Irvine Spectrum Center Birthday Club Free Rides And Celebration Offers For Children

Irvine Spectrum Center, known for its distinctive multicolored monolith and Giant Wheel, offers a special treat for children through its Kids Birthday Club program. This initiative provides birthday celebrants with complimentary access to the center's signature attractions and additional surprises, creating memorable experiences for children and their families. The program, designed for young visitors, has been a notable part of the center's offerings, though recent information indicates potential changes to its availability.

Program Overview and Benefits

The Kids Birthday Club at Irvine Spectrum Center provides children with a complimentary day of unlimited rides on two of the center's most popular attractions: the Carousel and the Giant Wheel. This offering allows birthday children to enjoy these rides throughout their special day without additional cost.

The Carousel features a musical menagerie with 32 hand-painted animals including lions, pandas, unicorns, and prancing horses, creating colorful settings for birthday photos and celebrations. The Giant Wheel offers a different experience, taking riders 10 stories above Irvine in gondolas for panoramic views of the city and surrounding green hills. Each Giant Wheel ride lasts approximately 15 minutes and completes three full revolutions.

Beyond the free rides, children participating in the birthday club receive additional perks. Members are provided with a VIP Birthday Lanyard that grants access to the complimentary attractions and includes a free or discounted surprise gift. The nature of this surprise gift is not detailed in the provided materials, though sources indicate it is typically a toy or special item related to the celebration.

The program is available for children ages 14 years and younger, requiring advance planning as registration must be completed at least one month prior to the child's birthday. The birthday experience is designed to be flexible, allowing families to build a full day of celebration around the free rides with additional activities such as watching a movie at Regal Cinemas, playing at Dave & Buster's, or enjoying an escape game adventure at The Escape Game located within the center.

Registration Process

Participation in the Kids Birthday Club requires registration through specific channels. Families can enroll their children by downloading and using the Retail Therapy app, which serves as the primary registration platform. The process differs slightly depending on whether the user is new to the app or already an existing member.

For new users to Retail Therapy: 1. Download the Retail Therapy app 2. Tap "Account" and then "Sign In" 3. Register the child on the Kids Birthday Club page

For existing Retail Therapy users: 1. Open the Retail Therapy app and tap on "Account" 2. Click "Kids Birthday Club" and begin registering the child

Alternatively, registration can be completed by calling Irvine Spectrum Center Guest Services at (949) 790-4871 or in person at Guest Services located near the Giant Wheel. During registration, the adult confirming enrollment must be at least 18 years old and will need to provide contact information. By registering, participants agree to receive emails about the Kids Birthday Club and other promotional messages from Irvine Company and its affiliates, along with confirming their acceptance of the Irvine Company Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Once registered, families receive an email confirming enrollment. The VIP Birthday Lanyard, which serves as the access pass for the complimentary attractions, must be picked up during the child's birthday month by the registered adult. Importantly, the lanyard must be redeemed on the same day it is picked up. If the lanyard is not both picked up and redeemed during the child's birthday month, it will be forfeited and cannot be used for that year's celebration.

Program Details and Limitations

The Kids Birthday Club includes several important details and limitations that participants should be aware of to ensure a smooth celebration experience. These conditions are designed to manage the program effectively and provide clear expectations for participants.

The complimentary access provided by the VIP Birthday Lanyard is limited to one all-day pass per child for the Giant Wheel and Carousel attractions. While these attractions are generally available during regular center hours, they may periodically close without notice due to maintenance, weather conditions, or other operational reasons. Families are advised to check the status of attractions before visiting by calling Irvine Spectrum Center Guest Services at (949) 790-4871.

The free or discounted surprise gift included with the lanyard is subject to availability and while supplies last. The gift is not redeemable or refundable for cash value. Additional restrictions and conditions may apply to the program, which participants agree to upon registration through the Program Terms & Conditions.

The program has historically been available for children 14 years and younger, though recent information suggests potential changes to its status. Some sources indicate the program may have expired, while others present it as an active offering. This discrepancy highlights the importance of verifying current program availability before planning a birthday celebration through this club.

The Escape Game Birthday Experience

Adjacent to the Kids Birthday Club offerings, The Escape Game located at Irvine Spectrum Center provides another birthday celebration option for visitors of all ages. While not a free offering, it includes special birthday treatment that enhances the celebration experience.

The Escape Game offers six different escape themes suitable for various interests and age groups, from those turning 16 to those celebrating their 60th birthday. The venue provides birthday gear for participants to wear during their game experience, along with special surprises throughout the escape adventure. This birthday treatment is designed to make the celebrant feel like the star of the experience.

The Irvine location is situated at 655 Spectrum Center Drive, with convenient parking available in the Regal parking deck. The venue operates daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, with contact hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, responding to inquiries within one business day. The center's location offers additional benefits, with numerous dining options nearby including Yard House, Fogo de Chao, and The Cheesecake Factory, allowing families to extend their birthday celebration with a meal before or after their escape game experience.

Irvine Spectrum Center Background

Irvine Spectrum Center has evolved significantly since its opening in 1995, when it was envisioned as a unique, open-air destination focused on dining and entertainment. The center has grown from its original 250,000 square feet to now encompass more than 1.2 million square feet with 130 stores and attracting over 17 million annual visitors.

The center was among the first shopping centers in the country to be anchored by retail and entertainment venues, including the Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 Cinemas. Major retailers at the center now include Nordstrom, Target, Macy's, and H&M. The facility has undergone several expansions, including Phase II in 1998 that added Spanish architecture, courtyards, and fountains, along with venues like The Improv Comedy Club and the Nascar Speedway.

Key attractions were added in subsequent years, with the carousel debuting in 2001 and the Giant Wheel in 2002. The seasonal ice rink opened in 2003, further enhancing the center's entertainment offerings. These attractions, particularly the carousel and Giant Wheel, have become central to the Kids Birthday Club experience, providing the foundation for the complimentary birthday celebration package.

Planning Your Birthday Visit

For families considering the Kids Birthday Club for their child's celebration, several factors should be considered to ensure a successful experience. The advance registration requirement means families should plan ahead, ideally registering at least one month before the child's birthday.

When planning the visit, families should account for potential attraction closures by checking the status of the Carousel and Giant Wheel before arrival. While the lanyard provides complimentary access to these attractions, families may want to budget for additional activities such as movies, games, or dining to create a full day of celebration.

The center's layout offers numerous options for extending the birthday experience. Beyond the attractions and The Escape Game, families can explore the variety of dining options available throughout the center. The proximity to other entertainment venues provides flexibility in crafting a personalized celebration itinerary that suits the child's interests and the family's budget.

For those interested in The Escape Game as part of their celebration, booking in advance is recommended, particularly during peak times or weekends. The venue's multiple escape themes allow for customization based on the birthday child's preferences and the age range of party participants.

Conclusion

The Kids Birthday Club at Irvine Spectrum Center has historically provided a valuable complimentary experience for children, offering free all-day rides on the Carousel and Giant Wheel along with a surprise gift. The program required advance registration through the Retail Therapy app or Guest Services, with specific pickup and redemption requirements for the VIP Birthday Lanyard. While the program details suggest a structured approach to birthday celebrations, recent information indicates potential changes to its availability, with some sources suggesting the program may have expired.

Families interested in birthday celebrations at Irvine Spectrum Center have multiple options, including the Kids Birthday Club (if still available) and The Escape Game birthday experience. The center's evolution since 1995 has created a comprehensive entertainment destination with various attractions, dining options, and activities suitable for different age groups and interests.

For the most current information about the Kids Birthday Club status and availability, prospective participants are advised to contact Irvine Spectrum Center Guest Services directly or check the official website for updates on current promotions and events.

Sources

1. Spectrum Birthday Club grants wishes for free rides all day
2. Irvine Spectrum Center Kids Birthday Club
3. Kids Birthday Club - Current Events & Promotions
4. The Escape Game - Birthdays
5. Happy Birthday: 20 Years of Shopping Movies at the Irvine Spectrum
6. Irvine Spectrum Center Guest Services