Indoor Birthday Party Places on the Westside

The Cayton is a ball of fun! Photo courtesy of Gina Ragland

1. Cayton's Children's Museum — Santa Monica

Located in downtown Santa Monica, the Cayton Children's Museum offers 21,000 square feet of more than 20 discovery-based exhibits, art studios, and multi-purpose rooms for immersive play. From a real-life helicopter to a miniature marketplace, the Cayton offers a different experience every visit. Several private rooms are available for parties, and a rental includes unlimited access to play in the museum, assistance with cake service, a dedicated Cayton representative, biodegradable tableware, and a discount at the gift shop.

2. Los Virtuality — West LA & Northridge

Cutting-edge VR technology allows kids to explore virtual worlds and compete against each other in more than 40 VR games, VR laser tag, VR escape rooms, and VR racing simulators. Birthday parties take place in a private arcade space with room for up to 30 guests to share 10 VR simulators and four racing stations. Options range from games appropriate for kids starting at age seven to the most popular teen games. Parking is free, and food is BYO—plus, there is a mobile VR unit if you want the party somewhere else. 

3. CAMP Store — Century City 

No matter what is behind the "magic door" at the CAMP store, it's sure to be a recipe for the best party ever. At the time of this article, CAMP allows full buyouts of their Bluey x CAMP experience for birthday parties, and if you have a Bluey fan at home, this is a party a kid would never forget. The Camp Store rotates in new experiences every few months or so. Keep tabs on their website to see what experience will be active when your child's birthday rolls around and how this impacts booking a party. 

4. Heal the Bay Aquarium — Santa Monica

Petting anemones, touching sea cucumbers, and making faces at sharks surely won't put a damper on an indoor birthday party. A birthday party rental includes private use of the space, touch tanks, and staff to help with party set-up and take-down; add-ons include decorations, individualized animal presentations, storytimes, and more. One flat fee includes up to 65 kids, making "the whole class" (plus siblings and parents!) an affordable option.

5. Pamper & Play — West LA

Pamper & Play is a fantastic choice for indoor birthday party places for younger children. Every party theme at the indoor play space is customizable for your child. Kids can use the trampoline, play house, play structure, and more. 

A unique feature at Pamper & Play is that parties include play supervisors, who lead the kids in games and activities of your choosing, ranging from parachute games to arts and crafts to cupcake decorating. Even better for the grown-ups is a Parent Lounge that's 100% kid-free, so adult guests can relax in some peace as the party rages downstairs.

6. Santa Monica Pier Carousel — Santa Monica

If your kids love carousels, a party at an iconic Santa Monica landmark may be the perfect indoor spot. The historic carousel remains open to the public during most parties, but the birthday crowd gets a private roped-off area and unlimited rides on the merry-go-round for up to 30 kids. For a little extra, each kid gets a token for an ice cream sundae at the Soda Jerks old-fashioned ice cream fountain that shares space with the carousel. 

7. Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts — West Hollywood

What theater-loving kid wouldn't want to star in their own Broadway show for their birthday party? This one is a little pricey but will be a showstopping celebration as the party includes a theater performance with lights and sound. Directors come to the party, too. Some packages even include hair and makeup. 

8. Burton Chace Park — Marina del Rey 

This beauty of a park in the middle of Marina del Rey is probably best used outdoors, but sometimes you need those indoor birthday party places. Luckily, Burton Chace Park has an indoor community room available to rent in case the weather decides to rain on your parade. 

9. CatCafe Lounge — West LA 

How's this for thinking outside the box (and we don't mean the litter box)? West LA's CatCafe Lounge will let a group of cat-loving little ones (or big ones, for that matter) come in together to enjoy the cats and kittens. Private parties are available. Kids must be at least seven years old to attend, and there is a maximum of 15 attendees. Outside food is not permitted. 

10. Sender One LAX — West LA

The Sender One climbing space provides an awesome indoor birthday party for kids that love to test their limits. The Sender City party package can accommodate 20 participants (though you can have up to 30 with a fee per additional climber). Note that there's a required 1:3 parent-to-child ratio to help clip kids in and out of climbs. The party package includes one hour of climbing in Sender City and one hour in the party room.

11. American Girl Store — Century City 

Even the dolls get to celebrate at the all-pink cafe with a beautiful party room. Girls and their dolls can enjoy tea or a meal in the cafe and choose from multiple themes offered in the party packages. Reservations include a special table activity or craft. If you want to make the birthday girl feel exceptionally special, take her to the American Girl salon beforehand for a makeover, and let her doll get "all dolled up" as well. 

12. Wild Child Gym — Culver City 

Wild Child Gym provides an ideal setting for energetic birthday celebrations. Party packages include exclusive access to the play area, guided games, and activities led by experienced staff. Parents can sit back and relax as the dedicated party hosts take care of the details, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for kids and guests.

13. Santa Monica Playhouse — Santa Monica

Birthday parties are hassle-free at the Santa Monica Playhouse, as everything from entertainment to cleanup is taken care of for you. The Family Theater Birthday Package is the most popular option for ages two to 12, where a theater-themed party will include acting games. 

A theater performance is also included in the birthday packages, and the birthday boy or girl gets to go on stage to receive a gift, and everyone will sing Happy Birthday. 

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14. Imaginology Kids — Silver Lake

The Imaginology Kids party package immerses your celebration in the Earth, Wind, Water, or Light Labs, an intellectually stimulating twist on a birthday party! Each party reservation is for two hours, which includes playtime and a ceremony for food, drink, and cake at this Silver Lake spot. Three packages are available, each offering STEM discovery activities and more, with the Deluxe Party giving you private use of the space. 

15. PlayLab — Eagle Rock

Parties at PlayLab give you and up to 40 of your guests three to four hours of private use at this adorable space. Party equipment like tables and chairs are included, and a staff member will help with any party needs. You get full use of the indoor and outdoor spaces, and there is weather-protectant gear like umbrellas and canopies. 

16. Cineopolis Junior — Pico Rivera 

A movie theater with an indoor play space? Now, this is a venue that will wow any party guest. Cineoplis has a unique junior theater made with kids in mind, where you're tiny movie buff can check out a new family blockbuster and get up to tumble and play when they get too wiggly. While Cineopolis hosts parties and events, it may be easiest to buy a group package of tickets and set the kids free in this unique cinema. 

17. Bob Baker Marionette Theater — Highland Park

The historic Bob Baker Marionette Theater makes a whimsical and enchanting experience for indoor birthday party places. The Puppet Parlor Party Package recreates an old-fashioned birthday celebration and is available to book on Sundays. Party prices include tickets to the show, a backstage tour, and puppet meet-and-greets. 

In addition to the party package, a "birthday shout-out" is available for just $10 during a regular show where the birthday boy or girl goes on stage, a puppet gives them a birthday crown and gift, and the whole audience sings Happy Birthday. 

18. Lucky Strike — DTLA & Hollywood

Lucky Strike offers bowling parties with pizzazz. These bowling alleys are not that grimy spot on the corner with the vaguely disturbing shoes. Lucky Strike has an atmosphere that is slightly chic, slightly retro, and loads of fun. The food is better than those old-school bowling alleys, too. 

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Indoor skydiving makes for a birthday party they'll never forget. Photo courtesy of iFly Hollywood

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19. iFly Hollywood — Universal City

If you want to throw a party unlike anyone else's, consider taking a crew of kids skydiving—indoors! Universal CityWalk's iFly is a clear plastic vertical wind tunnel where your party guests ages three and up can don flight gear and ride the wind without the inconveniences of jumping out of an airplane. Kids are given lessons on how to ride the air currents and a certificate for the skydiving time. A basic party package divides flights among the guests; add-ons can include a private party room and DVDs of the experience for party favors.

20. Waterworks Pasadena — Pasadena

Just because your kid has a winter birthday doesn't mean they can't have a pool party! Rent the space at Waterworks in Pasadena, which boasts a pair of heated indoor pools to a comfortable 92 degrees. You can rent the pool for several hours on Saturdays or Sundays, and Waterworks will provide pool toys and rafts while facilitating pool games for your guests. 

Of course, Waterworks also provides deck guards to keep everyone safe. This party is available for kids one and up and is loads of fun for everyone, from babies to teens. 

21. Dream Elite Gymnastics — Woodland Hills

Boys and girls ages five and up can flip and tumble to the heart's desire. While the surrounding industrial park may be unassuming, this is a large space for kids to master handstands and cartwheels under expert supervision. There's a separate room for birthday cake and pizza eating, too. 

22. Moonlight Rollerway — Glendale

Go back in time (maybe choose a decades party theme?) at this classic roller rink in Glendale. Party packages include skate rentals, a birthday announcement during the skate session, reserved tables (not a party room), and pitchers of soda or lemonade. For an additional fee, order some classic roller rink snacks from the snack bar. Keep in mind that when it comes to outside food, Moonlight Rollerway only allows cupcakes or cake. 

23. LA Kings Ice at Pickwick Gardens — Toluca Lake 

Skate around the ice at a classic Toluca Lake establishment. Kids can enjoy practicing their axel jump (or sliding along with the aid of a skating walker). Then, head to the party room for pizza, cupcakes (no cutting service here), and presents. Pickwick will even provide balloons and tablecloths. 

24. Ultrazone — Sherman Oaks

Laser tag makes a thrilling option for indoor birthday party places. Ultrazone in Sherman Oaks will provide everything, including food, play, and even clean up! Birthday party packages include two shared games of laser tag (meaning that they're not private, so non-party members will be participating), a private, decorated party room for two hours, a party host, and unlimited soft drinks. Food and game tokens for the arcade are not included in the cost of the party package but are available as add-ons. 

25. The Cube — Santa Clarita 

Slice some ice at this fantastic ice rink in Valencia. The Cube has some of the most affordable birthday parties around. Any time of the year, aspiring ice princesses (or princes) can book a party complete with skate rentals and skating time, a party room, pizza, and beverages. If you want to kick the party up a notch, The Cube also offers "digital shootouts." 

26. Southern California Children's Museum — Pasadena

Hosting a birthday party at the Southern California Children's Museum guarantees a day of interactive fun and imaginative play. The museum offers private and semi-private packages that include all-day open play.  

27. Discovery Cube — Sylmar 

If your birthday kid wants to let their inner nerd shine, the Discovery Cube is the perfect place. Kids can have the run of the museum for a couple of hours, then head back to the party room for dinner and cake. Science demonstrations are available as an add-on. Kids can watch a scientist create incredible bubbles, a cauldron of slime, or some nitrogen-infused ice cream. 

28. My Little Paris — San Gabriel

One of the newest additions to the indoor party scene is My Little Paris Cafe & Play in San Gabriel. A French-themed play space and cafe offering a wide range of party options for little partiers (best for kids up to seven years old), from the frugal to the fantastic. Parties can be on weekends and weekdays, typically reserving your party semi-private or private access to the space for two hours. 

29. Pasadena Humane — Pasadena

Children can discover the heartwarming mission of Pasadena Humane while getting up close with shelter animals for a memorable birthday celebration. Two party packages are available: one for a small group (up to three kids) and one for a larger group of up to 15 kids. These are affordable options for animal-loving kids. 

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This indoor track makes your party weatherproof. Photo courtesy of K1 Speed: Indoor Kart Racing

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30. Adventureplex — Manhattan Beach

Adventureplex in Manhattan Beach is more than just an indoor jungle gym. With structures like rope courses, a rock climbing wall, mazes, tunnels, and more, kids can spend hours in this play space. The Adventure Party package can accommodate up to 15 children and includes a party host. The three-hour celebration at Adventureplex includes one hour in the play structure, one hour in the inflatable play area, and one hour of dining in a private room.

All parties at Adventureplex are now private celebrations and are so popular that you'll need to book this one well in advance. 

31. Olivia's Dollhouse — Lomita 

Give your princess her dream tea party at this child-friendly tea house. Party attendees can choose a ball gown, enjoy a makeover complete with nail painting, makeup, and hair styling, and then head to a fashion show to show off their new looks. After the fashion show, princesses be-decked in their finest are invited to have tea with the "birthday queen." 

32. K1 Speed: Indoor Kart Racing — Torrance, Burbank, & More Locations

What kid doesn't love to go fast? K1 Speed: Indoor Kart Racing takes the thrill of racing and brings it inside. You won't have to stress about weather conditions on the big day. K1 party packages require a minimum of eight riders and include two private 12-lap races, a one-hour party room rental, pizza, and soft drinks. There's a medal ceremony for the top three finishers (and, of course, a medal for the birthday kid). 

33. Top Golf — El Segundo, Ontario, & Montebello 

Got a golfer looking for a unique birthday party spot? Top Golf has youth birthday parties. Party packages are based on bays, with up to six players per bay. Two hours of Topgolf gameplay is included, and although Top Golf is an indoor/outdoor venue, you'll never be exposed to any elements. 

34. Looma Space — Lomita

A party at Looma Space is sure to impress both kids and adults. This aesthetic, sleek, and creative play space offers a full menu of delicious entrees (we're talking caprese sandwiches and bulgogi bowls for adults) as well as the classic pizza and french fries that kids expect at a birthday bash. Looma Space can take care of everything your birthday requires, from backdrops to table settings to a beautiful balloon garland. 

35. Scooter's Jungle — El Segundo, Placentia, & Ventura

My kids loved it when their friend had his party at Scooter's Jungle in El Segundo. This massive space features a variety of bounce houses and slides, and all parties are 100% private and are available all day, every day. Adult-sized inflatables mean that parents can bounce and play alongside their kids. 

36. Wonder of Dinosaurs — Redondo Beach

Parents of dino-lovers in Los Angeles are blessed with Wonder of Dinosaurs in Redondo Beach. Book a party room for the ultimate prehistoric birthday celebration. Guests have access to the activity center, which features a dinosaur exhibit with static and robotic dinos, mazes, bouncers, zoomers, and more. Plus, there are add-on activities like mini-golf, the "Triassic Train," a carousel, and "Ride-A-T-Rex." 

37. The Zimmerman — El Segundo  

The Zimmerman Automotive Museum makes a fun throwback option for an indoor birthday party. Drive into the retro-themed 1950s-inspired Ice Cream Station, with two hours of party time and up to 15 kids and 15 adults. There's a scavenger hunt activity, and each kid at the party receives a toy car.