Sure, we’re all stuck inside and social distancing, but don’t let that stop you from throwing a birthday bash your child will always remember. The internet is full of creative ways parents are marking their child’s special day from birthday car parades, Zoom scavenger hunts, virtual game parties, Disney movie marathons and virtual museum visits.
Add a little something extra by bringing in a surprise or two. We have fun ideas for you.
Royal Princess Parties
Give your birthday child a special greeting from that favorite princess or hero, with at least a dozen characters to choose from for a live chat. Chats can include stories, games and singing through Google Hangouts (Gmail address required.) The 15-minute chats, available 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday, are $30.
Waterlemon Birthday Bash Boxes
No need to fret over where to get the party decorations. Waterlemon has created birthday bash boxes ($100) to take care of everything. With themes of space, mermaids, sharks, unicorns, dinos, the circus and a tea party, these boxes help you celebrate at home. Boxes include plates, napkins, cups, a festive banner, crown, candies and other fun items.
Miss Jamie’s Farm
Miss Jamie and her cute baby animals are going virtual! The local children’s performer is offering her performances on video calls to interact with your little ones. Make it a virtual birthday party event so your birthday kid can celebrate with his or her friends, too.
Luft Balloons
While balloons are common for a birthday party, make it a special this year by buying a Bag ‘o Fun ($40) from Luft Balloons. The bag is filled with different sizes and colors of loose balloons that your kids can bounce all day long.
Happy Kids Chicago
Happy Kids Chicago offers social distancing options to surprise your child with their favorite character. Packages include FaceTime calls ($25), pizza deliveries from a character ($75) and birthday parades ($125+).
Goofy Faces
Have an artist draw a caricature of your child, family and friends virtually. Goofy Faces’ artists interact with each guest to draw them live. Cost is usually $160 per hour, but ask for specials during the pandemic. Final sketches are uploaded to a Dropbox folder for immediate download. In addition, Goofy Faces face painters are offering virtual face paint workshops for kids and families. Quotes provided upon request.
The Princess Party Company
Bring a princess or superhero to the party live with a 20-minute video chat through FaceTime or Skype, which includes a story time, one-on-one time with a favorite princess or superhero (there are three of each to choose from) and interactive games for $49. Or get a special recording from a princess, with a personalized greeting and custom message, for $29.
Watson Adventures
Turn a classic scavenger hunt to a virtual adventure! Watson Adventures offers a variety of virtual games to help plan something fun for your child’s quarantine birthday. Games include Trivia Slam Game, Murder Mystery Mayhem Game, Escape to the Museum Virtual Scavenger Hunt and more.
The Kids’ Table
You can host a virtual cooking party thanks to the chefs at The Kids’ Table. Connect online to follow a step-by-step recipe like black bean tacos or rustic apple pie. Each party guest will receive an electronic recipe to grab their ingredients in advance. For an extra fee, The Kids’ Table can also meal prep kits to make the party planning even easier.
Bubbles Academy
The creativity never stops at Bubbles Academy. Their virtual birthday parties offer a 30-minute teacher-led activity on Zoom. Kids can enjoy a concert or themed imagination adventure. The Zoom is left open for another 30 minutes for families to chat. Plus, they’ll sing Happy Birthday with live music!
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This article originally published on ChicagoParent.com on March 26, 2020. It has been updated with the most recent information.
