So while you might choose to venture out to a local spot, or to plan your own party at home, there are lots of ways to make it creative, high-energy and memorable. Below are some of our top active birthday party ideas to nail this year’s celebration.
Go for gold and plan a fantastic gymnastics day.
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Your child and their party guests will flip at the opportunity to run, bounce, swing and land in a pit of foam cubes at your local gymnastics center. Odds are its staffed with party pros, and the whole event will be easy for parents, too, which is a huge bonus.
Stretch their minds at your favorite local museum.
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Whether your birthday boy or girl loves science, art or history, you're likely close to a museum that's just perfect for their special day. We hosted our twins' third birthday at an Airplane Museum, and it was so much fun they asked to have their birthday there the next year—talk about easy!
If you want to plan something formal or involve food, check out the ready-for-you birthday party options at your museum of choice. But if you want to keep it casual, simply grab your child's five best buddies and be on your way.
Bring out their inner artist with a colorful painting party.
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Painting polishes the skills of concentration, creativity and hand-eye coordination. Besides, it's tons of fun! Check out local art studios or pottery painting locations to see what works best for your group and budget. Order pizza and voila—it's a birthday party masterpiece.
Soak up the spotlight at a children's theater.
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Does your city have a children's theater? Why not purchase a block of tickets to a show in lieu of a traditional party, and then host a picnic at a nearby park? A little culture goes a long way, and the actors will set an example of skillful dedication to your youngster and their friends.
Rediscover the old-fashioned park picnic.
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Speaking of picnics in the park, save yourself an evening of home cleanup and host a birthday party completely outdoors. Just make sure to check the weather beforehand!
Hire a balloon artist or face painter to surprise and delight your pint-sized guests or plan a serious of active games like sack races, scavenger hunts or birthday piñatas to get everybody moving before snacktime. Encourage families to bring their own picnic blankets and provide classic picnic foods like cheese and crackers, finger sandwiches or hot dogs and burgers.
Jumpstart the fun at a trampoline park.
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Nothing gets kids revved up—and worn out—quite like bouncing around. That's why trampolines exist, right? So why not give kids and their parents what they want and let them bounce, bounce, bounce until their little hearts are content? Spots that house indoor bounce houses or rows and rows of trampolines are so perfect (and easy) for parties. Order a pizza and cake and consider this birthday owned.
Check out your local recreation center.
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Contact your local recreation center to see if they offer birthday parties. Many do, and they often have some of the most affordable pricing around. Party options will range in theme, but you can try anything from a ballet class to kids' yoga to a gymnastics-style extravaganza!
Cool down with a classic pool party.
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Is it summer yet? Time to get splashing with a pool or splash party! Options for this type of wet, wiggly bash include your own backyard, a local YMCA, a public spray ground or even a swim school, where you could host your party indoors. This type of party lends itself nicely to a mermaid, under-the-sea or any other splashy, summertime theme.
Whip up something special at a local cooking class.
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Is your birthday boy or girl a wannabe chef? Perhaps hosting a small cooking class in your home or at a local culinary school may be just right for his or her friends! Whether they're learning to make dinner, bake cakes or decorate cookies, there are lots of options. And how cool is it that the finished product becomes the perfect take-home gift?
Fly through the air with indoor skydiving.
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This one is a little out there (or rather—up there) but indoor skydiving is a totally fun and active way to celebrate your daredevil's birthday. Your little one will have a blast with his or her friends while flying sky-high. Just be sure to come down in time for cake.
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