ML Interest Tag: dodge-ball

South Bay Spots to Host Your Next Birthday Blowout

by Kate Loweth

Birthday party planning can be stressful, we know it! When you are planning a party for the kids, it’s really all about location, location, location. We scoured San Jose and its nearby neighbors to find all of the amazing spots to host your next small person soirée, South Bay-style. Party on!

Photo: Uncle Buck’s FishBowl and Grill

Uncle Buck’s FishBowl and Grill, San Jose
Never bowled under water? Well you are in for a real treat at Uncle Buck’s. This new bowling alley is attached to the massive Bass Pro Shop that opened this past fall in San Jose. The whole restaurant and bowling alley is decked out to make you feel like you are completely under water. Kids will love the shark and alligator ball returns and the massive shipwreck over the center bar. The basic party package includes bowling, pizza and soda. Go wild and add on some fried alligator!

Cost: $190 for up to 10 kids with one hour of bowling in two lanes.
Location: 5160 Cherry Avenue, San Jose
Online: restaurants.basspro.com/UncleBucksFishBowl

Sharks Ice, San Jose
Skate on over to birthday fun at Sharks Ice. Your party includes skate rental, admission and skating lessons for the group. You also get your own party room, decor and favors for your guests. Little skaters will have a blast skating on the ice and playing games with the party captain. Everyone gets pizza, soda and a build-your-own Zamboni.

Cost: $30/guest, 10 or more guests
Location: 1500 South Tenth Street, San Jose
Online: sharksiceatsanjose.com

Children’s Discovery Museum, San Jose
Your next birthday party will be a hit when it takes place at the “Purple Museum.” Have fun and encourage active learning in a family-friendly environment. Your party will take place in one of our two birthday party rooms. Enhance your party with options like arts or science activities, gift bags, extra time in our party room and more.

Cost: $350 and up for up to 20 guests
Location: 180 Woz Way, San Jose
Online: cdm.org

photo: Cucina Bambini via yelp

Cucina Bambini, San Jose
Celebrate your little chef at Cucina Bambini where cooking is on the menu. Love making pizza? Kids can learn how to make dough, roll it and top it with their favorite toppings. Parties end with a decorate-your-own cupcake extravaganza. Looking for just the sweets? Select the Cupcake Craze package and your guests will make cupcakes from scratch and then decorate their creations. Pasta-mania is another fun option where the kids make fettuccine noodles plus two sauces. Bravo!

Cost: parties start at $430 for 10 guests
Locations in San Jose and Los Gatos
Online: cucinabambini.com

Whirlygig Parties, San Jose
The ultimate birthday party spot and a space where kids can be kids! Whirlygig has four unique play rooms, each with a theme like Farm or Beach, and can amplify the birthday fun with a customizable party theme with all the essentials! The birthday boy or girl can choose their own party theme from amazing options like Dinosaurs, Unicorns and Outer Space—there is truly something for everyone. Additionally, parents can expect delicious and gourmet food options, straight from the owner’s cooking school, Savory Kitchen—no more cardboard pizzas and sticky floors.

Cost: $475 for two-hour exclusive use of one of the party rooms for up to 15 kids
Location: 919 The Alameda, San Jose
Online: whirlygigparties.com

San Jose Giants
Little sluggers will love celebrating their birthday with Gigante and the San Jose Giants. Partygoers will get a general admission ticket to the game and there’s not a bad seat in the house. Party fun also includes two tickets to the Kids Fun Zone where you can bounce in the bounce house or practice your batting skills in the batting cages. You also get a hot dog, soda and Nothing Bundt Cake to celebrate the day.

Cost: $19/person with a 10 person minimum
Location: San Jose Municipal Stadium, 588 E. Alma Avenue, San Jose
Online: milb.com

photo: Marissa B. via yelp

Razzberry Lips, Los Gatos
Time to get all dolled up at Razzberry Lips! This birthday party venue is perfect for the sassy princess in your life. Invite all her friends to get hair makeovers and nails painted. Or choose a rockstar theme for some rad hair extensions. They have a party room available and you can bring in any outside food that you’d like. They even have options for co-ed parties to include a pirate makeover for the boys.

Cost: Minimum 7 kids at $27-37/kid depending on the package
Location: 307 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos
Online: clubrazzberry.com

The Jungle Island, San Jose
Laser tag, bumper cars, giant play structure, arcade games and more. The Jungle Island has it all and they are ready to host your next party. Party rooms are all decorated in jungle themes and there are tons of food options available so you can just sit back and enjoy the fun. Kids will love the laser tag party that includes tokens to play arcade games after the laser tag fun.

Cost: Parties start at $18.95/child
Location: 5401 Camden Avenue, San Jose
Online: thejungleisland.com

Laurel Street Arts, San Carlos
Celebrate any occasion with Laurel Street Arts—they provide everything you need for a creative party, you bring the cake! Parties are drop-off and include all the supplies your kids need to create a work of art, specialized instruction for your party, glazing and firing and reserved space for your artists!

Cost: $22/guest and up
Location: 733 Laurel Street, San Carlos
Online: laurelstreetarts.com

photo: Rockin’ Jump

Rockin’ Jump, San Jose
Looking for an easy birthday party that is guaranteed to tire the kids out? Head to Rockin’ Jump for some fun on the trampolines. Parties include 1 1/2 hours of trampoline time including access to the foam pit and dodge ball room. You also get a party room where you can enjoy pizza (which is included in the party packages) and cake (which you can bring in).

Cost: Parties start at $28/guest
Location: 1901 Monterey Road, San Jose
Online: sjo.rockinjump.com

The Studio, San Jose
Get the kids all tired out (their parents will thank you) with a party at The Studio. This rad space is an old movie theater turned into rock climbing gym. The Studio party staff will do all the work of belaying the kids and encouraging them to climb as high as they want. After climbing, the kids can re-fuel in the party room which is available for your use during your two-hour event.

Cost: $180 and up
Location: 396 S. First St., San Jose
Online: touchstoneclimbing.com

Tutu School, San Jose
For the sugar plums in your life, the Tutu School’s ballet birthday parties will be the perfect way to celebrate. Your mini dancers will enjoy a personalized ballet class, story time, crafts, cupcake picnic with pink lemonade and every guest receives a tutu or princely cape to dress up in and take home. In addition to Willow Glen, they have 15 other locations that offer birthday parties.

Cost: $475 and up
Location: 1702 Meridian Ave., Willow Glen, CA
Online: tutuschool.com

Photo: Happy Hollow by Kate Loweth

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, San Jose
An amazing animal adventure awaits you when you host your child’s birthday party at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. You get admission for all of your guests, choice of private party picnic areas throughout the park, optional add-ons like a visit from Danny the Dragon, face painting and tons of food options. Kids will love spending the day at Happy Hollow – riding the Frog Hopper, visiting the anteaters and playing in the Crooked House.

Cost: Parties start at $350
Location: 1300 Senter Road, San Jose
Online: hhpz.org

Bricks 4 Kidz, San Jose
If LEGO bricks cover your floors, then maybe you want to hire Bricks 4 Kidz to host your little LEGO-lover’s birthday. Let the kids have free-play with LEGO bricks, have the host guide the group through a motorized LEGO build or many other options. Music, table coverings and a dedicated party host are included. Add-ons include pizza, goody bags and an additional host.

Cost: $375 for 12 kids, each additional kid is $18
Location: Parties are hosted at Little Champs, 5178 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose
Online: bricks4kidz.com

Bay Area Movement Parkour, San Jose
This is a super active party that’s fun for all ages from kindergarten and up. You’ll feel like an American Ninja Warrior when you take on the obstacle courses, parkour games, freerunning and other age-dependent activities. Kids will flip for the acrobatics they get to do into the stunt bag. Tables and seating are providing and you can bring in your own treats.

Cost: $350 for up to 10 participants
Location: 2016 Senter Rd., San Jose
Online: sessionsgym.com

—Kate Loweth

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Tacoma’s New Trampoline & Air Sports Park Is Defying the Odds

by Allison Sutcliffe

Seasoned Seattle parents know that tulips and sunshine aren’t signs of spring; they’re harbingers of the rainy season ahead. That’s why we’re super excited Defy Tacoma, the Seattle area’s newest indoor trampoline and air sports park, just opened its doors. It’s the energy burning, indoor activity parents and kids crave on rainy days. Scroll down to learn more!

Jump In!

The newest indoor aerial arts park, Defy Tacoma, makes the most of its expansive 30,000 square foot warehouse space. Attraction density was the goal when the park was designed, and it shows. Everywhere you look, there’s something new and engaging for kids to try. Plus, close together features mean parents can easily keep an eye on kids when one sprints off toward the dodge ball court and another makes a beeline for the battle beam. If trampoline parks are your jam, you’ll recognize some favorites here. Defy Tacoma has the requisite open jump space where kids can bounce from one tramp to the next, until they can’t bounce anymore. There’s also a netted dodge ball court, complete with a referee who not only keeps a watchful eye on things, but also establishes some rules so players can make the most of game time. The basketball court is great for kid dunks and the adjacent ninja warrior course is challenging no matter what your age. Other familiar attractions include circus favorites like the slack line, cloud swings and trapeze bar.

Try Something New

If Defy Tacoma’s familiarity gets you through the door, it’s the not-found-anywhere-else features that will keep you coming back. The most noticeably new feature is Wipeout. The attraction is mechanized, pitting a staff-controlled machine against kids of all ages, as they try to avoid getting knocked off base into the foam pit. It’s sure to attract your kids the moment they walk through the door. Next up are the Zip Lines. There are two that kids can swing on during flight time. We’re particularly taken with the booty ball zip line, which makes the typical traverse a little more challenging than kids are used to. Families can also battle it out on the Battle Beam, a suspended balance beam where players use padded bats to try and knock each other off balance and into the pit below. And finally, the Log Roll for lumberjack wannabes, although this one is padded and the landing is soft and dry.

A Much-Needed Break

When flight time’s over, your kids are sure to be hungry. Defy Tacoma has a café and seating area guests can use whenever they need a break. Families will find the typical snack bar fare (think: pizza, sodas, slushies). Pricing is reasonable (between $5-$15) and there are offerings to feed one or many, so you can get your fill no matter your group size. You can also bring your own food from home, if you prefer. This summer, Defy Tacoma’s outdoor patio will open, so you can take a sun break before heading back in for more off-the-wall antics.

Host the Perfect Party

Busy parents are always on the lookout for great birthday party spots. When the venue does all the work for you? It’s even better. That’s what you can expect from Defy Tacoma’s party packages. Book one of their four party rooms for your next shindig and you can rest easy. They take care of everything, from decorations, to food and drink, to all the paper goods. The only thing you bring is the cake! But if planning is your thing and you want to throw a coordinated or themed bash, they can help you do that too. Reach out to the Event Coordination Team to bring your perfect party vision to life. Weekday packages for 10 jumpers start at $275 ($325 on Fridays and weekends) and include all the party fixings. It’s an easy party win!

Know Before You Go:

1. Be sure to book flight time and sign the online waiver before you make the trek.

2. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled flight time so you have plenty of time to get checked in, get your wristband and store your shoes before it’s time for take off!

3. Grippy socks are a must. If you’ve got a pair, great! If not, you can buy them at Defy Tacoma for $3.

4. Special flight times are set aside for the youngest bouncers (6 & under) every weekday from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. They get the run of the place, without any of those pesky big kids around.

5. Looking for special pricing and events, like Family Night or Parents Night Out? Follow Defy Tacoma on Facebook to stay up to date and in the know.

Defy Tacoma
1680 S. Mildred St.
Tacoma, WA 98465
253-300-3499
Online: defytacoma.com

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Cost: $15/1 hr. flight, $20/1 ½ hr. flight or $23/2 hr. flight (7 & older) weekdays; $11/1 hr. flight, $15/ 1/12 hr. flight or $19/2 hr. flight (6 & under) weekdays; $15/1 hr. flight, $23/1 ½ hr. flight or $28/2 hr. flight (7 & older) weekends & holidays; $11/1 hr. flight, $17/ 1/12 hr. flight or $22/2 hr. flight (6 & under) weekends & holidays.

—Allison Sutcliffe (all photos courtesy of the writer)

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The Best Back Up Venues for Kiddo’s Rained-Out Party

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Planning an outdoor shindig for your birthday girl or boy has its pros and cons, and they both revolve around the weather. You could get a picture-perfect day (not too hot, not too cold, sunshine galore). Or, it could be raining cats and dogs. Don’t let a little drizzle fizzle kiddo’s fete. Check out these awesome alternative venues that welcome last minute reservations, are dirt cheap (or free), and are just as fun.

Photo: Adventure Park USA via Facebook

Adventure Park
It’s one of these places that specializes in birthdays, but they also have a large cafeteria area where you can BYOC (bring your own cake) and then let the party goers loose for some indoor fun. They offer a massive arcade, a climbing/ropes course area, laser tag, and even a separate play area for the under-five set. Added awesome: if the sun makes an appearance, there is a roller coaster (and a ton of other seriously fun outdoor activities) to partake in.
Cost: Passes and food vary, but they offer all day ride passes

11113 W Baldwin (New Market, Md)
301-865-6800
Online: adventureparkusa.com 

Play and Learn Playground Superstores
Technically these venues are for shopping, but for those with little ones who are free to book a party during the week, they can be a great oh-my-gosh-it’s-pouring-out way to salvage some play time on your child’s big day. You can’t do cake and gifts, but you can all get together and play and then head over to a nearby eatery to enjoy your party provisions together. The Columbia location has play hours Monday-Friday on a walk-in basis, but the Chantilly store requires reservations and is only open to play on Thursdays (so if the weather man gives you a heads up Wednesday night, you’re all set!).
Cost: Free

9133 Red Branch Rd. (Columbia, Md)
410-992-0992
Online: playgroundsuperstores.com

4102 Pepsi Pl. (Chantilly, Va)
703-502-1864
Online: playgroundsuperstores.com

Photo: Playseum

The Playseum
You will have to pay $7 per child to get in, but with it your party people will get all day access to this world of kid-flavored fun. You can let everyone enjoy a bit of time exploring and then bring the group together in the “Come Eat with Me” area for snacks and cake. You can also enjoy cupcake decorating with your crew on site (for a small additional fee).
Cost: $7

7000 Wisconsin Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
301-807-8028

545 8th St. SE (Eastern Market)
202-999-0510
Online: playseum.com

Sky Zone Trampoline Park
This place gets crazy busy on the weekends, but you can buy your entrance time in advance online and then have your party crew meet up for a couple of hours of jumping fun. Then when you’re done, hit the cafe area for slushies from their concession stand or dole out pieces of cake. Big kids even think this place is cool (the dodge ball and the b-ball dunking area is on the list of must-do’s for tweens). Only draw back, it’s not cheap.
Cost: Tues. and Thurs. during toddler time, $5. Other times based on duration of visit

7175 Oakland Mills Rd. (Columbia, Md)
443-546-4477
Online: skyzone.com

Photo: Central Park Fun Land via Facebook

Central Park Fun Land
Central Park Fun Land offers tons of indoor attractions to keep your kids busy. They have over 100 arcade games, an indoor roller coaster, an indoor ferris wheel, laser tag, rock climbing, play areas and more. They can accommodate a planned party, but they also are happy to attempt to accommodate you and your group on a last minute basis. Depending on your party’s size, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, they may be the perfect back up plan.
Cost: Varies depending on activities

1351 Central Park Blvd. (Fredericksburg, Va)
540-785-6700
Online: centralparkfun-land.com 

The Mall
Many area shopping centers have made space for indoor play areas to break up the monotony of shopping for the kids. Generally these areas are geared toward younger children so if you’re hosting a party for the preschool set and need a backup plan stat, a local mall play space may be the perfect solution. You can meet up for play and then head to the food court for snacks and cake. One of our local faves to try? The play area at Tyson’s Corner. You can let the little people run around a bit (for free) and then splurge on a train ride if you wish. Maryland peeps might want to try The Forest Play Area at Lakeforest Mall. It’s large and there is seating nearby for post play snack time.
Cost: Free

Tyson’s Corner
1961 Chain Bridge Rd. (McLean, Va)
703-893-9400
Online: tysonscornercenter.com

Lake Forest
701 Russell Ave. (Gaithersburg, Md)
301-670-0599
Online: shoplakeforest.com

Kid Junction
This indoor, action packed play center offers daily open play sessions which means you can crash there with friends without calling ahead first. There is an admission fee for the littles, but adults hanging with them get in for free. And, you can buy snacks from their peanut free cafe for all of your guests.
Cost: $6.95/kids under 2; $9.95/kids ages 2-9

4090 Lafayette Center Dr., Ste. E (Chantilly, Va)
703-222-5582
Online: kidjunction.com

Do you know of any cool back up venues for rained-out outdoor gatherings? Tell us in the comments section below.  

–Amanda Rodriguez

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Surf & Sand: Summer Camps By the Sea

by Meghan Rose

We don’t have to wish our kids all could be California Girls or Beach Boys. They already are! And our beach babies all want to spend the summer by the sea, surfing, building sand castles and playing. Meanwhile, you want them to learn water safety and ocean awareness. Here are 4 super spots by the shore where tots to teens can do just that.

photo: Fitness by the Sea Kid’s Camp

Fitness by the Sea
Fitness by the Sea Kid’s Camp puts the emphasis on safety, and will teach kids with even no prior swimming experience all about swimming, surfing, boogie boarding and skim boarding. But that’s not all they offer, with over 80 other activities that range from team sports in the sand to individual sports as varied as fencing and cheerleading, and creative activities like yoga, puppet shows and magic. So, being by the beach doesn’t mean missing the traditional camp experience. Camp starts with a minimum of 5 days, but they can be scheduled whenever you like throughout the summer. From there, add as many days as you like, and change your schedule as often as you need to, with only 24 hours notice. Camp is from 9:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m., and extended care is available. New in 2016, camp is offering transportation to and from camp for $25/day.  With 14 stops around town, there’s bound to be one near you!

Pick this camp if: You’re at all nervous about having your kids by the water when you’re not there. The Chief of LA County Lifeguards said, “Fitness By The Sea is the safest beach camp I have ever seen.” And they lower the camper to counselor ratio to 3:1 for surfing and 2:1 for paddling. Nervous Nellie’s (both parents and kids) are well taken care of here.

Ages: 4-14
Cost: $70-$85/day
Location: Santa Monica & Pacific Palisades
Phone: 310-459-2425
Online: fitnessbythesea.com

photo: Aloha Beach Camp via facebook

Aloha Beach Camp
If your kids love the beach, Aloha Beach Camp provides the perfect setting for enjoying sand, surf and sun. The goal of the program is to help young children feel comfortable and safe in the ocean. Campers take surf and boogie board lessons, participate in group sand games and enjoy many other aquatic activities—over 200 choices, depending on the age of the kids. (Kids are grouped into Keiki Camp for the little guys ages 4-7, Kahuna Camp for big kids and tweens and then High Action Camp for the 12-15 year-olds.) In addition to the plethora of every day activities, there are special days like Ocean Kayaking Day, an Ocean Carnival, Pier Fishing Derby and Overnight Campouts. Your little one will not want to say aloha to this camp when summer comes to a close. Camp is from 9:35 a.m.-2:35 p.m. (though pickup begins at 8 a.m. and drop off takes place between 4 p.m.- 5 p.m.). Pick as many or as few days as you like, all summer long.

Pick this camp if: You can’t picture driving to the beach every day. One of our favorite perks they offer is a pick up and drop off service. They have over 20 locations where their buses stop, so you’ll never have to brave beach traffic! Check the transportation schedule online to find the meeting spot nearest you.

Ages: 4-15
Cost: $115/day (early bird, multiple day, sibling and group discounts available)
Location: Paradise Cove
Phone: 888-932-4600
Online: alohabeachcamp.com

 

photo: Learn To Surf LA via facebook

Learn to Surf LA
Young sun worshipers will love the opportunity to catch a wave at this specialty beach camp. Safe surfing instruction is emphasized, with foam surfboards, body boards and wetsuits included in the daily rate. You can check the daily schedule online; we love that it includes scheduled time for sunscreen application at regular intervals. Groups meet from 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m., with half day options available for either morning (9:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.) or afternoon (12:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.). Extended care is available, too. They’re super flexible about dates; pick as many days or weeks as you like and change them if you need to. They’ll also work with you— if your school has a different summer break schedule, they’ll extend their dates for you.

Pick this camp if: Your kids are all about surfing! They’ll end the summer hanging ten, for sure.

Ages: 5-17
Cost: $295/half days, $395/full days per week; $59-$110 per day
Location: Santa Monica/Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach
Phone: 310-663-2479
Online: learntosurfla.com

photo: Perfect Day Beach and Surf Camp via facebook

Perfect Day Beach and Surf Camp
The name of the game here is “convenient,” which as busy parents, we adore. It’s convenient if you’ve got little ones of multiple ages, since they have Beach Camp for the 4-7 crowd, and Surf Camp for big kids (8-17) right at the same drop off location. It’s convenient because of the flex scheduling, which lets you pick individual days or weeks, and let’s you change those dates anytime (up until a week before the day of class). And mostly it’s convenient because you don’t spend any time convincing kids to go—they’re begging to hop out of the car and build sand castles, body surf, wave jump and boogie board.  Even the 4 year-olds start to learn about the waves and how to catch them, and big kids spend most of their time in the water, but take breaks for volleyball, prisoner, soccer, capture the flag, dodge-ball and ocean safety. Choose from morning (9 a.m.-noon), afternoon (noon-3 p.m.) and all day, with optional extended hours.

Pick this camp if: You’re got a big range of kids ages. The littlest tyke can get started on boogie boards, while even visiting big cousins from out of state can spend a day or two dropping in and leaning to surf.

Ages: 4-17
Cost: $32-$50/half day, $64-$100/full day (depends on age and # of days), discounts for early registration and siblings
Location: Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Redondo
Phone: 310-985-1458
Online: perfectdaysurfcamp.com

If you’re still looking for more camp options, you clearly haven’t visited our Summer Camp Central, where you can find a camp for any kid, of any age, with any interest!

What summer camps by the sea have you tried? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section!

—Meghan Rose

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From Trampolines to Rock Climbing: 5 Indoor Play Hotspots

by sommy rhee

Who says you need a rainy day to have thrilling indoor play? How about just needing a break for a few hours in the late afternoon before the other parent relieves you! Instead of counting down the hours and calling for your spouse’s exact freeway location, whisk the little ones to these indoor hotspots. The kids will have a blast working up an appetite for dinner, and you will get that much needed break. You may even jump in on the fun and burn off those last, stubborn, post-pregnancy pounds!

Sky High Indoor Sports
Got a case of the “Stop jumping on the furniture!” broken record? Bring the kids to this massive trampoline park and you’ll find yourself chanting, “Jump your heart out babe!” Located in an unassuming office park and charged with plenty of parking, Sky High offers 4 distinct jumping courts: a kids area for the little jumpers, a refereed dodge ball court, an enormous main court, and a foam pit perfect for practicing canon ball inspired jumps. AIRobics classes are available for those who want an explosive 50 minute, 1000 calorie (supposedly) burning aerobic workout.

To save time, download and complete all waivers for each jumper ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to reserve jumping times online since popular times can get sold out. Promotions run all the time so always call and ask which days have discounts.

Insider tip: Bring hand sanitizers to clean their feet after play. Only laced shoes are allowed for those not too keen on bare feet. Bring plenty of ice-cold water for everyone because they will be drenched in sweat from all of the activity.

Sky High Sports
2970 Airway Avenue
Costa Mesa, Ca 92626
714-437-5867

Rockcreation Sport Climbing Center
Got a bunch of monkeys in your bunch? Nurture those climbing skills to good use (yes, climbing is actually an artful skill!) and let the kids belay, anchor, and boulder their way through correct roping techniques and terminology. Kids’ admission is $11 and about $9 for shoes and rental equipment. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is ready to help beginners learn the basics of climbing. During the summers, they offer a week long Reach Camp for the kiddos where they will learn all the in’s and out’s of rock climbing. Birthday parties are also a great way to introduce and allow the little ones explore rock climbing with their buddies.

Rockreation
1300 Logan Avenue
Costa Mesa, Ca 92626
714-556-7625

Wildfire Gymnastics
Gymnastics isn’t just for girls! Boys need practice developing balance, coordination, and somersault skills too! Believe or not, it may just prepare them for the upcoming soccer or little league season. The kids will have a blast shuffling on the challenging balance beam, canon balling into the enormous foam pit, and flying down the zip line! They’ll even get a kick out of a different kind of “horse” ride.

Wildfire Gymnastics
14761 Bentley Circle
Tustin, Ca
714-832-1315

Pretend City Children’s Museum
A museum in the guise of a little city dedicated to nurturing pretend-play. Watch as the kiddos delightfully transform into gardeners, princesses, lifeguards, rock stars, policemen, and the ever-popular grocery store clerk. The experience is complete with pretend money and ATMs to teach the little ones about money and thriving in their own little world. Be sure to check their calendar since a range of educationally engaging classes are offered daily including going green activities, story times and puppet shows. The kids can even fill up their own gas tank in their vehicles…so you take the back seat this time. They offer a café with snacks, drinks and Daphne’s Greek food.

Insider Tip: Monthly Parents’ Night Out events are offered at around $35 per potty-trained, aged 4+ children for about 3 hours. You must register and purchase tickets ahead because onsite registration is not allowed. So go and enjoy that date night!

Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, Ca 92618
949-428-3900

Little Prince Kids Café
Imagine an indoor McDonald’s playground on steroids. That’s exactly what Little Prince is: a big, indoor entertainment castle complete with a huge plastic ball pit, reading room filled with hundreds of books, dress-up area, and various playgrounds…even a safe and separate toddler area with swings and bouncers. The awesome part: an interactive staff that plays with your kids while you enjoy their colorful menu that has a little of everything for everyone.

Little Prince Kids Café
5300 Beach Boulevard, Suite 118
Buena Park, Ca 90621
714-690-1432

Know of any other great spots to play indoors? Where do you take your little tykes for a playdate? Tell us in a comment below!

— Sommy Rhee

photos courtesy of Brian Rhee & Pretend City Children’s Museum’s Facebook page

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