The “Ins” and “Outs” of Chill Winter Birthdays

Written by Teresa Osiowy; Photo: Courtesy of Ron Osiowy

Feeling stuck for winter birthday party ideas? First, consider the age of your child and their party guests, the number of guests, and your budget. Do you want to enjoy a winter wonderland outdoors or feel warm and cozy indoors? Do you want to host the birthday party at home or away? Not to worry! There’s endless chill winter party potential in and around Calgary.

Winter Wonderland: Mostly Outs 

• Bowness Park - Bring hot chocolate for your guests to sip on while they enjoy free ice skating on the frozen lagoon. Then head to the newly-renovated Angel’s Drive-In for a ‘50s-style lunch. (Remember, safety first! Helmets on heads when ice skating.)
  
  
• Frozen Fun - In your backyard, kids can build a snow fort, decorate the snow fort with food coloring or mini-lights, then head inside to watch Frozen cuddled up in cozy blankets while eating popcorn.
  
  
• Mountain Memories are Golden - Plan an extra special birthday around one of these local winter festivals or venues: Banff SnowDays, Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival, Banff Hot Springs, High Tea at the Banff Springs Hotel. 
  
  
• Snow-Tubing at WinSport - Enjoy the day tubing, then grab a bite to eat on-site or head home to continue the birthday fun with your own food and drink.
  
  
• Caving Tour - Besides an unforgettable experience, caving tours in Canmore offer relative warmth for an outdoor adventure since cave temperatures are stable and moderate.

Warm and Cozy Venues: Mostly Ins

For the Foodie

• Vin Gogh Paint Sip Studio Cooking or Painting Party - Party-goers will make pizza from scratch, decorate cupcakes, then dig in and eat! Or up the creativity with a paint night. The birthday child will choose their favorite painting and the instructor will take the kids step by step through the painting.
  
  
• ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen Cooking Party - A fantastic combination of birthday activity and meal, all in one! 

For the Animal Lover

• Calgary Humane Society - Party your paws off! This party is educational and fun.
  
  
• Calgary Zoo - Go wild! The Zoo’s interactive activities will create 'zoonique' memories for your child’s special day.
  
  
• Butterfield Acres - Book your birthday party at the Farm! Party packages available each year starting in Spring.
  
  
• Calgary Reptile Parties - Your party-goers will interact with iguanas, monitor lizards, dragons, boa constrictors, pythons, skinks, salamanders, and more.

Keep Calm but Party On:

• The Regal Cat Café - Offers a Parents and Teens Cats and Yoga class. ‘Purr-fect’ for small, special parties.
  
  
• Feel Fabulous Mobile Spa - Spa birthday parties for girls! They bring fantastic party décor to your home and offer a wide selection of spa services suitable for all ages.
  
  
• Wymbin - Party packages are custom-designed to suit your needs, budget, and to ensure your child or teen yogi has the best birthday imaginable! Namaste.

For the Love of STEAM:

• Bricks 4 Kidz - Your child’s big day includes creative free play, motorized model builds, LEGO^®-based games and challenges, and more.
  
  
• Gymboree Play & Music - Growing young minds through classes in play, music, art, sports, school skills - and birthday parties, too.
  
  
• Mad Science of Southern Alberta - Party-goers will be amazed and ‘edu-tained’ with fun, interactive experiments. The birthday child gets to wear a Mad Science Lab Coat and be the Mad Scientist’s Assistant, too! 
  
  
• Young Rembrandts - Educational and fun! Their passion is art and will teach the kids how to draw.
  
  
• Idea Lab Kids - From cooking to coding/robotics to science, there is something for everyone. They bring the party to you!

For Those with Fuel to Burn:

• Athletica Gymnastics - Coaching staff will lead your party-goers through fun activities including flashlight tag, obstacle courses, gymnastics, and more.
  
  
• Flying Squirrel Sports - Form your own extreme dodgeball team, slam dunk like a pro, practice your best aerial acrobatics, and more!
  
  
• The City of Calgary Recreation - Make your birthday party-planning simple and stress-free with healthy and fun activities! There are various party themes to choose from.
  
  
• Mountain View Bowl - Let your child discover their inner Big Lebowski and take them to the alley! 5- and 10-pin bowling available.
  
  
• Fl!p Factory - Party-goers make their way through ninja warrior obstacles and tackle climbing walls, trampolines, and a Eurobungee. Sleepover parties for youth groups also offered.
  
  
• Dance with France - You choose the style of dance, and they provide the dance instruction, party games, and loads of fun.
  
  
• Shakers Fun Centre - Experience amazing attractions like laser tag, climbing wall, and an awesome arcade! Game on.
  
  
• SAIT Trojans Recreation - Birthday party packages include any combination of bowling, swimming, Zumba, and yoga.
  
  
• Big Fun Play Centre - Come and ‘wipe out’ for the best birthday at North America’s largest indoor inflatable park.
  
  
• InjaNation Fun & Fitness - With a trampoline park, ninja warrior courses, climbing walls, and more, your child’s birthday party will be exciting and adventurous.
  
  
• Lycée Louis Pasteur Rock Climbing Wall - Discover the fun and challenging world of indoor rock climbing.
  
  
• TommyKplay - Kids can burn off all that party energy with a multi-level play structure, super slide, roller racer track, and more.
  
  
• Vecova Recreation Centre - Inspire playful imaginations and active bodies. Parties include a party leader, activities in the gym and/or pool, and more.

For the Magical and Mysterious:

• The Locked Room, Interactive Escape Rooms - A great mental challenge for any tw/een.
  
  
• Richard Young, the Magician - His fast-paced shows combine magical illusions, hilarious comedy, clean fun, and tons of audience participation.
  
  
• Fairy Tale Princess Party - This party guarantees that all of your little prince or princess’ fairy tale dreams come true! 
  
  
• Hamlet the Clown - Includes mime, mimicry, juggling, magic, follow-the-leader, audience participation, and balloon sculptures.
  
  
• Richard Rondeau, the Magician - Enjoy age-appropriate comedy and magic that will astound the spectators.
  
  
• Deano the Magic Man - Each show is filled with lots of exciting and enthusiastic kid comedy magic and interactive audience participation. Deano offers different packages to suit your budget.

Warm and Cozy: All Ins

• Host a spa day, karaoke, gaming, or murder mystery party.
  
  
• Satisfy your creative craving with a Valentine’s Bake and Craft Bash (baking, chocolate-making, and lacy crafts) or host your own Mardi Gras (New Orleans music, decorations, Cajun food, and carnival games).

With a bit of strategic planning, you really can host a chill party where you have as much fun as the kids!

Teresa is a freelance writer, and a mother of boys who believes in building standout memories to last a lifetime. She’s grateful to have many fellow builders who are ready and willing to join in celebrating life’s extraordinary moments.