Most parents will start throwing their son a regular birthday party each year starting sometime around the age of two to four. These annual shindigs will often continue on each year as you invite kids from his class at school, from sports teams, from church, and so forth to the parties. At some point around the middle to end of elementary school, most boys will gradually outgrow the idea of a big party. Often this is a mutual decision agreed on by both parents and child.
Many boys and parents alike will still want to celebrate a birthday in some fun and often unique or exciting way. After all, you are only 12 or 13 or 14 once in your life! So when your son is too old for that big bash in the backyard or at the jump house down the street, how can you celebrate? Here ar some great ideas to consider:
Tickets to a Sporting Event. If your son is like most boys, he is into at least one sport and perhaps even several. You can consider buying tickets to treat him and perhaps even a few close friends to see a live game or match on or around his birthday.
A Sleepover Plus. Boys often have sleepovers, so a sleepover in itself wouldn’t be too much of a celebration for most. However, you can suggest that your son invite a few close friends over and then treat them all to a fun night out. Consider things like laser tag, bowling, indoor rock climbing, go-kart racing, and other such events to make the evening more exciting.
A Theme Park. Most people live within driving distance of a major theme park, and so you can consider taking your son and his best friend to a theme park for the day. Many theme parks are open year round, but if a theme park isn’t open during the time of year when your son’s birthday rolls around, consider other options like an indoor water park, an indoor fun center, and other such venues.
Major Entertainment Events. If you live in or near a major metropolitan area, there are likely major entertainment events taking place close to your home throughout the year. Consider events like concerts, traveling shows like wrestling or the Harlem Globetrotters, monster truck shows, and more.
The fact is that any deviation from your normal weekend activities can really be a special and memorable way to celebrate a birthday. Think outside the box, do your research, and offer several suggestions for your son to pick from.
Here are a few other articles written by this author:
How Positive is Your Parenting?
Helping Your Kids Through Fights with Friends
Kids and Friend Drama: When to Step In