The coronavirus has thrown us all a curveball when it comes to gatherings. I’m sure you’ve seen on social media the amazingly creative ways people are celebrating birthdays, we even listed a few here. Since my two kiddos will celebrate their birthdays this fall, I thought we could all use some insights on how to have a low-key (but still fun and memorable) birthday.
When I asked my soon to be 15 year old son what he wanted to do for his birthday this year, his perfect day included: doughnuts for breakfast, ordering popcorn form a local movie theater that he can eat while watching a movie at home, oh and, an ice cream cake from DQ. (Fortunately, he has the metabolism to go with all the junk food ?.) All this to say that kids can have a great day without having a big over the top birthday party, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s also okay to celebrate in a more laid back way.
Here’s a few low-key ideas to celebrate your child’s next birthday:
1. Take a friend to a fun, special activity like an indoor trampoline park.
2. Go bowling as a family and stop for a special treat on the way home.
3. Take your birthday child, along with a friend for a mani-pedi.
4. Take a trip. Whether it’s just a short road trip or a grand vacation your child will definitely enjoy a change of scenery for their special day.
5. Treat a friend to an afternoon at the zoo.
6. Let your kid pick the restaurant and order in.
7. Have one friend over for a sleepover, or for pizza and a movie.
8. Have the birthday kiddo make a list of their favorite games and host a game night.
9. Spend the day doing something kind for others. 
10. If you have an outdoorsy kid go on a hike, bike ride or other outdoor adventure.
11. Have your birthday kid make a list of what would happen on their ideal day, and then try to make a few of those things happen.
12. Take them shopping at their favorite store or do a little on-line shopping.
13. Have a movie marathon, like Harry Potter or Marvel movies.
14. Visit your child’s favorite place. Does your child love roller skating or maybe the Science Center? Spend their birthday at the place they are always asking to go.
15. Sign them up for a class. Does your child like to cook or paint? Let them spend their special day doing the things they love to do.
16. Go on a taco crawl or cupcake crawl. Or order in and let your kids do a taste test of their favorite food or drink.
17. Go on a staycation. Most kids love staying at a hotel, what better day to do this than on their birthday?
18. Check out our Events Calendar. Maybe your child’s birthday coincides with an annual festival or other fun event. Make a day of it. Bonus, it’s all pre-planned for you. There’s food, activities, and refreshments!
19. None of these birthday party alternatives are exclusive. Mix it up and do a little bit of everything!
What are your favorite ways to celebrate your child’s birthday? Share in the comments below!
