30 Kids Birthday Parties

So, as a parent, or aunt, uncle, grandparent, godparent, or best friend of someone with a kid, you might find yourself in a position of having to plan a child's birthday party. I mean, they have birthdays EVERY YEAR. Coming up with something new to do is often a challenge. The first thing to do, of course, is to ask the child what they would like to do for their special day. Although some children will know exactly what they want, other kids might need your help to brainstorm. And you might appreciate some help brainstorming! That's where this post comes in.

These ideas involve varying costs and some might be better for older kids. A night out to see a play might seem like it costs much more than a trip to Chuck E Cheese, but if your child only gets to invite one or two special friends, it will probably cost about the same. (And you won't have to go to Chuck E Cheese.)

The best thing about all of these ideas??? THEY AREN'T HELD AT YOUR HOUSE. You're welcome.

Here are some birthday party venues/outings in no particular order:

1. Night out to see a musical or play. Birthday guests get dressed in their finest attire and attend a local theater production. Look for kid friendly shows such as "Annie," "The Lion King," or "Cats" Depending on the professionalism of the company, you might be able to meet some performers if you hang out by a stage door. Ask an usher or call a stage manager ahead of time to see if that's possible.
   
2. Cupcake shop. Many bakeries host parties for kids. They might let the guests design their own cupcakes with colored frosting or give you a tour of the bakery.
   
3. Go Carts. Check out your local listings to see where this may be offered in your community. This would be perfect for a co-ed party.
   
4. Bowling. Go old school and have a bowling birthday. Most places have significant discounts for parties and will do bumper bowling. The adult chaperones can even get their own lane, so it's fun for everybody. For an added fun factor, see if your local alley offers evening "cosmic bowling" with music and neon paint.
5. Putt-Putt. It's a classic. For something different, go to a driving range and have a pro teach all the kids how to hit the ball really far.
   
6. Sledding party. Sledding at the local big hill, followed up by hot chocolate and cozy fireplace. Obviously contingent on the season and where you live! (Sorry, Miami.)
   
7. Indoor or outdoor water park.
   
8. Zoo.
   
9. Camping trip.
10. Fancy restaurant. Got a kid who's an aspiring chef? See if you can reserve the chef's table at the best place in town. Clearly this will be expensive, but think of how little work this would be for you as the host. Basically the only thing you would have to do would be to make reservations. And what chef wouldn't like to share his craft with an adoring future foodie?
    
11. Karate. Hit the dojo (that's what it's called, right?) for an active birthday party for your favorite aspiring ninja. See if they'll show you how to do those nunchaku. Perfect for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fan?
    
12. Candy store. See if your local shop would help you plan a party. I bet they will. Then get all the kids sugared up and send them home to their parents. Mwahaha.
    
13. McDonald's with a Playland. As relevant now as it was when I was 8.
    
14. Pizza parlor. I know Pizza Hut has parties. Or check and see if your local place would let the kids come in at a not-too-busy time and let them play with the dough or make their own pizza.
    
15. Concert. I still recall the New Kids on the Block concert I attended in fourth grade with a friend for her birthday. Talk about the best night of my childhood! It was so exciting and we felt soooo grown-up!
    
16. Ice-skating rink.
    
17. Gymnasium. Some gyms offer parties. They let your guests jump on the trampolines and practice somersaults on the mats.
    
18. YMCA or Community Rec Center. Check for craft parties or open gym parties they might offer.
19. Indoor pool. Nothing is better when you are a kid than getting to go swimming in the middle of winter.
    
20. Local playground. There's usually a shelter house you can reserve. Choose the park with the best playground and let the kids run wild for awhile. When they tire out, offer cake and open presents. Then let them run amok again until their parents arrive. Easy as pie. Although transporting all the food from the car to the shelter house can be a chore, so bring help.
21. Horse farm. Take you child and their best friend out for riding lessons at a horse farm. They will usually get to ride a horse (slowly, while wearing a helmet) and then brush the horse or feed it a carrot. (Hmmm - the experience doesn't sound that thrilling when I write it out.)
    
22. Working farm. Take your city kid out to the country and let them see all those animals they've read about in picture books. If you don't know of any farms, ask around. I know there is a Metropark near Columbus, Ohio that has a farm that runs just like it did back in the 1800's. They have lots of kids programs.
    
23. History day. If your child is a history buff, make his or her birthday one for the history books! Around here we have Underground Railroad sites, American Indian Mounds (such as the Serpent Mound in Adams County, Ohio), and Glacial Grooves. Do a little research to see what your area has to offer. You all might learn something! Follow up your expedition with a visit to grab some ice cream.
    
24. Boating. Rent a speed boat. Take a dinner cruise. Take a sightseeing tour. Go whale-watching. Make the whole excursion pirate-themed if you have to.
25. Art studio. See if they offer a class for parties that really appeals to your child. There might be pottery, painting, sculpture, or mixed media. Get all the party guests some French-artist-looking berets for some tres magnifique pictures.
    
26. Museum. Go with Air and Space for your future astronaut or fighter pilot. Or choose the Natural History Museum for your favorite budding geologist or paleontologist. Check out the Art Museum mummy exhibit for a creepy thrill. The Hands-On Science Museum is great for all ages. Try the Planetarium for an "out of this world" birthday. (See what I did there?!)
    
27. Rent a limo and just drive around! Movie star sunglasses all around. Bring lots of their favorite CDs to play during the ride - full blast.
    
28. Historic train ride. We have several of companies that run recreational train tours in Ohio. Some even have murder mysteries (if yours is a child who loves to be scared or intrigued) or story time for the littler ones.
    
29. Tea Party. Find a local tea place that offers petit fours and little sandwiches for your little lady's special birthday. This is a party that her aunts and grandma would like to attend, too. Have fancy hats or white gloves for all attendees - cutest pictures ever!!!
30. Sporting event. Whether it's pro or amateur, the kids will get a kick out of attending a sporting event. Make sure to get the child's name on the JumboTron or scoreboard! See if you can get some autographs. That's more fun for most kids than actually watching the game.
    

Happy party planning!