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Birthdays in Santa Monica

Published on August 9, 2021

There are a variety of venues and activities to choose from in Santa Monica that makes for the ideal place to plan your child’s birthday party. Sunny beaches and great weather year-round make for a popular destination to celebrate birthdays, especially for kids.

Here are some of the best places to have a kid’s birthday party in Santa Monica:

Santa Monica Pier Merry-go-round

The Santa Monica Pier Merry-go-round is available for birthday parties and private rentals. Fun fact: it is one of fewer than 70 all-wood carousels still operating in the world. Both private and semi-private birthday party packages are available. Whether you want a small group or your child’s whole class, the Merry-go-round can accommodate you. They provide space in the building to hold your party, as well as wristbands for everyone to ride the merry-go-round as long as you’re there.

If you want to personalize your party, the Merry-go-round Building is ideal. You’re welcomed and encouraged to bring your own food, decorations, and party favors. An old-fashioned soda fountain, Soda Jerks, is located in-building and offers you an array of soda-fountain offerings for your party. The Merry-go-round will provide the space and the atmosphere, and you can help make the rest of the party perfect.

Playland Arcade

Playland Arcade has been entertaining guests from all over the world since 1954.  It is one of the last remaining arcades on the West Coast that still has classics, like PacMan, Galaga, and Super Mario Brothers, plus exciting newer games such as Jurassic Park, Avengers, Asphalt 9 and our newest Virtual Reality – KONG. Whether it is a birthday or a private event, Playland Arcade is excited to announce Party Packages.  They can accommodate small or large groups for an unforgettable experience that is fun for all ages. Open 7 days a week.

Trapeze School New York Los Angeles

Thrill-seekers can look to the Trapeze School on the Pier for an adrenaline-filled birthday experience. Parties can include anything from trapeze work to silks to ground-based fun. The School can also provide photography, videography, snacks, performances, and more.

The Trapeze School is entirely outdoors and located just steps in front of the amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier. Flyers have 360 views of the Santa Monica coastline, Los Angeles County, and Pacific Ocean. Having a birthday party at TSNY is truly a fun and unique experience that your kids will remember for years to come.

Heal the Bay Aquarium

Birthday parties at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium are fun, easy to plan, and help support the nonprofit Heal the Bay. Birthday parties are available in 2-hour time slots on the weekend and can fit up to 65 guests. The morning packages include full, private access to the aquarium gallery and outdoor patio. Afternoon partial rentals that include a private party room are also available. Heal the Bay makes it easy to set up your child’s birthday party with onsite tables, reusable tableware, and decorations. Read more about having a birthday party at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.

Cayton’s Children Museum

If you’re interested in some indoor fun, the Cayton Children’s Museum is another Santa Monica favorite. The museum is a beautiful and interactive space, full of art and things to explore. There are entire exhibits designed to encourage teamwork and collaboration, making the museum great for groups. There are also exhibits that include ball pits, climbing structures, and even a helicopter for little explorers to investigate.

The Cayton Children’s Museum is right in the middle of downtown Santa Monica, just down the street from the Pier. The Museum has designated event professionals who can help make sure the party is just what your little one wants. With two rooms available to rent for your party, you can work with the Museum to build a great kid’s party in Santa Monica. Contact the Museum for more information.

Pacific Park, the amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier, no longer offers birthday party packages. Although many Santa Monicans remember celebrating their childhood birthdays at the Park’s bright yellow cabanas, the area was renovated in 2015 to make way for more rides and attractions. Those wishing to celebrate their birthday at the amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier can enjoy one free ride* on any of Pacific Park’s 12 rides including the Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and Sea Dragon. Guests celebrating birthdays can pick up their free ride ticket at any available ticket booth window. Proof of birth date is required.

If you’re celebrating with a group of 15 or more people, you can receive discounted rates on Unlimited Ride Wristbands to Pacific Park. Find out more information on our group sales page.

Pacific Park does not have any designated seating for birthday parties or groups. If you’re looking for guaranteed space and a sit-down meal, make a reservation at one of the many restaurants on the Santa Monica Pier or in Downtown Santa Monica, and visit Pacific Park before and/or after your meal.

Pacific Park’s private event space, the Seaside Pavilion, is available for exclusive rentals for a minimum of $20,000. If you’re interested in more information on hosting a private event on the Santa Monica Pier, visit our events page.

 

 

*Proof of birth date is required. Guests must visit on their actual birthday to be eligible to receive free ride. Guests must meet the minimum height requirements for each ride. Some restrictions may apply. No solo riders on the Pacific Wheel. Pacific Park reserves the right to refuse or discontinue this promotion for any reason at any time.

Feature image courtesy of @growingwiththegrahams.