Children's Birthday Party Venues in San Diego, California

Ah yes, the annual birthday party for the kids can turn into quite the head-scratcher. Who (or what) is in right now? Should you invite a gaggle of kids or just a select few? Are you in competition with the Joneses from next door or do you need to top your efforts from last year? Finally - how much is it going to cost you?

If you consider the Corvette Diner at 3946 5^th Avenue (that's in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood) you might have found a way out of the dilemma. Roughly $300 will buy you transportation to and from the diner in an eight passenger limousine. Once arrived, your birthday boy or girl and friends will be treated to party favors, a cheeseburger, soda and dessert. The music is that safe 1950s fare that includes none of the four letter words you need to look out for these days, and if you party on Tuesday or Wednesday, you get the added benefit of having a magician come in and perform. You may make a reservation by calling 619-542-1476 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Remember that the limo package is only available on weekdays!

For the somewhat older child (at least 7 or older) who enjoys the fast paced action of laser tag, San Diego's Ultrazone at 3146 Sports Arena Boulevard is a great choice. Keep in mind that children younger than seven are not permitted to play, and thus younger siblings might need to be taken to a sitter if your older child parties here! The hosted birthday party package is nothing to sniff at and when you consider that about $190 feeds, treats, and occupies eight kids under the supervision of a host, you know you got off cheap! Call 619-221-0100 and reserve your time slot now.

For the somewhat younger set, the Model Railroad Museum is just the thing. A party room is provided for your and on weekend days you can reserve the Pacific Beach Room for only $150 which buys you two hours. If you spend an extra $100, you will also get goodies for the kids and special invites. Adults pay extra for their admission ($3 per adult) which is not too expensive. Call 619-696-0199 to get more info and then head on down to 1649 El Prado (Balboa Park).

If water's your kids' game, then Belmont Park's the name! Located at 3146 Mission Boulevard, a plethora of party packages exist, but by and large you will find that $24 pays for each party bound individual taller than 4"2' while $18.45 pays for those who fall below that height requirement. The minimum number being 8, you and your little party goers will enjoy unlimited passage on all rides - with the exception of the FlowRider - and refreshments. Bring your own cake and ice cream. Call 858-228-9300 to discuss the various options and find one that will be appropriate for your child's age group.

The brainy kids who love the hands on experiences that the Reuben Fleet Science Center provides will enjoy the birthday party package that has been put together there! A decorated party room with cake and soda away your child and at least nine of her or his closest friends. A party host is present to get the party going and from there your party will have access to all of the exhibits for the entire day. The cost is $16 for members and $21 for non-members with the admission of two adults being included - a thoughtful move that is rarely seen by these bigger venues. Add on as many exciting extras as you like - IMAX admission, science workshop, pizza and more - and you can pretty much custom tailor your party to fit your child's preferences and your credit card's spending limit. Call 619-238-1233 (extension 806) to discuss your reservation and then trek on over to 1875 El Prado to be amazed!

If your kids' friends have parents who love to be in on the action, then perhaps a party at the Air & Space Museum might be more budget friendly. Located at 2001 Pan American Plaza (Balboa Park), birthday packages include the cost of admission for 15 kids and 15 adults, the time of a host to guide them, time on the patio for a party (bring your own cake and paper goods!), and of course goody bags! Kids can build Alka-Seltzer rockets, foam flyers and other things. The cost is $300 for members and $350 for non-members and party days are Saturdays and Sundays at either 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM. Call 619-234-8291 (extension 119) to reserve your spot very early on.

If money is no object and you want the ultimate children's party experience, then there is only one venue that will let you do it right: Sea World! Check the online calendar for hours, and then stroll over to the picnic venue section of the site where you will be able to put together that perfect party package with buffet access, emcee, and costumed character who will come and visit. Plug in all the information and before long a helpful venue coordinator and you can iron out the details and you and your group of celebrants will be en route to 500 SeaWorld Drive. Yes, it is perhaps the most expensive way to party, but if you are looking to create unforgettable memories, it is pretty much the only way to go. (Just don't think about having to top this next year when junior's birthday rolls around!)

Okay, so maybe you are worried about what you will do next year. Here is a suggestion - and it's not cheap either: why not have your child and 19 of her closest friends spend the night on the longest serving aircraft carrier! The USS Midway Museumat 910 North Harbor Drive will take your young ones off your hands at 4:30 PM and return them the next morning at 9:30 AM. The downside is the price of $85 per person, while the upside is the fact that you and possibly 19 other couples will have the night to themselves while the kids are taking tours, play scavenger hunts, eat dinner, and are supervised the whole time. Parents will love to chip in to help you cover the expense and when you call 619-398-8247 you will have the chance to get more information and also set a date (sometime between Wednesday and Saturday). Granted, it is not an official birthday party package (actually, it is called the overnight program) but if you all meet together at your house for lunch, cake, ice cream and present opening and then let the party continue on someone else's watch, you will get the best of both worlds!