Since March, the team at Sawyer has been thinking of ways to celebrate birthdays — even if big parties are on pause. Our new normal doesn’t take away from how special a birthday can be to a child, and parents looking to celebrate can still throw parties for their little ones.
Whether you’re a parent who has dedicated Pinterest boards for every birthday or a parent who prefers a relaxed birthday, we’ve pulled together a list of places to have birthday celebrations while our world remains on pause.
These places are meant to inspire — but please keep in mind CDC guidelines in your city when planning any party or gathering.
1.Bring the party to Zoom
A quarantine birthday does not need to be canceled. Host a birthday party on Zoom or Google Hangouts to stay safe and have fun. Make sure to send invites through the mail or using a service like Paperless Post. You can make a virtual birthday party a special occasion by partnering with an online children’s activity provider — discover some of our favorites here. If you want to go above and beyond, send party favors or individually wrapped birthday treats through the mail to surprise and delight party guests.
2. Make a splash in a pool, lake, or ocean
If a virtual party doesn’t inspire your little one, consider having a pool or ocean party! Embrace themes like surfer style, marine biology, or go niche and get inspired by your child’s favorite sea creature. When you send invites, make sure children and adults know water safety and that you have a lifeguard around to keep everyone safe.
3. Enjoy the outdoors at a park or nature center
Get moving and get outside! An outdoor birthday party is perfect for the always moving child in your life. Outdoor parties can be especially fun for children because parents can bring decorations and children can run free. Consider themes inspired by sports, the natural world, or your child’s favorite pop culture characters. You can also partner with a local business to lead activities with your party crew.
4. Embrace seasons at an apple orchard or ice skating rink
If your child is bummed about not being able to have an indoor birthday party, consider embracing seasonality and going to a safe outdoor attraction. We love apple orchards and pumpkin patches for fall birthdays, ice skating for winter children, pools for summer, and botanical gardens in the spring. Season-inspired birthday parties can be especially fun if you love details — consider bringing seasons out in your party decorations, favors, and treats.
5. Discover creatures big and small at a zoo or aquarium
Calling all animal lovers! Embrace the wild and have a birthday party at a zoo or aquarium. Children will love exploring exhibits and learning about habitats, animals, and the world-at-large.
With so many choices, how do you choose a party location?
We suggest gathering your favorite places and ask your little one which one they’re most excited about. Explain how party themes could come to life in each setting and watch little imaginations run wild. No place will be perfect, but children will find any birthday celebration delightful.
