Play their Way at Gymboree
Birthday bonus: Your small child (Ages 0 to 5 are the best fit.) will build creativity, confidence and lifelong friendships at a Gymboree Play & Music party. Choose your child's favorite theme and the sweet staff will create a private, personalized party experience filled with kid-friendly activities guaranteed to be 100-percent fun for them - and zero cleanup for you! Parties are available to both members and nonmembers.

What's awesome: Take a whopping 20 percent off birthday-party packages when you book your gathering before April 30 and mention Inside SCV.

Get a taste: Gymboree programs are specially designed to help young children learn and develop as they play. Class curriculum is developed by experienced child development program directors and incorporates a balanced whole-child approach with activities to support what your child is mastering right now - and what he or she will aspire to later. Classes are designed in six-month increments to meet a child's unique interests and abilities. 287-3890

Have a Blast with Laser Tag
Birthday brilliance: We've rarely been more relaxed than when we attended a birthday party at Valencia Laser Blast. Sure, the kids have a great time rotating between the wide selection of arcade games and maze fun, but when you add in a super-helpful party staff plus gourmet pizza from Pizza del Sardo and fancy cupcake treats, too... Well, Mom and Dad start feeling downright chill.

Why it's, well... a blast: The Valencia Laser Blast maze was designed with playability in mind. The multi levels, the top-of-the-line equipment and the light and sound effects make this huge laser tag maze a challenge for guests of any age. Choose between standard team and solo games with or without bases, capture the flag, different versions of "rabbit," elimination games and games like National Security and Easter egg hunt, too. The younger set love the excitement of it all while older kids and adults can get fiercely competitive but no matter the age of the player, there's one thing everyone has in common: They can't get enough and want to play again and again! 255-1600

Paint a Perfect Party
Birthday style: The colorful, festive Paint A Dream studio in Valencia is the perfect place for sharing an artistic venture with friends and family. Unlike other celebration locations, Paint A Dream birthday parties aren't just for kids. Grownups have such a blast exploring their creative sides with their children that they regularly schedule "adult only" shindigs for themselves! No matter what the age group, the dedicated staff is there to help, including a party host who ensures that you and your guests don't have to lift a finger (unless it's to paint your one-of-a-kind masterpiece, of course.).

Get a taste: Get a feel for the fun on April 6 when Paint A Dream hosts a Princess Party with the "Frozen" sisters. Cost is $34 dollars per princess and reservations are required. 255-1177