this hidden gem here>
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.
Zipline Party
Pick a park with a zipline and let the kids go crazy. Create your own playground based obsticle course for bonus points. Here are a bunch of playgrounds with ziplines>
Add to our list with a comment below, or see our fantastic Guide to Throwing Kid Birthday Parties in the East Bay.
