Special times shared with loved ones are one of life’s most important gifts. With this in mind, North State Parent has put together our A-Z Out and About Birthday Guide, offering a range of party destinations to assist you in creating a special day dedicated to celebrating someone you love.
Although these ideas are geared toward celebrating with children, many ideas can be used to create a memory-making event honoring a person of any age, such as a special friend, sibling, grandparent – or any significant other in your life!
A is for Animals!
Create a party that is animal-friendly and fun! Most children love animals. Having a party at a ranch or farm is a special treat. The family businesses and non-profits below give children an up-close animal experience whether you visit the animals or the animals are brought to you.
At Two By Two Ranch & Petting Zoo in Chico, animals and caring folks greet your birthday posse and ensure that your celebration is a memorable time. Children will learn about life on a farm as they meet friendly goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, turkeys, llamas and more. Two By Two offers party packages, farm tours and pony parties–and will even bring the zoo or ponies to you. (520) 893-1088 www.twobytworanch.com.
Bella Vista Farms Animal Sanctuary in Cottonwood will bring ponies or a petting zoo to your special occasion. Proceeds benefit the sanctuary. Info/booking: Bella Vista Farms (530) 347-0544.
The Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation in Durham offers very special birthday parties at their wildlife sanctuary and education center. Party packages include a guided educational tour and opportunity to meet some of their resident animals, both local and global species. The birthday boy or girl will get their picture taken with a resident animal baby, and guests can have their pictures taken too, by special arrangement. Includes use of the grounds and shaded picnic tables. Also available: piñata, cake, lunch, crafts, face painting, T-shirts and more. (530) 533-1000 www.kirshner.org.
Book Ron’s Reptiles (Butte County) and your guests will meet a selection of reptiles from around the world. Special requests are welcome. Party packages include a disc of digital photos and a custom screen-printed logo Ron’s Reptiles T-shirt. (530) 893-2095, 44 Rock Creek Rd., Chico, www.ronsreptiles.com.
Redding Reptile Parties (Tehama/Shasta Counties) will bring live snakes, lizards and tortoises from around the world. These live ambassadors of their species are available to pet and hold.
(530) 226-5329, www.reddingreptileparties.com.
Celebrate with a fun day of learning about animals at Lassen View Farms in Palo Cedro. Rent the party room complete with a full kitchen, snow cone, soft serve ice cream and a cotton candy machines. For other special celebrations, be sure to check out Lassen View’s carriage service. (530) 547-2185, www.lassenviewfarms.com.
B is for Baseball!
If your sports-loving child was born during baseball season, an adventure awaits when you bring your party to a live professional ball game in Chico. The area’s very own ChicoOutlawsplay their home games at CSU, Chico’s Nettleton Stadium at 800 College Drive off Warner St. Schedule a special pre-game catered picnic at the stadium for your group (all you can eat, for groups of 25 or more), receive a visit from Rascal, the mascot, and have the birthday honoree throw the first pitch. The season begins the end of May and runs through late August. (530) 345-3210 www.chicooutlaws.com.
You can also create a unique baseball-orientated party at Mac’s Pro Baseball School in Chico. Party-goers will enjoy a 1 1/2 hour batting cage rental, ten $10 Slugger Cards to give as party favors, a private area for seating, and an extra half hour to celebrate with gifts, food and cake (you provide). You can also include professional instruction and use of their Light Flight machine. 3436 Hwy 32, Suite 100.
(530) 343-7397 www.macsprobaseball.com.
For the love of baseball, have your party in the party room at Waterman’s Batting Cages inRedding. You bring the kids, and they take care of the rest. Your lil’ slugger will enjoy hitting in the batting cages for two hours, as well as pizza, beverages and cupcakes. They provide the party supplies (plates, napkins, cups, utensils and balloons), and the clean-up! Located at 2704 Hartnell Ave., Ste. B (530) 222-6484.
C is for Cupcake & Creativity!
Book a birthday party at Sweetspot dessert shop in Redding! Specializing in homemade gelato, frozen yogurt and gourmet cupcakes, the shop also features an entire wall devoted to chalk art. It’s a fun place to have your special party. Choose from three sweet birthday packages: Just Cupcakes & Gelato Fun, The Sweetest Party and Little Bakers. Bake in the Sweetspot kitchen with your friends! 930 Hilltop Dr., (530) 226-8086.
Clay parties are lots of fun and include two hours of studio time, with instruction and all materials needed to produce a finished project. Projects are glazed and fired, and ready to be picked up within a week. 830 Broadway. (530) 894-5227 www.allfiredupchico.org.
For children who love to create, have a beading birthday event at String Bead in Chico. The kids will see thousands of beads in every size, shape, and color. Sign everyone up for a beading class—with the help of String Bead’s friendly staff, young crafters will keep busy making earrings, bracelets, necklaces or whatever their imagination can come up with. Great for teens too! Call at least two weeks in advance to book a class. After, take the crafters out for lunch and cake, wearing their creations! (530) 894-BEAD, located in the Almond Orchard Plaza. www.stringbead.com.
When you book your child’s party at KidsPark in Chico, a personal party hostess helps you plan a creative party. The wide variety of themes to choose from include Princess, Pirate, & Jungle Uproar. Your hostess will conduct the festivities, leaving you to enjoy the event with family and friends. Parties are for ages 2-12 years, and take place on Sundays. Packages include party consultation, table settings, juice, a snack, a gift for the birthday child, and clean-up. Kids will enjoy an art project, face painting, group games, balloon favors, and fun! 2483 Notre Dame Blvd. #110, (530) 894-6800 www.kidspark.com.
Redding’s All Fired Up paint-your-own ceramics studio offers kids creative birthday fun. The party package includes a ceramic piece each child picks from All Fired Up’s birthday party rack (featuring over 35 design choices). The studio provides set-up, instruction, paints, glazing, dremmeling and clean-up. You bring food and supplies, have fun and relax. 1818 Churn Creek Rd. (530) 226-1638 www.allfiredup2day.com.
Turn your party into a fabulous fashionable sewing experience. Spend two hours creating two projects, a purse or other accessory, at a Fashion Designer Birthday Party at The Fabulous Fabric Shop in Redding. Appropriate for ages 5+. They provide all the decorations and supplies; you bring your own food and drinks. Located behind Cool Hand Luke’s on Churn Creek Rd. (530) 221-1608 www.thefabfabricshop.com.
D is for Dance!
Dancers of all ages will appreciate a ballet-themed birthday party given by company members of Redding City Ballet and the staff of Redding Ballet Academie. Parties include a ballet class catered to the birthday child and guests, and a short “studio performance” featuring all attending, with costumes courtesy of Redding City Ballet. Air-conditioned studio. Held inRedding at the Redding Ballet Academie studio, across from the Cascade Theater at 1726 Market St. (530) 241-6649, www.reddingcityballet.org.
California Dance Company in Anderson will host your party–kids will enjoy a Hip Hop or Princess theme. You provide the cake and treats, they provide the music, dancing and fun. (530) 365-7749 www.californiadancecompany.com.
Kinetics Academy of Dance in Chico offers fun dance parties for kids. Customize a theme, or book a darling two-hour Fancy Tea or Fairy Tea themed party (recommended for ages 4-8), that includes dance lesson, tea party with real china, a craft and more. Includes tea and goodies, you provide cake. (530) 345-2505, 2155 Park Ave.www.kineticsacademyofdance.com.
E is for Environment!
To enjoy eco-friendly and educational birthday experiences take a gaggle of curious kids on a walk through the Chico Creek Nature Center in Chico. Visit live animals in living wildlife displays. Next, embark on an outdoor journey through the Center’s self-led “World of Trees” walk. The Center offers weekend birthday packages for up to 15 children aged 5-11yrs that include a half-hour “Meet the Animals” presentation and a hands-on plaster-cast project. Afterwards head to the One Mile Recreation Area for a short creek walk in beautiful tree-lined Bidwell Park. You may want to supply small fishnets and mini magnifiers as party favors to support young naturalists. (530) 891-4671 www.bidwellpark.org.
F is for Fish!
How about booking a guided fishing party adventure on a river that is sure to create fond memories? Hire a private fly-fishing guide from a company such as Mt. Shasta Anglers, who provide the boat, fishing expertise and infectious enthusiasm for the experience. This can be a great Dad and child birthday experience, to be followed by a celebration with friends and all the family on dry land upon returning, or your entire party can be accommodated on the river—just give a call to customize your fishing adventure. (530) 859-3474www.mtshastaanglers.com.
Another fishing party option is to take your group camping at Hat Creek Rancheria RV Park and Campground on the private three-acre Lunker Lake. Young campers can catch & release the rainbow and brown trout that swim in Hat Creek. Located between Burney Falls and Lassen National Park. There are plenty of amenities, so you can create an experience that is sure to “hook” everyone on fishing. (530) 335-7418 www.rancheriarv.com.
If you want to watch fish up close, visit the museum aquarium during feeding time at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding. Watch native fish zig, zag, wiggle and play. Partygoers can explore and experience interactive exhibits and make discoveries about nature. Turtle Bay offers party packages that can be customized to your needs and desires (See N for Nature). (530) 242-3180 www.turtlebay.org.
G is for Golf!
Take your child’s party guests to ‘putt around’ on the 18-hole outdoor mini golf course Lariat Bowl in Red Bluff. Party packages include a bowling pin (guests can sign) for the birthday child. 365 S. Main St. (530) 527-2720 www.lariatbowl.com
Funland in Chico offers Putters Miniature Golf parties! Fun for a mixed age group. Packages include party favors, party hostess, party room and decorations, and two pitchers of drinks. Bring your own cake or choose a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake on site, or make it a pizza party catered by Round Table Pizza at Funland. (530) 343-1602 www.funlandchico.com.
Oasis Fun Center in Shasta Lake offers miniature golf, go-karts, laser tag, bumper boats and much more. With so many fun activities to choose from, your birthday party is sure to be a hit. You provide the cake and ice cream. They provide balloons, table service, party room and fun. 3330 Cascade Blvd., (530) 275-3042 www.oasisfuncenter.com.
H is for Horses!
How about booking horseback riding lessons for your child’s party? Safe Haven Horse Rescuein Cottonwood offers lessons to accommodate all levels of riders. Children will meet rescued horses and the people who care for them. The environment is relaxed and friendly, and includes a shaded picnic area for festivities after the riding. You’ll feel good knowing all contributions benefit Safe Haven’s Horse Rescue program. (530) 347-4941www.safehavenhorserescue.org
If you have an older child who loves horses, consider creating a special celebration with a small group of older children at the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Shingletown, where your group can see wild horses, walk nature trails and enjoy picnicking by a pond. Arrangements can be made for your group to meet with a sanctuary volunteer who will give the kids a brief tour and share information about the horses and workings of the sanctuary. (530) 335-2241www.wildhorsesanctuary.org.
At Almond Country Farms in Durham, you can book group lessons or can take advantage of one of the Farm’s party packages, which include pony friends for the little ones & horse games for older participants. Enjoy your lunch and celebration goodies in the picnic area. (530) 343-1558.
Get a group of kids together for a fun and different birthday party with Nor Cal Trail Rides. Your children and their friends will learn about horses while interacting with them, and everybody gets to ride! Their horses love children, and they have a beautiful indoor arena that keeps everyone dry and warm during rainy months, and cool during hot summer days. Based in Anderson, Nor Cal Trail Rides offers rides throughout Northern California. (530) 515-8958www.norcaltrailrides.com.
I is for Indoor and Ice Skating!
Book a fun indoor inflatable party at PartyExtraordinAIR in Shasta Lake (Redding area) featuring inflatable jump houses, giant obstacle courses, mega slides, sports games, bounce houses, an arcade and more! Party packages include private party time, free invitations, party supplies, setup, clean up, a party host and more. (530) 275-5870 www.pexair.com.
Indoors or out, everyone can be a princess for a day with Stace’s Princess Parties. Have a royal party with little girl princess dress rentals and princess party supplies. Serving Butte County. (530) 990-6656 www.stacesprincessparties.com.
Don’t let bad weather dampen your soccer fan’s party. Celebrate on the giant regulation size indoor field at Off the Wall Soccer in Chico. They offer several birthday party packages to choose from. Partygoers will have an hour of playing time on the field (soccer, T-ball or flag-football). Bring your own food, drinks and decorations or let Off the Wall Soccer take care of it for you. Additional party enhancements are available a la carte. (530) 879-0894www.offthewallsoccer.com
For winter parties, Ice Skating is cool and super fun at the Siskiyou Ice Rink in Shastice Park in Mt. Shasta. Visit their website for up-to-date schedules or call to book your private party on their huge outdoor rink. Seasonal, typically November – February. (530) 926-1715www.msparks.org.
J is for Jump (and slide)!
Romp, bounce and water slide into a new year. Rent a bounce house or giant slippery water slide. It’s a great way for kids to work off the post-cake and ice cream energy rush. Unit rentals come with delivery and set up! Reserve early for best pick from the inflatable selection.
Astro Events (Serves all upper CA Counties); (530) 243-5867 www.astrojump.com.
Bounces of Fun (Chico area); (530) 345-5290.
Jump N’ Jax (Chico Area); (530) 828-9764 www.jumpnjax.org.
Redding Bounce Houses (Serves all Upper CA Counties); (530) 221-Jumpwww.reddingbouncehouses.com.
Party ExtraordinAIR (Serves all upper CA Counties); (530) 275-5870 www.pexair.com.
K is for Kayaking!
Older kids through adults will appreciate a guided kayak tour at Whiskeytown National Recreation area in Shasta County as a unique way to celebrate. The tours (in summer) are ranger-led, and participants will learn about the Whiskeytown National Recreation area while exploring the coves around Whiskeytown Lake. Call (530) 242-3462 to book your group.
Another kayaking option is to visit Riverbend Park along the cool Feather River in Oroville. Green Line Cycles offers kayaking rentals; the park offers a splash-pad water feature, BBQ’s and shaded pavilions. For Riverbend Park information: (530) 533-2011; wwwfrrpd.com, Greenline Cycles Kayak rentals: (530) 533-7885; www.greenlinecycles.com.
The Forebay Aquatic Center offers water fun, kayak rentals and birthday party packages. Packages include a group picnic site, instructors, certified lifeguard, games and a kayak trip on the North Forebay. Located at Thermalito North Forebay State Park off Highway 70. (530) 624-6919 www.aschico.com/forebayaquaticcenter.
There is nothing like spending a lazy summer day with a mixed age of youth and adults enjoying a kayaking or rafting trip. Turtle River Rafting Company offers a challenging and engaging day of peaceful fun for ages four and up. Guided trips make it a safe vacation-like adventure that includes lunch. (530) 926-3223 www.turtleriver.com.
River Dancers, Rafting and Kayak Adventures in Mt. Shasta will add some whitewater thrills to your birthday celebration. They will customize an adventurous trip that is sure to please children and teens, from day outings to multi-day camps. Build team building skills and self-esteem in a fun and safe outing. (800) 926-5002 www.riverdancers.com.
L is for Lakes!
We are fortunate to be living in an ideal area for lake activities. The following lakes were selected as possible party destinations for their unique settings, easy access and beauty! If you’re ambitious, make this a camping party too!
Mt. Shasta’s Lake Siskiyou, just off Highway 5, is a pristine mountain lake offering an amazing view of the majestic mountain and surrounding natural landscapes, with picnic tables, cove areas, swimming and an around-the-lake trail. The lake’s south side is home to the Lake Siskiyou Resort and Campgrounds, where a small day-use fee offers many amenities, including a beach area with rental kayaks, canoes, paddle wheelers and float toys. There’s also a picnic area, playground, volleyball and horseshoe pits, store and restaurant. Open through mid-Sept. (530) 926-2618 www.reynoldsresorts.com/LakeSiskiyou.htm.
Lake Almanor is located in Plumas County near Chester. This large lake was formed by Canyon Dam, and offers fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, camping—and of course, beauty. (530) 258-2426 www.chester-lakealmanor.com.
Kangaroo Lake near Callahan is part of the Klamath National Forest. Plan for swimming, camping, fishing & hiking– bring your canoes, inflatable rafts and small non-motorized boats, or just hang out at the small beach area. This 25-acre high-mountain lake is wheelchair accessible too! (530) 842-6131 go-california.com/Kangaroo-Lake-California.
Howard Prairie Lake recreation area in Ashland has been rated the number one recreation facility of its kind in Oregon. The Howard Prairie Lake Resort offers facilities that include a large picnic and day-use area with swimming, campsites, store, restaurant and marina. (541) 482-1979 www.hplake.com.
Beautiful Lake Britton, in the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park on Hwy 89 (about six miles North of Hwy 299), offers swimming, boating, fishing and more. Visit spectacular Burney Falls, or rent canoes, paddleboats, rowboats or small motorboats at the lake. Enjoy nature at it’s finest. (530) 335-2777 www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=455
M is for Movement!
Have a bouncing good time at Athletic Horizons Gymnastics Center in Chico. They offer birthday party packages that include use of their fun obstacle course, trampoline, tumble track, in-ground foam pit, zip-line and more. It’s 15,000 square feet of fun! They provide gymnastics games & activities under the direction of a trained gymnastics instructor. Party packages start at $75, set-up and clean-up included! You bring cake and goodies, plates, cups, utensils and party favors. (530) 893-4967 www.athletichorizons.com.
Athletics Unlimited Gymnastics Center in Anderson offers party packages for all ages that include supervised use of all equipment, including their big tumble track trampoline and in-ground foam pit. Guests enjoy the use of a separate party area, and Athletics Unlimited provides plates, cups, forks & napkins (you bring the cake), a goodie bag and a helium balloon for each guest. They handle set-up and clean-up. 2250 Barney Rd. (530) 365-2235.
G-Force Gymnastics in Redding offers gymnastics birthday parties for all ages that include 1½ hours of coached gymnastics fun, and ½ hour use of their party room. Equipment at G-Force’s 10,000 sq. ft. fully matted gymnastics facility includes a 50-foot tumble track with foam pit, two in-ground trampolines, a Euro-double mini-trampoline, an obstacle course, fun games, a parachute clubhouse and a bounce house. You bring cake & goodies, plates & cups; they provide the coach, clean-up & fun. 4425 Tenaya Court. (530) 223-5483 www.g-forcegymnastics.com.
At Galaxy Gymnastics Academy in Redding, birthday party guests enjoy nearly 13,000 square feet of padded floor area for tumbling fun, including use of their trampolines, tumble track, and large in-ground foam pit. Galaxy’s 1 ¾ hour party packages include a party host who supervises games and activities on the floor, use of their party room, party bags for all the kids, and ice-cream! You bring the cake. 910 Wall St. (530) 222-4496 www.galaxygymnasticsacademy.com.
In Motion Fitness in Chico makes birthday parties as easy as 1-2-3. They set up, you show up and they clean up. Three packages to choose from! Make a splash with a themed pool party or ask In Motion’s party coordinator for additional party themes. Add a bounce house or customize your event with several other options: art projects, face painters, balloon art, a guest princess or a high school musical party. 1293 E. First Ave. (530) 343-5678 www.inmotionfitness.net.
A night of glamour won’t be complete without a photo shoot. Rent a photo booth fromMemory Maker Machine Rental. Photos are instant. Choose a saying to be printed on the photos to add a special touch. (530) 355-8703 www.memorymachinerental.com.
N is for Nature!
At Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding partygoers can explore & experience interactive exhibits and make discoveries about nature. Turtle Bay offers party packages that can be customized to your needs and desires, with a private room for your party, an animal encounter, time to play in the Park, and more. Your group can also visit the Children’s Garden, Mosaic Oasis and Play Structure, and Picnic Grove areas for a fun experience. Walk the Sundial Bridge after cake and ice cream to burn off energy. Make a full day of it by having guests bring bikes to ride the museum’s Sacramento River Trail—a great bike ride for all ages. (530) 242-3180 www.turtlebay.org.
O is for Oscars!
Lights! Camera! Action! Create your own Oscar night of glitz and glamour! Treat the birthday star to a red carpet event at a local movie theater. To get your party started at home, try these movie party theme ideas: Rent a popcorn machine from a local party rental business, dress up as characters from a favorite movie, and play movie trivia games. When your guests arrive, snap photos and do video interviews on the red carpet. Hand out swag bags as favors…just like they do at the Oscars!
Prime Cinemas in Anderson and Red Bluff is locally owned.
www.primecinemas.com.
P is for Pizza!
The Birthday Star Package at Chuck E. Cheese’s in Redding includes a dedicated host or hostess, game tokens for each child, a dedicated table reserved for 90 minutes, pizza, soft drinks, birthday show starring Chuck E. Cheese and the birthday child, a balloon bouquet and more! Redding, 910 Hilltop Dr., (530) 223-0433.
The birthday honoree at Fun Zone & Pizza in Chico receives fresh cotton candy, balloons, a collectable cup and a birthday crown. A festive table can be reserved for 2 hours. The birthday party package includes tokens, pizza, unlimited soft drinks and a party host/hostess. Formerly Chuck E. Cheese’s. 966 East Ave., (530) 894-0400.
Continue a birthday tradition, or start a new one. Celebrate your child’s birthday the same place you did as a kid. Angelo’s Pizza has been located in the Foundry Square in Reddingsince 1975 and has helped generations celebrate their special day with delicious pizza. Reserve a party room and don’t forget to print a website coupon. (530) 246-9200 www.angelospizzaredding.com
Say, “Cheese!” at Say Cheese! Pizza in Mt. Shasta. Reserve their party room and let the kiddos enjoy the huge game room and arcade with air hockey and photo booth. They even have an ice cream counter. They also have online coupons available to print. (530) 926-2821 www.saycheesepizza.net.
Q is for Quest!
For older kids that like a challenge, Shasta Mountain Guides can lead your small group (up to 
on an unforgettable rock climbing experience for the day (ages 12 and up) or on an overnight mountain climbing trip (ages 14 and up). Participants must be athletically oriented. The day rock climbing classes take place at Castle Crags State Park or at Cantara, and include a lunch break where cake can be served. (530) 926-3117 www.shastaguides.com.
R is for Roller Skating!
A roller skating party is always a fun, active time for kids.
At Viking Skate County in Redding, party packages include a dedicated party room, bakery-fresh cake, safe and fun activities, and more. (530) 246-3901
At Funland, home of CalSkate in Chico, packages include party favors, party hostess, party room and decorations, drinks & ice cream. Each guest receives a free admission pass to skate on a future visit. Bring your own cake or choose a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake on site, or make it a pizza party catered by Round Table Pizza. (530) 343-1602 www.funlandchico.com.
S is for Spelunking!
For children who love to explore, have a spelunking party and visit the awesome caves at Lake Shasta Caverns. It’s sure to be a unique party experience. The Caverns are located innorthern Shasta County on the east side of the McCloud arm of Lake Shasta. Multicolored fluted columns with stalactite and stalagmite formations are among the wonders experienced in the Cavern’s birthday packages, which include a catamaran cruise across the lake. Party packages include food and a tour. (530) 238-2341 www.lakeshastacaverns.com.
For the serious spelunker in the family, visit the Lava Beds National Monument located just south of the Oregon boarder along California highway 161. There are over 700 caves to explore during your self-guided trip; learn about the history and wildlife too. Be sure to pick up a copy of the Lava Beds Adventure Book for kids at the Visitor’s Center before you start your adventure. No reservations are needed. www.nps.gov/labe.
Subway Cave is a lava tube on Hwy 89, 1/4 mile north of the Hwy 44 intersection. It’s near the town of Old Station, across from Cave Campground, and is part of the Volcanic Legacy All-American Road. There is a 1/3 -mile walk on a rock-strewn path with stairs at the entrance and exit of the cave. Children can explore with their flashlights—it’s a long tube with only one shallow cul-de-sac, and no ceilings less that 6 feet high. It’s a great place to bring your party for a tour and picnic. www.nps.gov/labe/index.htm.
T is for Tea and final Touch!
Ladies and gents of all ages will enjoy a fancy birthday party at Ms. Lynn’s Tea in Montague, “Where grownups can be children and children can be grownups.” Ms. Lynn’s is a place of whimsical and elegant fun, for children and adults alike. The fun includes real china, a beautiful English garden (in warm weather), fancy dress-up clothes, wonderful treats, etiquette lessons, and a new birthday room for princesses. Don’t forget the camera! Prebook your party by calling (530) 459-3439.
Have the Tea party come to you! Whether it’s a birthday party or you just want to teach etiquette, have a Fairy Godmother bring her antique silver tea set to your home. Girls can dress up in fancy hats, gloves, boas, tiaras and more. It’s an enchanting time that will entertain and delight your “princess” and her guests for up to two hours. Face painting and party favor crafting available. Redding-based. Fairy Godmother Princess Parties (530) 227-8664 www.cntrygirl.net.
Face Painting adds fun and festivity to any event, so why not book Funny Faces to come out and enhance the creative atmosphere of your child’s party with face-painting magic? Funny Faces also creates balloon art, and features Lollipop the Clown and other
theme characters. Check out the Funny Faces website to see some great pictures of what we are talking about. (530) 570-0199
www.funnyfaceschico.com.
Add the final touch to your birthday party with Redding Face Painting. If you need more than the last little touches for your party, Redding Face Painting can help. They will plan your event from the invitations to the thank you notes and everything in-between! Check out their website for more information about balloon twisting, characters, crafts and favors. (530) 604-8044
www.reddingfacepainting.com.
Glitter Body Art of Chico will add extra sparkle to your party. They come to you in Chico, Redding and surrounding areas with package options such as glitter tattoos, Pokey the Clown, balloon animals, glamour updos and hair tinsel. 575 East 3rd Ave., (530) 514-9312 www.GlitterBodyArtOfChico.com.
U is for Up… and Unique!
Take a Party Flight with Shasta Valley Balloons! Treat your birthday person and a few special guests to a unique and memorable party by booking a four-hour hot-air ballooning adventure. Party Flights include: balloon inflation and launch at dawn; a one-hour flight for four passengers, or two 30 minute “hops” to accommodate eight guests; an open-air brunch tailored to your preferences of food and beverage; champagne or sparkling water toast with your pilot; a special commemorative certificate. (530) 926-3612.
V is for Volcano!
For a great outdoor summer party experience, especially for little ones, take them to theVolcano Fantasy Fountain at Enterprise Community Park in Redding, where kids will have a blast getting wet under the erupting fountain, and playing with water spurting canons and other water-play features in the park. The water features operate beginning in May (call for exacts dates & times); June-August the Volcano Fantasy Fountain operates daily, 1-6pm weekdays & on weekends noon-6pm (call to confirm times); late summer the water features operate weekends only. (530) 225-4095 www.reddingtrails.com.
To experience a real volcanic area, take your party to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. All four types of volcanoes in the world are found in the park, and there are 150 miles of trails. A scenic highway provides access to volcanic wonders that include steam vents, mud pots, boiling pools, volcanic peaks and painted dunes. There are camping and day use areas available, as well as cabin rentals at Manzanita Lake. As weather permits, Lassen is a favorite destination for family snowshoe hikes. (530) 594-4444 www.nps.gov/lavo.
W is for Water Fun!
Book a fun Pool Party at Water Sprites in Chico. It’s easy to celebrate your special event at their indoor facility, and the 2-hour party package includes exclusive access to Water Sprite’s entire facility, including all toys and equipment. Also includes party attendants to help with set up and supervision. Great any time of year! (530) 342-2999, 2280 Ivy St, Ste 110. www.chicowatersprites.com.
How about having a really cool Waterworks Park celebration in Redding? Experience all the thrills and spills you want in a water amusement park. There are rides for all — if you are old enough (and brave enough) try the exciting new 5-story Cyclone flume ride, the awesome 4-story Avalanche or ride the Raging Rivers rapids. Younger kids can splash, slide and ride in the Kiddy Playground. All family members will giggle with delight! With numerous lifeguards and attendants, it’s the place to be cool, safe and fun, and offers a shaded birthday party area. (530) 246-9550 www.waterworkspark.com.
Redding Aquatic Center offers plenty of splish-splash fun for your event! The Center’s state-of-the-art swim facilities (and party packages) make birthday parties exceptionally easy. Water features include an Olympic-sized competition class pool, a large children’s water-play feature and a long water slide that empties into a recreational pool. Older children might enjoy the sand
volleyball court, and there is a nice covered event/picnic area. Located in Caldwell Park, 44 Quartz Hill Rd. (530) 245-7247
www.reddingaquaticcenter.com.
X is for X-treme Games!
Older children love paintball—so take your party to Paintball Hill at Bartels Ranch inAnderson. Play paintball safely on an insured course, and then have the party at the BBQ pits next to the course. A minimum of ten players is required, ages 10+. Located on Spring Gulch Road.
(530) 365-0644.
Surplus City’s Combat Zone Paintball Park in Oroville caters to groups, large or small, with a wide range of playing choices. Your child, age 10 or older, can paintball in a wooded field, target practice, or speedball at night under the lights. Located at 4444 Pacific Heights Rd., (530) 534-9956 www.combatzonepaintball.com.
In Butte County, book a private paintball adventure for your party group (ages 10+) atPaintball Games By Dean. Play at site off
Hwy 32 near Chico. (530) 345-0832.
Y is for YMCA!
The Shasta Family YMCA in Redding offers four fabulous party theme packages: The Ball Bonanza Party, for ages 3 to 7 includes fun, active ball games. The Culinary Chefs Party, for ages 6-15, is designed to create a fun cooking experience. The Swim & Gym Party combines swim and gym play and includes fun prizes and exciting challenges for ages 5-15. At the Teddy Bear Picnic Party, your child will get their own teddy bear to bring on a picnic. Play games and follow up any one of the parties with time in the party room to open gifts and have cake. 1155 N. Court St., (530) 246-9622 x 123 www.sfymca.org.
Z is for Zoom!
Add some adrenaline to your birthday party! Race high-speed electric go-karts or play a round of indoor miniature golf in the 18-hole backlight course at Need 2 Speed in Redding. Kart Party packages for children (and adults!) include invitations, place settings, 1-hour party room rental, a personal event host, pizza, soda and a timed kart race on the track. 1501 Market Street. (530) 2-GO-RACE www.n2skarts.com.
