We love an elaborate birthday party, but the planning, decorating, and baking can be a lot for a mom to handle — especially if she has to do it more than once a year! At the end of the day, a birthday party is about making memories, not a pin-worthy cake. So skip the over-the-top celebration, and opt for a day that your child will remember forever. From an afternoon at the ballpark to a night at the museum, check out our favorite alternatives to traditional birthday parties.
Celebrate your creative child's birthday at a pottery studio. Kids settle into the private party room to paint their own pieces, which the studio glazes and fires for a professional finish. Though the items won’t be ready for a week, they are a great alternate to traditional goody bags.
If your tot dreams of being a famous athlete, take him to a sporting event. Whether it's a professional or farm team, it's an experience he'll never forget.
Kids love animals, so spending the day with them seems like the perfect birthday celebration. See if your local zoo has a party package that will make the day stand out more.
For a fun and active party, bowl a few frames at the local alley. Skip the greasy snack bar food and bring your own healthy, homemade treats.
Celebrate a kid's birthday with the latest activity trend, trampoline parks. The kids will be thankful for the fun time, and their parents will be happy that they weren't bouncing around the house.
Nothing beats the flashing lights and fun sounds of an arcade. Give each kid a custom baggie filled with coins, and set them loose for a few hours of play.
Celebrate warm-weather births with a minigolf party. If your little one was born in the Winter or Fall, find an indoor course that offers a glow-in-the-dark experience.
While a trip to the movies may seem pricey, some theaters offer discounted rates when you buy a group of tickets. And, as always, pack your own snacks to avoid spending a fortune on treats.
Make your afternoon at the roller rink even better with retro-themed outfits.
A trip to the museum is one of the few party ideas that's both entertaining and educational. To make the experience more memorable, look into hosting a sleepover among the exhibits.