Even San Diegans occasionally need a break from the outdoors. So we’ve rounded up some of the best indoor spaces for your kid’s next birthday that’ll keep party guests busy and comfortable inside. These venues make the event a fantastic and memorable celebration and include themes for all interests—from dinosaurs to rocket ships and pottery painting. Read on for birthday ideas in San Diego to make your kid’s big day the best!
Not quite ready for an indoor bash? We have a story dedicated to Virtual Birthday Party Ideas for San Diego Kids.
The New Children's Museum
Spend your birthday boy or girl's special day at the coolest museum for kids downtown. Your guests get museum entry and two hours in the special party room. A dedicated party concierge will help parents throughout the party, and special activities can be added on for $25-$50. Your kiddo's crew will love all of the exhibits––especially hanging out in their super cool art installation: Whammock!––a giant rainbow hammock they can swing and climb through. Be sure to book this popular spot two weeks in advance.
Age: 1-12
Cost: $200-$1200 for up to 50 guests
200 W. Island Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-8792
Online: thinkplaycreate.org
Corvette Diner
Let your little one rock and roll their way through a birthday celebration at the '50s style Corvette Diner, where guests are treated to serenades from the beehived servers. Themed party packages include a party space, choices from a pre-set menu, and either time in the very popular arcade, doing crafts or having a dance-off! Many add-ons are available, including a popcorn cart, cupcake buffet and balloon artist.
Age: All
Cost: $425-$525 for 15 kids additional fee for up to 30 kids
Liberty Station
2965 Historic Decatur Rd.
619-542-1476
Online: corvettediner.com
San Diego Children's Discovery Museum
Calling all young explorers! The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum is the perfect party spot for little tykes, and it's easy to plan for the big day. They offer themed parties like Dinosaur Discovery or Little Chemists. You also get a party assistant and a parking spot on the special day. Also good to note, the museum offers mobile birthday parties, which include some of their traveling exhibits and workshops.
Click here for more info and details on setting up a grand birthday party.
Age: Kids one to ten-years-old
Cost: $295 for 20 guests; $495 for 40 guests
320 N. Broadway
Escondido, CA
760-233-7755
Online: sdcdm.org
Rockin' Jump
Take your little ones' birthday celebration to the next level by jumping the day away! Rockin' Jump is an indoor trampoline park filled with foam pits, dodgeball courts and a ninja challenge course to keep your tykes moving and grooving. Party packages include a private party room where guests can relax and take a break from the high-flying fun before chowing down on pizza and refreshments.
Age: all
Cost: $265-$505 up to 20 jumpers
8190 Miralani Drive
San Diego
858-693-5867
Online: rockinjump.com
San Diego Air and Space Museum
Shoot for the moon at this birthday spot that budding astronauts will love. Each party blasts off with a super scientific activity like Balsa Gliders, Alka-Seltzer rockets or Rovers. Then, guests get a personalized museum tour with lots of good facts about the airplanes and rockets. You supply the food, and they will take care of the rest! Masks are currently required for all indoor guests and be sure to book two weeks in advance.
Ages: 3-12
Cost: $425 for up to 30 guests. 40 guests max for an additional fee.
2001 Pan American Plaza
San Diego, CA
619-234-8291
Online: sandiegoairandspace.org
CeramiCafe
Party-goers get to have their cake and eat it too at CeramiCafe. The best part about this venue is that you don't have to be an artist, yet you get to paint a great piece of pottery. The popular cupcake party includes a party host and cupcakes and lemonade for all guests. But, most importantly, the birthday artist enjoys creative time with friends.
Ages: Best for kids five years and older
Cost: $70 party fee, plus $18 per person with a six-person minimum and up to 15 guests.
3425 Del Mar Heights Rd.
San Diego, CA
858-259-9958
Online: ceramicafe.com
Pump It Up
A bounce-it-out party that's also private, clean and safe sounds great to us! First, there are plenty of party themes to choose from, including a glow theme, pirate quest and even superhero training. Kids bounce to their heart's content then head into a private party room for snacks, pizza, drinks, balloons and party bags. Also, the birthday boy or girl gets to sit on a giant throne to unwrap presents. The Pump It Up crew sets up, cleans up, and packs the presents up too.
Ages: Kids over 34 inches tall
Cost: $319-$572 for up to 25 kids
12760 Danielson Ct. St. J
Poway
858-679-5867
Online: pumpitupparty.com
––Kimberly Stahl, Nikki Walsh & Beth Shea
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