How to Throw a Multi-day Birthday Bash

Celebrating birthdays (or any achievement really) is a big deal in my family. Growing up, my parents celebrated or marked the achievement of everything — from birthdays and holidays to good grades and championship games. Now that I'm a mom, I’m continuing that practice. I mean life throws all sorts of obstacles and hurdles at us, constantly. So why not celebrate these seemingly rare moments of joy and fortune with gifts, food, and family? This year, my daughter turned ten—double digits, which means double the celebration! If you’re ready to throw an epic, multi-day birthday celebration, here’s a glimpse into how I made her tenth birthday unforgettable.

Monday: Picnic Perfection

We kicked off the celebrations with a picnic at her favorite park. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we started enjoying picnics as a means of safely getting out of the house. We found the perfect park for us — a playground, large expanses of well-kept grass, clean bathrooms, and plenty of parking. So we returned for her birthday. Picture this: Chick-fil-A, craft supplies, and her best friend. They spent three hours basking in the sunshine, munching on nuggets, and happily making friendship bracelets. They played on the playground, did flips, and just enjoyed being girls. It was a simple and sweet way to start the birthday fun and set a joyful tone for the rest of the week.

Tuesday: Beach Bliss & Family Dinner

On Tuesday, we took the celebration to the beach. My daughter loves the beach. During the summer, we go once a week. And it’s never enough for her! So on her birthday, with her best friend, my sister, and our family friends in tow, we spent four glorious hours at the beach. We built sandcastles, sunbathed, splashed in the ocean, and even spotted dolphins. But the fun didn’t stop there—later, we had a cozy family dinner at her favorite restaurant with my mom, sister, brother, my husband, her dad, and his parents. It was a perfect way to round out the day, surrounded by loved ones and great food.

Wednesday: A Touch of Magic

The fun didn’t stop mid-week. We headed to Imaginarium 360 for a dose of Instagrammable magic. I had seen the attraction on Instagram and bookmarked it for a special evening. The light and flower displays were a feast for the eyes (and our camera phones!), and we enjoyed an hour of whimsical wonder with my mom, brother, and sister. It was the perfect evening adventure in the middle of our celebratory week.

Thursday: Shopping Spree & Pampering

By Thursday, she was getting tired. So we turned the day into princess treatment. My husband took her to Big 5 Sporting Goods to pick out new volleyball gear (yes, we’re serious about those serves!) while I took her to our usual nail salon for a mani-pedi. It was a day of indulgence and bonding—something every birthday girl deserves.

Friday: Disney Dreams Come True

On Friday, we were in full celebration mode. We took the whole crew—my husband, her dad, my mother, sister, brother, her best friend, and our family friends—to Disneyland. My daughter and her father have a pass; so they go regularly. But the rest of us rarely join them. So with all of us together, it was a magical day filled with rides, treats, laughter, and Disney songs.

Saturday: Party Time!

The grand finale was her party at John’s Incredible Pizza Company. She’d said she wanted a party. But I knew I wouldn’t want to work too hard on a party after celebrating for several days. So we opted for John’s Incredible Pizza Company because they make it easy to have a party there. With nine of her friends, we had a blast playing games, eating from the buffet, and watching pre-teen girl joy. Afterward, we wrapped up the week with a family dinner, bringing the celebrations to a perfect close.

3 Actionable Steps for Your Own Multi-Day Birthday Celebration:

1. Plan Ahead: Start planning your multi-day celebration months in advance. Think about activities your child loves and make the necessary arrangements. The earlier you start, the smoother things will go!

2. Mix It Up: Keep things exciting by incorporating a variety of activities. From free and everyday activities to once-in-a-lifetime and expensive activities, diverse experiences will keep the birthday week fresh, fun, and special.

3. Involve the Whole Family or Friend Group: Make it a group affair. Including relatives and friends adds to the excitement and makes the celebration even more special. Plus, it’s a great way for the people in your life to create lasting memories together.

Ready for your multi-day celebration?

If you’re inspired by our multi-day birthday celebration and want more tips on throwing unforgettable celebrations, follow me on Instagram! I share behind-the-scenes moments, tips for balancing life’s many roles, and lots of celebratory fun. Let’s connect and make every milestone as magical as it can be! 🎉✨