Don’t get us wrong, we love Seattle’s amazing parks and playgrounds as much as the next parent. They’re some of our favorite sunny days spots. Plus, when it comes to outdoor birthday parties, there’s no denying the ease of throwing one at a local park. But if you’re looking for creative places to host an outdoor birthday party that go beyond the everyday, we’ve got ideas. Help your summer birthday kiddo shine when you book a bash at a petting farm, aboard a spirited cruise or at a fun park. Read on for the party-pleasing details.
Head to a farm
Wide open spaces are the key to a successful outdoor birthday party for kids. And where better to find acres upon acres for kids to roam than at a local petting farm? There are more than a few local farms and animal sanctuaries where families can host a barnyard bash to remember this summer. First on our list is Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park in Redmond, where kids can explore 68 acres of trails, fields and creeks before visiting the animals. Parties can be booked on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. for up to 20 guests. They include either a wagon ride or pony rides, and prices start at $450 for residents. Just be sure to sign up as soon as you can for a party this summer; these popular spots go quickly.
Another farm-tastic spot to consider for your next outdoor birthday party is Tiny Hearts Homestead in Lake Tapps. Here, the birthday kiddo and friends can get as much animal time as they can handle, while you’ve got lots of picnic table space to set out treats and gifts. Parties can be booked for $150 an hour online. Fall City Fancy Farm offers a similar option, plus pony rides for your summer celebration.
Celebrate at the beach
One of the upsides to an outdoor birthday party is that it’s naturally low-key. And it doesn’t get more laid back than packing a picnic, beach blankets and toys (hint: sand toys make great party favors) and heading to Golden Gardens or Alki to party. Kids can explore tidepools, build sandcastles and splash in the Sound. And you can pull out a package of chocolate bars, graham crackers and marshmallows and sing "Happy Birthday" around a bonfire. Just be sure to review the fire pit rules before you break out into song.
Plan a day at the fun park
Flying pumpkins, antique cars, canoes and an enormous jump pillow are just a few of the perks of Remlinger Farm's Fun Park that’s one of the easiest places to host an outdoor birthday party. Packages are booked in two-hour increments, (for either 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.) and include time in the covered party corral, smack dab in the middle of the fun park. Everything you need to enjoy the day is taken care of—a server sets up and takes down the party and helps with everything in between. The $500 price, for 15 guests (kids and parents), includes pizza, salad, beverages, cake, ice cream and party favors. Pony rides can be added for $7 a person, and extra guests (adults or kids) are just $25 each. Party in the room, and play all day at the Eastside’s version of Disneyland.
Set sail aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge
The high seas (a.k.a. Lake Union) is a great spot for families looking for a different take on an outdoor birthday party. Let the Emerald City Pirates entertain your little buccaneer plus party guests on this interactive sailing experience. To get the party started, kids will go to pirate school and test their newfound skills on the guests at Ivar’s as they sail by. Then it’s time to get down to business and raid the pirate’s treasure chest on board. But, wait. What’s this? The chest is empty. In a truly delightful turn of events, these newly minted pirates and adorable party-goers must sail the open seas in search of the treasure. All we’ll say about the experience is that the stakes are high, and a water cannon fight may be what it takes to wrest the treasure from the bad guy. Then it’s time for a rousing round of “Happy Birthday,” sung by your fellow pirates and a game or two.
When the day is done, party pirates can head to the shores of Lake Union Park for a cake and ice cream (whatever you’ve brought along to celebrate). And the birthday kiddo can check out the cool pirate pack swag that’s part of this experience; all the party guests receive an official pirate certificate too. You’ll need a minimum of 15 guests to get the discounted group rate on this sail, or book individually at the standard pricing.
Splash at a pool, spraypark or wading pool
If you’ve got a toddler, planning an outdoor birthday party at a wading pool or splash pad in Seattle or on the Eastside is one of the best bets around (assuming the weather cooperates). Roll up early to grab your spot (and snag a nearby picnic table too), then set out blankets and watch the kids splash and play throughout the day.
If you’re looking to host a party with a little more structure, you can’t go wrong at one of Seattle’s most scenic spots—Coleman Pool at Lincoln Park. Parties can be scheduled on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights from 7-9 p.m. Mounger Pool is the other fantastic outdoor party option. Although you won’t have the view, you will have access to the playland pool—a toddler’s dream. The pool can be rented Saturdays and Sundays from 5:45-7:15 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 5:30-7 p.m.
Good to know: Seattle's splash pads opened over Memorial Day weekend, but Seattle's wading pools aren't open yet. The two outdoor pools are set to open the weekend of June 18 and 19, and will then move to a full-time schedule starting June 25. But you can book group pool rentals starting June 1 at noon.
Zip into an adventure park
Outside is the name of the game at any one of Seattle’s adventure parks. When it comes to party planning, High Trek Adventures in Everett has options for everyone. Book a party package on the ropes and zipline courses where kids as young as four can test their skills on the cadets kids course. Anyone over the age of seven is allowed to tackle the super high challenges found on the captain’s course. Playing laser tag on the outdoor course is also an option for groups. Group parties are booked on a per person cost (between $30-$55) with a minimum number required to get that rate. Plus they offer lots of flexibility in the BYO realm. Bring your own food, drink and cake to enjoy at the reserved picnic table, or make it super easy and choose from their selection of frozen treats.
Hit a hole in one
There's lots to love about mini golf, especially on a sunny summer day. It's another low-key, low-stress birthday party idea that's guaranteed to please. While there are a few different courses that host birthday parties in the area, the ease of hosting your next "hit" birthday party at Interbay Golf Center may have you wondering why you hadn't done this before. When you call to reserve a party (call at least 2-3 weeks in advance), they'll set aside a picnic table for you and make sure the course is clear for your group to jump in and play. The day of, kids can play through the whimsical challenge of this 18-hole course before sitting down for a bite to eat (pizza, hot dogs or chicken strips are on the menu) with friends. Parents can bring in whatever birthday dessert strikes their fancy and little extras that aren't on the menu, like juice boxes, so kids can refuel. The price is just $15 per kiddo for this simply sweet celebration.
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