It’s easy being a kid in the South Sound. There are plenty of fun places for a child to stretch their legs and enjoy some unique experiences. With so many venues across Pierce County boasting fun-filled opportunities for kids of all ages, finding the perfect location for your child’s next birthday party is easy. Here’s a look at some birthday party-worthy venues any kid will love.
1. Jozee Rooz Indoor Petting Zoo
Jozee Rooz Indoor Petting Zoo is a hands-on petting zoo experience. At Jozee Rooz, their specialty is baby and miniature pets. Here you’ll find wallabies, rabbits, budgies, miniature pigs, piglets, dwarf goats, lambs, a zebu calf, mini chickens, mini horses, mini donkeys and ponies. The newest addition to their family is the capybara.
Aside from the cute, cuddly animals, the best part about this place is that it’s indoors, allowing for guests to enjoy petting the animals year round, despite any bad weather. Having been there, the animals and facility are also very clean and organized.
The small setting allows for kids to play among the animals. During your visit, pony rides will be available for an extra charge. Licensed and inspected by the USDA, the animals are well taken care of and some animals are even available for adoption. Jozee Rooz is available for birthday parties in their private party barn and they love hosting field trips. Make sure to inquire about group rates and private after hours party rentals.
If you’re unable to bring the party to Jozee Rooz, Jozee Rooz will bring the “zoo to you.” With packages available for birthday parties, churches, schools, living nativities, photo shoots and more, you and your guests can sit back and let Jozee Rooz do all the work.
Jozee Rooz Indoor Petting Zoo
120 138th St S
Tacoma, WA 98444
253-539-5011
indoorpettingzoo.com
2. Rollin’ 253
Hit up Rollin’ 253 for a unique indoor skating party. This old school skating rink takes care of set up, the food, and clean-up. Each party includes a party assistant, private party room, pizza, soda, ice cream and more. Private parties are closed off to the public and start at $400 for 2 hours for 80 guests, skate rentals, a DJ, party games/activities and full-service catering. For a more economical route, book your party during public skate time for $130 for an eight person party.
Rollin’ 253
2101 W Mildred St
Tacoma, WA 98466
253-292-2324
rollin253.com
3. Sounder’s Lanes
Located on McChord, Sounder’s Lanes boasts a very clean 12 bowling lane arena. Bowling packages start at $10 each and include two games of bowling, shoes, unlimited cups of soda, ice cream cups, plates, utensils, balloons, and three free games of bowling for the birthday child on their next visit. There is a very nice indoor playground with table seating for parties and a laser maze. A full spread of food and drinks are available at the snack bar.
Sounder’s Lanes
Bldg. 737, Jackson Blvd
JBLM McChord Field
253-982-5954
jblmmwr.com/bowling_m.html
4. Wiggle Works
If you haven’t yet been to Wiggle Works, you’re in for a real treat. It’s a padded heaven for kids with a fabulous balloon room sure to keep them occupied for hours. Parties on weekdays start at $129, weekends are $199 and private parties are $350 with admission for up to 16 children. The party package includes unlimited playtime with an option to order pizza a bring your own food. Parties included use of the party room for 90 minutes, 10 latex balloons, paper products and utensils.
Wiggle Works
3500 S. Meridian Suite 215
Puyallup, WA 98373
253-445-6551
wiggleworkskids.com
5. Children’s Museum of Tacoma
Located downtown, the Children’s Museum of Tacoma is a great indoor children’s museum. Hosting your birthday party here will cost $200 and includes one hour of private use of the party room, unlimited play in the museum, and up to 15 children and 15 adults. Parties also include invitations and a play guide to help make sure your event goes on without a hitch.
Children’s Museum of Tacoma
1501 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-627-6031
playtacoma.org
6. Summer Cove
Located on North Fort Lewis, Summer Cove is a best-kept secret. Just down the road from Shoreline Park, Summer Cove is directly behind Russell Landing and includes a huge park with numerous slides, a separate tot playground and a zero entry beach access at the bottom of the hill. There, kids can play in the sand and water and watch boats and eagles go by. There’s a covered pavilion that can be rented for a $25 deposit and it’s returned once your party is over. There are also many tables, grills and fairly new onsite restroom facilities. Call Russell Landing to book your party.
Summer Cove
San Antonio Pl
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
253-967-2510
jblmmwr.com/nw_adv_ctr.html
7. Bradley Lake Park
Located in Puyallup, Bradley Lake Park is a 59-acre site that includes a 12-acre lake to fish, walking trails, a covered picnic area, two youth ballfields and an expansive playground. Your guests will love the open field for running around.
Bradley Lake Park
531 31st Ave. SE
Puyallup, WA 98374
cityofpuyallup.org/services/parks-recreation
8. Fort Steilacoom Park
Fort Steilacoom Park is one of our family’s favorite places. At 340 acres, Fort Steilacoom Park is the largest park in Lakewood and provides a diverse mix of active and passive recreation. It features an expansive trail system, baseball, softball and soccer fields, state-of-the-art playground and an off-leash dog park. There are two picnic shelters; one accommodating 25 people and the other can hold 100 people. It has electricity, water, two barbecues, is located near the playground, and has year-round restroom facilities.
Fort Steilacoom Park
8714 87th Ave SW
Lakewood, WA 98498
cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation
9. Kandle Park
If ever there’s a place to host a summer birthday, Kandle Park is it. This is the first wave pool in Pierce County, and one of only a handful in Washington! The pool features a gradual beach-like entry and a separate shallow tot pool and sprayground. There are five tents to rent with accommodations for 15 – 25 people and can be rented for 2 – 5 hours. Rental fees start at $20 for weekdays, depending on the tent, to $70 for weekends. Once the tent is rented, your party will be given discount admission into the park. On the day of the party, renters bring a list of guests and a cashier checks them off as they arrive. After all the guests have arrived, the party renter must make the rental payment in full to secure the party date and time.
Kandle Park
5302 N. 26th St.
Tacoma, WA 98407
253-404-3920
metroparkstacoma.org/kandle
10. STAR Center
You do not have to be a STAR Center member to celebrate a birthday there. Here you will find the only indoor/outdoor playground in the state of Washington! Your children will have a ball in the 5,000-square-feet of treetop playgrounds. The Make-It-Your-Own party will include a party host, one hour of exclusive use of a treetops party room, one hour of semi-exclusive use of the treetop playground, set-up and clean-up of tables and chairs, e-invites or printable invitations. With a Make-It-Your-Own Experience, you bring your own decorations, food, drinks and paper products. A small group of 10 guests will cost $120, while up to 20 kids will be $240. Or you can do a themed party experience. It will cost more at $300 – $360 but can include a pirate adventure (with a treasure hunt), a princess extravaganza, or a jungle safari. Onsite catering is available as well through Subway.
STAR Center
3873 S. 66th St
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-404-3939
metroparkstacoma.org/star
11. Emerald Kingdom Parties
Hosting a special event or party and need a princess to put the party over the top? Emerald Kingdom Parties is just the answer you need to add sparkle to your party. Jessica Estes is the brains behind Emerald Kingdom Parties and started the business in 2014 after she was inspired during a volunteer gig for a local charity. The children were so happy to meet a “real-life” princess that she knew she had to make it her personal mission to spread joy and happiness to children through her events. Princesses are available for school, hospital, public and large events. Packages are fully customizable but there is a minimum four-week booking period, so be sure to call ahead.
Emerald Kingdom Parties
253-327-8050
emeraldkingdom.wix.com/emeraldkingdom
12. Elite Mobile Gaming
If you’re looking for a unique way to entertain your guests at the next party, look no further than Elite Mobile Gaming. Their custom 28-foot long trailer boasts four 50” plasma TV’s, fully equipped with Xbox 360 and Wii gaming consoles. The custom surround sound with fully integrated seat rumblers allows your guests to truly feel what they are seeing.
Alex — a school teacher by day and business owner by night — and Kelli Kinney opened Elite Mobile Gaming in late spring of 2010 because they wanted to supply a fun and unique way to bring entertainment to the customer. “In short, we offer a modern twist on birthdays — video games, right to your door!” said Alex. Weekend rentals run Friday through Sunday at $299 per two-hour party. There is a special if booked through the week at $275 per two-hour party and each additional hour is $95. Active military receive a discount.
Elite Mobile Gaming
1420 Marvin Rd NE, Ste C
Lacey, 360.790.4188
elitemobilegaming.com/index.html