article card
| 29 Jun 2025
0

Top Birthday Venues for Kids Ages 9–12 in Los Angeles

"The Ultimate LA Party Guide for Parents of Tweens – Compare Top Spots by Theme, Budget, and Guest Size"

Top Birthday Venues for Kids Ages 9–12 in Los Angeles

 

Have you ever struggled to find the perfect birthday party spot for your 9–12-year-old in Los Angeles? At this age, kids want more than cupcakes and balloons—they’re craving exciting activities, cool themes, and a party that actually feels their age. But with so many indoor birthday party LA options and outdoor party venues for tweens across the city, it’s hard to know what truly fits your child, your budget, and your guest list.

This guide makes it easy. We’ve rounded up the best tween birthday venues in Los Angeles—organized by theme, setting, price range, and capacity. Whether you're searching for birthday party places for 10-year-olds in LA or need inspiration for birthday ideas for 9–12 year olds, you’ll discover the top kids party venues with activities and unforgettable themed birthday spots in LA.

 

📚 Table of Contents

 


 

🏠 Indoor Birthday Venues in Los Angeles

Weatherproof Fun with High-Energy Activities

Planning a birthday party in Los Angeles during the hot months—or just looking to keep the chaos contained indoors? Indoor venues offer climate-controlled comfort, reliable amenities, and themed setups that are perfect for kids ages 9–12. Whether your child dreams of a jungle adventure, high-flying trampoline tricks, or hands-on STEAM activities, LA’s indoor venues provide immersive experiences without weather worries.

Here are the top indoor birthday venues for tweens in Los Angeles, complete with themes, guest capacity, pricing, and interactive features:

 

🎉 Top Indoor Venues Comparison Table

 

Venue Location Theme Guest Count Price Range Activities Instagram Website
Scooter’s Jungle El Segundo Jungle Adventure 20–40 $550–$1,000 Giant slides, obstacle course, private rooms @scootersjungle Visit Site
Cayton Children’s Museum Santa Monica STEAM Lab 30–80 $1,200–$2,500 Makerspace, climbing wall, art installations @caytonmuseum Visit Site
Sky Zone Trampoline Park Van Nuys High-Energy Bounce 15–30 $450–$900 Trampolines, dodgeball, foam pit @skyzone Visit Site
Kidspace Museum (Indoor Area) Pasadena Nature & Science 20–60 $650–$1,800 Indoor exploration, hands-on learning @kidspacemuseum Visit Site
AdventurePlex El Segundo Indoor Sports Arena 15–40 $500–$1,200 Rock wall, mazes, fitness playzones @adventureplex Visit Site
Two Bit Circus Downtown LA Micro Amusement Park 15–50 $750–$1,800+ Arcade, VR games, creative engineering labs @twobitcircus Visit Site

 


 

🌳Outdoor Birthday Venues in Los Angeles

Spacious, Active & Sun-Filled Celebrations

Outdoor birthday venues in Los Angeles are perfect for kids aged 9–12 who love to move, explore, and connect with nature or games in wide-open settings. Whether you’re planning a soccer match, a science adventure at the zoo, or a boardwalk-themed carnival, LA’s outdoor venues offer more space, fresh air, and flexibility—making them ideal for larger groups and sports-themed parties.

From budget-friendly picnic areas to full-service amusement locations, these spots turn a simple birthday into an all-out celebration.

 

🌟 Top Outdoor Venues Comparison Table

 

Venue Location Theme Guest Count Price Range Activities Instagram Website
Griffith Park (Carousel & Trains) Los Feliz Classic Carnival 30–100 $300–$700 Merry-go-round, train rides, pony rides N/A Visit Site
Sofive Soccer Centers Multiple Locations Soccer Tournament 15–40 $400–$850 Indoor/outdoor turf matches, coach-led games @sofive_soccer Visit Site
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens Griffith Park Wild Explorer 20–60 $700–$1,500 Guided zoo tours, animal encounters, scavenger hunts @lazoo Visit Site
Griffith Park Picnic Sites Los Feliz DIY Outdoor Picnic 20–100+ $200–$500 (permits) Custom games, open play, themed setups N/A Visit Site
Pacific Park, Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica Seaside Carnival 15–50 $800–$2,000 Rides, arcade games, food vendors @pacpark Visit Site
LA River Kayak Safari Frogtown (Elysian Valley) Outdoor Adventure 10–20 $750–$1,200 Guided kayak tour, eco-education, nature fun @lariverkayaksafari Visit Site

 

✅ Why These Venues Work for Ages 9–12

  • More Freedom to Play: Kids in this age group thrive on active movement—outdoor spaces encourage physical games, sports, and exploration.
  • Flexible Layouts: Parks and piers can accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger groups with ease.
  • Natural Backdrops: From wildlife to the ocean, outdoor locations make for memorable photos and engaging environments.
  • Custom Decor & Games: Outdoor venues allow for more DIY setups, rented bounce houses, relay races, and themed party zones.

 


 

🎨Themed Party Venues (STEM, Art, Sports, Outdoor Adventure)

Elevate the Experience with Purposeful Play

At ages 9–12, kids crave more than bounce houses—they want meaningful engagement, friendly competition, and cool themes that match their growing independence. Themed party venues are the perfect solution, combining fun with focus. Whether your child is a budding artist, an aspiring gamer, a sports fanatic, or a nature explorer, Los Angeles has the right venue for every passion.

This section breaks down the best birthday spots by theme—with suggested activities and curated GiftPals gift bundles to match each interest.

 

🎨 Creative & Art-Based Venues

Why it works: At this age, kids are discovering their individual styles. Art-themed parties nurture self-expression, creativity, and collaboration—plus everyone goes home with something handmade.

 

Venue Location Theme Activities Instagram Website
Imaginology Kids West LA Art Meets Science Canvas painting, slime lab, DIY take-home kits @imaginologykids Visit Site
Art Rebel Studio Sherman Oaks Expressive Art Acrylic painting, mural work, mixed-media crafts @artrebelshq Visit Site

 

🛍 GiftPals Picks:

 


 

🧠 STEM & Gaming Venues

Why it works: Tweens love solving puzzles, building things, and tech-driven games. STEM-themed parties combine education and excitement with activities that challenge and engage growing minds.

 

Venue Location Theme Activities Instagram Website
Two Bit Circus DTLA Tech Carnival VR gaming, interactive STEM arcade, team quests @twobitcircus Visit Site
Cayton Museum Santa Monica STEAM Lab Makerspace activities, team-building puzzles, kinetic play @caytonmuseum Visit Site

 

🛍 GiftPals Picks:

 


 

🏀Active/Sports Venues

Why it works: Sports and physical challenges offer a high-energy outlet for 9–12-year-olds, encouraging teamwork, stamina, and leadership in a fun and structured environment.

 

Venue Location Theme Activities Instagram Website
Sky Zone Trampoline Park Van Nuys Trampoline Sports Dodgeball, free bounce, foam pit, party room @skyzone Visit Site
Sofive Soccer Center Multiple Areas Soccer Tournament 5-a-side soccer, coach-led drills, awards @sofive_soccer Visit Site

 

🛍 GiftPals Picks:

 


 

🌿 3.4 Outdoor Adventure Venues

Why it works: For the curious, active child who loves exploring, outdoor adventures build confidence and offer memorable birthday moments in natural settings.

 

Venue Location Theme Activities Instagram Website
Kidspace Museum Pasadena Nature & Science Outdoor climbing, fossil digs, water play @kidspacemuseum Visit Site
Raging Waters LA San Dimas Water Park Adventure Water slides, wave pool, cabana rentals @ragingwatersla Visit Site

 

🛍 GiftPals Picks:

 


 

💰Budget Breakdown & Tiered Options

Plan the Perfect Party—No Matter Your Budget

Birthday parties for 9–12-year-olds in Los Angeles come in all price ranges—from laid-back park picnics to full-venue tech takeovers. This section helps parents confidently select a party experience that fits their financial plan, guest list, and expectations.

Below, we break down venues into three budget tiers, each with sample line-item pricing, ideal group sizes, and venue types. A downloadable budget worksheet is also suggested to simplify planning.

 

💸 Value Tier – Under $500

Best for small gatherings, DIY decorations, and cost-conscious celebrations

Venue Typical Price What You Get
Sky Zone (Basic) $450–$500 Jump passes, party table, water bottles
Griffith Park $200–$400 Picnic area reservation, access to playground
LA Zoo (Cave Corner) $450–$495 Semi-private party area + zoo admission
Color Me Mine $25–$30/child DIY pottery, creative space, optional food add-on

 

Sample Budget Breakdown (Value Tier):

  • Venue: $300
  • Food (Pizza + Juice): $80
  • Party Favors: $60
  • Balloons & Cake: $60
  • Total: ~$500

🧾 Perfect for: families wanting simplicity, outdoor fun, or small creative parties

 


 

💰 Mid-Range Tier – $500 to $1,500

Best for medium-size parties with pre-packaged amenities and professional coordination

Venue Typical Price What You Get
AdventurePlex $800–$1,200 Indoor obstacle courses, climbing wall, private room
Kidspace Museum (20–50 guests) $1,000–$1,500 Exhibit access, birthday room, staff-led activities
Art Zone West LA $700–$900 Art workshops, group mural project, decorations
LA Kings Ice (Party Room) $850–$1,400 Ice skating, skate rental, party room access
LA Zoo (LAIR Overlook) $1,250 Private deck with zoo view, exclusive animal encounter

 

Sample Budget Breakdown (Mid-Range Tier):

  • Venue + Activities: $900
  • Food (Catering or in-house): $250
  • Custom Cake & Cupcakes: $150
  • Photographer or Entertainer: $150
  • Total: ~$1,450

🧾 Perfect for: families seeking convenience, larger spaces, and more entertainment structure

 


 

💎 Premium Tier – Over $1,500

Best for large parties, all-inclusive experiences, and memorable themed adventures

Venue Typical Price What You Get
Kidspace Museum (100 guests) $2,500+ Full museum floor access, catering add-ons, staff planning
Pacific Park (Santa Monica Pier) $1,800–$2,500 Ride wristbands, arcade cards, boardwalk party area
Two Bit Circus (Full Venue) $2,200–$3,500 Full VR arcade rental, STEM games, dedicated tech hosts

 

Sample Budget Breakdown (Premium Tier):

  • Venue & Experience: $2,000
  • Premium Catering & Cake: $500
  • Live Entertainment (Magician, DJ): $300
  • Decor & Custom Invitations: $250
  • Total: ~$3,050

🧾 Perfect for: milestone birthdays, shared parties, or tech-loving tweens

 

 

📥 Optional Download

🎉 Download Our Free Birthday Budget Planner (Google Sheet or PDF)
Helps you:

  • Compare venue tiers
  • Track spending on favors, food, décor, and extras
  • Avoid last-minute cost surprises

Download the Planner →

 


 

👥Guest Capacity Recommendations

Find the Right Fit for Your Party Size

Choosing the right venue starts with knowing how many guests you’re inviting. From intimate art sessions to large-scale adventures, Los Angeles offers venues tailored to every group size. But size doesn’t just affect space—it also influences cost, food planning, supervision needs, and entertainment logistics.

Here’s a breakdown of ideal birthday venues in LA by guest capacity—plus planning tips to help you host confidently and comfortably.

 

👶 Small Parties (10–20 Guests)

Best for intimate gatherings, lower budgets, and hands-on activities

Venue Location Experience Type Why It Works
Color Me Mine Various LA areas Pottery Art Studio Allows creative freedom with minimal setup
Sky Zone (Basic) Van Nuys Trampoline Party Small group packages with flexible add-ons
Rolling Robots Glendale/West LA STEM Robotics Workshop Interactive robot-building and coding challenges
TreePeople Hikes Coldwater Canyon Nature Walk & Picnic Outdoor, guided environmental exploration for small groups

 

Planning Tips:

  • Ask about minimums—some venues require 10+ kids for package pricing
  • Great for sleepover follow-ups or friends-only parties
  • Parents can often skip formal catering and opt for DIY snacks

 


 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Medium Parties (20–50 Guests)

Best for birthday parties that include extended family, classmates, and neighborhood friends

Venue Location Experience Type Why It Works
Kidspace (50 guests) Pasadena Indoor + Outdoor Museum Educational, fun, and scalable with built-in exhibits
AdventurePlex El Segundo Indoor Sports & Fitness Structured activities with built-in staff supervision
LA Kings Ice El Segundo Ice Skating Party Group skate time + party room = fun for all skill levels
LA Zoo (LAIR Overlook) Griffith Park Wildlife Observation Deck Private deck party with animal views & add-on encounters

 

Planning Tips:

  • Mid-sized groups require more RSVPs and stronger headcounts
  • Consider venues with bundled food or décor to streamline logistics
  • Be mindful of parking and parent seating

 


 

🎉 Large Parties (50+ Guests)

Best for shared birthdays, milestone events, and school/family combo parties

Venue Location Experience Type Why It Works
Kidspace (100 guests) Pasadena Full Museum Buyout Private, indoor-outdoor with space for food, games & flow
Pacific Park Santa Monica Pier Seaside Carnival Party Unlimited ride wristbands, festive boardwalk vibe
Two Bit Circus (Full Venue) DTLA VR Arcade & STEM Adventure Private immersive experiences, game hosts, multiple zones

 

Planning Tips:

  • Look for venues with private rentals or tiered guest packages
  • Consider hiring staff/helpers for food service or crowd management
  • Check if the venue offers rain backup plans or weather coverage (for outdoor)

 

🧠 Bonus Tip: Consider the “Drop-Off Age”

At 9–12 years, many parties begin transitioning to drop-off instead of parent-attended. For larger parties, ensure:

  • Adequate supervision ratios (venue staff or hired assistants)
  • Waivers are collected in advance for physical activities
  • A check-in station is set up at the entrance

 


 

✅Booking Timeline & Checklist

Planning a birthday party for kids aged 9–12 in Los Angeles takes more than just booking a venue—it requires timing, coordination, and a bit of checklist magic. Whether you're organizing a simple art studio event or a full-on tech arcade bash, this week-by-week timeline ensures you don’t miss a beat.
 

🗓 Recommended Booking Timeline

 

8 Weeks Before 6 Weeks Before 4 Weeks Before 2 Weeks Before 1 Week Before Day of Party

✅ Choose your venue and book it 

(especially for weekends or popular times)
✅ Decide on theme and guest count
✅ Begin rough budget planning

✅ Send out invitations (digital or printed)
✅ Research and reserve entertainment (if not bundled)
✅ Coordinate with co-host (if joint party)
✅ Order cake, catering, or finalize menu
✅ Shop for favors, decorations, and party supplies
✅ Arrange for extra help (family, sitter, staff)
✅ Confirm RSVPs
✅ Provide final headcount to venue
✅ Double-check allergy & access needs
✅ Prepare goodie bags and signage
✅ Final walk-through with venue or coordinator
✅ Print check-in list & activity schedule
✅ Prepare emergency contact list
✅ Arrive early to set up
✅ Check audio/tech needs
✅ Set up favor table & signage
✅ Welcome guests, take group photo, enjoy!

 


 

📋 Printable Checklist: What You’ll Need

 

Extras Entertainment Decor & Setup Essentials
First-aid kit Playlist or hired DJ Balloons & themed decor Final guest list (with contact info)
Chargers or power banks Activity materials or rentals (art kits, VR, etc.) Table covers & serving utensils Signed waivers (if required by venue)
Thank-you cards / follow-ups Tip envelopes (for entertainers) Signs for food, favors, activity stations Backup plan (especially for outdoor parties)
      Cake knife, candles, matches
      Wet wipes, paper towels, trash bags

 


 

Finding the right place to celebrate your child’s birthday between ages 9 and 12 doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you're looking for an indoor birthday party in LA, exciting outdoor party venues for tweens, or the most creative birthday party places for 10-year-olds in Los Angeles, this guide highlights the best options by budget, activity, and theme. From kids party venues with hands-on experiences to themed birthday spots in LA that wow every guest, there’s something for every personality and party size.

🎉 Ready to plan your perfect tween birthday?
Explore gift ideas, party supplies, and more on GiftPals.com to complement these unforgettable birthday ideas for 9–12 year olds.

 


 

FAQ

❓ What’s the best indoor birthday venue for 10-year-olds in LA?

Popular indoor choices include Sky Zone for active kids, Cayton Museum for hands-on creativity, and Two Bit Circus for tech-loving tweens. Each venue offers age-specific activities, climate-controlled space, and party packages that fit most mid-range budgets.

❓ Are there water park birthday packages in Los Angeles?

Yes. Raging Waters in San Dimas is the largest option nearby, offering cabana rentals, water slide access, and catering options. These are perfect for summer birthdays and typically fall into the premium price tier ($1,500+).

❓ How far in advance should I book a tween birthday venue? Answer:

Ideally, 6 to 8 weeks in advance—especially for weekend bookings and popular seasons (spring/summer). Premium venues may require even earlier reservations. Always confirm cancellation policies when booking.

❓ What themes are popular for 12-year-olds in 2025?

STEM & Gaming: Robotics, VR, escape rooms Creative Arts: DIY canvas painting, custom slime labs Outdoor Adventure: Eco hikes, wildlife tours Sports Tournaments: Soccer, basketball, or ice skating challenges

❓ Which LA venues offer all-inclusive birthday packages?

Venues like AdventurePlex, Kidspace Museum, and Two Bit Circus offer comprehensive packages that may include food, setup, staff-led activities, and cleanup—reducing the need for external vendors.

❓ How do I plan a birthday party on a tight budget in LA?

Use public spaces like Griffith Park or TreePeople trails (permits often <$100). Opt for DIY food and decorations. Choose venues like Sky Zone (Basic) or Color Me Mine with low per-child costs. Invite a smaller group (10–15 kids) to cut food and favor costs.

Dive Into Our Most Popular Blog Posts!


Reviews

Avatar