The BesT Virtual
Birthday Party Ideas
By Jana Beaucamp
T
hese are extraordinary times. In the current climate, traditional parties and celebrations as we know them are on hold. However, you can still throw a memorable virtual birthday party celebration that kids are sure to remember for oh so many reasons. Not sure where to begin? We checked out the first local, NYC venues hosting virtual birthday parties and share their outstanding offerings. Setting up a virtual birthday party for kids Want to keep it low key at home with your favorite friends? There are a few simple steps to get started, and then the rest is cake! First and foremost, choose your preferred platform, whether it’s Google Meet, Netflix Party, Skype, Uber Conference, Zoom, or your other favorites. Where applicable, make sure to add a password to avoid party crashers. Create an online invitation or simply send an email to your guests. Let them know if it’s a surprise and provide any special instructions like BYOC (bring your cake!). Include anyone and everyone you would like to celebrate with (and it won’t cost a small fortune!). Online rooms can get crowded so stagger entry times, consider smaller groups, or even multiple, mini parties with different sets of friends to maximize (screen) time together and not to overwhelm the party kid and partygoers. Plus, it keeps the celebration going. Choose a theme, add décor, and do as much or as little as feels right for your family. Instead of gifts, consider having everyone contribute an item for a birthday time capsule. If you want to throw a virtual party along the lines of a more traditional NYC birthday party for kids, support your favorite, local
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party place, then pamper your birthday boy or girl with one of these perfect virtual parties! It’s (virtual) party time!
sing-a-longs, puppeteer training, and follow along craft segments. A $50-100 donation is recommended for a private show.
Local NYC venues hosting virtual birthday parties:
Clowns.com clowns.com
CAMP camp.com
Clowns.com has done a good number of Virtual Parties. Parents like the idea because they can still provide some fun and excitement in these trying times. They have done superheroes, princesses, mascots, and full-on magic shows. For example, they did a Belle Party, where the Princess, who is a singer by trade, sang and serenaded the birthday girl with songs from the Beauty and Beast soundtrack. They also send the child a digital picture of their character as a nice photo-op they can share on Facebook or Instagram. Parties range between 30 – 40 minutes and range in price from $175 – $199.
CAMP is making sure no kid’s birthday goes uncelebrated during this time by hosting free virtual birthday parties to celebrate kids’ birthdays and make them feel special. CAMP has hosted 20 parties with thousands of participants in the last two weeks. Every day at 5 pm, CAMP has been hosting free virtual birthday parties for kids of all ages across the country who together can celebrate their special day. During this 30-40 minute “event,” friends and families gather online and are entertained by magicians, musicians, and storytellers, ending with shared birthday wishes from guests and a dance party. Interested families with upcoming kid birthdays can pick a date and share more details on their child (age, birth date, fun facts, a favorite song, etc.) so that every child feels special during their virtual party, which is joined by other kids. CAMP also hosts private parties for those who wish to have more customizable experiences only for the birthday kid and their family. Families who are interested in a private party can email: birthdays@camp.com Chris Palmieri Puppeteer chris-palmieri.com
Chris Palmieri Puppeteer is currently offering half-hour virtual puppet shows via Zoom and other similar platforms for children’s birthday parties, as well as for schools and daycares. The shows feature many different original puppet characters led by Lucky Duck — the curious, kind duckling who leads each show. The stories are both originals and based on classic literature and fairy tales, as well as
The Craft Studio craftstudionyc.com
The Craft Studio is offering virtual birthday parties through Zoom. The parties are one hour and include making a craft and playing games. They have two different options for this: making a basic craft using materials most people already have at home or doing a bigger craft and shipping craft kits to all of your guests. The packages range in pricing between $25-$50 depending on the craft, plus the shipping. The Zoom sessions are one hour and are $100 for less than ten kids and $150 for 10-15 kids (sessions are capped at 15 kids). Galli Theater New York gallitheaternyc.com
Galli Theater New York is offering virtual Birthday Fun through Zoom. The party includes a Galli Theater Story acting performance with one Galli actor interpreting your favorite fairytale from their repertoire with the option of integrating children in the show.
