Where to Have Kids’ Birthday Parties: The OC Guide

Choosing the perfect venue for your child's birthday party can make all the difference. Discover the best places in Orange County, from outdoor parks and indoor play centers to home parties with soft play rentals from Pepper Play. Find the ideal spot to create an unforgettable celebration!

Planning a kids’ birthday party can be a fun and exciting task, but choosing the right location can make all the difference. The venue sets the tone for the party, influences the activities, and ultimately determines how much fun the kids will have. In this guide, we’ll explore various options for hosting a memorable kids’ birthday party, considering different themes, activities, and age groups.

We’ve broken down the different categories. Click to skip or scroll to read through the options!

Outdoor Parks and Playgrounds

Why Choose a Park?

Best for Ages: 1-10

Orange County Kids Park

Outdoor parks and playgrounds are a classic choice for kids’ birthday parties. They offer ample space for running around, playing games, and setting up themed decorations. Parks are ideal for larger groups and provide a natural, relaxed environment.

Benefits

  • Space for Activities: Plenty of room for games like tag, sack races, and scavenger hunts.
  • Natural Setting: Beautiful surroundings enhance the party atmosphere.
  • Playground Equipment: Slides, swings, and climbing structures are built-in entertainment.

We found these are the best parks throughout Orange County, but scroll down to see others by area.

South Orange County Parks

Park Name Address Description Website Cost
Aliso Viejo Community Park 100 Park Ave, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 A spacious park with sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Great for parties and family gatherings. Aliso Viejo Community Park Free
Laguna Niguel Regional Park 28241 La Paz Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Offers large open spaces, a lake, and shaded areas. Ideal for outdoor birthday parties. Laguna Niguel Regional Park Free
Crown Valley Community Park 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 A community park with playgrounds, sports courts, and large grass fields. Perfect for a family picnic or gathering. Crown Valley Park Free
Lake Forest Sports Park 28000 Rancho Parkway S, Lake Forest, CA 92630 Features multiple sports fields, a playground, and open green spaces, making it great for kids’ birthday parties. Lake Forest Sports Park Free
San Juan Capistrano Sports Park 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Includes sports fields, a playground, and open grassy areas. Great for parties with active kids. San Juan Capistrano Sports Park Free

Central Orange County Parks

Park Name Address Description Website Cost
William R. Mason Regional Park 18712 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 A beautiful park with a lake, walking trails, and plenty of grassy areas. Perfect for a scenic outdoor party. Mason Regional Park Free
Irvine Regional Park 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869 Features a large park with a historic train, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Popular for family gatherings. Irvine Regional Park $5 for parking
Tustin Ranch Park 12850 Robinson Dr, Tustin, CA 92782 A park with playgrounds, a large sports field, and shaded picnic areas. Great for kids’ birthday parties. Tustin Ranch Park Free
Fairview Park 2525 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Known for its wide-open spaces, ideal for games, picnics, and fun activities for kids. Fairview Park Free
Canyon Park 3300 Ridge Route Dr, Irvine, CA 92603 A scenic park with picnic areas and access to hiking trails. Great for outdoor birthday celebrations. Canyon Park Free

North Orange County Parks

Park Name Address Description Website Cost
Cerritos Park East 13234 E 166th St, Cerritos, CA 90703 Features sports fields, playgrounds, and large green spaces. Great for a fun outdoor birthday party. Cerritos Park East Free
Morningside Park 13072 Morningside Dr, Garden Grove, CA 92843 A family-friendly park with open fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Perfect for kids’ parties. Morningside Park Free
Fullerton Sports Complex 5600 Santa Fe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92831 A large park with sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic tables. Ideal for active birthday parties. Fullerton Sports Complex Free
Buena Park Community Park 6688 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621 Offers a playground, sports courts, and plenty of open grass areas for parties and gatherings. Buena Park Community Park Free
Peralta Park 1817 N. Peralta Hills Dr, Anaheim, CA 92807 A peaceful park with open spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Great for hosting kids’ parties. Peralta Park Free

 

Indoor Play Centers

Why choose an indoor play center?

Best for Ages: 2-12

Woman helping kid play

Indoor play centers are perfect for year-round parties, regardless of the weather. These venues often come equipped with soft play areas, trampolines, climbing walls, and arcade games, providing endless entertainment for kids.

Benefits:

  • Weather-Proof: Indoor settings ensure the party goes on, rain or shine.
  • Safety: Soft play areas and padded equipment make it safe for younger kids.
  • Convenience: Many play centers offer party packages, including food, decorations, and party hosts.

We found these are the play centers throughout Orange County, but scroll down to see others by area.

  • Chuck E. Cheese: A classic venue with arcade games, play zones, and pizza.
  • Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Perfect for kids who love to jump and bounce.
  • MyGym: Perfect for toddlers only! Kids can learn how to jump, slide and climb while being safe.

South OC Play Centers

Indoor Play Area Description Location Link
We Play Loud Large two-level indoor playground with foam ball fountains, slides, and a toddler section. Ideal for younger children. 24350 Swartz Dr, Lake Forest, CA Visit Site
Big Air Trampoline Park Trampoline park with jump zones, ninja courses, and foam pits. Great for kids with lots of energy. 23251 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA Visit Site
DEFY Extreme Air Sports Trampoline park with ninja obstacle courses, battle beams, and aerial silks. Fun for older kids. 25222 El Paseo Rd, Mission Viejo, CA Visit Site
My Gym Laguna Niguel Structured classes and open play sessions for younger kids. Private parties offer exclusive use of the facility. 27762 Forbes Rd #6, Laguna Niguel, CA Visit Site
Play City Indoor playground with climbing walls, slides, and sensory-friendly play areas. Focused on safe play for younger kids. 2626 Dupont Dr #40, Irvine, CA Visit Site

Central OC Play Centers

Indoor Play Area Description Location Link
Sender One (Sender City) Climbing gym with walls for kids and adventurous “Trembling Towers” obstacle challenges. 1441 S Village Way, Santa Ana, CA Visit Site
Rockin’ Jump Indoor trampoline park with climbing walls, dodgeball, and a foam pit. 1411 S. Village Way, Santa Ana, CA Visit Site
Pretend City Children’s Museum Interactive museum where kids can role-play in a mini-city setting. Great for imaginative play. 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA Visit Site
Jumpin’ Jamin Indoor play facility with inflatables, trampolines, and obstacle courses for kids. 2575 McCabe Way, Irvine, CA Visit Site
My Gym Santa Ana Kids’ fitness center with gymnastic-style classes, open play, and private party options. 1442 S Main St, Santa Ana, CA Visit Site

North OC Play Centers

Indoor Play Area Description Location Link
Big Air Trampoline Park Adventure-packed trampoline park with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and ninja-style obstacle courses. 832 N Placentia Ave, Fullerton, CA Visit Site
Sky Zone Anaheim Massive trampoline park with freestyle jumping, dodgeball, and a foam pit for kids of all ages. 1301 N Kellogg Dr, Anaheim, CA Visit Site
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym Inclusive play space designed for children of all abilities. Includes sensory-safe equipment and imaginative play areas. 2556 W Woodland Dr, Anaheim, CA Visit Site
Pump It Up Anaheim Private indoor inflatable playground featuring giant bounce houses, slides, and party rooms. 1441 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA Visit Site
Play Pie Small indoor play space ideal for toddlers, with sensory toys and play structures. 3911 Portola Pkwy, Irvine, CA Visit Site

At-Home Parties

Best for Ages: 1-14

What's best about being at home?

Hosting a party at home offers a personal touch and allows for complete customization of the event. It can be a cozy and comfortable option, especially for younger children who might feel more secure in a familiar environment.

Girl in a pink ball pit

Benefits

  • Customization: Tailor every aspect of the party to your child’s preferences.
  • Cost-Effective: Save on venue rental fees by utilizing your own space.
  • Convenience: No need to transport decorations, food, or gifts.

Unlimited Entertainment

  • Soft Play Rentals: Set up a soft play area for the little ones to safely explore and have fun. Pepper Play offers a range of soft play equipment perfect for home parties.
  • Bounce Houses: Add a bounce house to your backyard for hours of jumping fun. Pepper Play provides various bounce house options to suit different themes and preferences.
  • Kids Activities: Having activities are a great part of birthday parties. Ideas can suite any age group! Need help with ideas? Contact us to help plan your party.
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Adventure and Activity Venues

Why choose an adventure venue?

Best for Ages: 6-14

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    Adventure and activity venues cater to kids who love action and excitement. These locations can include everything from bowling alleys and mini-golf courses to climbing gyms and go-kart tracks.

    Benefits:

    • Unique Experience: Provide kids with a memorable and exciting experience.
    • Engaging Activities: Keep the children entertained and active throughout the party.
    • Group Fun: Perfect for older kids who enjoy team-based activities.

    Places to Explore:

    Themed Venues

    Why choose 'themed' venues?

    Best for Ages: 3-12

      Themed venues offer a fully immersive experience, perfect for kids with specific interests or favorite characters. These venues can range from science museums and zoos to princess palaces and pirate ships.

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      Benefits:

      • Immersive Experience: Engage kids with themed activities and decorations.
      • Educational Fun: Combine entertainment with learning opportunities.
      • Memorable Setting: Create unforgettable memories in a unique environment.

      Examples:

      Tips for Choosing the Right Venue

      Consider Your Child’s Interests

      The best way to ensure your child has an amazing birthday party is to choose a venue that aligns with their interests. Whether they love animals, enjoy sports, or are fascinated by science, there’s a perfect venue out there.

      Think About the Guest List

      Consider the number of guests and their ages. Make sure the venue can accommodate your party size and offers activities suitable for all ages.

      Check the Weather

      If you’re planning an outdoor party, always have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Many parks and outdoor venues have indoor facilities that can be used as a contingency.

      Plan Ahead

      Popular venues can book up quickly, especially during peak party season. Be sure to plan and reserve your venue well in advance to secure your desired date and time.

      Budget Wisely

      Different venues come with different costs. Set a budget and stick to it, considering additional expenses like decorations, food, and entertainment.

      Conclusion

      Finding the perfect venue for your child’s birthday party can make all the difference in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience. Whether you choose an outdoor park, an indoor play center, your home, an adventure venue, or a themed location, the key is to match the venue to your child’s interests and needs. With the right planning and preparation, you’ll be able to host a fantastic party that your child and their friends will remember for years to come.

      For more kids’ party ideas and rentals in Orange County, visit Pepper Play. We offer a wide range of services to make your child’s special day truly unforgettable. From ball pits and soft play areas to themed decorations and entertainment, we’ve got you covered!

      Need help with organizing a kids party? Contact us for rentals, balloons and kids activities!

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      the pepper play team

      Through their insightful blog posts, Pepper Play shares invaluable tips, trends, and heartwarming anecdotes to inspire parents and party planners alike. Join Pepper Play on a journey where every celebration becomes a canvas for imagination, and every child's smile is the masterpiece. Pepper Play is more than an event - it's an experience, and Pepper Play is the storyteller weaving the magic.

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      Where to Have Kids’ Birthday Parties: The OC Guide

      Choosing the perfect venue for your child’s birthday party can make all the difference. Discover the best places in Orange County, from outdoor parks and indoor play centers to home parties with soft play rentals from Pepper Play. Find the ideal spot to create an unforgettable celebration!