A funny episode of “Friends” with a couch and some stairs may have put the word “pivot” on the map years ago, but it’s actually a pretty good slogan for 2020. From setting up at-home school spaces to mastering Zoom yoga, people across the globe have had to pivot just about everything (kind of like Ross tried to do to get his couch up the stairs) in order to make their lives more pandemic-friendly.
One of the biggest challenges COVID has presented, though, is figuring out how to celebrate holidays and birthday parties — occasions that, historically, have been designated for spending time with others. While it hasn’t been easy, parents and businesses big and small have gotten super creative when it comes to working around obstacles — particularly when it’s come to kids’ birthday parties.
From mind-blowing lawn creations to fun (safe) family outings, here are 18 birthday party ideas during COVID. Because no kid should have to skip celebrating their birthday.
Outdoor COVID birthday ideas
1. Drive-by party
Ahh, drive-by parties. Another hopefully-soon-to-be relic of 2020. It’s safe to say, most parents wouldn’t put “sitting in a line of cars then slowly driving by someone’s house, beeping and waving like mad” at the top of their list of things they’d like to do. But! What child isn’t filled with joy upon seeing friends, family, classmates and teachers celebrating them on their special day?
2. Go big with balloons
Another birthday breakout star of the pandemic? Balloons! While balloons have always been synonymous with birthdays, COVID has taken them to another level. In lieu of other traditional birthday trappings (like, you know? people!), some parents have hired professionals, like Geo’s Decor, to create seriously magical balloon displays for their little ones.
3. Bounce house
When in doubt, bounce it out. Whether you rent a bounce house from a local vendor or have an inflatable bounce house of your own, they offer a great way to exacerbate birthday elation — and help kids get out some of their endless energy. Keep in mind, though, if you make the decision to invite a few of your child’s friends over to get in on the fun, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing a mask and reminds families that, even if your child has been having outdoor playdates with the attendees, there still is risk involved.
4. Personalized lawn signs
If elaborate balloon creations and drive-bys aren’t your thing, consider a personalized lawn sign for your child’s COVID birthday. Or, heck, go crazy and do all three because #2020.
Where to buy: 80″ x 20” Personalized Lawn Sign ($120, Healthy Signage/Etsy)
5. Rent an ice cream truck
While a big gathering around an ice cream cake may not be on the table this year, ice cream still is. To make things a little more festive, consider renting an ice cream truck and having a few friends over for some socially distanced sweet treats outside.
6. Go camping
Whether you hit up your favorite camping site or pitch a tent in your backyard (where there’s a fridge and working toilet a stone’s throw away), a camping — or “camping” — trip is great way for your child to safely celebrate their birthday. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, drink hot chocolate, the works!
7. Outdoor movie
Just like inflatable pools and heat lamps, outdoor movie screens have been a hot ticket item during the pandemic. The reason? In addition to upgrading ordinary movie nights, they keep people outside, which has proven to be safer than being indoors.
Where to buy: Foldable Outdoor Projection Screen + Mini Projector + AV Adapter = ($205, Amazon)
8. Sidewalk chalk creations
One of the simplest, least expensive COVID birthday ideas (so long as there’s no rain in the forecast)? Creating a fun birthday message (or having friends do it) for the birthday child’s day. Don’t think you’re artistic enough to create something worthwhile? There are tons of birthday sidewalk chalk tutorials on YouTube — so you’ll pick up a new skill to boot!
9. Horseback riding
Got an aspiring equestrian on your hands? Or a child who’s just obsessed with horses? Consider going horseback riding for their birthday. Call ahead to find out the precautions the stable you’re considering has in place. Most have mask mandates and are limiting the number of people allowed in an area at once, among other measures.
10. Scavenger hunt
Another low-risk activity that can be done socially distant with friends or alone with the fam? A scavenger hunt! Whether you’ve created a nature scavenger hunt list, like this one from Tiny Nest Studio, or you’ve put together something around the house, it’s the perfect way to make your child feel special on their big day.
Indoor COVID birthday ideas
11. Make a grand entrance
When Melissa Garchie’s daughter had her birthday this year, it was at the beginning of the pandemic when most of the world was shut down. What did she do? She did it up at home, complete with an epic crepe paper stairway, and allowed her daughter to make the rules for the entire day. Brave!
12. Get a birthday box delivered
Many businesses that were formerly birthday hot spots now have boxes or kits available for delivery or pick-up. American Girl is offering a number of at-home celebration kits for pickup, and the event company Once Upon a Party will deliver birthday boxes to kids that are filled with goodies tailored to their age and interests. Again, PIVOTING.
13. Have a small gathering, adhering to CDC guidelines
If you’re attempting to be somewhat social for your child’s birthday, and the weather isn’t cooperating, you can still celebrate — but you should do so cautiously. The CDC has made it clear that outdoor activities (especially when done with a mask) carry a much lower risk than indoor gatherings. However, if you’re set on getting together with others, here are a few tips from the CDC:
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Wear a mask.
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Wash hands frequently.
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Stay six feet apart.
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Have windows open.
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Limit the number of people.
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Encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.
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Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
14. Arrange a Zoom activity
At this point, it’s safe to say we’re all pretty sick of Zoom. But it’s also safe to say that Zoom is, you know, safe. While spending time with friends isn’t the same as seeing them IRL, Zoom parties don’t have to be boring and awkward for younger kids. From playing bingo to doing a craft together, there are a number of ways to spice up a run-of-the-mill virtual birthday. And the best part? No cleaning up!
15. Have a superhero or princess video call
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s … a video call from your child’s favorite superhero or princess! Super Hero Party Michigan and Princess Party Michigan have a number of iconic characters available to give your child a video (or phone) call. Packages include a 10-15-minute live chat that’s tailored to your child’s personal likes, an activity and a song.
Where to buy: Superhero chat or Princess chat ($75 for 10-15 minutes, Super Hero Party Michigan and Princess Party Michigan)
16. Make it thematic
Better to laugh than cry, no? While there’s a fairly good chance your child will be at least mildly disappointed with some aspect of their COVID birthday, it doesn’t hurt to make light of things with a funny quarantine birthday t-shirt. Pair this with a cake and some online gaming with friends, and it’s good teen fun.
Where to buy: Quaranteen birthday shirt ($14, Teepublic)
17. Have a Teleparty
Formerly Netflix Party, Teleparty syncs up the playback of a movie or show from Hulu, Disney, Netflix or HBO so the birthday boy or girl can have a movie night with their best buds. And, naturally, there’s a chat feature (with cute user icons!) so they can dish about the flick.
Where to buy: Free as an extension with Netflix, Hulu, Disney or HBO
18. Donate a birthday in a box
It may be their birthday, but it’s never a bad time to teach kids about the importance of giving. As shared on I Can Teach My Child, kids can put together birthday boxes, filled with cake ingredients and fun little trinkets to drop off at their local food pantry. A guaranteed way to put a smile on your child — and someone else’s — face.
