Summer babies are the best! My son was born in mid-June, which means the bulk of my pregnancy was during the cooler months and he gets great birthday party weather every year!
We had a tough school year after moving to a new neighborhood, so as my son’s birthday approached we thought long and hard about a way to make his day extra special. Normally we throw him a birthday pool party at my husband’s uncle’s home with extended family, swimming, and backyard fun.
But we decided this year to gift my son an experience instead of the typical presents, party, and cake. Some years, it’s OK to skip the traditional party — and try something new! Here are 10 ideas for celebrating your child’s summer birthday.
1. Travel!
Some years, it works out that you’d be taking a family vacation around a summer birthday anyway. So why not plan your travel with your child’s birthday in mind? Since we love to travel, we’re really excited to take a few days to celebrate my son and bring him to a place we’ve never visited. He will have a blast!
2. Visit a water park.
Make it a day trip, or do an overnight in New Hampshire to check out a New England water park like Red Jacket Resort or Whale’s Tales.
3. Visit a new state.
Living in New England means it’s so easy to visit new states. Let your child choose a state to check out, then research that area’s best kid-friendly activities and food joints.
4. Try a new theme park!
We visited The Dinosaur Place in Connecticut for my son’s third birthday, and he absolutely loved it. It’s pretty affordable, and since he such a dinosaur fanatic, he was in heaven. Edaville/Thomas Land and Story Land are other nearby parks to look into for summer birthday celebrations.
5. Do a beach weekend.
With so many great family-friendly beaches in Boston, this one is a no-brainer. Growing up, I would take a yearly trip to Maine with my family, and I have such great memories from that part of my childhood.
6. Celebrate in the kitchen.
If your kiddo loves cooking, try a class or party at Taste Buds Kitchen. They cater to kids, families, and adults! Many of Boston’s suburbs also offer cooking classes through community ed programs or local cooking schools
7. Make it a spa day.
Tag along with your kids for a full-out spa day. Many nail salons do kids manicures and pedicures, and some local spas offer “mommy and me” facials and massages.
8. Head to an entertainment park.
Spend an afternoon at Dave & Buster’s, Kimball Farm, or Mel’s Funway Park for arcade games, go-carts, mini-golf, batting cages, and food!
9. Check out a new zoo.
Visit a zoo that has a ton of different offerings, like York’s Wild Kingdom. From butterflies to rides to zoo animals, a day at York’s can be such a fun summer birthday outing.
10. Visit a drive-in.
We love heading to the Mendon Twin Drive-In. It’s such a fun throwback! You pay $28 for your car, and you get to watch two films! There is even a full snack bar. Last time we went to the drive-in they had a Ghostbusters giveaway, and my son was so excited to win!
