When he was little we’d host small parties at home with just a few friends. As the years went on, and the kids got bigger in size and numbers, we had to start looking for ideas beyond our tiny house. We're now back to just a few friends hanging out with pizza but here are some ideas for those in-between years or for those that enjoy a bigger celebration every year.
While most of the ideas below include info on birthday packages you can just use it as a list of ideas too. Tailor it to what you're looking for and your budget. Also, with things always changing, make sure to double-check the info and ask about any updated vaccine requirements.
OUTDOOR OPTIONS
All these include a sheltered area, just in case. Fairly inexpensive options and you can do simple activities such as a game of Capture The Flag or letterboxing/scavenger hunts.
- Camp Long
5200 35th Ave SW
If you’ve read other posts on my blog you know this is one of my favorite spots in West Seattle. We’ve had two birthday parties here in November. For the most part, we’ve been lucky with the weather but rented one of their two shelters just in case. Both were super fun but my favorite was when my son was all about The Hunger Games and we hired The Foam Sword guy. We also used the fire ring by the West Shelter, which was included in the rental, to make s/mores instead of cake.
Reservations: Call Camp Long.
Cost: $80 + refundable deposit
Hours: November-February open Tuesday-Saturday only - Lincoln Park
8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
Rent a shelter along the beach (#3 or #4 and #3 has a fireplace) or one by the north play area (#5). Play Capture The Flag, create a scavenger hunt, etc.
Reservations: Need to complete an online application.
Cost: Half-day or Full-day / Between $105-$220
- Axe Kickers (Added 12/28/22)
10843 1st Ave South (Top Hat neighborhood, right outside WS)
Just learned this is now open to all ages and could be a good choice for teens. - Curious Kidstuff (Added 11/28/22)
4740 California Ave SW
Notice last week that in addition to weekly drop-in art classes they are once again hosting birthday parties in the party room with teacher-led arts and crafts. Call for the store for more info. - The Escape Artist + Ice Cream at Husky Deli
4517 California Ave SW, Suite B
This was a great choice for our teen and his friends. Afterward, we walked down to Husky Deli for ice cream. Several different escape rooms.
Ages: Teens
Cost: $200-250 (We opted to rent the whole room.) - The Little Gym of West Seattle
7025 California Ave SW
Party package: 60 minutes private party up to 12 kids with two instructors. Unable to serve food and drinks at this time.
Ages: 1-12 years
Cost: $200-$225 - Outer Space Seattle
2820 Alki Ave SW #2
Party package: Two hours of playtime for up to 20 people (both adults and kids). For more details here or email for more info.
Ages: Preschool/Elementary
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10am-12pm, 1:30-3:30pm, 5-7pm
Cost: $250 - Southgate Roller Rink
9646 17th Ave SW
Party package: Includes admission, skate rental two-hour table reservation during public skate sessions, pizza, soda and Full Tilt ice cream or fruit bars. For more details go here.
Ages: All ages
Hours: Fridays 6-8pm, Saturday/Sunday 12-2pm & 2:30-4:30
Cost: 15 guests $330 / 20 guests $440
Reservations: Call (206) 707-6949 or email info@southgaterollerrink.com - West Seattle Art Nest
Package: Birthday Camp for the birthday kiddo and five friends. All operations are still outdoors but winterized with plenty of ventilation and heating.
Ages: Elementary and up
Cost/Reservations: Email Mary at hello@westseattleartnest.com for details and pricing. - West Seattle Bowl
4505 39th Ave SW
Packages: - The Strike—Best for ages 5 and up
2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, 1 pizza and pitcher of soda per lane and a birthday bowling pin. $119.99/lane and 2 lane minimum. - The Spare—Best for ages 4-8
1.5 hours of bowling, shoe rental, 1 pizza and pitcher of soda per lane and a birthday bowling pin. $99.99/lane and 2 lane minimum. - VIBE bowling is another fun idea, especially for tweens/teens
Fridays and Saturdays 8pm-close - For more info go here.
- Gamer (Board games)
- Meeples Games
3727 California Ave SW, Suite 2B
Currently not hosting birthday party packages but you can call to make a table/s reservation. If the group is larger than six people they ask you to call at least a week in advance. It's also possible to reserve the Thunderdome (larger room) if there are no other events happening. Fees for tables Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday ($1/chair per hour). Thunderdome is free but usually has several events ongoing. For more info email Dani at dani@meeplesgames.com. - The Missing Piece
9456 35th Ave SW
Tables and rooms available to rent. Tables in the main room are a flat rate of $15 for up to four hours, seating for 2-8 people. Two private rooms are $10-20/hour with a two-hour minimum and seat 10-12 people.
OFF-ISLAND OPTIONS
A couple of ideas that might be worth leaving West Seattle.
A couple of ideas that might be worth leaving West Seattle.
- Waterland Arcade (Added 12/28/22)
22306 Marine View Dr South (Des Moines)
Family-friendly arcade featuring over 50 classic arcade and pinball games. Introduce your kiddos to Ms. Pac Man and Frogger, then show off your pinball skills. Can it get any better? Yes! There’s beer and cider for the grownups, and the arcade is available to rent out for private events, which is the perfect winter birthday idea.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, noon-11 p.m. and Sunday by reservation.
Prices: $9 per adult, $6 per child (ages 5-12). Four and under are free with paid adult entry. Includes unlimited free play of all games except pinball. - Seattle Bouldering Project
900 Poplar Place South
We've been to a couple of bday parties here over the years and used it a lot on rainy weekends or school breaks to go and free climb.
Package: Includes 1.5-hour space reservation and coach-facilitated climbing activities (climbing games to team challenges) for up to 10 participants.
Hours: Sundays 1-2:30pm
Ages: 5-10 years old
Cost: $300+tax
Reservations: Available dates and booking online. - Vashon Llamas
26607 Wax Orchard Road SW, Vashon Island
Heard about this place from a mama friend who's done the farm visit with her kiddo.
Birthday Package: Activities include feeding llamas, leading llamas through obstacles courses, llama-themed games (pin the tail on the llama and llama bean bag toss). Outdoor-covered patio with space for 10–12 people at the birthday table. Llama-themed plates, balloons, decorations included. Does not cater but you can bring your own food.
Cost: $10/person/hour. Additional charge for weaving and needle felting activities.
Reservations: Call or e-mail to reserve your birthday party date and time. 206-794-1252 or vashonllamas@gmail.com
