The old fashioned days of a simple birthday party with a homemade cake, ice cream and a few friends being dropped off is a thing of the past for today’s trendy kids. The trend in birthday parties today seems to be action and interaction. Parents are planning, and kids are asking for, birthday parties that are creative, hands-on, and to some degree, even challenging. So when planning an upcoming birthday party consider some of these options.
Make-Over Party
This is a big hit for the pre-teen and early teen girls. This birthday party centers around a local beauty parlor or spa. Simply call ahead, get pricing and reserve the spa or parlor for a block of time. The girls have a fantastic time getting facials, manicure and pedicures. Then treat them to a special lunch somewhere including cake and ice cream.
Can’t afford a spa? Consider doing a make-over party at home. Try inviting an Avon or Mary Kay rep over to help the girls with make-up while mom and friends give facials and manicure.
Action Packed Party
Getting outdoors is another great way to get in the groove with today’s kids. Canoeing trips, a day spent at the Baseball stadium or rock climbing are all great options for birthday parties. There are local companies available for arranging special trips just for kids and catering to birthdays. Rock climbing walls can be found indoors, often with an arcade inside as well. Reserve the climbing wall along with the meeting room and parents have the makings of an action packed day for the gang.
Bowling alleys, roller skating rinks and ice skating rinks can also be reserved for parties and provide exercise as well as entertainment. Many offer and area to set up the party as well or will give discount prices on food when the arena is rented.
Creative Outlets
Birthday parties today are another way to get creative. A craft party is easy to do at home or could be arranged through a local pottery or craft store, such as Michaels. Booking a party at a craft store is a great way for kids to be messy and you don’t have to clean up the mess! They usually offer a variety of crafts to choose from with a per child fee. Let the birthday child’s creative side run free with this type of birthday party.
Museums are another excellent choice for hosting a birthday party. Children’s museums, science museums and local historical places offer everything from reduced admission to special after hour private tours as birthday party packets.
Yoga Party
Younger parents today are more health conscious and it’s showing, even in their choice of activities for their kids. Yoga birthday parties have kids stretching, learning the Warrior Stance and meditating. It’s a great way for moms and kids to blend together.
Fairytale Parties
Everyone knows clowns are a great hit with the younger kids and they can still be hired to be at the party. But today’s party planners take birthday parties to a higher level. Special events planners and birthday party companies can have some come into the home and provide a complete fairytale for the birthday boy or girl.
Magicians are still a big hit too. Modern magicians pull out all the stops for entertaining kids. Many supply goody bags for the kids to take home that have magic tricks they can do at home.
Dance Party 2010
Another hot idea this year is to host a dance party. Check with local radio stations to hire a DJ, rent the local fire hall and hang some disco lights. A family member or friend can even play DJ with a CD player and CDs. Why not go back in time and have a 60’s party? Have the girls wear poodle skirts and bobby socks. The guys can come in rolled up blue jeans and white t-shirts.
Make It a Family Affair
Gone today is the tradition of dropping kids off at a friend’s party. Today’s parents use birthday parties as a time to get together and visit with other busy moms and dads. Why not make this year’s birthday party a family affair this year and invite everyone in the family?
Let the child’s interest be a guide when planning a birthday party. Whether he is into Star Wars or hockey there will be an abundance of options to help make his next birthday unforgettable.
Belinda Mooney - Belinda J Mooney is a freelance writer and mother of 7. You can read more of her work at www.practicalparenting.com
