Just like that, another year has passed which means it’s birthday time! You’ve got to celebrate the occasion at a spot that’s fun for the kids but also works for you. From ballerina-themed parties to bounce-off-the-wall action, the Peninsula has it all. Allow us to lend a hand by sharing our top picks that are sure to delight the birthday superstar. Let the planning begin!
Grins n' Giggles - Burlingame
Grins n' Giggles
This extra-special spot just opened and we could not be more thrilled. Grins ‘n’ Giggles party space was designed with specialized indoor and outdoor play structures to accommodate children of all abilities and accessible for those with special needs and disabilities. Best of all, it’s available year-round, rain or shine. Grins ‘n’ Giggles is staffed by credentialed early childhood educators with experience in caring for children of all abilities, who will help parents plan a fun-filled day of activities, which could include face painting, art projects, bounce house jumping, parachute games and guided play.
Cost: Starts at $350 for 90 minutes and up to 20 children Ages: Ideal for ages 2-5 Online: grinsngiggles.org
Tutu School, Redwood City
If you’ve got a small group of dancers who are all about pirouettes and plies, check out Tutu School. This chain of dance studios welcomes little princesses (and princes) with a birthday party complete with dress up, crown craft, ballet class with a real costumed ballerina, performance of a birthday story and a cupcake picnic. Make sure you have your camera ready!
Cost: Starts at $475 for 90 minutes and up to 10 children Ages: All ages Phone: 650-362-3183 Online: tutuschool.com
For up to 10 guests, birthday invitees can get crafty in a space dedicated to let kids of any age explore the world of art. Choose from three themes according to age including super heroes, unicorns or a polymer clay project. Bring your own food, beverages and utensils to make the celebration even more special. Guests can take home their project at the end of the event.
Cost: Starts at $350 for 90 minutes and up to 10 children Ages: Split by age including 1-4, 5-8 and 8 & up Phone: 650-343-4119 Online: scribblemehappy.com
Planet Granite, Belmont
Whether a newbie or veteran to climbing, Planet Granite makes it super easy to learn the ropes. For a birthday party that will get the kids ready for naptime in no time, two hours gets a session with a staff member to teach the ins and outs of rock climbing. With a 6:1 student to teacher ratio, it’ll give the birthday girl or boy an experience to remember. Note that food and drinks are not available to host at the facility.
Cost: Starts at $100 for six children Ages: 5-18 years old Phone: 650-591-3030 Online: planetgranite.com
CuriOdyssey, San Mateo
A big space with an educational spin, CuriOdyssey in San Mateo will engage kids of all ages. With free admission for the entire day as a part of the package, partygoers will be treated to a private space for two hours with food, cake and beverages. Their special sauce is the educational add-ons on Saturday-only parties that includes interests like Seriously Fun Science (building marble rollercoasters, for instance) and Wonderful Wildlife (animals who camouflage).
Cost: Starts at $300 for two hours of private party space and 24 people Ages: All ages Phone: 650-340-7565 Online: curiodyssey.org
La Petite Playhouse, Redwood City
If your birthday kid is all about Dory and Nemo, La Petite Playhouse might be the perfect venue. The 10,000-square-feet undersea-themed space guarantees a fun time for all ages, even the little ones. Food and beverages can be ordered through the playhouse, making it a super easy turnkey celebration. Done and done.
Cost: Starts at $399 for 20 children and 30 adults Ages: All ages Phone: 650-642-9444 Online: lapetiteplay.com
Party animals can let loose at this jungle-themed play space complete with obstacle courses, tunnels, mazes and slides. Birthday packages include an hour in the play structure followed by cake and celebrations, with optional extra time at the arcade. If you don't want to find a caterer or bring in your own food, Safari Run has the option to order from Seniore Pizza.
Cost: Starts at $450 for 20 children Ages: All ages Phone: 650-342-1977 Online: safarirun.com
Modern and creative, this neighborhood café and design studio space is perfect for littles looking for something a bit more sophisticated. While the basic package offers two hours in the space to make it your own, our favorite is the HoneyComb Crafttea Package that sets everything up for a petite party with crafts and afternoon tea. With different themes for both boys and girls, it’s one party that is totally photo-ready.
Cost: Starts at $395 for two hours and 45 guests Ages: All ages Phone: 650-554-0515 Online: mintsandhoney.com
If the thought of hosting a play date birthday party at your house has crossed your mind, check out Rec Room Creative in Burlingame instead. Kids 6 & under will love this open play space designed to spark creativity and imagination. For birthdays, the space is reserved just for your party, with additional options including a fun craft project (sparkle slime making, for example) and favor buffet. Rec Room also partners with a lot of cool businesses for food (not just pizza), decorations and even charities.
Cost: Starts at $250 for a private event up to 35 people; limited days and times Ages: 6 & under Phone: 650-993-9097 Online: recroomcreative.com
Here’s a playground that’s a go no matter the weather. With giant inflatables guaranteed to get kids of all ages some serious bounce time, Pump It Up loves hosting birthday parties (they even have a blow up birthday throne). Packages can be customized to give you exactly what you want at a price you’re comfortable with, and booking is super easy with an all-online system.
Cost: Starts at $239 for up to 10 guests and includes food and drinks Ages: All ages but kids under 34 inches are not allowed on the inflatables Phone: 650- 352-5867 Online: pumpitupparty.com
If your kid is already in gymnastics, a birthday party where the trampoline, foam-filled pit, climbing wall and parachute are all yours might just make his or her day. Birthday packages include an hour of instructor-led games and activities followed by 30 minutes in the party room. It’s guaranteed to be a fun time for all, with no prior gymnastics experience needed.
Cost: Starts at $235 for up to 18 children Ages: 2.5-12 years old Phone: 650-294-4650 Online: peninsulagym.com
For a truly stress-free birthday party for crawlers and preschoolers, check out Hop N Play in San Bruno. Located in the Shops at Tanforan, little ones under 48” can spin, turn and roll around in California’s first and only soft playground. Birthday parties include unlimited playtime, an evite-designed invitation template and a staff member dedicated to make sure the details are taken care of so you can enjoy the special day.
Cost: Starts at $199 on a weekday for up to 13 children (adults are free) Ages: Crawlers to preschool age Phone: 650-590-0929 Online: hopnplay.com
Diddalidoo, San Bruno
No need to share the space with other kids’ birthday parties or drop-in guests you don’t know. Parties at Diddalidoo are completely private, making it a great venue for even the smallest of birthday VIP’s 0-4 years old. The entire play center including three separate play areas, a café and a quiet room is yours for two hours. Birthday packages come with a customized invitation to print or email guests as well as a return play pass for the birthday child and siblings.
Cost: Starts at $375 for up to 10 children and 20 adults Ages: 0-4 years old Phone: 650-741-9065 Online: diddalidoo.com
—Sandra Lee
Advertisement
Advertisement
Tired new parent?
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter packed with expert tips and simple solutions that make life with baby less exhausting—and more fun.
