Date Night: 18 East Bay Parents' Night Out (PNO) - 510 Families
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Date Night: 18 East Bay Parents’ Night Out (PNO)

Parents Night Out, also called PNO, is evening childcare dressed up as a drop-off kid party! Hosted by a local children-centric venue, children usually eat pizza, have dessert (gasp!), watch movies, and play with other kids of a similar age until way past their bedtime. The formula varies depending on which organization is playing host. In some cases, your kids will do gymnastics or make art, in others they’ll zonk out in front of Elemental.

While the kids play, you’ll have a date night out before you hurry back on the deadline to bring home your child and scrub, brush, and tuck into bed. Might one of these options work for your family? Only you can determine that, but I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!

Here are some East Bay PNO programs to consider for your next date night:

Aran’s Art Studio (Castro Valley)

Called Kids’ Night Out, kids will recreate and design using acrylic paint and creativity, plus pizza dinner and snacks. Frequent Saturdays from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. For kids ages 6 and older. $60/child includes food and materials. Website >

Axe Oakland (Oakland)

Parents’ Night Out every last Friday 5:30 pm – 9 pm, $40 for one child, $75 for two. Capoeira, pizza, games and an outdoor movie. A black owned business. Website >

Color Me Mine (Alameda)

Called Kids’ Night Out for a good reason, kids can paint pottery and eat ice cream before their movie of the month from 6 pm to 9 pm. Often offered on select Saturdays; see calendar for offerings. Suggested for ages 5 and up. $35/child and includes a pottery project but NO DINNER (there is a snack though). Website >

Encore Gym (Walnut Creek)

Located in the Shadelands SportsMall, the gymnastics center hosts Parents’ Night Out on occasional Saturdays from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm for kids 3 to 12 years old. Must be potty trained. $40 per child. Website >

Habitot Children’s Museum (Emeryville)

From 5:30 pm to 9 pm, drop off your kids, 2-8 years old, for play and fun at Habitot while you enjoy an evening out! Cheese pizza for dinner included. Cost is $50 per child, $30 for each additional sibling of the same immediate household. Tickets and Website>

Hanabi Judo (Albany)

Every first Saturday of the month from 6 pm to 9:30 pm (changes may apply in case of a tournament or holiday), kids will enjoy pizza, judo, games, and a movie with popcorn. Non-members are welcome to take advantage of the Kids Night Out. $30/child. Pizza is $5 per child. Website >

Head Over Heels (Emeryville)

Jump, flip and play at this favorite gymnastics gym. PNO is now by request only though, so at least 12 requests must be submitted to free up a Friday or Saturday at the gym. 6 pm -10:30 pm, play, movie and snack (you provide the snack). So grab some friends and put together a party! Website >

Monkey Business Camp (Berkeley)

This favorite local summer camp also used to offer Kids Night Out events pre-Covid. Word is they’re hoping to restart them again soon. Keep an eye on their Website >

Picassos at Play (Pleasant Hill)

From 5 to 8 pm, kids can enjoy themed art activities, games, and crafts. Ages 5-12 years old, includes pizza and snacks, for $40 (discounts for siblings). Website >

PlayGround (CastroValley)

Fridays from 5 to 8 pm are PNO at this fun indoor play space. For $60 per child, kids get to play, watch movies, play games, and more. The price includes pizza and two drinks. Website >

PRAM (Richmond)

If you’re a member of this local community group, you’re invited to a PNO where kids will play and enjoy themselves. Membership is about $7 a month, so if you think you’ll utilize PNO or the group’s other events, it may be very well worth it. Website>

Ruby’s Tumbling (Alameda)

This gymnastics gym offers monthly night care from 5 to 8 pm, one to two Saturdays a month. Your kiddos will get to tumble and play their little hearts out and come home ready for bed. Prices are $35 for three hours – $20 for the first sibling, and $15 for a second sibling. Website >

Swings and Wings (Alameda)

The indoor playspace offers twice-per-month date night drop-off childcare from 5:30 to 8:30 pm for $50 per child (discount codes available online for special sibling rates). Includes dinner, movie, treats, and playtime. For children ages 3 to 8. Must be potty trained. They sell out quickly, so plan ahead! Website >

The Busy Bee (Alameda)

Tucked into the South Shore Center in Alameda is this fun indoor play space. Children ages 3-8, who are comfortable with being dropped off are welcome. Dinner includes a slice of pizza (cheese or pepperoni), a juice box, and popcorn! Sleeping bags and pillows are encouraged for a comfortable viewing experience! Website >

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley (Berkeley)

This local church offers an evening of free childcare for parents to go out together, once a month from September through May on second Saturdays. Website >

Twirl (Alameda)

This popular Kids Night Out welcomes potty-trained kids ages 3-9 who may be dropped off for an evening of fun art projects and pizza. Offered from 6 to 9 pm for $50. Website >

Ultimate Sports Connection, Kids’ Night In (Concord)

Kids, ages 4 to 12, can do gymnastics, trampoline, and play inflatable games. Meal is not provided so pack a hearty snack. $65 per child ($55 if you sign up a week in advance!). Website > 

Yama Kids Yoga (Berkeley)

Kids’ Movie Night at Yama Kids is usually once a month on a Friday from 6 to 9 pm. Children watch a movie from the comfort of a yoga mat and are served pizza and popcorn. $40 per child; $20 for additional siblings. Website >

Before you drop off your child for a kids’ night out:

  1. Always make a reservation.
  2. Double-check the pick-up and drop-off times. You won’t want to miss a minute (or be late).
  3. Pack a bag (if needed). Do you need to provide a swimsuit, food, or jammies? Don’t forget the goods.
  4. Now, get out of there and have fun!

Our preschool hosts monthly kid parties where the children stick around until 11 pm, eat pizza, and fall asleep watching a movie. This setup is my measure for all other such programs. I’m excited that there are so many kinds to choose from in our area, starting for children as young as two.

Twister Kids Nights Out with Monkey Business Camp: every 2nd Saturday of the month!
Monkey Business Camp Kids Night Out is currently on hiatus

Do you have a favorite PNO location that we missed?

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5 thoughts on “Date Night: 18 East Bay Parents’ Night Out (PNO)”

  1. City of Berkeley is doing a PNO at Live Oak Community Center Friday, December 8, 2023 | 8 – 10 pm, wonder if they’ll do more. $20 per child (ages 5-13) with arts & crafts, a movie, and snacks to keep them busy. Details + registration on the recreation portal.

  2. Endenezjia Graham

    Hello and Happy Friday! I was so happy to find a way to get some much-needed time away from my daughter while she had fun in a safe environment. I plan to use these services soon and spread the good news to all my friends and fellow parents at my daughter’s elementary school. Thank you so much:)

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