65 Fun Things To Do on Your Birthday (Alone or With Others) (2024)

Not sure how to spend your birthday? For some folks, it can be a stressful day (ever hear the term “birthday depression?”). They feel confronted with their aging and feel a pressure to make the day special. Other people love their birthdays and feel awesome all day.

However you feel about your special day, we’ve compiled a list of some pretty great options so you can have a birthday that feels good and suits what you want.

Let’s dive in!

General Tips for Your Birthday

When planning your birthday, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. There’s no “right” way to have a birthday. It all comes down to what you want! Your perfect birthday will probably look very different from mine. So consider what lights you up and try to spend your time doing it.
2. You can ask people for things. If you want to feel special, it’s okay to ask friends or family for a special dinner, birthday cake, or event.
3. Celebrate all week! Who says you can only celebrate yourself one day a year? Make the whole week (or month!) a time of feeling special.
4. Consider an annual ritual. One option is to create a ritual where you do the same thing for your birthday each year so that the ritual grows in meaning and specialness each time around.
5. Try to take the day off work for your birthday and make it a vacation for yourself! This can make it feel all the more special and spacious. Plus, if you struggle at all with burnout, it can help to have your birthday as an oasis.

And if burnout is indeed a struggle for you, you might enjoy this free goodie:

With that said, let’s get into some specific ideas.

Things to Do On Your Birthday By Yourself

Today is your day, so you get to do what you want.

If you want to do something expensive and memorable, then power to you! And if you want to do something simple and lowkey, that’s also great!

Here are some ideas. See which appeals to you.

Get free birthday stuff!

Many restaurants will give you free food on your birthday if you sign up for their (free) rewards programs.

One way to feel special on your birthday is to get free food!

Here are some good options:

• Free scoop of ice cream from Baskin-Robbins^{1 https://www.baskinrobbins.com/en/sign-up}
• Free dessert from California Pizza Kitchen^{2 https://www.cpk.com/sign-up}
• Free popcorn and soda at an AMC theatre^{3 https://www.amctheatres.com/faqs/amc-stubs/about-amc-stubs/rewards-and-benefits/birthday-gift}
• Six free wings from Buffalo Wild Wings^{4 https://www.buffalowildwings.com/rewards/}
• Free pancakes from IHOP^{5 https://www.ihop.com/en?joinmyhop=true}

And here are a few more ideas on free birthday freebies.^{6 https://www.womansday.com/life/entertainment/a36295235/best-birthday-freebies/}

Make a vision board

Making a vision board can be a wonderful birthday experience where you tap into your dreams and desires for yourself.

It’s also a creative process where you cut and paste images and words that capture your dreams and aspirations. You can let this board be a daily visual reminder of where you’re headed and what drives you.

If you do want to look ahead, another route to take is to focus on thinking about your goals. If you’d like support in creating goals, check out this free training:

Spa day

Make your birthday a day to relax and pamper yourself.

Transform your living space into a tranquil spa lounge, complete with scented candles, soothing music, and a luxurious bubble bath. Let the stresses melt away as you indulge in homemade face masks and a relaxing self-massage.

Or you can spend some coins to visit a spa.

Plan a solo trip

Pick a destination that sparks your curiosity, whether it’s a bustling cityscape or a national park. Give yourself a day (or multi-day) long adventure to revel in the freedom of solo travel.

Binge is a Netflix series.

This might be an especially nice treat if you never give yourself full permission to veg out.

Pick a show that you’ve been curious about, snuggle up in a cozy blanket, and get lost in the stories.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are IMDB’s top-rated shows of all time.^{7 https://www.imdb.com/list/ls008957859/}

Go shopping

Give yourself a budget and hit your favorite stores or explore new ones. Are there shoes you’ve been eying but weren’t ready to pull the trigger? Or maybe some new speakers? If it’s within your financial means, buy yourself a special gift!

Volunteer

Studies^{8 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-020-00242-8} suggest that volunteering increases our happiness and well-being. If you’re not sure what to do, consider spending some time lending a hand at a local shelter, a community garden, or a food bank.

Try VolunteerMatch^{9 https://www.volunteermatch.org/} to find options near you.

Reflect on the past year.

Consider setting aside time for introspection, where you flip through the pages of the past year and acknowledge fond memories, tough times, and lessons learned.

Here are a few options:

• Go through photos from last year
• Look at your calendar from the last year and jot down the meaningful events
• Write out the top lessons you learned this last year (If you’re turning 35, maybe write out your top 35 lessons, for example)

Go to a fancy dinner

It can be nice to spoil yourself for your birthday. Consider treating yourself to an elegant dining venue. Relish the ambiance, the exquisite tastes, and the joy of dining solo.

Unplug from technology

Internet addiction^{10 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10118885/} is a real thing! And something many of us struggle with ( 🙋). It could be a nice treat to put your phone in a drawer and keep your laptop shut for the day. Rediscover the art of living in the moment, be it through reading, journaling, or just watching the world go by.

Create a piece of art.

Consider blocking off the day for a creative project. That could be creating a painting, recording a song, or writing an essay. Let your imagination run wild.

Go for a hike

There’s nothing like the great outdoors to calm your nerves and give you a sense of wonder. For your birthday, you could lace up your boots and hit the trails. You can escape from daily life and appreciate the stillness of the trees and the tranquility of a running creek.

Go to a museum

A museum is a great way to spend your birthday, where you can spark your curiosity, inspiration, and wonder.

Wander through halls filled with ancient artifacts or modern masterpieces. Absorb the art, the history, the science, and enrich your perspective.

Go to your city’s tourist spots.

How often do you play tourist in your own city? Check out the big landmarks and hidden gems with fresh eyes and a sense of wonder. Snap photos, try local delicacies and see your familiar streets from a novel viewpoint.

Put on your best outfit.

Your birthday is the perfect excuse to dress to the nines. Dive into your wardrobe and pull out that outfit that makes you feel unstoppable. Go the extra mile with your hair and makeup (if that’s your thing).

Even if you only walk to the grocery store to show off your vibe, you can strut your style down the street and turn heads with the confidence that comes from looking your absolute best.

And don’t forget to take pictures!

Get the tattoo or piercing you’ve been wanting.

Is there a piercing you’ve been considering but are waiting for the right time? Maybe now is the right time!

You can infuse symbolism into the experience. Or use it to represent a moment, a memory, or a milestone in your life. Or just get something that looks cool. This will make for a birthday you won’t soon forget.

Things to Do On Your Birthday With a Partner

89% of Americans^{11 https://www.enbridge.com/~/media/Enb/Documents/About%20Us/Birthday%20Factum%20US.pdf} believe that it’s important to celebrate their loved one’s birthday. So, if you have a special someone, odds are, they want to help you celebrate!

Here are some ideas on what to do on your birthday with a romantic partner.

Cook a gourmet meal together

Take extra time to buy yummy ingredients and cook a long, leisurely, and gourmet dinner together. Make the entire day a cooking adventure where the cooking isn’t just about the food but the joy of togetherness.

Take a dance class

A dance class can be a fun way to celebrate and get closer to your partner. Consider salsa, tango, or lindy hop.

Plan a romantic getaway.

Scour Airbnb^{12 https://www.airbnb.com/} for a cozy cabin in the woods, a beachside bungalow, or a charming bed and breakfast. Disconnect from the world and dive into a deep weekend with each other.

Attend a concert

If you’re a music lover, why not seek out the thrill of live music? You can share the excitement together and let the atmosphere energize your relationship.

Have a picnic in the park.

Lay out a blanket in a picturesque park, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the gentle hum of the world. Feast on snacks, clink glasses of your favorite drink, and savor the simplicity of the moment.

Enjoy a wine or brewery tour.

If you’re a drinker, explore the world of wine or beer-making. Check out a local vineyard or brewery. It can be a relaxed way to enjoy flavors and bond with your partner.

Watch the sunrise or sunset.

Scout out the perfect spot to watch the day begin or end, wrapped in each other’s arms. Bring a thermos of warm tea or a can of hard cider.

Bungee jumping

If you like a thrill, consider going bungee jumping, skydiving, or zip-lining together. This would certainly make for a memorable birthday and bring some excitement into the connection.

Hot air balloon

If you want something high up but not quite as intense as skydiving, you could also go for a hot air balloon ride.

Take a cooking class.

Join a cooking class where you can learn to whip up new dishes together. You’ll likely share laughs, and you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor together.

Go on a scenic drive.

How often do you drive without a destination in mind? It can be fun to hit the open road and cruise through scenic routes, stopping whenever curiosity strikes. Sing along to your favorite songs, chat about dreams, or enjoy the silence and scenery.

Go to an amusem*nt park.

An amusem*nt park can be a fun way to celebrate your birthday with a partner. Ride roller coasters, play games, and eat cotton candy. Share screams, laughter, and a sense of wonder.

Do a couple’s photoshoot.

You could consider hiring a professional photographer to capture your love in a professional photoshoot. It could be in a studio or at a location that’s special to you both. Let the camera catch your candid moments and your affection.

Build something together

If you like arts and crafts, take on a DIY project together. It could be making bracelets or constructing a birdhouse. You’ll get to work as a team, share ideas, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something tangible together.

Go stargazing

Escape to a spot far from city lights and lay under the stars, contemplating the vastness of the universe. Share stories, dreams, and wishes. There’s something about being under the stars where you can connect not just to each other but to the cosmos itself.

Things to Do On Your Birthday With a Friend

If you have a best bud or a go-to pal, consider asking them if they’d like to help you celebrate your birthday with these ideas.

Explore a new city together.

Pick a city or town within an hour that neither of you has been to before, and check it out together! Buy a pastry from a bakery, peruse through a bookstore, and sip a cappuccino in a cafe.

Go for a sauna

In Scandinavian countries, saunas are a big deal. There are estimated about one sauna per every two people^{13 https://finland.fi/life-society/bare-facts-of-the-sauna/} in Finland!

Saunas are a great way to sweat, relax, and let go. They can also lead to open and unguarded conversations with a close friend.

Laser tag

Laser tag can be a blast! You and your friend can be on the same team, and together, you can navigate the neon lights and heart-pounding music as you snipe out and dodge the other teams. It’s a high-energy game that feels like stepping into a video game.

Putt-putt golf

Mini-golf is a fun and lightly competitive way to play with a friend. There’s usually a fun atmosphere, and it’s a game that doesn’t require heroic athleticism.

You can go to an outdoor course or a bar that has an indoor setup.

Have a beach day

Pick a beach and bring your beach towel and swimsuit. Have a lax day where you build sandcastles, splash in the water, or simply enjoy the sound of the tide.

Have a movie marathon.

Curate a list of films together, whether it’s classics, comedies, or new releases. Then, settle in for a movie marathon. Load up on snacks, throw some pillows on the floor, and let the screen take you to other worlds.

Attend a sporting event.

If you’re a sports fan, go watch your favorite team play! Share hot dogs and chants. And ride the waves of triumph and tension together.

Try a new restaurant

Consider trying a new dining spot together. Maybe even a new cuisine! You can share plates and give a toast to your friendship together. And of course you don’t have to do something new, you could visit one of your favorite restaurants as well.

Go bowling

Head to the bowling alley to engage in some friendly competition. Cheer each other on, share laughs over gutter balls and enjoy the playful rivalry.

Go kayaking or canoeing.

If you’re an outdoorsy type, it can be fun to paddle through the water and explore rivers or lakes. These boating activities offer a nice blend of physical exertion and relaxation. There will be plenty of moments to talk and plenty of moments to enjoy the silence.

Things to Do On Your Birthday With a Small Group

If you have a couple of friends you’d like to gather together, here are some ideas on how to celebrate with your posse.

Cooking competition

Have you ever seen the show Chopped?^{14 https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/chopped} It’s a cooking show where competitors have to make a dish combining a fairly random selection of ingredients. For example, they may have to create an appetizer that includes zucchini, pepper jack cheese, watermelon, and canned sardine.

You could host your own friendly “Chopped” with your pals! Split into teams, and everyone suggest an ingredient that has to be used. See what you come up with!

Karaoke night

You can either go to a karaoke bar where you sing on stage in front of others or book a private room.

It can be fun to unleash your inner pop stars and belt out your favorite tunes. Laugh at the off-notes, applaud the high notes, and sing like nobody’s listening.

Host a board game night

If you’re a fan of board games, consider a game night! Gather your friends for an evening of strategy and play.

If you’re not sure what game to play, here is a list of 30 of the best board games.

Appreciation circle

This one can be vulnerable but also powerful.

Ask if your friends would be willing to circle up and take turns expressing appreciation or compliments toward you. It can be impactful to hear others reflect on your positive traits, and it can make you feel loved and valued.

I used to live in a co-op, and as a birthday tradition, we’d always create a dedicated circle and spend 10-15 minutes sharing appreciations for the birthday person.

Plan a photo scavenger hunt

Set up a photo scavenger hunt around town. Create a list of items ahead of time that everyone needs to capture on camera. Then, break into teams (or stay together) and set a timer. This activity is a fun and creative adventure.

For ideas on photo scavenger hunt lists, check out these 19 fun photo scavenger hunt ideas.

Try an escape room

Escape rooms are a marvelous way to bring out your teamwork. As a team, you have to solve puzzles and decipher clues under the ticking clock. There’s an element of thrill and mystery, and if you solve it together, you can share the feelings of triumph.

Group cuddle session

If you’re a touchy person, consider inviting over some of your closest friends for cuddles. Bring out your softest pillows and blankets and create a cozy atmosphere to snuggle up together.

For my most recent birthday, I invited two close friends over for some group cuddles, and it made for a heart-warming and tender birthday treat.

And cuddles don’t just feel good, they are good for you! You can read more here about the surprising benefits (and science) of touch.

Tarot cards

Get your hands on a tarot deck, and create a mystical space of reflection with your friends.

Take turns drawing cards and reflecting on what the symbols and images mean to each person based on what’s going on in their life. It can be a unique, vulnerable, and introspective way to bond.

And even though tarot isn’t a scientifically backed practice, it can still be a fun way to interpret art and use the cards as prompts for reflection.

Host a mini meditation retreat

Either find a secluded spot in the woods or turn your home into a sanctuary for a mini meditation retreat.

Set up a schedule, and invite a few friends who seem like they’d enjoy going inward. Then, process your experience and share conversation afterward.

I did this for my birthday a few years ago in the woods with a group, and it was a beautiful experience. The schedule we used was:

• 25 minutes sitting meditation
• 25 minutes journaling
• 25 minutes sitting meditation
• 25 minutes walking meditation
• 25 minutes sitting meditation
• 25 minutes hanging out with the trees
• 25 minutes sitting meditation

You could also do something much shorter and still enjoy the fruits of collaborative contemplation.

Potluck dinner

Studies suggest^{15 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979515/} that eating with others makes you feel closer to them. Consider breaking bread with your friends!

Host a potluck dinner where each friend brings a dish to share. Let the night be filled with good food, great company, and endless laughter.

If you want to go all out, check out this dinner party checklist.^{16 https://www.scienceofpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Party-Checklist.pdf}

Arts and crafts night

Set up a few arts and crafts stations with supplies for everyone to create something unique.

You could make stations for painting, jewelry making, or dream catchers. Share tips, help each other out, and show off your creative sides.

Trivia night

Host a trivia night, with a mix of general knowledge, pop culture, and personal questions. This can be a fun and lighthearted way to bond and hang out.

For inspiration, here are 376 awesome trivia questions (and answers).

Backyard camping

Set up tents in the backyard for a night of camping. Set up a bonfire, roast some marshmallows, and swap ghost stories. Enjoy the fun of a camping trip with the comforts of home just steps away.

Group city tour

If you’ve never spent money on an official tour guide in your city, consider doing so with your friends. They’ll show you the history of your town and teach you new facts. It can help you appreciate your city with new eyes.

Things to Do On Your Birthday With a Large Group

If you have a larger friend group or community to tap into, here are some ideas to bring everyone together.

Host a big bash

If you’re up for the organizational efforts, you could throw a big birthday party! You could do it at someone’s house or rent a venue.

Consider decorations, costume themes, and setting up a playlist.

If you’d like to go this route, here are some more ideas to hash out the logistics of a birthday party.

Organize a mini Olympics

If you’re an athlete, it could be fun to set up a mini Olympics or sports day in a local park. You can set up a variety of sports and competitions, from soccer to relay races to volleyball.

Host a talent show or open mic

Set up a stage in your backyard or living room for a talent show or open mic night. Encourage friends to showcase their talents, be it singing, comedy, or a magic show.

It can be an awesome way to appreciate each other’s gifts.

Rent a party bus

Hire a party bus and tour the city with your friends. You can dance and sing on the bus and then stop at favorite spots.

Beach bonfire party

Many beaches have pits where you can set up a massive fire. Invite the whole gang to rally around the fire. You can include music, dancing, and even drumming.

Rent a cabin or house

Rent a large cabin or house in a scenic location for a weekend getaway. Enjoy group activities, communal meals, and the joy of living together, even if just for a few days.

Organize a large picnic or BBQ

Have a big picnic or BBQ in a park, with everyone bringing a dish or something for the grill. People can come and go as they please to enjoy the feast, the fresh air, and the laid-back vibes.

Host a dance party

Clear out a space, set up some lights, and blast your favorite tunes for a dance party. Invite all of your favorite dancey friends to let loose.

Rent a boat for a day

If near water, rent a boat for a day. You can cruise around, stop to swim, and try out water skiing. It can be a fun and relaxed way to enjoy the sun together.

Organize a group art project

Engage in a large-scale art project where everyone contributes to a collective piece. It could be a collective mural, a giant canvas, or a sculpture. This can be a terrific way to collaborate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Things to Do On Your Birthday

Takeaways on Things to Do On Your Birthday

Best of luck with your birthday plans!

Remember, your birthday is a time to celebrate yourself. So take a moment to feel out what you really want for yourself, and then create it!

If that thing happens to be a party, you might enjoy this article on throwing a birthday party.