With so many things these days coming in Hi-Def, 3-D and other vivid acronyms, the day-to-day real world can seem a bit ho-hum to children. Don’t reinforce that notion by celebrating a kid’s birthday over bland, soggy pizza that is cheap in every way but the price. Sacramento has some great alternatives that the whole family will remember for years to come.

Hours: Fri – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Sat – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: Packages range from $200 to $1,500

For a wild and exciting party explore STAR Eco-Station. This is a nonprofit environmental science museum and exotic wildlife rescue center, and it is anything but the same-old, same-old. Kids can have close encounters with animals, reptiles and even a tarantula during their jungle or ocean themed party.

Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sat – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Parties also available on Sundays
Price: $175.00 and up

If your child loves to cook and dreams of becoming a chef, schedule a Little Baker Cookie Party at Kelli’s Best Cookies. Kids aged 4 – 12 can decorate and bake their own cookies, as well as design their own chef hat and apron. Everyone gets to take cookies home and Kelli’s does all of the setup and cleanup. Who knows, the next celebrity chef might be growing up in your kitchen.  

Related: Best Of Sacramento Toy Stores

Hours: Click here for details
Price: Home parties from $160.00 to $270.00; Studio parties from $300.00 to $450.00; Spa parties from $40.00 to $50.00 per child

If your birthday child loves to dance, sing and perform, Fancy Feet is just the ticket. Pick from themes like the So Fly Funky Hip-Hop Karaoke Party or the Ballerina Dress up Party, appropriate for both girls and boys. You can celebrate at the studio or in your own home. Spa parties for kids are also available, and moms can participate in the pampering too. Don’t miss the yummy chocolate kiss facial, which is included in the spa package.

Hours Click here for details
Price: Packages from $225 to $750

The Bounce Spot has plenty to offer kids with fun party themes including “Mickey Mouse Club House,” “My Little Pony,” “Spiderman” and “High School Musical.” There are even sleepover parties that run from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 a.m. The kids will love staying up watching movies, bouncing and playing video games. Some packages include a personal party pro to coordinate the whole party and entertain the kids. 

Related: The Best Indoor Playgrounds in Sacramento

Hours: Parties available Fri to Sun; Click here for details
Price: Packages from $169.00 to $299.00

Amaze your child with rocket launching, bubbling potions, slippery slime, wizards and hovercrafts. Mad Science offers all that and more. Parties are held in the lab, or at the place of your choice. They are sure to entertain everyone with fun, hands-on science programs. Even adults will love to impersonating robots, monsters and mice using the voice synthesizer.

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.