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Safari Run opened in San Mateo in 2006. Founders Jodi and Rob Eichensehr, with the help of their school-aged boys, realized there were few options for parents and kids to play in a fun, clean, and safe environment. The combination of Jodi and Rob knowing what their kids needed, along with their sons bringing the perspective of what kids want, led to the Safari Run you see today.

While play is one important aspect of a child's life, fitness and nutrition are another. Knowing this, Jodi, a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer since 1990, wanted to reach out to kids of all ages and offer structured programs that were lots of fun while also being educational.
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On the weekends, guests can split their time between the jungle gym and running track, party room, and multipurpose room at one of Safari Run's unforgettable birthday parties. Once you arrive for your child's big day, your job is to relax and enjoy the party with your family and friends. Safari Run staff will handle all of the preparation before the party, set up during party, and clean up after.
Safari Run Private Birthday Parties are fun for the whole family. Parties begin with one hour in the play structure. This is followed by forty minutes in the party room. Then you will have the option to use or not use our multipurpose room for fifty minutes. During the birthday planning process you will be assisted by our event coordinators every step of the way.
During the week, Safari Run is the perfect refuge for kids to play, explore, and have a blast while parents take some time to relax, read a magazine, log onto our free Wi-Fi, or catch up with a friend all in a safe, clean and secure environment. All of our play areas are sanitized and walked through hourly to make sure your little ones enjoy playing in our safe and clean environment.
Our camps run during the week, typically when schools are on vacation. During camp, kids will be able to try new things and have fun with their friends while making interesting crafts, eating nutritious snacks, playing amazing games, and learning about health and fitness. Camp counselors are high school or college students who are interested in working with kids.
Reviews (26)
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Ca
Jun 18, 2022
I love this place. So nice and clean and perfect to teach your kids some independence. I also like how secure it is. I just wish they would make the green slide not so fast and also the things that kids climb on a little shorter as my 2.5 year old struggled a bit with that. But even with these definitely a customer for life.
Maddie Rodriguez
Jun 05, 2022
Took my 3 year old today for the first time. The place was clean and the play areas were a good size and lots to do. There are some obstacles that may make it difficult for small kids so be careful. They also had a small arcade that we did not go to but will check out next time. My daughter had a blast. Will be back.
Amanda Wilson
May 26, 2022
Have attended two birthday parties, and both times the kids had a blast.
Brandi Finazzo
Mar 23, 2022
We just had my daughter's 6th birthday party here and this experience was wonderful from start to finish. The facilities were clean and spacious, and the staff was professional and friendly. Thanks for a great time!
Momina W.
Mar 14, 2022
We had a wonder-filled 4th birthday for my daughter - our first real party since the pandemic! The service is excellent: 5 stars! They were so attentive, organised and engaged from the beginning. All our guests complimented us on our choice of hosting at Safari Run. We actually enjoyed the party ourselves as parents because they take care of everything. Kids were thrilled! We are so happy! We'll be back for more celebrations.
Poonam K.
Mar 07, 2022
One of the best place to throw your kids birthday party. Very very well organized and staff was so amazing and detailed oriented. Once you drop your kid you don't have to worry. From beginning to end of the party you don't have to do anything. Staff will do everything for you. Loved it.
Remi Jones
Feb 27, 2022
This place was fun. I felt like a kid all over again. The staff was exceptional. The stages of the party grouping is great. They sanitize after each group. The games were enjoyable also.
Elisa Hutt
Feb 12, 2022
Hosted my daughter's 5th birthday here. They only do private parties on the weekends so not only will you have the place to yourselves, but also the staff are there to serve. Clean, attentive staff and fairly large facility with even arcade room! First time hosting a party where I don't have to lift a finger! Highly recommend!
Sayan Mukherjee
Feb 03, 2022
Hosted our daughters birthday party recently. Very well managed and organized. The team at Safari run are thorough professionals and were super helpful in getting the party flowing the right way. Would highly recommend them.
Bridget Batchellor
Jan 26, 2022
We went to Safari Run for a friend's birthday party, and it was a blast! The facility is very clean, they have a hand washing station in the play area with lettering that says "Wipe your paws!" Hand sanitizer stations at different entrances, and a parent sitting area facing play area so you can see your kids in any part of the playground. I was seriously impressed by how clean the facility was, and at the amenities. Oh! They also have a keurig for hot tea or coffee for the parents. LOVE!
Kristina McDowell
Dec 21, 2021
Great little play place for kids. There is even an aracade the older kids enjoyed too. My only complaint is the policy for socks to be worn all the time. My son is on the autism spectrum and will not keep his socks on. He absolutely loves running around in there and it was a wonderful place for him to celebrate his 4th birthday but every child with special needs should be accomadated so they can experience the fun too! We tried our best to keep his socks on him and even his Papa had to hunt his socks down in the tunnels where he shed them at one point. Lol
Ariel G.
Dec 20, 2021
We absolutely loved our visit to Safari Run! My kiddos were able to climb to their hearts content while I could tell the entire location had been deep cleaned. I appreciated the hand washing station and mask policy. We will be back and ready to play some more!
Hila M.
Nov 08, 2021
Take the stress out of the birthday party for mom! I had 16 guests for my kid's 8 birthday. In Safari run the kids got to run around, climb and play. In the same time the room is intimate and private so it still feels like a big play date and no kid feels lost. The stuff worked like an oiled machine, moving the kids from the play room to the party room, serving the food neatly and kindly so I was free to catch up with the other adults in the room. I really enjoyed this party! It was a stress free production for me!
Kellie G.
Nov 03, 2021
My daughter had my grandson's birthday party here. Kids and adults had a blast! Very clean and well organized. Every employee was extremely nice and hands on, so, the birthday child's parents could also enjoy the party! Highly recommend Safari Run!
Brenda W.
Sep 19, 2021
Safari Run Sunnyvale is an excellent place for kids of all ages. I loved that it is so clean and that they remind the kids to wash their hands. We just went to our Grandkids joint birthday party at this location and the staff was so friendly and accommodating. John was especially wonderful with the kids, keeping their attention, keeping them entertained, and keeping an eye on everyone for safety. Maria was wonderful with the check in process and even brought a cart out to our car so we could easily bring in our cupcakes and packages. All in all a wonderful experience and the funnest most organized kids party I've been to in ages. Thank you Safari Run Sunnyvale Staff.
Emily B.
May 08, 2021
We've held two private play events here during COVID and they do an amazing job making sure everyone stays safe. Their cleaning protocols made me feel very secure both times and my kids had so much fun doing something special and different. The staff really go above to make sure your experience is special.
P. K.
Mar 19, 2021
Safari Run continues to be one of our favorite places to go in the Bay Area with our now 6 year old, and we've celebrated her birthday here for the last three years. With COVID, we opted for a private play option this last weekend where it was just our family (3 of us) and it was amazing! We played whatever music we wanted through their system and had a blast running around for an hour.

Their customer service is top notch (shout out to Maria!), and they even made the moment special by putting out the birthday sign with our daughter's name on it and adding some balloons for us. We're grateful for the memories and for making it feel as normal as is possible this year! Note that they're open for small group private play and it's totally worth it, especially if you need to let the little ones run free in a clean and safe environment.
Lu L.
Sep 22, 2020
I am truly grateful that Safari Run offers the weekend private play time now, during the COVID19 pandemic. I booked an hour for my 2nd grader and his learning pod friends. They really needed to run around, go crazy, and be kids. The place was clean and the kids needed to wash their hands before playing, as always. Cold bottled waters were provided.

The kids had a great time and definitely got a lot of exercise chasing each other, climbing the structures, etc. I am glad that Safari Run has this offering and the kids were able to just enjoy themselves.
Stuart E.
Sep 21, 2020
We had a great private party for our 8 year old and a small group of his friends. As of this review, the county still has restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Safari Run is complying with those restrictions but still providing a fun time for kids. They get great exercise and chance to be with their friends.
Cindy D.
Feb 01, 2020
Very satisfied during the short time we spent at Safari Run. We happened to stumble by this spot while in the area for a medical appointment. Since we arrived about 30 minutes prior to closing, the employee gave us a discount only charging us half price. I appreciated her fairness and kind gesture. They do not require special socks (which is definitely a plus!) and the facilities are amazingly clean and sanitary.

We were prompted to wash our hands (before and after playing) using the sinks conveniently located next to the play area. Now I have been to dozens of jump houses/play lands all around the Bay Area but have never encountered such a set up. Being a germaphobe, I have to say I loved it! My 3 year old was a bit intimidated by some of the play structure as there were tons of older children playing roughly.

In particular, the tiger slide is a bit steep and is not monitored so tons of kids come down fast and hard (a few at the same time). More staff patrolling the areas during busy time would be nice. Because as always, it seems most parents and babysitters are glued to their smartphones. When we were about to leave, I noticed the employee mopping the floor and sanitizing surfaces. Overall, I'm very impressed by Safari Run and would return in the future.
Lauren C.
Jan 26, 2020
Had our daughter's 2nd birthday party there and I would recommend Safari Run to all parents seeking an indoor party venue! Staff was so helpful and made everything so stress-free and on time. They set up all the food, tables, and facilitated games with the kids which kept everyone engaged and having fun. The staff was super friendly and made sure my husband and I didn't need to do anything but enjoy the guests and festivities.

The play area was accommodating for the babies, toddlers, bigger kids and even adults. Everyone had something fun to participate in. I love that it was a private party as well. There was so much ease by ordering food through the venue, so all we had to do was arrive with our donuts. The staff handed out all the food as well. Overall, a fantastic experience and would recommend and host another party there!
Lisa M.
Jan 20, 2020
We had a great time at open play today. Here are the things I love and appreciate: 1) kids are instructed to wash their hands at the open sinks before they play 2) capacity is closely monitored as is the play structure. Kids (and parent) are discretely corrected if they are causing an issue 3) the play structure, seating area and bathrooms are all very clean 4) locked gate into the play area so kids can not wander out We will definitely be back for open play and possibly a party. It's big enough for kids to have a ton of fun but small enough that you can keep an eye on your kid. I knocked off one star for lack of food. They do have limited refreshments but you are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks. Totally workable.
Michele B.
Dec 16, 2019
Great indoor play place for those rainy or chilly days that you just don't want to be outside. My daughter is 2 and was having a great time climbing all over the place. It's very clean due to the no shoe's policy. Parents are welcome to follow their kiddos into the play structure as long as they are wearing socks. There is so much to climb over and under and there are multiple slides.

There is a small area for kids under 3 to play as well. You can bring your own snacks (no peanuts though) and they have snacks for sale as well. No food allowed in the play area, but they have a dining area where you can enjoy your snacks. No time limit on how long you can play! I can't wait to bring my daughter back to Safari Run!
Nanci G.
Nov 20, 2019
Recently we attended our granddaughters 3rd birthday here. Very surprised at how organized the place was and the fun was non stop. We had an assigned person to help and stayed through cleanup. Probably the best thing you pay for party and no serving or clean up. What could be better than that? This location was very clean
Monica C.
Mar 03, 2019
I took my 8 and 2 year old for open play on a Friday. Not too many kids and very clean. My issue was with the orange tiger slide, a couple of the mothers I was sitting with warned me to be careful because it was very fast and slippery. They said their kids had gotten friction burns and skinned elbows on that slide on other occasions, so now they dont allow them to go on it.

My daughter was wearing a long sleeve shirt and pants so I thought she would be ok. I was wrong, the slide burned her arm (picture). Another issue I had was with some rude parents who picked up my friends belongings (sweater and purse) and put them on the floor so they could sit in her spot. She had just gone to the restroom, and I think its common sense that you dont touch other people's personal stuff.

My last complaint is that parents dont watch their kids, you can still socialize while your kids play but the least u can do is check on them occasionally. There were 2 little girls going around the whole place taking everyone's balls away, even from the babies and they were being mean to the other kids, being bossy and pushing them around. I guess there's a few rude kids everywhere u go, so it's not safari runs fault. It was just another reason why our visit wasn't that great.
Omar N.
Feb 03, 2018
Very cool place for what its!.a huge indoor jungle gym! catered more for the active playfull kid and interactive parents combo. NOT like a dingy ol Yuck E Cheese establishment where the random kid just goes in and gets lost in the chaos of winning tickets for crap prizes or wastes money on playing arcade games that dont always work. (dont hate, u know im right). this gym can bring out the 'active' in activities for your kid this is a good place to host a kid's birthday party.they are VERY EFFICIENT at how they do it. you start at the jungle gym.gather for organized photo ops.get hands washed to prepare for group meal in the 'lions den'.close out with kiddie rock climbing wall. nicely affordable great family atmosphere CLEAN and safe ENVIRONMENT NOT GHETTO!