Celebrating a kid’s birthday in Merced? Here’s where to have a party
For parents who want to make their kid’s birthday a special event, there are plenty of options in Merced.
There are kid-friendly locations that offer party packages that include video games, painting, exhibits, swimming and plenty of jumping around.
With an emphasis on parties for kids ages 12-and-under here’s a list of possible Merced locations to host a birthday party.
Kiddieland/Applegate Park
Applegate Park is a scenic setting with plenty of space for kids to run around. The park features playgrounds, barbecue grills, a skate park, bike path, picnic shelters, tennis courts and volleyball courts.
Kids can also visit the animals at the Applegate Zoo.
Kiddieland also features party packages. The amusement park, which features six rides and a snack shack, has a designated covered party area that includes picnic tables and a BBQ.
Three-hour parties can be booked at Kiddieland for $300, which consists of 20 unlimited wristbands for up to 20 children and a designated party area includes four 6-ft picnic tables for up to 50 guests and BBQ.
Sky Zone
The indoor trampoline park will tucker out your little party-goers with dodge ball, basketball and an assortment of other activities.
The party packages include a variety of jump time for guests, food, drinks and a party room.
With the EPIC and MEGA VIP party packages, you can bring additional food and/or beverages for no extra charge. If you purchased the BASIC party package you can bring food and beverages for a $50 fee.
Arcades
Oh Wow! Nickel Arcade, which is located in the Save Mart shopping center and At the Pier Arcade, which is located in the Merced Marketplace mall both offer birthday party packages.
At the Pier offers packages for a minimum of 10 guests that include party area access and different amounts of money toward game play for the guests depending on the party package purchased.
Oh Wow! Nickel Arcade has a party room that can be reserved on hourly booking and guests can bring food and beverages.
Kids Discovery Station
For $200, guests can reserve a fully decorated private room. The fee includes a full day of museum access for party guests.
There are themed parties available like princess, dinosaur and other themes. The party can also include guided activities.
The Kids Discovery Station in Merced has welcomed 88,000 visitors since opening in 2021.
The nonprofit children’s museum, located at 350 West Yosemite Ave., is adding an outdoor exhibit with construction expected to start in early 2026.
The museum gives kids an opportunity to learn while having fun with interactive exhibits.
Roll-er Land
The roller rink in Merced offers birthday parties during public sessions or you can rent the venue for a party.
Parties held during the public session are held in the lobby area. The cost is per-person with guests paying the regular cost of admission. There is a $30 charge to bring in outside food or cake.
The parties can use up to three tables, which are claimed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Private parties can be booked for up to 50 guests for two hours. The cost is $450, quad rentals for free, DJ announcement, and music genre of choice. There is no fee for bringing in outside food and drinks.
Lake Yosemite
The lake located near UC Merced offers swimming holes, barbecue grills, picnic tables and plenty of area to host a party.
There are kayaks and stand-up paddleboards rentals available at the Padyak Shack. There are volleyball courts and horseshoe pits.
Admission to enter the lake is $6 per vehicle.
Tonia Hemme Fine Art Studio
If you have a kid who loves art, this could be a fun activity for a birthday party.
All party packages include canvas, paint, brushes, aprons, easels, supplies and all materials needed to paint.
A Happy Birthday apron is given to the special person on their day to wear during the event and a birthday card is made for the honored guest with one of the painting examples for everyone to sign.
There are different party packages that very in the size of the canvas, to anywhere from 90-minute sessions to 3.5 hours. The prices range from $13 to $40 per painter.
The art studio is located at 561 W. 18th Street, Suite C, Merced.
This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
