They call me “The Finder.” I’m not just resourceful, I’m researchful (that’s not a word). I am a real-life CBS show where I help find things like information, people, laws…you name it. I’m just good at researching. Really good. So with my youngest son’ s birthday fast approaching, I went into research mode on how to celebrate his birthday while social distancing. Our world is different, and I need to figure out how to navigate celebrating birthdays. I stumbled upon some places that host virtual birthday parties. A virtual party would take the place of the franchise birthday party package. Then I decided why not share this list of sites with my subscribers! You can access the list by subscribing to my blog, which gives you access to my freebie library.
Have you seen the numerous posts out there about virtual birthday party ideas? They are great suggestions! Well, allow me to take it a step further and help you on your journey for an affordable and easy virtual birthday party ideas. I eliminated one step for you by going to the website and finding the cost based on all the insights provided by so many articles.
What I found When I Researched
I spent two days just focused on researching places that host virtual birthday parties so that you don’t have to. My search. began with reading blogs, news articles, and conducting Google searches. I initially thought I would find hundreds of virtual party places, but I was wrong. There aren’t a lot of sites offering affordable virtual parties. Let me rephrase that. There aren’t many of the traditional party venues offering virtual options. In my head (where you will always find me), I imagined that Chuck E. Cheese would have a virtual platform. How? I don’t know. Maybe a game app or something. I thought this search would be easy. What I did find were a lot of other virtual party options I would not have thought of.
What I Define As Places That Host Virtual Birthday Parties
When I say virtual birthday party, I mean something that can provide entertainment for your child and friends on a video call platform. All you do is dial the number. They provide a party host with a specific schedule of games and fun and may include the invitations.
It’s the virtual alternative to going to the bounce house or fun zone, where all you do is show up with your child and bring the cake. There are many alternative ways to throw a virtual birthday party, but in this post, I want to focus on the all-inclusive virtual party via my list.
Clowns, Magicians and Disney Princesses
So here is the one option that would probably generate a long list of names. I thought about listing some of the leading performers in different regions, but I wouldn’t know who to vet, and I don’t want you looking for me because a clown on my list was the worst clown ever lol! My suggestion, in addition to my list, would be to look up some of your local or regional clowns, jugglers, magicians, character impersonators, etc. They more than likely are making virtual bookings where they host the party. I found this website called The Bash, and they have listed under their performers if they have a virtual option. You can search performers by city if you want to choose locally.
There are also plenty of companies that provide you the opportunity to have your party hosted by your favorite Disney princess. I have one included here that was mentioned by multiple news platforms.
Virtual Gaming Parties
Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft can all be virtual birthday party ideas. If you’re like me, your child would know how to set up a group game, because I only know these games by name. My daughter tried to explain Fortnite to me, and my head hurt. MY HEAD HURT. Yes, me, the creative person that I am could not grasp that game.
I am not a fan of simulated reality games. Why not, Nikki? Why do I want to play a game where I have to make money, buy things, go to work, fight to survive, etc.? That sounds like what I do in real life. Take me back to the simple game of Super Mario Brothers. Some man and his brother are on a quest to save a princess from a dinosaur thing. You didn’t have to buy anything or have a job. Nope! Your money was in the sky, and you grabbed it! Simple times!
While there isn’t a designated party leader to host your event, it sounds like a no-fuss way for kids and teens to celebrate their birthday. There isn’t a webpage specifically designated to these gaming parties, and therefore I did not include it on my list.
The Zoo
In my research, I found that the local zoos were one of the top places that host virtual birthday parties. The bulk of my list contains zoo parties under $200. Most include animal visits and a Q&A. My list isn’t exhaustive. So while you can visit any of these locations because it’s virtual, I would still advise that you check your local zoo for a virtual birthday party option because they seem to include tickets for a later date in the packages.
Children’s Museums
I was utterly shocked that the national museums, such as the Smithsonian, did not have any virtual birthday party opportunities visible on their websites. “They must not need our money,” my husband concluded. I thought they would be impacted by closing and the decline in revenue, but I guess not, and my great grandmother taught me to mind my business when it comes to things that I don’t know.
Like the zoo, local children’s museums are offering the full virtual party experience. I would also check with your local children’s museum to see if they have a virtual birthday party option available, but you can still use my list of places that host virtual birthday parties!
Cooking Classes
I saw that some businesses are offering kid’s virtual cooking parties. I was all in until I saw that you would have to figure out how each guest will get their ingredients. One option was sending money to each guest to buy their items at the grocery store. And the other option would be to give them the list but no money. Allow me to step over the line and be the parent whose child is a guest at such a party. “Excuse me? You would like me to go to the grocery store and buy this list of items that I will never use again? How close are our children, again? And I have to pay for it along with buying a birthday gift?” Okay, that sounds awful, but unless these are my child’s best friends, I feel awkward asking parents to go above and beyond for a party. Also, I’m not too fond of the idea of having to spend extra money for kids to buy groceries. It just means that my party gets more expensive.
So what are you saying, Nikki? This sounds like fun for a few close friends but it can get pricey very quickly. If you are budget conscious, tread lightly.
Nikki’s List Of Virtual Birthday Party Places
“So you’re making an Angie’s List of virtual party places.” That was my husband’s response when I was explaining to him what I wanted to do. His concept is somewhat correct. I have compiled a list of twelve virtual party places. However, it isn’t an exhaustive list. These are suggestions that are meant to provide the full party experience. Remember to do your research to make sure the experience is what you are looking for in a party. When that call is over, so is the party! Check it off your list and put your feet up.
“You should do a list of virtual dates for couples because that’s what we are trying to do.” I hadn’t even put pen to paper to write this post, and here my husband was already on the next topic. That’s not a bad idea, but let’s focus on the kid’s party first!
Do you know someone who is looking for places that host virtual birthday parties? Please share this post! Do you have any new sites to add? Please leave them in the comments!
