Living in southern California means you can throw your child a birthday party that just wouldn’t be possible in other areas of the country. Use these ideas to help plan your child’s next birthday party!
American Girl Place – Los Angeles
Westfield Century City Mall
If your favorite girl is a fan of American Girl, plan her next birthday party there. A variety of party packages are available. Some are for girls as young as 3 and last for 1 hour, while other party packages are designed for girls 8 and older, and can last 90 minutes. The birthday girl will enjoy celebrating her special day with her favorite dolls and her favorite friends.
Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A party at the beach! The Aquarium hosts children’s birthday parties with three different party packages to choose from. Regardless of which package you select, you can feel confident knowing that your child will have a unique party experience. All parties include a story time, a take-home craft activity, as well as guided touch tank exploration, and 2 hours to enjoy the Aquarium for you and your guests.
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027
If your child is an animal lover, then the Los Angeles Zoo is the place for a birthday party! Parties are hosted for 2 hours, and packages depend on the number of guests. You can also add-on different party activities such as face painting or a caricature artist, and you can order food or supply your own. (All party guests are required to have a Zoo admission ticket. A group discount rate may apply for parties of 15 or more).
Catalina Express Birthday Promotion
leaving out of Long Beach or San Pedro
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate a birthday (without hosting a large party), Catalina Island is an option worth exploring. Catalina Express offers the birthday guest of honor a free ride on his/her birthday (with proof). Once you’re on Catalina Island, take advantage of a variety of birthday promotions including free miniature golf, a free game of bowling, free admission to Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, and more.
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037
The California Science Center doesn’t offer specific birthday party packages, but if your child is interested in science, it’s a great place to celebrate. Invite a few friends along and make a day of it! (General admission is free, but tickets are required for IMAX films as well as the Journey to Space exhibit (which will also grant you admission to see the space shuttle Endeavour).
Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
If your child is interested in butterflies or dinosaurs or gemstones (or all of the above), then the Natural History Museum may be the perfect venue for your next birthday party! Parties are 1 1/2 hours in duration and include the help of a party host, general Museum admission, crafts and related activities, paper goods, and a private party area. (Parents are responsible for all food, cake, and beverages for the guests).
Griffith Park
west of the Golden State Fwy (I-5), between Los Feliz Blv. on the south, and the Ventura Fwy (SR 134) on the north
With so much to do in one setting, you can tailor the birthday celebration to your child’s personal preferences. Young ones might enjoy spending time at the Pony Rides. Party-goers can ride a few laps, go on a wagon ride, and enjoy a miniature train ride. There are grassy areas and picnic tables nearby too. If your child prefers trains, then plan a party at Travel Town. There are even certain railroad cars that can be rented for birthday parties. Or, take advantage of the number of party-friendly areas. Hang a pinata from a tree, decorate the picnic tables, set up some outside games, and have a party in the L.A. sunshine!
Disneyland
1313 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802
If your child is a Disney fan, then maybe the best place to celebrate her birthday is the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Disneyland will help you plan with special cake and dining options that are available. You can even arrange to dine with a favorite character. And be sure to stop by City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. so that the birthday child can receive a special birthday button to wear throughout the special day.
Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038
If the birthday child is a television or movie buff, or has acting aspirations, consider a studio tour for your next birthday celebration. Paramount Pictures is the longest operating studio in Hollywood. They offer 3 different tours (each one at least 2 hours long), and visitors must be at least 10 years old.
LEGOLAND California
One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
If the birthday child enjoys building with LEGOs, LEGOLAND does host a a series of birthday parties. Several different packages are offered, and some only require a minimum of 6 guests. Party packages include lunch and birthday cake and various LEGO activities.
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