Party Time!

Fun ideas for every personality

With birthdays, school promotions, graduations and summer vacation on the horizon, June is a time for celebration. Bounce houses are still popular with the littles, but there are plenty of unique party themes for all ages that appeal to various personality types and interests. Here are party ideas to welcome summer as you plan the next epic kid-centric celebration.

The Adventurer

Children who are naturally energetic or love trying new things are sure to embrace these thrill-seeking activities.

Roller Skating

Let the good times roll with a party reservation or family-fun skating session at Ringer’s (outdoor) Roller Rink near Lemon Grove. The colorful murals around the rink make a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. Check website for sessions with a live DJ. www.ringersrollerrink.com/roller-skating-birthday-party

Indoor Rock Climbing

Indoor climbing gyms take challenging fun to new heights. San Diego spots such as Vertical Hold and Grotto Climbing have different age requirements, but serve kids as young as 6–8. Parties include gear, staff to guide and teach beginners, and event space for food and gifts.

Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is a thrill for families with kids ages 12 and up. It’s also a great teambuilding activity that helps kids practice aim, burn off steam and encourage each other. San Diego has several indoor/outdoor venues that host axe-throwing parties and ensure proper safety for all.

Escape Rooms

Escape rooms encourage kids to work together as they solve clues to find their way out. Repeat celebrations are fun since many themes are available. Escapology at Belmont Park offers themes such as Scooby-Doo & The Spooky Castle Adventure or The Lost City, while The Escape Game (downtown) offers Gold Rush, Timeliner: Train Through Time and more.

Insider tips:

• If waivers are required, be sure to include with invitations; ask parents to sign in advance to save time and aggravation.

• Ask guests to check in 15 minutes early so the party starts on time.

• Consider party-goer personalities when planning to ensure guests will be comfortable and feel included.

The “Chill” Child

These party ideas may appeal to kids who like a more relaxed atmosphere.

Next Level Gaming Party

Mobile video gaming trucks bring the party to you. Perfect to beat the summertime heat since trucks are equipped with AC. Most also feature music, the latest consoles and multiple copies of popular games so kids can play together.

Movie Magic

Middle schoolers love the freedom of going to the theater with friends. Watch the movie with a parent chaperone, then celebrate with treats from a nearby ice cream shop. UltraStar Cinemas in Mission Valley offers reasonable ticket prices, reserved seating and even a birthday child’s name on the marquee.

Taylor Swift’s Eras movie premiere coincided with my daughter’s birthday last year. We made tacos and bracelets at home, then the girls dressed up and sang at the top of their lungs.

Board Game Bash

For kids who are happy just hanging out with friends, a board game party is a great low-key bash option. Choose a strategy game like Catan or laugh-out-loud games like Telestrations, Herd Mentality or What Do You Meme?

The Budding Philanthropist

Some young people would prefer to use their celebration to bring good to others (versus receiving presents). If this is your child, consider a charitable party themed around a particular passion.

Animal Lovers

- Paityn of San Carlos asked guests to bring items for animals for her 7th and 8th birthdays. “I’ve always been a huge animal fan, so donating to the San Diego Humane Society was the obvious choice,” she says. “I didn’t know if people were going to like the idea, but my friends and their parents really got into it. We ended up with so many donations! After my birthday, we loaded everything into the car and dropped it off at the counter, where you can donate anytime.”

Donations could include cat toys, dog food or items needed for bedding. Check with the organization ahead of time to inquire about most needed items.

- Conservation nonprofit Zovargo brings the “zoo” to you. Choose from a variety of snakes, insects, falcons, bunnies, guinea pigs—even hedgehogs. Zovargo provides safe ways to get hands-on with animals and create memorable photos. Donation ideas: Animal-themed books for a local classroom or homeless shelter.

Slay Crochet

YouTube videos are shaping a new generation of makers. The art of crocheting is making a comeback, and many young people are trying their hand at the craft. Provide guests with plentiful colors of yarn and watch some fun videos to learn a quick crochet project. Donation ideas: Bookmarks with new paperbacks for Meals on Wheels or a local senior center.

“I recommend beginners make bookmarks, dish scrubbers or headbands,” says Samantha, Patrick Henry High School’s Crochet Club founder. “Super easy and fast.”

Sporty Kids

Play basketball (or another favorite sport) followed by pizza and treats at the park. Donation ideas include balls and outdoor equipment for local programs such as Jake’s Projects in Bonita, which provides uniforms, equipment and more to kids in need.

There are endless opportunities to incorporate a child’s interests into a celebration. Whatever you choose, do it together and let your child take the lead in creating some party fun. v

Cherie Gough is a freelance writer who lives in Santee with her family.