It’s a fact: kids still have birthdays even though we’re under a shelter-in-place order. While a birthday party at an indoor play space isn’t a possibility right now, we can still celebrate virtually thanks to technology. The Bay Area has a ton of kids’ entertainers that have switched gears to live virtual parties that include fun activities scavenger hunts. Read on for our favorite Bay Area birthday party entertainers! 

Insect Discovery Lab

SaveNature.Org has developed an online program to bring science and nature to children during this difficult time. Our virtual Insect Lab features a variety of insects and other arthropods, which educators introduce LIVE to participants via video call. The presentation lasts 30-45 minutes. 

Cost: $125-150
Online: savenature.org

Music Time with Meghan

Meghan Schoebohm

If a music and dancing party sounds like an awesome way to celebrate a little one's birthday, let popular family singer/songwriter Meghan Schoebohm join the party. With two albums and a 2020 Parents Choice Award win under her belt, Meghan has been entertaining kids all over the Bay Area. Virtual parties via Zoom are interactive and engaging and last about 30 minutes. If your kid has a favorite song, just let Meghan know ahead of time and she’ll add it to the set list.

Cost: $150
Phone: 330-353-5656
Online: musictimewithmegan.com

Studio 4 Art

Studio 4 Art via Yelp

Arts and crafts are a popular activity for kids of all ages, and at Studio 4 Art, those six years and older can get creative with an at-home party! Materials are delivered to the home for each attendee and includes a shirt, all materials specific to the art project chosen and a goody bag of art supplies. Each party includes an hour of instruction and an additional 30 minutes afterwards to continue to hangout via Zoom. Example projects are clay sculptures, painting on canvas, t-shirt design, screen printing, mosaic frames and hand-sewn stuffies, as well as any special requests. 

Email: studio4artmarin@gmail.com
Cost: $295 for up to 8 participants and $20 per each additional party person

Online: studio4art.net

Cucu's Playhouse

Cucu's Playhouse via Yelp

Great for kids in immersion schools or anyone learning a different language, Cucu’s Playhouse is hosting music and movement parties in Spanish. The virtual package includes 30-40 minutes of music and activities with hand puppets and props that can be personalized with a favorite character or colors for the birthday kid. A greeting and personalized message, birthday song in Spanish and English are all part of it. Bonus: Marin residents can get a 20% discount on a toy purchase for the birthday boy or girl with next day delivery! 

Phone: 415-815-6035
Cost: $90 with available upgrades

Online: cucusplayhouse.com

Silly Circus Show

Bri Crabtree via Yelp

For up to 20 screens, kids ages 4-6 years old can watch a magic show, juggling act and be silly together with the help of the Silly Circus Show. Owner and performer, Bri Crabtree, has over 20 years experience in juggling, miming and magic and has entertained all over the world. The virtual parties are 30 minutes long and very interactive. Custom graphics are designed for the birthday kiddo and includes 10 minutes of “cake cutting time” so everyone can socialize after the show. 

Phone: 415-205-3219
Cost: $200

Online: sillycircusshow.com

Happily Ever Laughter

Happily Ever Laughter via Yelp

For the little princess (or prince) who likes everything magical, a visit from a fairy, pirate, princess or mermaid would definitely make the big day special. Choose a party package with up to five screens for multiple households, or a playdate package with just one screen for a smaller party, all happening via Zoom. Includes 30 minutes filled with magic, puppet appearances, silly songs and dance numbers. To up the magic, a special gift will be mailed to the birthday parents to hide until it’s time to find the gift (guided by the character). Note: The characters are not Disney but rather unique, one-of-a-kind characters found in a fairytale book).

Phone: 831-346-1196
Cost: $69 for Party Package (up to 5 screens) and $49 for Playdate Package
Online: happilyeverlaughter.com

Happy Bright Kids

Bright Happy Kids via Yelp

With performances all over the Bay Area, Jungle Joe and his crew of puppets are offering virtual parties to teach, engage and make birthdays a fun event. 30 minutes of live (no pre-recorded content), interactive puppet-magic and ventriloquism show specifically tailored to the birthday kid and includes a cake cutting song, group photo and a recording of the event to look back on. There is no guest limit and up to 100 computer/phones can connect to each party! 

Phone: 888-884-0043
Cost: $99

Online: happybrightkids.com

Slide Ranch

Located on the Marin coast, Slide Ranch has been on a mission to connect kids to nature through farming, cooking and animals. If your little one has been missing a visit to the farm to feed and brush the animals, a “zoom-to-farm” call would be a great birthday surprise. A tax-deductible donation will grant access to a teacher-led tour of the 134-acre farm and coastal land, cameo appearances by lamb triplets, virtual bottle feeding and the feeding of a healthy birthday treat to one of the goats on screen!

Phone: 415-381-6155
Cost: $250 tax-deductible donation

Online: slideranch.org

The Dream Top

The Dream Top via Yelp

Perfect for the 3-8 age range, Dream Top is all about taking kids on an imagination adventure that is sure to get them moving and laughing in no time. Choose from a variety of characters like Snow Queen (Elsa), Rainbow Unicorn, Superhero or Flower Fairy for a one hour non-stop show. Every party includes a personalized, short interactive performance, movement game, scavenger hunt (with all the details given to parents ahead of time) and even a segment to help little ones be heroes by explaining what they can do while staying home and safe. Note: booking is done two months in advance so plan ahead if this sounds like a great fit!

Cost: $129 (drops to $79 with referral discounts)
Online: thedreamtop.com

Snapology

Snapology

Great for older kiddos who love to build and play with friends, Snapology is hosting virtual parties and playdates for up to 20 of your child’s friends. An instructor will lead all participants in a fun and engaging activity where everyone can hang out in a creative and safe space. The party is customizable and will discuss the theme and activity beforehand as well as send a link via Zoom to all participants 30 minutes before the party starts. The only supplies needed are a small bin of LEGO bricks and everyone's imagination! 

Phone: 408-341-9510 (Los Gatos location, with various locations around the Bay Area)
Cost: $100

Online: snapology.com

—Sandra Lee

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