Fall and winter birthdays can sometimes prove challenging when you have energetic boys involved. Finding space and activities to keep them occupied is the first step and then adding in food with your fun is always a must.
Here are some great ways to keep those little misters happy for that birthday bash.
Lego Builder Bash
What little guy doesn’t love Legos? Provide containers of different-sized Legos for the perfect build-a-thon. This type of party can be customized based on age and skill level. Put together party favors with Lego bricks as the theme. Use the bricks as nameplates and watch as they set to work. The best part is they can entertain themselves, so providing additional games and activities may not even be necessary. This type of party works great at your home or at a park district and is perfect during any season!
Expand the fun: If you’re a wee bit worried about having all that energy at home, head up to Schaumburg to Legoland Discovery Center Chicago for fun, rides, games and more. The boys will love building race cars and finding their favorites on the go.
Backyard Campout
The cooler temps are the perfect opportunity to sleep out under the stars. Set up a tent, bonfire for s’mores and set to work creating the perfect backyard escape. You can go on a nature scavenger hunt and “hike” around the block or at a local park. Tell spooky stories by the campfire and grill hot dogs and marshmallows. Campers will love spending the time in the great outdoors and you won’t have the inconvenience of finding an outhouse somewhere – just head inside!
Expand the fun: Have campers ready for a bit more fun? Head up to Camp Reinberg in Palatine and set up camp or rent a cabin and explore the space amongst the woods and furry creatures. Birthday scavenger hunts are sure to bring out the competitive edge. Be sure to bring the bug spray and extra sleeping bags to be comfortable.
Charitable Celebration
Making a difference really appeals to boys, especially if the party involves something they particularly love. For boys who love sports, host a sports-related party full of games they love and in lieu of gifts, help raise money to get another child in the game through Good Sports (goodsports.org/throw-a-party). Consider having guests put together blessing bags with hygiene essentials for the homeless. Plan a day with kids (and their parents) to walk downtown or partner with an organization to hand them out, then head to Maggie Daley Park to run off all that energy.
Expand the fun: Create a walk/run event out of the birthday boy’s day to benefit the charity or cause of his choice. Create race T-shirts as a keepsake. Be sure to make up silly prizes so that everyone walks away a winner (who said last place isn’t the real winner anyway?)
