After writing the original list of Central Vancouver Island Birthday Party Locations, several readers felt we missed some great locations.
The first list includes locations I have personally had experience with. So while I was aware that there are plenty of other options out there, I haven’t yet had the opportunity to use them for hosting my own child’s birthday, nor have I attended a party at the location. I never like to recommend a business I have no prior experience with.
However…
My readers are adamant that the following businesses do in fact host great parties!
So part 2 of this list is brought to you by recommendations from others.

Art Inspired Party
BumbleBees Creative Studio
BumbleBees Creative Studio – located on a 10 acres family farm at 2525 Northwest Bay Road, Nanoose Bay.
Every student takes home their own beautiful Mixed Media Painting (stretched canvas on a wood frame). All supplies are included. Aprons are provided, however, it’s important to wear appropriate clothing.
BumbleBees has three party options.
Option #1: Cost is $26.00 per guest
- 2.5 hours of party time (2 hours of studio time and 30 minutes to open gifts and serve cake)
- Popcorn, water and lemonade provided
Option #2: Cost is $32.00 per guest
- 3 hours of party time (2.5 hours of studio time and 30 minutes to open gifts and serve cake)
- Outdoor time (weather permitting)
- Popcorn, water, lemonade and a treat bag for each guest
Option #3: Cost is $40.00 per guest
- 3.5 hours of party time (3 hours of studio time and 30 minutes to open gifts and serve cake)
- Outdoor time (weather permitting)
- Popcorn, water, lemonade, cupcakes and a treat bag for each guest
- Gift for the birthday child
Birthday parties are geared towards children ages 5 – 12. There needs to be a minimum of 10 children attending the party, but a maximum of 14.
Michael’s
Michael’s Craft Store – located at 6677 Mary Ellen Drive, Nanaimo.
Micheal’s has many different kid-friendly party themes to choose from. Themed parties are $120, and include the following:
- Party for up to 8 guests (including the birthday child) – $10.00 for each additional guest.
- Craft supplies
- Eight blank invitations and eight thank-you cards
- Drawstring party bag for the guest of honour
- Associate to lead the craft activities
- Use of their classroom for 2 hours
- Ability to bring in your own snacks, drinks, plates, cups, cutlery, decorations, etc.
Face painting can be added to your party for an additional $25.00 and includes a face painting kit, as well as an associate to help.
Available Themes:
Ages 4 – 6
- Enchanted Land
- Sea Treasures
- Monster Bash
Ages 7 – 10
- Robot Squad
- Under the Sea
- Unicorn Fantasy
- Slime Time
- Epic Emoji Party
Ages 11 – 14
- A Whole Llama Love
Unicor n Whimsy
If you don’t want to have a themed party, you have the option of just renting their classroom, and designing your own party. Please note: this party option does not include craft supplies.

Spa Inspired Party
Lush
Lush – located in Woodgrove Centre, #115-6631 Island Highway, Nanaimo.
Lush has two party packages available.
Party #1: Beauty School – Cost is $300, and is based on a minimum of 6 guests (each additional guest is $50, with a maximum of 12 guests).
Guests will enjoy:
- A 2-hour private shopping experience
- Personalized consultations
- Learn about ingredients and products
- Learn how to make a bath bomb
Party Details:
- Introduction to Lush/shop tour (15 minutes)
- Skincare experience (25 minutes)
- Finishing touches (25 minutes)
- Break (15 minutes)
- Making Bath Bombs (25 minutes)
- Goodie bags/shopping (15 minutes)
Party #2: Lil’ Lush Fans – Cost is $300 and is based on a minimum of 6 guests (each additional guest is $50, with a maximum of 12 guests).
Guests will enjoy:
- A 2-hour private shopping experience
- Learn how to make a Bath Bomb
- Try out a fresh face mask
- Games, FUN and more!
Party Details:
- Introduction to Lush/shop tour (15 minutes)
- Making Bath Bombs (25 minutes)
- Fresh face mask demo (25 minutes)
- Break (15 minutes)
- Games and FUN demo (25 minutes)
- Goodie bags/shopping (15 minutes)
Things to note:
- The cost of the party will be loaded onto a gift card and can be spent however you choose
- Additional guests must be verified and paid for prior to the day of the party
- A parent or guardian must be present for party-goers 12 years and under
- Guests may bring their own food and drinks (no alcohol permitted), and can request a table for presents, food, etc.
- Product purchases will occur at the end of the party
- Cost of the party does not decrease if guests are fewer than 6

Martial Arts Party
SHAKU Family Martial Arts has two locations. One in Nanaimo, and the other in Ladysmith. Both offer a birthday party package.
- 109 Finlayson Street, Nanaimo
- 25 High Street, Ladysmith
Martial Arts Birthday Party Package
The cost is $249 and includes the following:
- Up to 16 kids ($10 for each additional child)
- 1.5 hours of supervised fun, including games, activities, challenges, and some basic Martial Arts training (with the birthday child leading the way)
- Pizza and drinks
- Decorations (your child can select a favourite theme)
- A free uniform and classes for all guests (in the form of a gift certificate)
- Set-up and clean-up
Parents are welcome to sit back and relax, or you are welcome to join in on the fun!

Gym Party
Jumpin Jiminy’s
Jumpin Jiminy’s – located at Rock City Centre (#400 – 2980 Island Highway North, Nanaimo.
This indoor playground and cafe is always a hit with kids. Jumpin Jiminy’s offers one party package with a few varying options.
Birthday Party Package:
- Weekend rate (Friday – Sunday, and holidays) is $149 for up to 6 kids, with each additional child $13.00 (10 months to 15 years of age)
- Weekday rate (Monday – Thursday) is $129.00 for up to 6 kids, with each additional child $13.00 each (10 months to 15 years of age)
Party includes:
- Admission and unlimited play
- 50 minutes in the party room
- Cutlery, plates, and napkins
- Staff will set up and clean-up the party room
Jumping Jiminy’s offers several food options at an added cost. Please note, other than the birthday cake, no outside food or drink is permitted.
Nanoose Hall
Location: 2489 Nanoose Rd, Nanoose Bay.
While the Nanoose hall doesn’t offer any gym equipment, the extremely cheap ratesr makes this hall a popular spot for birthday parties.
The cost includes the following:
- accommodate up to 99 people
- kitchen facilities
- tables and chairs
- plenty of parking
- yard area
At the time of this publishing the Nanoose Hall’s website was being updated and wasn’t available, but the contact person (Stormy) mentioned that there will be an online calendar to check for rental availability.
Please contact [email protected] for further information.

Dance Party
Vibe Dance Studio – located at 1969 Boxwood Road, Nanaimo.
Nanaimo’s premier Hip Hop and Break Dance school also rents out their studio for birthday parties!
The rate is $150 (includes GST) for a two-hour party.
Party includes:
- 1 hour of dance class, plus 1 hour of party time
- 2 dance instructors
- party games
- tables and chairs for the party hour
- music catered to the likes of your child
You have the ability to bring in food and drinks of your choice.
Birthday parties at Vibe Studio are recommended for ages 3 and up and only available on Sundays due to a busy dance schedule.
For the full list of the best Central Vancouver Island birthday party locations, please also read Part 1 of this article.
9 Comments
Paradise Mini Golf hosts parties but after doing one there I need to advise that they act like they don’t actually want you there. We started in the party room, being completely ignored btw, having to go find someone to bring drinks, then cake. Then we got started on golf, which because they were so busy was a real challenge, long waits at each hole was very challenging with the kids. The worst part was while we were golfing we were informed we had to clear our belongings out of the room. I asked where we could store things and the response was a shrug. How am I supposed to clean out a room when I. supervising 12 kids golfing? To top it all off, they threw our remaining half of the birthday cake in the garbage. Our daughter was crushed.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear that! That doesn’t sound like a great experience at all. I’ll leave them up here on our recommendations for now, for I’m hoping it was a one-off. However, if I hear of anyone else having a negative experience, I’ll definitely take them off the list. Thank you so much for letting me know.
I’d love to see some ideas for further south on the island….Duncan? Lake Cowichan? Cowichan Bay?
I hear you…unfortunately I’m not quite as familiar with those areas.
http://www.studioplay.ca has great Birthday space for younger ages
Arrowsmith Potters Guild also does birthday parties…great creative experience for kids. Check out the website at arrowsmithpottersguild.bc.ca for details!
I’m assuming some of the locations are only available in the summer months, but the article doesn’t say. Lots of good information!!
Thank you so much for the information, Barbara! I will look into adding Arrowsmith Potters Guild to the list. I think the only location that is seasonal would be the Barnyard party at Hamilton Hobby Farm. The rest would be great at any time of year.
Thank you for adding Hamilton Hobby Farm to your page.We love our life here on the farm and its shows.All ages welcome!
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