Birthday Parties and Where to Have Them

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UPDATE: This was written in 2018. I try to update it on occasion, but please be sure to check out the website for any of these ideas to ensure accuracy.

June is my birthday month and it got me thinking about birthdays. In some ways, I wish my son's birthday was in the summer since you could bring the party outdoors. His birthday is at the beginning of January and outdoors is just not an option. I spent a lot of time trying to find a place to have his 2nd birthday party. I didn't want it at the house since I just had family over for all the holidays. Having more people in the house and more cleaning just didn't sound like something I wanted to do. So I surfed the internet and racked my brain to come up with some alternatives. We ended up at the Children's Museum of Tacoma. It was great fun!

However, summer birthday friends, I got your back. June birthdays can be hit or miss with the weather. Summer really doesn't seem to hit the Pacific Northwest until July 4th. Yes, that specific. Then in the summer months, it can be uber hot and practically none of us have air conditioning. So, I hear you when you say I don't want it at the house. Or maybe, you'd just like to avoid toddlers destroying every square inch in your house. I get it. This list is also for you.

In fact, this birthday list an everyone and any time of year list of places to have a kid's birthday in and around the Tacoma area. It's indoor and outdoor places. It's places with packages or just places to go. It's for young kids and for older kids. I'm sure there is more out there. I tried to stick mostly to Tacoma although admittedly there are a few outliers (like Gig Harbor and Puyallup). Please comment if you have even more and better ideas! 

My Kid’s Birthday Parties

Inside (because Rain)

Toys & Animals

Outdoor & Nature

  • Tacoma Nature Center (Tacoma) - Four packages starting at $150

  • Baseball Game (Tacoma) - Seasonal! Birthday and VIP packages, but no pricing listed on the website. 

  • Parkland Putters (Tacoma) - Three packages plus add-ons starting at $25 per person.

  • Mike N Terry's Outdoor Fun Park (Puyallup) - There is Mini-Golf, Go-Karts, and Batting Cages. It doesn't list parties, but I'm sure you can have one there.

  • Spray Parks (Tacoma, Seasonal) - So many great spray parks in the area. Setup a picnic and water fun.

  • Playground (Tacoma) - Easy and fun, here’s my 411 on Playgrounds. See Metro Parks below.

Restaurants

  • 7 Seas Brewery (Tacoma & Gig Harbor) - No pricing listed on the website, but I've heard it's about $50 for two hours. 

  • Round Table (Tacoma, Multiple Locations) - Free if you spend $200, but a great casual place; some have an arcade and games for fun. 

  • Cloverleaf Pizza (Tacoma) - A room for rent for any event.

Arts & Crafts

Event Venues, Museums & More

  • The Pod Works (University Place, Tacoma) - A cute co-working space that will also rent out for events. There is a toy room in back and a nice open area up front. 

  • YMCA (University Place, Multiple Locations) - The website does not have much information, but I've heard there are some community rooms you can rent. Here's information on the University Place YMCA community room. 

  • LeMay Museum (Tacoma) - No pricing listed on the website, but they have a party package. 

  • Blue Mouse Theater (Tacoma) - One package fits all starting at $175. You bring the movie!

  • Grand Cinema (Tacoma)

  • Tacoma Arts Community (Tacoma) - Not kid-specific, but a nice space!

Metro Parks

  • Parks (Tacoma)- Metro Parks Tacoma is a great place to start. Here's a narrowed down list that includes parks with restrooms, ability to have picnics reserved or drop-in, and has a playground. Some of my favorite parks: Titlow Park, Wright Park, Puget Park, Kandle Park, Sunset Park, Fircrest Tot Lot, and Point Defiance. 

  • Jefferson Field House (Tacoma) - Three party packages starting at $260.

  • Center at Norpoint (Tacoma) - A themed party package starting at $250.

  • People’s Center (Tacoma): Room rental starting at $35/hour or a party package starting at $150.

  • Portland Avenue Community Center (Tacoma) - Room rental starting at $30 or a party package starting at $200.

  • Titlow Lodge - Rent the lodge starting at $215/hour. 

What am I missing? Comment below and let me know!!