Indoor Birthday Party Places in San Francisco

1. Aquarium by the Bay—Pier 39

Celebrate the big day under the sea at Aquarium by the Bay in San Francisco. See and touch more than 24,000 aquatic animals, from sea otters, sharks, octopuses, and bat rays. Outside food and drinks are allowed, and add-ons include a welcome visit from Ollie the Otter mascot, animal encounters, and a VIP private tour of the aquarium.

 
Little scientists will enjoy a birthday party at Cal Academy. Photo courtesy of the California Academy of Arts and Sciences

2. California Academy of Arts and Sciences—Golden Gate Park

Bring your little scientist, age 2-12, to the Cal Academy for a very special birthday celebration. With different packages, including "Creature Crafts," "Canopy Quest," and "Small Fry Storytime," kids will have a great time. Parties include admission to the museum, all decorations, and a goody bag for each guest. Note that parties are booked only on Saturdays and Sundays, and they book up fast.

3. House of Air—Presidio

For kids who want to jump, House of Air is an ideal spot to let them do just that. Packages are grouped for 3-6 year-olds and 7-12 year-olds and are all-inclusive. The one or two-hour party includes a private room, grip socks for each guest, pizza, drinks, a party attendant for setup and cleanup, and plenty of time to jump. 

4. Lush Cosmetics—Multiple Locations

Have a child who is all about skincare and bath bombs? Lush Cosmetics offer parties for kids 5 and older, with games, activities, and a kit to make their own product to take home, mking it a very cool party idea for older kids. The guest of honor gets a special take-home gift as well. 

5. Subpar Mini Golf—San Francisco

Take a tour around San Francisco and hit all the popular landmarks through a game of mini golf. Parties include a round of 19 holes for all ages, a private party room, and arcade game cards to play before or after. For older kids, the lights can be dimmed down and music turned up for glow golf.

6. The Rabbit Hole Theater—Noe Valley

Whimsical, engaging, themed parties for little ones, ages 3-8 years old, are at the core of this San Francisco spot with options for parties in the studio or at home. Whether your little one is into rainbow unicorns, marvelous monsters, warrior princesses, or space explorers, this children's theater can make it happen. The party includes custom decorations, theater games, crafts, art supplies, and activities.

Indoor Birthday Party Places in East Bay

7. High Scores Arcade—Alameda

For a retro vibe that parents and kids will both love, check out High Scores Arcade in Alameda. Play unlimited games for two hours, including favorites such as Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Tetris, Pac Man and more. Bring your wn food and drinks and enjoy the party. 

8. Junior Center of Art and Science—Oakland

If your little one likes science and art, a party at the Junior Center is a great choice. All parties (up to 14 kids) include a hands-on project led by an instructor and access to the play space and animal room. Outside food is allowed, and while balloons are allowed, they cannot be used outside as the center is next to an animal sanctuary. The art projects can also get messy, so keep that in mind when picking out that birthday outfit. 

9. Lost Worlds—Livermore

Step inside the 45,000-square-foot indoor entertainment center in Livermore for a day of pre-historic dinosaur fun. With so many activities such as glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, obstacle course with rock climbing, laser tag, a huge playground, and arcades throughout, this spot will have kids tired and happy. Birthday rooms are available with optional add-ons such as slime making and bowling. 

10. Oakland Ice Center—Oakland 

Do you have the skating bug after visiting all the fantastic Bay Area ice rinks during the holidays? Oakland Ice Center is open for birthday parties, and includes two hours of skating, with lessons and games for up to 10 guests. Skating is part of the public skating session. While all ages are welcome, it is recommended for kids ages 3 and up, as the smallest skates available to rent are a size 6. 

11. SoFive Soccer Center—Alameda

Choose between a sports or inflatable party so kids can run free, hang out with their friends, and celebrate the big day as you sit back and enjoy the fun. Kids into sports can play flag football or dodgeball. Or if they would prefer to jump around, inflatable slides, bounce houses, and basketball hoops are available at the inflatable party. Packages include two hours of play time, a room, and party setup and cleanup. Parties are for up to 15 kids, and outside food is allowed except for pizza and alcoholic beverages. 

12. Sticky Art Lab—Berkeley

Create tangible memories with friends while chatting, laughing, and making art to take home. The art space in Berkeley lets you have the whole studio and outdoor courtyard to yourselves for two hours, with a one-hour instructor-led reuse/craft project that is age appropriate. Kids can build with cartons, paper, wood, corks, and fabrics to create something unique depending on the interests and likes of the birthday kid. 

RELATED: 100 Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids Before They Grow Up

 
Creativity and art will keep kids entertained at Twirl. Photo courtesy of Twirl

13. Twirl—Alameda

This beautiful play space in Alameda is a favorite of East Bay parents. Accommodations include up to 45 guests and 12 kids, and packages include pinwheel party favors, a party attendant, and canvas stamping for the birthday boy or girl. While the space is full of fun things to play and explore, Twirl has some cool add-ons, including a guided art project, a cotton candy or popcorn machine, and face painting. 

Indoor Birthday Party Places in North Bay/Marin County

14. Bay Area Discovery Museum—Sausalito

Birthday parties are special at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. While a higher-priced option, it's definitely a party your birthday kid and guests will remember, especially with the beautiful backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge. Three rooms are available depending on the size of the party, with each one including a group activity such as costume design and a transportation device, along with add-on options such as a photo booth and gift bags. All guests receive free admission to the museum for the day. 

15.  Crown and Crumpet—Ross

For an elevated birthday experience, invite guests for a proper tea party at Crown and Crumpet in Marin County for your 7-12 year-old. Age-appropriate crafts, party favors, and two rounds of Tea Party Bingo are included in the price, along with traditional tea sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Adults are part of the party and are served the classic afternoon tea service. Younger kids can fly in a fairy vehicle to keep them entertained.

16. Fox & Kit—San Rafael

For a complete turnkey event that includes cake, Fox & Kit in San Rafael has you covered. Choose a theme such as princess, robot, under the sea, and others, and let the party planners take over. The "Foxtravagant Celebration" includes cupcakes, a birthday banner, drinks, gift bags, a barista, and all utensils for two hours of private party fun. Available extras such as an open espresso bar are an enticing and appreciated addition for adults needing a little pick-me-up. 

17. The Cave Gymnastics—Corte Madera

Little gymnasts will flip over the moon to celebrate the big day with a gymnastics or parkour (or combo) themed party. Kids 4-13 will get warmed up, learn some skills, and have structured free play for 90 minutes before going inside for pizza and cake. Parties are reserved for Saturdays and Sundays only with a max of 10 kids. 

18. Tutu School—Various Locations

With locations all over the Bay Area, including Larkspur, birthday parties at Tutu School are beyond adorable. Each party includes a dress-up, mini ballet class, a special birthday story, crown craft, a cupcake picnic with all the guests, and party favors. Keepsakes and games are optional add-ons depending on the Odette, Cinderella, or Sugar Plum Fairy package. Get those tutus ready.

Indoor Birthday Party Places in the Peninsula

19. CuriOdyssey—San Mateo

This San Mateo museum is a popular spot to take kids on a rainy day, so hosting a birthday party here is a no-brainer. With free admission to the museum and a dedicated party space, it's a great way to let kids explore, learn, and hang out with friends. Outside food and drinks are allowed, as well as decorations, except for noisemakers, glitter/confetti, balloons, or animals. Members enjoy a discount for all party packages. 

20. Imagination City—San Mateo

For imaginative kids who love to play dress up, go on pretend adventures, and create stories, check out Imagination City. Recently opened at the Hillsdale Mall, this facility also hosts birthday parties. Kids can walk around a make-believe neighborhood, cook in a pretend kitchen, go grocery shopping, and travel wherever their imaginations take them. Party package pricing depends on size and day of the week and includes a staff member to help with setup and cleanup. Bring all the decorations, including food, drinks, and cake, and then let the kids play. 

21. K1 Speed—South San Francisco

Little Lighting McQueens can race and drive to their heart's content here. Indoor go-kart racing includes an actual 12-lap qualifying and final event race, with medals and a podium ceremony for the top racers (and the birthday kid). Celebrate in a private-themed room with pizza and drinks. Want more? Include a games package that features arcade cards for each guest. 

22. La Petite Playhouse—Redwood City

Hassle-free party planning is the name of the birthday game at this undersea playland in Redwood City. The basic party package includes 75 minutes of play time followed by 40 minutes in a private room, a photo booth, free parking, and a party attendant to help with setup and cleanup. A party menu is available that includes pizza, chicken wings, and more, and you are welcome to bring a birthday cake and other decorations. 

RELATED: Free Museum Days for Kids in San Francisco 

 
Enjoy all the inflatable fun birthday wishes are made of at Pump It Up. Photo courtesy of Pump It Up

23. Pump It Up—Belmont

Inflatables are a big hit with kids. This venue provides a safe place to run, jump, and bounce all that energy out. Turnkey party packages are available rain or shine. Every party is a private event, meaning you don't have to worry about sharing the space with other kids. It's also customizable depending on the number of kids, add-ons (including a balloon drop or glow party), and food needed. No outside food is allowed, making this an easy party to plan. 

24. Safari Run—San Mateo

Go on a play safari for your little one's birthday at Safari Run in either San Mateo or Sunnyvale. Party packages include an hour of playtime with a staff member who can play games with the kids or supervise unstructured play. There's also an option for time in the arcade, followed by cake and food in the private, decked-out safari-themed room. Heated food such as pizza is not allowed if brought in. Cold appetizers, as well as cake or cupcakes are allowed. Safari Run is a nut-free facility, so all food that comes in needs to follow those guidelines.

Indoor Birthday Party Places in South Bay

25. Cucina Bambini—San Jose

Little foodies can step into the shoes of a chef at this adorable cooking school for kids. Ideal for up to 40 guests, kids get a two-hour cooking class, chef's hat and aprons, cupcake decorating time, and pink lemonade to celebrate the day. Choose from making a pizza (with toppings), fresh pasta with pesto, alfredo, or marinara sauce, or making cupcakes from scratch and learning how to decorate them. Parties are planned for ages 3 and older and can be any day of the week. 

26. LEGOLAND Discovery Center — Milpitas

LEGO lovers will enjoy celebrating a birthday at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Choose from an "Awesome," "Awesomer," or "Awesomest" party package that includes free admission to all the play activities, rides, and 4D movie theater, along with cupcakes and drinks. Downloadable complimentary invitations are available. Reservations should be made two weeks in advance. 

27. Lucky Strike—Milpitas

Bowlero in Milpitas has parties for kids 4-12 years old and teens 13-19. The parties are customizable, and you'll work with a party planner to hash out all the details including food, how long to bowl, and any extras such as laser tag or arcade games. Bowlero offers lightweight balls and bumper rails to make every game enjoyable for any age. Entrees, two hours of bowling, and shoe rentals are all included for teens. 

 
A birthday party at Luv 2 Play will keep the kids jumping. Photo courtesy of Luv 2 Play 

28. Luv 2 Play—San Jose

A play space for the littlest of birthdays (starting at 5 months old), Luv 2 Play has four party packages available depending on guest size and add-ons. While you can go basic, the extra additions of a kids meal (cheese pizza), a month of playdate passes, game cards, and mini cupcakes are worth it. This play space is ideal for infants and toddlers and is a perfect spot for crawlers and new walkers. 

29. Whirlygig—San Jose

For a Pinterest-worthy play space that is not only modern and beautiful but fun to play in, check out Whirlygig in San Jose. Parties are in beach or farm-themed rooms, with the basic package including private play, decorations, and drinks. The ultimate party package includes a theme, group activities, and decor designed by party planners and artists.