I'm always asked about fun and magical places host birthday parties for kids or special places to take kids for an adventure. Then let me tell you all about this little gem my daughter and I absolutely love in Newport Beach — Once Upon an Island on Balboa Island!
Once Upon an Island is the perfect spot for parents who are looking to create some enchanted memories with their kiddies, and trust me from experience, it's everything you’ve been dreaming of for birthday parties, playdates, and more!
Magical Themed Parties for Every Imagination
At Once Upon an Island, you can throw a party your kids will never forget. From pirates and princesses to mermaids and superheroes, they’ve got every theme a little adventurer could want. And get this — they don’t just throw a party, they create a full-on experience! Picture this: Your little one is dressed as a royal princess, having tea with her favorite storybook characters, or perhaps they’re a brave pirate, searching for treasure on the high seas. It’s like stepping right into a fairy tale!
Here are some of the magical themes you can choose from:
- Pirate Adventures: Argh, matey! Your crew is off to find hidden treasure and swashbuckle their way through pirate fun!
- Princess Parties: Tea time with tiaras, storybook characters, and all the royal treatment a kiddo could want.
- Mermaid Magic: Splash into under-the-sea fun with crafts and activities inspired by our favorite mermaids.
- Superhero Training: Pow! Bam! Your child will transform into a superhero for the day, solving mysteries and saving the day.
It’s truly a place where imaginations run wild, and you don’t have to lift a finger because Once Upon an Island handles everything for you. How’s that for some parent magic?
But...it's not Dani's birthday, so instead, we had a special Mermaid Playdate! To celebrate the last day before going back to school this year, I set up a special mermaid playdate for my daughter.
Enchanted Playdates & Special One-on-one Experiences at Once Upon an Island
Not planning a big birthday party soon? Once Upon an Island also offers private playdates that are just as magical. They offer a-la-carte packages. From just getting your hair done by a mermaid, or an hour playdate, there are lots of different experiences to choose from in different price points.
My daughter Dani just loved the mermaid experience Once Upon an Island offers. You get to spend the afternoon with a princess, and choose from adventures such as having a tea party, hunting for treasure, or doing a special craft. It’s like your child gets their own special day of fantasy fun...and that is just what we experienced!
Let me share a little bit about our special mermaid playdate! We arrived at our designated time, where Dani was met by a magical mermaid.
After meeting Mermaid Kaia, she headed into the party room to pick out a special outfit to wear, and play some imagination games.
Make sure to come in a bathing suit so that you can change into something magical! Picking out her mermaid outfit was especially fun. There are a variety of colors and sizes of mermaid tails to choose from. There is enough for your entire party to wear if you are having your birthday party at Once Upon An Island!
Then it was time to head to the under the sea salon. Dani got to get her hair, makeup and nails done...complete with sparkles, and face gems. She also got to pick colored hair extensions and hair charms. Kaia the Mermaid did her hair and makeup...it was the best!
Adorable!
Build-a-Bestie
Dani also got to Build-A-Bestie with Kaia the Mermaid. Kind of like Build-A-Bear, you pick an animal to stuff, fill it up with stuffing and a special heart, and also make a birth certificate. Dani chose a seahorse and named it Cookie! She added a sweet vanilla scent to make it extra special. She absolutely loved doing this!
You can also choose to do crafts! One of the things I love most about Once Upon an Island is that it’s all about creativity. They have tons of arts and crafts activities that are not only fun but also give kids the chance to express their creativity. They can paint seashells, design pirate swords, or even craft their own royal crowns. And the best part? They get to take home their creations as a magical keepsake of their day.
Mermaid Tea Parties
Then we had a tea party! Mermaid Kaia told stories, had pink lemonade tea, told jokes, and played guessing games. This was one of Dani's favorite parts of the playdate.
Head to the Beach with a Mermaid
Next up, we chose to head down to the beach an pretend to be real mermaids, touch the water and play in the sand. This was really fun...especially being able to wear the mermaid tail fin. All the people passing by were waving and smiling at the girls. It was super cute.
Finally, it was time to say goodbye. We gave hugs, had a final dance party and thanked Kaia for a fun day. This will definitely be a day that Dani will always remember. What an amazing playdate she had!
What it worth it?
Yes! We truly loved our mermaid playdate. It was a perfect way to treat your kids to something magical without the hustle and bustle of a full-blown party. They’re intimate, cozy, and oh-so-special!
Special Seasonal & Holiday Events
Now, if you’re a holiday lover like me, you’ll be excited to know that Once Upon an Island hosts some amazing seasonal and holiday events. From spooky Halloween fun to Christmas magic with Santa and his elves, they make sure your family feels the joy of each season. These events are packed with themed activities, festive décor, and of course, all the character interactions your kids love.
Frequently Asked Question about Once Upon and Island
Where is Once Upon an Island located?
You’ll find this magical mermaid wonderland at 118 Agate Avenue, Balboa Island, CA 92662. It’s right in the heart of beautiful Balboa Island, and let me tell you — it’s such a charming place to spend the day, even outside of your event!
How do I book a party or experience?
Booking is super easy! Just head over to their website or give them a call at (949) 673-3131. Heads up...their spots fill up fast, so plan ahead if you can!
What age range are their parties for?
Most of their parties and events are perfect for kiddos aged 3 and up, but they’re super flexible and can customize experiences for younger or older kids too.
What if we need to reschedule?
Life happens, right? If you need to reschedule, just reach out as soon as you can, and they’ll do their best to accommodate. It’s always a good idea to double-check their cancellation policy when booking.
Do you provide food or cake?
They don’t provide food or cake, but you’re welcome to bring your own! They can even recommend some local vendors if you want something extra special for the occasion.
Can parents participate?
Absolutely! Parents are more than welcome to join in the fun. Whether you want to help out with the crafts or just enjoy the magic from the sidelines, it’s a great experience for the whole family.
Once Upon and Island also has a newly update parents lounge area for the parents to enjoy during party time. So they have to option to stay with their child or get some alone time with friends!
Can't come to Once Upon an Island? Let them come to you! Do you have a special event coming up at home? How amazing would it be to have your child’s favorite princess, pirate, or superhero show up for a surprise visit? That’s right! Once Upon an Island offers character appearances at YOUR location. So whether it’s a birthday, a school event, or just a day when your little one needs a magical surprise, they’ll make it happen.
Don’t Miss Out on the Fun!
Seriously, if you’re looking for a place that’s going to make your child’s dreams come true, Once Upon an Island is one of my top choices. It's an experience that is what I imagine OC embodies. Whether it’s a magical party, a one-on-one playdate, or a surprise character appearance, they’ve got everything you need to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Book your visit, and get ready to step into a world of imagination!
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