After logging some serious family time over spring break, we’re betting you parents could benefit from a little fling break. But before you start to fret about booking sitters, stocking the fridge with heat-and-eat meals and selecting a few family flicks, check out our list of local places that offer drop-off date nights this weekend and next. All you have to do is reserve your spot, and they’ve got the kiddos covered, from dinner to activities to movies (and all at prices typically cheaper than a sitter). Ready, set…date!
San Francisco
Peek-a-Boo Factory
If the last movie you’ve seen had a princess or a singing animal, treat yourself to a night out in the city next Saturday, April 25, without your Disney-loving ducklings. You’ll enjoy a guilt-free drop-off, as the Peek-a-Boo Factory in West Portal is a wonderland for kids—they’ll be hopping, playing, and laughing the whole night through. For kids ages 3-10, this evening (6-9 p.m.) includes crafts and free-play in the Peek-a-Boo Factory play space (and famous 4-story play structure) plus pizza dinner and snack. Costs are $35/child; $25 for additional siblings. Reserve your spot now by clicking here.
Peek-a-Boo Factory
2 West Portal Ave.
San Francisco, Ca 94127
415-702-6638
Online: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net
SF Gymnastics
For kiddos ages 6 and over, SF Gymnastics is the perfect place to help them burn off all that extra energy. This Saturday, April 18, while you relax on your date, your kid will be twirling through the air (under professional coach supervision, of course) and enjoying a pizza feast. For non-members it’s $30/child; $25/members. Secure a spot by calling in.
1405 Fillmore Street (in the Fillmore Center)
San Francisco, Ca
415-561-6260
Online: sanfranciscogymnastics.com
Tree Frog Treks
At Tree Frog Treks, every Saturday night is Kids Play Night! From 5:30–9 p.m., kids will get to meet lizards, frogs, snakes and tortoises like Tiki the Bearded Dragon and Stickum the White’s Tree Frog—not to mention pizza and a movie, so your dinner plans are all you will have to worry about. This is your new best excuse to check out the latest dining hotspot in NOPA or Sunset. For kids 4 years and up, it’s $35/first child; $25/each additional sibling. Last-minute drop in is available, but register online to secure your child’s spot.
2112 Hayes St.
San Francisco, Ca
415-876-3764
Online: treefrogtreks.com
Marin
The Culinary Dude
If the secret to your “secret sauce” is how fast you open the jar, it might just be time to take a night off from cooking. Leave the kids at this Tiburon culinary class next Saturday, April 25 from 5–9 p.m., and not only will you get a few hours to dine kid-free, your kids will come back trained to make a complete meal themselves (including clean-up!). This evening includes: Complete preparation of a multi-course meal from appetizers to dessert based on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Kids will not only learn to execute a meal, they will clean up (read: do their own dishes). You pick them up fed, happy, and full of new skills! Book early and save $10.
Saint Hilary School
765 Hilary Dr.
Belvedere-Tiburon, Ca
Book here: events.tinybeans.go-vip.net
doodlebug
Are pajamas your kids’ favorite clothes to wear? Then they’ll fit right in at Pajama Nights at doodlebug! This Friday night, April 17, doodlebug will let your kids (all potty trained littles are welcome) party in their most comfortable attire. From 6–8:30 p.m., your little snuggle bug will enjoy crafting, face painting, pizza and games. They’ll definitely be ready for bed when you pick them up. Cost is $30/child; $25/each additional child of the same family. Thier website is under contruction at the moment, so to register, call or email Kidartistry@aol.com.
641 San Anselmo Av.
San Anselmo, Ca
415-456-5989
Online: doodlebug.com
East Bay
Head Over Heels Athletics
Take this Friday for yourselves with Head Over Heels Athletic’s Parents Night Out. Let HOH provide your tiny gymnast with a pizza dinner, supervised playtime and a movie before you pick them up. Perfect for kids 4 and up, PNO happens every Friday from 6-10:30 p.m. and is $35/child or $30/two or more children. Don’t forget to sign up in advance or you’ll suffer an extra $5 charge after 12p.m. on Fridays!
4701 Doyle St. Bldg. F
Emeryville, Ca
510-655-1265
Online: hohathleticarts.com
Color Me Mine
No parents are allowed at the thematic kid’s nights at Color Me Mine. This Friday’s kids’ night out features a ceramics activity, a movie (Penguins of Madagascar) a game of BINGO and ice cream (dinner not provided). Drop off your kid between 5:45—6:15 p.m. on April 17 and pick them up three hours later at 9 p.m. Cost is $25/child; $20/each additional sibling and reservations can be placed via phone or email.
2205 South Shore Center
Alameda, Ca
510-521-8893
Online: alameda.colormemine.com
Are you going to take advantage of any of these last-minute date night options? Tell us in the comments below!
—Erin Feher
