Every year we have the opportunity to celebrate our family members with a birthday party, but often the who, what, when, where and how of those parties can cause a lot of stress. COVID restrictions on indoor locations and group size have made the planning even trickier. Thankfully the North State offers endless outdoor locations to make birthday party planning a breeze. Visiting nearby parks and doing some planning about what you’ll need for your adventure can make a special memory for even the choosiest of kids.
Don’t forget to plan a treasure hunt, pack along outdoor games or sketching materials to document your inspirational discoveries. Outdoor locations come equipped with all the space needed for parents to relax while their kids burn off energy. Keeping it simple in the beautiful outdoors will help you and your child create lasting, joy-filled birthday memories.
Choose one of these unique, spacious outdoor party venues or see page 74 for a full listing of play parks where you can host informal birthday celebrations, and get ready to hear “thank you for the best party ever!”
Call locations to check availability and restrictions. Please take care to socially distance, tread lightly, follow all safety measures and plan on packing out your trash.
BIGGS
Max’s Miracle Ranch
3476 Smith Ave, Biggs
(530) 354-7168
The opportunities to celebrate your family member while helping others in need are boundless at Max’s Miracle Ranch. Animals, a train and a playground are just a few things offered there. Max’s Miracles has been formed to provide hope and direction to families with special children dealing with heart defects, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Their goal is to provide assistance in times of need. http://www.maxsmiracles.org/contact.ht
BURNEY
McCarthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
24898 CA-89, Burney
(530) 335-2777
This park has five miles of hiking trails winding through evergreen forests, including a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail. The park’s centerpiece is the 129-foot Burney Falls. First come, first served or fill out a reservation application online.
CHICO
Two by Two Ranch
13080 Hosler Ave. Chico
(530) 570-7143
Bring the fun to your own yard with Goat Grams — $50 for a visit with baby goats in birthday hats. All ages will be anxious for their turn to hold these adorable goats. Educational farm tours also available.
DURHAM
Durham Community Park
1847 Durham-Dayton Hwy, Durham
(530) 345-1921
This is Durham’s oldest park. The 24 acres, shaded by the numerous valley oaks, contain picnic tables, a fully equipped playground, basketball courts, a riding arena and two baseball fields. Picnic sites in the park can be reserved starting at $40 for 20-30 people. Sites include two picnic tables and a small BBQ. First come, first served.
MILL CREEK
Mill Creek Resort
40271 CA-172, Mill Creek
(530) 595-4449
Reserve seating by the playground or on the back deck at this family-friendly forest resort. Renting campground sites near Mill Creek or spots in the meadow are also options. Call Joseph or Jillian for ideas and rates.
MOUNT SHASTA
Maagic Mountain Farm
Call for directions
(530) 925-6752
Experience life on a working homestead with milk goats, ducks, chickens, honeybees, a garden & more. Year-round, hands-on, interactive animal field trips, homestead classes, group or individual tours and guest farm stays. In connection with the land, all the creatures work together to provide for everyone’s needs through sustainable interdependent living.
OROVILLE
Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary
4995 Durham-Pentz Rd., Oroville
530-533-1000
This wildlife educational center offers a birthday party package for a flat rate of $200. The package includes use of the gazebo and picnic area for up to three hours, a meeting with resident animals on a private tour lead by a wildlife educator, a reptile encounter with one of the scaly residents, and a Barry Kirshner Wildlife T-shirt for the birthday child. No alcohol is permitted, but partiers can decorate the area with balloons, bring a piñata and games and serve food and beverage. Make reservations by phone with Joan or email joan@kirshner.org.
REDDING
McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
1125 Arboretum Dr, Redding
(530) 242-3111 x104. website
The McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens on the north side of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park campus have more than 200 acres of native and non-native trees and plants. The Children’s Garden is home to Mosaic Oasis, a whimsical and fun water feature that includes a drinking fountain, ornamental fountain and play structure. First come, first served or call to reserve. Open 7 am-dusk.
WEED
Alpaca On the Rocks
5004 Solus Dr., Weed
(530) 859-1994
Kids will fall in love with the friendly alpacas, mini horses and more on this five-acre ranch. Guests can visit the animals and help with their care as well as run around the ranch and “just be kids.” Tables are available. Call Nancy for availability and pricing. The ranch store offers beautiful and unique jewelry, along with alpaca socks, handmade creatures and yarn.
WILLOWS
Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge
752 County Road 99W, Willows
(530) 934-2801
The fun begins in your car on the six-mile auto loop beginning at the visitor center. There are three stop and stretch areas to spot wildlife and a multi-level viewing platform. Tables and restrooms are available. The refuge includes a two-mile wetland walk that leaves from the visitor center and five miles of spring trails open through June 30.
Posted in: Birthdays, Out & About
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