Host an unforgettable birthday at CuriOdyssey’s Bay Lab Birthday Bash in San Mateo, with private access for your group and hands-on fun for all ages. Discover what makes this celebration so special and why it's perfect for your next party.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
Full day (6–8 hours)
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels including children and seniors as activities are mostly low-impact and indoors.
Wildlife
History
CuriOdyssey has been a hub for science education and wildlife conservation since its inception, inspiring curiosity in San Mateo for decades.
Conservation
CuriOdyssey actively promotes local habitat conservation and environmental education, emphasizing sustainability in all their programs.
CuriOdyssey
Host an unforgettable birthday at CuriOdyssey’s Bay Lab Birthday Bash in San Mateo, with private access for your group and hands-on fun for all ages. Discover what makes this celebration so special and why it's perfect for your next party.
CuriOdyssey is a hands-on science museum and small zoo located in San Mateo, California. The institution combines interactive exhibits, live animal habitats, and educational programming to engage families, school groups, and community visitors.
CuriOdyssey offers a variety of hosted events and private rentals, including after-hours access, modern lab spaces, classroom facilities, a theater, and a large hall with Bay views. Event options range from intimate classroom celebrations for up to 25 guests to larger gatherings such as the Redwood Hall Revelry that accommodates up to 100 people. Specific party packages include the Golden Hour Gala with exclusive after-hours access from 5PM to 7PM, Bay Lab birthday events with all-day admission and free parking, and the Stair Step Shindig using theater and outdoor patio spaces. Many party experiences emphasize eco-friendly practices and provide dedicated time for setup and cleanup.
In addition to event hosting, CuriOdyssey runs animal encounters and keeper-led programs. A featured experience lets participants aged seven and older feed Gunner, the North American river otter, in a 20-minute interactive session while learning from a knowledgeable keeper. These animal programs complement the museum’s focus on science education and conservation awareness. Programs include keeper-led sessions and hands-on educational programming for visitors.
Location
San Mateo, CA
Bay Area location
Experiences
7 experiences
Party and encounter options
After-hours
Golden Hour Gala 5–7PM
Private evening access
Top Encounter
River otter feedings
20-minute keeper-led sessions
Reserve private time, animal encounters, or lab parties — check availability and email for Redwood Hall.
Book Early to Secure Your Date
Large private bookings like the Bay Lab Birthday Bash can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so plan ahead to guarantee availability.
Dress Comfortably for Exploration
Wear casual, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for indoor and outdoor activities during your visit.
Arrive On Time for Your Setup
Arrive slightly early to set up and organize your party space, ensuring a smooth start to the celebration.
Consider Allergy-Friendly Snacks
If bringing food, inquire about allergy policies and prepare snacks that accommodate all guests’ dietary needs.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive shoes will keep guests comfortable as they explore exhibits and participate in activities.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Layer up for cooler mornings and evenings during springtime celebrations.
spring
Sun Protection (Hat & Sunscreen)
If venturing outside during summer months, sun protection helps keep everyone safe from UV exposure.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing your own water bottle, especially useful in indoor spaces where movement is frequent.