If the memories of last year’s spilled juice on your carpet, smashed birthday cake in your sofa, and the sheer havoc that fifteen toddlers can create, hasn’t faded yet, maybe this is the year to consider a different venue for your munchkins’ annual celebration. Imagine having all the fun of a kid’s birthday party: ice cream, cake, party games, with none of the stress: planning, organizing, clean up. These six fun, and unique birthday party spots will definitely take the pressure off, so you can take it easy and enjoy the celebration, instead of being a stressed out mess.
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Santa Monica
If your little one is up for a true ocean adventure, try the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Located directly under the Santa Monica Pier on the beach, this aquarium and education center is dedicated to community outreach and conservation. The tanks are filled with native California ocean life. You and up to 25 little ocean explorers will have the run of the place for two hours. The aquarium is staffed with a friendly, knowledgeable team who will lead activities, read stories, and help answer questions at the touch tank. For the bravest of birthday boys and girls, shark touching or feeding can be added on to the party package.
1600 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, Ca 90401
310-393-6149 ext. 102
Online: healthebay.org
Books and Cookies, Santa Monica
Have a favorite storybook? The team at Books and Cookies will customize your party to fit your little one’s favorite book. With a lovely party room, yummy cookie decorating, and playful, interactive story time, you and up to 15 little party guests are sure to have a wonderful celebration. Best part? You don’t have to clean-up!
2230 Main Street
Santa Monica, Ca 90405
310-362-3103
Online: booksandcookiesla.com
Tree House Social Club, Beverly Hills
The Tree House Social Club is the perfect spot when you have more grownups than little kids on your invite list. With a gourmet menu and a polished modern-looking seating area, your adult guests are sure to be impressed. Even better, your tiny guests will love the amazing tree house inspired play structure, game rooms and arts and craft areas. The Tree House Social Club has become a bit of celebrity hot spot, so wear dark glasses and keep your eyes peeled for the paparazzi.
426 South Robertson Boulevard
Los Angeles, Ca 90048
310-288-3024
Online: thetreehousesocialclub.com
Giggles N’ Hugs, Century City
Located at the Westfield Century City Shopping Mall, the newly opened Giggles N’ Hugs boasts a 6,100 square foot restaurant and play space. They can accommodate virtually any size party, from a few friends from the birthday girl’s class to the birthday boy’s entire t-ball league. A pirate ship themed play structure is at the center of the area, and the menu ranges from jumbo sized pizzas to health-conscious, organic salads.
10250 Santa Monica Boulevard #155
Los Angeles, Ca 90067
310-553-4847
Online: gigglesnhugs.com
The Coop, Studio City
Fresh, bright and modern, The Coop has everything you would want for a fantastic kid’s party: a massive ball pit, a cool electric dance floor, and a huge spiral slide. Your guests will rave about this spot long after the party is over. They offer a wide range of options and add-ons too, so you can customize your kiddo’s perfect party.
11118 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, Ca 91604
818-760-9613
Online: thecoop-la.com
Bright Child, Oak Park
The folks at Bright Child are the birthday party experts. If you are looking for a completely stress free party option, this is the place for you. A Bright Child party includes access to their huge indoor play area, a private room for pizza and cupcakes, and a party host, who handles everything, from kid-wrangling to clean up. You can also add some laser tag, a great way to burn off some of that post-cake sugar rush.
618 Lindero Canyon Road
Oak Park, Ca 91377
818-338-8888
Online: brightchildusa.com
–Kate Woodruff Felton
photo courtesy of Books and Cookies
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