Party Tricks: The Best Birthday Venues in Marin

Play-Well TEKnologies

Engineers-in-training can get their hands on ~20,000 (!) Lego pieces with a specialist who leads an age-appropriate building project tailored to your kiddo’s interests. Parties can be held at your home but, if you’d prefer to keep those bricks on someone else’s floor, you can also hold parties at their location.

Morning Star Farm

When your little one’s begging for a pony for his birthday, maybe the next best thing is a birthday party at the Morning Star Farm. They’ll take kids as young as three on a scenic ride (just around the grounds) on one of their gentle ponies. Kids also get to check out the petting zoo (where there are pigs, goats, geese, and more) and frolic on the Rainbow Play structure, then enjoy a picnic in the apple orchard. They also do Rainy Day Parties (2:30-4:30 only) that are held in the covered riding arena. The petting zoo has a roof and the bounce house can be set up in the covered area - so you are totally covered! You bring the food and decorations, they provide the fun.

885 Sutro Avenue
Novato, CA
415-897-1633
Online: morningstarfarm.info

Marine Mammal Center

Education meets entertainment at a “Barkday Party” where kiddos learn about marine mammal life (and get to make fish milkshakes, yes, you read that correctly) and you are supporting their work in rescuing and rehabilitating sick and injured marine mammals. The party includes a 2.5 hour room reservation (pre-decorated!), a 1 hour educational program, a birthday cake (for 15) and small party favors. Typically offered on Saturday mornings and afternoons.

Country Club Bowl

Bowling party! 1.5 hours of bowling, with 30 minutes party table and a party specialist and 10 bowling passes. Don't forget the balloon bouquet! Strike!

Poekie Nook

Perfect for the crafty 7-11 age group, this creative studio has been teaching hand sewing and beading techniques to Mill Valley children since 1992. Creator of the popular Poekie, birthday parties can choose between sewing or beading and get use of their upstairs room, during normal business hours. Bring your own snacks and decorations or let them do it all for you. Every guest receives a goody bag and takes home their projects.

247 Shoreline Hwy
Mill Valley, CA
Online: poekienook.com

Bay Area Discovery Museum

With its postcard view of the Golden Gate Bridge and historical buildings full of only cool, creative things, this birthday party locale is a no-brainer. The museum offers four different party packages with three different locations on-site to accommodate a range of group sizes. Tip: Two to three month advance reservation recommended.