Birthday Party Ideas for Kids

Birthday party ideas for kids and teens. Plan a great party for your kids birthday. Involve them in the planning, or make it a surprise. Either way, they will have a great time.

We've had parties at home some of the time, especially during nice weather. Many parents and kids choose to have their kids birthday party outside the home, to allow for fun party activities that you can't do at home. Here are some birthday party ideas for kids outside the home:

Updated February 10, 2025 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

Birthday Party Ideas for Kids Outside the Home

Birthday party at Moonlight Beach, Encinitas, North San Diego County

Art Studio Party: Let your child's creativity shine by organizing an art studio party. Places like The Mudd House in Leucadia, The Hot Spot in Liberty Station, Paint and Glow by Davina and Kid Ventures offer art-themed parties where kids can paint, create ceramics and crafts, and express their artistic side.

Balboa Park Miniature Railroad: Take your child and their friends to ride the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad. This historic attraction in Balboa Park offers train rides through a beautiful scenic park, making it a unique and enjoyable birthday experience.

Beach Party - Reserve a table or spot at your local beach, or arrive early to claim your spot. Kids of all ages love water and sand, so it's hard to go wrong if the weather is nice. Be sure to have enough adults present to supervise. Here is San Diego, Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores and Moonlight Beach are some of my favorites.

Boomers - A popular family entertainment center offers birthday parties. Kids can enjoy the bumper boats, go karts, rock wall, miniature golf and game room.

Bowling - A classic birthday party is a trip to the bowling alley. Ask if they have "bumper bowling" for the younger kids.

Build-a- Bear - A build a bear workshop is a fun activity for younger kids, and they get to keep their bear a their party favor.

Chuck-E-Cheese's - Entertainment, and pizza for the younger crowd.

Children's Discovery Museum: The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum in Escondido is an interactive and educational museum perfect for kids' birthday parties. They offer themed party packages with hands-on activities, exhibits, and play areas.

Craft and Ceramic Parties -

Local craft and pottery places offer parties where you can create your own ceramic art and pottery.

Disneyland  - The number one vacation destination and a favorite for families is a vacation at Disneyland California. You can have your birthday party at the happiest place on earth. Just remember it can get expensive!

Go-Kart Racing - Go cart racing can be fun. Be sure to check the height restrictions for riding and driving so everyone can participate. In San Diego or Carlsbad, try K1 Speed.

Ice Skating - Ice skating at a local rink or pond is another favorite birthday party idea. Make sure the kids are old enough, as some may not know how to ice skate (ages 8 and up recommended).

Indoor Trampoline Park: Consider hosting a high-energy birthday party at an indoor trampoline park like Sky Zone or Rockin' Jump. These parks offer wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, and other activities that will keep kids entertained and active.

Laser Tag - Laser tag is one of my favorite childrens birthday party ideas. If you have an Ultrazone or other high quality laser tag location in your area, this is a blast for both boys and girls.

Minature Golf - A fun birthday party activity for kids of all ages and skills.

Movies - Another favorite is going to the local movie theatre. Check out the list of movie theatres in San Diego.

Museum - Museums can get one of the best childrens birthday party themes if you have a local museum that matches the interest of the birthday child, such as a space museum or train museum. Sometimes they have a party room, or a nearby park for a picnic and birthday cake. San Diego Balboa Park has many great museums for birthday parties.

Nature Hike - A local botanical garden or park may have a hiking trail with interesting things to see for kids. The San Diego Botanic Garden has a great children's garden.

Paintball - Older boys and teens may want the challenge of paintball.

Park - Reserve a picnic area in your local park, or have an adult arrive early to claim your spot. Check out the best location in advance based upon your kids interests. You may fly kites, feed the ducks, play frisbee, play on the playground structure and sandbox, have a treasure hunt, etc. This is one of the best birthday party ideas for kids.

Rock Climbing Wall - Older kids like the challenge of a rock climbing wall. Some kids who aren't as athletic may prefer a location that also has other activities.

Roller Skating - Roller skating at a local skating rink  is another fun birthday party idea. Recommended for ages 7 and up. They will usually have a party room that you can reserve, and some will allow you to bring your own birthday cake.

Science Center Party: The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that can make for an educational and entertaining birthday party. They offer party packages with private rooms and access to the exhibits.

Skate boarding - A skate boarding park can be a fun birthday party idea if all the kids skateboard. Otherwise some will feel left out.

Sports Party - If your child is a sports enthusiast, consider booking a sports-themed birthday party at a local sports facility. Places like Super Sports, Skyhawks Sports, or San Diego Ice Arena offer packages for soccer, basketball, or ice skating parties.

Swimming Pool Party - Many neighborhoods or communities have a swimming pool that can be reserved for a birthday party. Make sure you have a designated life guard. The Plunge swimming pool in Belmont Park San Diego is a great choice, and it even includes an Aqua Jungle.

Water Park - A summer birthday party at a local water park can be a blast. You can rent a private canopy with picnic table and spend the day. In San Diego try Sesame Place San Diego or The Wave Waterpark in Vista.

Zoo - The San Diego Zoo is a popular attraction for kids, and it can be a fantastic location for a birthday party. The zoo offers various party packages that include guided tours, animal encounters, and even a private party area.

More Birthday Party Ideas for Kids