Top Spots to Drop Off Kids on Date Night

If you’re desperate for a night out with your partner but your babysitters are busy, there’s no need to fret. There are plenty of places that offer drop-in child care that are fun for kids.
East Bay
Habitot Children’s Museum – While you enjoy a much-needed night out, the kids can play on a rocket ship, do some face painting, shop in a play grocery store, munch on pizza and much more. Every fourth Friday of the month (Nov. and Dec., it’s the third Friday). Advanced registration highly recommended. For ages 2 to 7. 5:30-9:30 p.m. $42 per child, $32 each additional sibling (2019: $44 per child, $34 additional sibling). 2065 Kittredge St., Berkeley. 510-647-1111, ext. 14. 
Head Over Heels Athletics – Your little gymnast can enjoy supervised playtime, a pizza dinner and movie, while you have a relaxing night out. For ages 4 and up. Every Friday 6-10:30 p.m. $40 per child, $35 per child for two or more. You will be charged $1 per minute for late pick-ups. 4701 Doyle St., building F, Emeryville. 510-655-1265.
Color Me Mine – Kids ages 5 and up can make crafts, watch movies, make friends and more at Kids Night Out. Select Saturdays, check calendar. Reservations recommended. 6-9 p.m. $25 per child. 2205 South Shore Center, Alameda. 510-521-8893. 
Marin
Marin Mixed Martial Arts – It offers a combination of martial arts, action, adventure, games and movie while parents have a night out. For ages 5-13. Friday nights. 5-8 p.m. or 6-9 p.m. Usually cost $40. 222 Greenfield Ave., San Anselmo. 415-456-1557.
San Francisco
AcroSports – Children can burn energy playing games, ziplining, and more every second Saturday of the month. There’s a maximum of 30 spots, so advance registration is recommended. Second Saturdays for ages 6-9, fourth Saturdays for ages 9-13. 6:30-10 p.m. $40 per child. 639 Frederick St. 415-665-2276. 
Destination Art – Kids can watch age-appropriate films, work on art projects or play games on select dates. Drop off or register by phone. Call for times. $20 for one child, $25 for a family of siblings. 900 Filbert St. 415-350-4396.
San Francisco Gymnastics – While you have a relaxing date night, your child can enjoy pizza, games and a movie. PJs and blankets welcome. Secure a spot online. For ages 5 and up. Third Saturdays. 5-9 p.m. Non-member $55 per child, members $45 per child. 920 Mason St. 415-561-6260.
Tree Frog Treks – Every Saturday, it’s Kids’ Play Night at Tree Frog Treks. While you have an adults-only night, your child will meet lizards, frogs and tortoises, do hands-on science projects, munch on pizza and more. Drop off and pick up between 5:30 and 9 p.m. You can register online to secure a spot. For ages 4 and up. $40 first child, $30 for additional sibling. 2112 Hayes St. 415-876-3764.
Peninsula
Peninsula Gymnastics – On select Saturdays, parents can take the night off while their kids enjoy gymnastics, pizza, ice cream and a movie. For ages 4-12. 6-10 p.m. $35 in advance, $45 at the door. 1740 Leslie St., San Mateo, 650-571-7555; 1171 Laurel St., San Carlos, 650-294-4650.
Silicon Valley
The Little Gym San Jose – Parents’ Survival Night is like recess for moms and dads. Instructors lead kids through games and music-filled activities, while parents have a fun night out. Select Fridays and Saturdays. Make reservations in advance. 6:15-9:45 p.m. $35 members, $40 non-members. 1375 Blossom Hill Road, #45, San Jose. 408-723-7222.
Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.