For a lot of kids, news that we were going to have to be socially distant for at least the next month meant that their birthday plans, some that had been dreamed about since their last birthday, would have to be postponed, cancelled or altered. How to make kids feel special even in these strangest of times? Well, life goes on and businesses in and around Bergen County are offering virtual birthday parties and activities so you can celebrate your kid and keep your social distance. Don’t forget to wash those hands!
*Before you set up a virtual birthday party, gather friends for a birthday drive-by parade. Have kids make signs and make sure to honk really loud as you parade past. Or stop in front of the birthday kid’s house for a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung from windows and sunroofs. Just make sure you keep that 6’ to 10’ distance while you’re jamming.
Eyes of the Wild, an exotic animal rescue, located in Hunterdon County, has been bringing their adorable animal ambassadors to you Live at Lunch on Facebook for the past few weeks. Now they’re offering to “visit” your virtual birthday party and share some of their animal friends with your birthday kid and their party guests. Email Pam@eyeswild.com for more information.
Alice Leon, local songwriter and singer with The Alice Project, has been writing custom songs for years. Not that there is any danger that your kid is ever going to forget this birthday, but make it even more memorable with a song customized just for them. Family and friends can share their thoughts on what makes your kid unique and Alice will craft it into a song. Or, have Alice host a virtual songwriting birthday party (check her out every weekday at 10am and 10 pm on Facebook when she hosts live virtual songwriting sessions). Your kids' friends and family can gather together to fete your kid by sharing their favorite things about the birthday child. Then Alice will work with partygoers to craft a one-of-a-kind song for your one-of-a-kind kid. Text Alice at 908.208.2391 for more information.
Creatively Yours, the ceramic studio with locations in Ridgewood and Tenafly, is offering to go kits. Pick up your choice of ceramic and paints to be picked up curbside, drop them off at your partygoer’s homes, then return them to be fired after they’ve been painted. Some of their items can even be painted with acrylic paints so they don’t even need to be fired. Visit the website for more information or call 201.857.0900 (Ridgewood) or 201.627.8227 (Tenafly).
At One River Art Studio, you don’t have to be in their Allendale or Englewood locations to take a class. Access their virtual studio and join one of their virtual classes, livestreamed by one of their instructors. Now, invite some friends, drop off supplies, to join you and you have an instant party!
Well, there won’t be trampolines but there will be movement. Sky Zone is offering virtual birthday parties that include a team member guiding kids through 15-20 minutes of games, and active play with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” at the end.
Don’t be concerned, it’s just a mad scientist dropping off supplies for a virtual science birthday party at your door. Mad Science Northern NJ is hosting live virtual science parties that will keep kids just as entertained as if they were in the laboratory in person.
Clay, Paper Scissors in Oradell will deliver craft kits on Fridays or Saturdays for your birthday kid and their friends to do remotely. This week it’s a friendship garden complete with terra cotta pots to decorate and seeds to plant. Keep one and give a few away. Who knows what they’ll come up with next week? Visit the website for more information or to order kits.
Birthday kid’s a baker? Circle Bakeshop in Ridgewood is offering a limited quantity of DIY kits and virtual classes. Email elizabeth@thecirclebakeshop.com to discuss custom orders and virtual birthday parties.
Find other DIY kits in and around Bergen County here.
But what will you serve at your birthday party? Blue Moon Mexican Café is delivering family fiesta Birthday Parties to Go. Package information is here. Call 201.563.3594 to order.
Or, get a pizza in the shape of the birthday kid’s age from Pizzaiolo Brothers in Midland Park. Call 201.444.4944 and speak with Anthony or Roberto at least a few days prior to your event. No word on whether they can do birthdays that include a zero after that “5”.
And then for dessert, why not order a party pack for curbside pick-up from Ice Cream by Mike in Ridgewood. Packs include ice cream, toppings and cones and, not for nothing, include Mike’s delicious, small batch ice cream.
Or, if you happen to be a resident of Franklin Lakes, Kara Kakes and Detective Frank O'Brien of the Franklin Lakes Police Department have teamed up to make your kid's day a little brighter with a delivery of cupcakes to accompany a police drive-by with lights and sirens.
A very sweet end to what is sure to be an unforgettable birthday!
