Looking to celebrate your child but trying to stick within a budget? I’ve got you. There are so many things you can do for birthdays that do not cost a whole lot! I have rounded up quite a few budget-friendly birthday activities for kids that span activities to do indoors, and outdoors, places to go, and best of all, places that offer discounts for birthdays!
Keep reading for my best list of affordable birthday activities for kids!
Need some guidance with your budget? I have a post packed full of tips for creating that budget and aid in helping you keep it realistic for things like birthdays. Check it out here.
Big fan of saving money on all things in life? I think you’d love my posts on ways to live on a budget and frugal living tips for families.
Ready to make a big change when it comes to your finances? The Money Fit Challenge might be for you!
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- 5 Creative and Modern Ways of Saving Money Right Now
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33 Birthday Activities for Kids
There are quite a few ideas on this list so I have broken them down. First, we have indoor birthday activities, then outdoor with places to go, and finally, a great list of places that offer discounts for birthdays!
Indoor Birthday Activities
- Create a course using household items like pillows, chairs, and blankets.
- Hide small items around the house for kids to find, with a prize at the end.
- Set up a movie marathon with your favorite movies, popcorn, and cozy blankets.
- Provide materials for kids to create their own masterpieces, like painting or making friendship bracelets.
- Have a baking session where kids decorate cupcakes or cookies.
- Clear space in the living room for a dance-off with their favorite tunes.
- Gather board games for a friendly competition.
- Set up various puzzles for kids to solve individually or in teams.
- Conduct simple and safe experiments using household items.
- Create a photo booth with props for fun photo ops.
- Set up a karaoke machine or use a phone app for a singing contest.
Outdoor Birthday Activities
- Enjoy a picnic at a local park with sandwiches and snacks.
- Explore the outdoors with a list of items for kids to find.
- Provide chalk for sidewalk art and games like hopscotch.
- Organize a mini Olympics with races, relays, and other sports activities.
- Cool off with a water balloon fight in the backyard.
- Take a leisurely stroll through a nearby nature trail or park.
- Set up a projector for an outdoor movie screening under the stars.
- Play various sports like soccer, basketball, and tag in a local field.
- Decorate bikes and scooters for a neighborhood parade.
- Bring books outside for a storytime session in the backyard or park.
- Make bird feeders using simple materials and hang them in the yard to observe birds.
Out and About Activities:
- Explore nearby trails or nature reserves for a day of outdoor adventure.
- Visit a local playground for games, picnics, and fun in the sun.
- Enjoy a day at the beach with sandcastle building and swimming (if applicable).
- Check out community parks for free events like concerts or movie screenings.
- Attend a library event like storytime or craft sessions.
- Many botanical gardens offer free or discounted admission on certain days.
- Host a movie night in your backyard or at a local park using a projector.
- Create your own scavenger hunt in a nearby park or nature reserve.
- Pack a picnic and spend the day at a local park, playing games and enjoying nature.
- Head to an open space away from city lights for a night of stargazing.
- Check out community pools for affordable swimming sessions.
- Head out to a place below that offers a birthday discount!
Places That Offer Birthday Discounts for Kids
Here’s a list of places that often offer birthday discounts along with instructions on how to sign up for these discounts:
Restaurants:
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Sign up for the Buffalo Circle Rewards program on their website to receive a birthday coupon.
- IHOP: Join the MyHOP email club on their website to receive a free meal on your birthday.
- Denny’s: Join Denny’s Rewards on their website or through their mobile app to receive a free Grand Slam breakfast on your birthday.
- Red Robin: Sign up for the Red Robin Royalty program on their website or app to receive a free burger during your birthday month.
- Starbucks: Register for Starbucks Rewards on their website or app to receive a free birthday drink or treat.
- Chili’s: Join the My Chili’s Rewards program on their website or app to receive a free dessert on your birthday.
- Panera Bread: Join MyPanera on their website or app to receive a free pastry or sweet treat on your birthday.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill: Sign up for Moe’s Rockin’ Rewards on their website or app to receive a free birthday burrito.
- Cinnabon: Join the Cinnabon Club on their website to receive a free birthday treat.
- Texas Roadhouse: Sign up for the Texas Roadhouse VIP Club on their website to receive a birthday offer.
Retail Stores:
- Sephora: Join the Sephora Beauty Insider program on their website to receive a birthday gift during your birthday month.
- Ulta Beauty: Sign up for Ultamate Rewards on their website to receive a birthday gift during your birthday month.
- Barnes & Noble: Join the Barnes & Noble Kids’ Club in-store or online to receive a free cupcake on your child’s birthday.
- Old Navy: Subscribe to Old Navy emails on their website to receive a birthday coupon.
- Kohl’s: Sign up for Kohl’s Rewards on their website to receive a special birthday gift.
- Anthropologie: Join the AnthroPerks program on their website or in-store to receive a birthday discount.
- American Eagle Outfitters: Sign up for AEO Connected Rewards on their website or app to receive a birthday coupon.
- DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse): Join the DSW VIP Rewards program on their website or app to receive a birthday discount.
Entertainment:
- AMC Theatres: Join the AMC Stubs program on their website or app to receive a free large popcorn on your birthday.
- Dave & Buster’s: Sign up for the Dave & Buster’s Rewards program on their website to receive $10 in free gameplay on your birthday.
- Regal Cinemas: Join the Regal Crown Club on their website or app to receive a free birthday reward.
- Chuck E. Cheese’s: Join the More Cheese Rewards program on their website or app to receive birthday rewards for your child.
- Build-A-Bear Workshop: Sign up for the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club on their website to receive a birthday reward for your child.
- Main Event Entertainment: Join the FUNatics program on their website or app to receive a birthday offer.
- Topgolf: Sign up for Topgolf Mobile Alerts on their website to receive a birthday offer.