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. Occasional Saturdays from 5:30 to 8 pm. For kids ages 5 and older. $60/child includes food and materials. Website >

Axé Oakland (Oakland)

Parents’ Night Out every last Friday from 5:30 to 9 pm, $40 for one child, $75 for two. Capoeira, pizza, games, and an outdoor movie. Axé is a Black-owned business. Website >

Color Me Mine (Alameda)

The Painting & Pizza Kids Workshop is exactly what it sounds like; kids learn a new pottery painting technique and eat pizza. Occasional Saturdays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. For kids 6+. $45/child. Website >

Encore Gym (Walnut Creek)

Located in the Shadelands SportsMall, the gymnastics center hosts Parents’ Night Out on occasional Saturdays from 6:30 to 9:30 pm for kids 3 to 11 years old. Must be potty trained. $45 per child. Website >

Habitot Children’s Museum (Emeryville)

Bay Street Emeryville makes for an easy evening out when you can drop the littles at Habitot. Periodic Fridays from 5:30 to 9 pm for ages 2-8 years old. Cheese pizza for dinner is included. $45 per child, $35 for each additional sibling of the same immediate household. Tickets and Website >

Hanabi Judo (Albany)

Hanabi Judo usually holds a Parents’ Night Out on the first Saturday of the month from 6 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. $35 per child. Pizza is $5 per child. Website >

Head Over Heels (Emeryville)

PNO is now by request for groups of 12-32 for either Friday or Saturday from 6 to 10:30 pm at this gymnastics facility. Kids play, watch a movie, and eat snacks (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. Varies between ages 4-13 depending on theme and project. Kids Night Out 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 $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 night care from 5 to 8 pm, on some Saturdays based on demand. 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 Friday 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. Website >

The Busy Bee (Alameda)

The Busy Bee indoor play space is tucked into the South Shore Center in Alameda. Friday movie night is from 6 to 9 pm for $40 per child (siblings save $5), ages 3-8. Includes a slice of pizza (cheese or pepperoni), a juice box, and popcorn. Sleeping bags and pillows are encouraged. 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 3-10 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 (Concord)

Kid’s Night In is for ages 4 to 12 on certain Saturday nights from 5:30 to 9 pm. Kids 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 Saturday 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.

Do you have a favorite PNO location that we missed?

xxx