5 Ideas to Make Your Child’s Virtual Birthday Extra Fun!

Children love celebrating their birthdays. Whether throwing a large soiree with all of their friends and extended family members, or getting together for a smaller event with their nearest and dearest, birthday parties are a great way to make the guest of honor feel special and loved. Also, who doesn't love cake, gifts and spending time with those we enjoy most?

Unfortunately, as cities nationwide are implementing more and more restrictions on gatherings due to Coronavirus, birthday parties look a little different than they did before. With social distancing in mind, families are getting extra creative this year to make sure that their children have a special birthday celebration. Here are a few modern party planning tips to help make your child's virtual birthday party experience a huge success!

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1. Video call to include long-distance friends and family

Often times it is difficult for extended friends and family to make it to an in-person birthday party. This is especially true in the middle of a global pandemic, but is also a factor when long-distance guests can't attend in person. However, logging in to Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype or FaceTime is a great way to include those your child may not usually have a chance to see. So, consider sending a video call* invitation to those aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends you might have not invited due to geographic location. It will be fun for your child to connect with them online, and it will help your extended family feel included in the fun!

*Tip: Help virtual guests feel part of the action by setting up the video call on a television or large monitor in an area with high foot traffic.

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2. Send out a request for birthday cards on social media

Right now, everything is very focused on digital connection, but everyone, even children, love getting physical mail. Via social media, ask friends and family to create custom cards for your birthday boy or birthday girl a couple of weeks in advance of the party. No gifts required! Just let them know your child could really use an uplifting and encouraging message from their friends. When it's time to open all of the cards, host a virtual party or live stream to show everyone how much your child appreciates the love.

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3. Host a drive by birthday party

While many people aren't comfortable attending an in-person event, many feel better about participating from the safety and comfort of their vehicle. Pick a date and time-frame (i.e. 4-5pm) and invite local folks to drive by your home and celebrate your child. Hang out in the front yard as a family as the parade passes by. Guests can loudly honk, pull over to say hello, drop off gifts, and even decorate their car with banners and balloons to celebrate.

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4. Incorporate some fun, virtual entertainment, and games

There are many virtual programs available right now. There are lots of websites that have catalogued lists of every type of performer from clowns and musicians, to magicians and scientists! If your child is an animal lover, they will love our Virtual Animal Hangouts. During these 30 minute sessions, our trained Experience Leader and your birthday child will lead everyone in an up close, interactive animal presentation. We sing silly songs, answer questions, and let the party guests choose the next animals and what they will do.

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5. Make the rest of the day extra special, too

During this time of quarantine, you have likely had to say "no" to a lot of requests from your children. On their birthday, you can make them feel extra special by saying "yes" to activities that are safe, fun, and follow social distancing restrictions. For instance, you could build an awesome birthday fort, let them watch their favorite movies, and maybe make them their favorite meal. Anything you can do to break the monotony of quarantine life and make the day special will be extra memorable for your child.

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We're here to help!

If you are struggling to come up with good ideas, we can help. Our booking process is easy and we'll take care of everything for your virtual hangout session so you can focus on what matters most.