So, it’s that time of year again, your birthday! Another year older and hopefully wiser. Let’s face it, it’s not like the last thing that crosses your mind is what to do on your birthday.
Everyone wants to enjoy their special day with the people that are important to them. And, who doesn’t want an absolutely epic birthday?
Start by deciding who you want to spend your special day with. This is important! It could be a close friend or family member. Or, you may want to spend the day by yourself and that is completely fine. Do what makes you happy.
This is the ultimate list of epic ideas for things to do on your birthday. Remember, it’s your day, so make it count!
Epic things to do on your birthday with friends
Most people prefer to spend their birthday with friends and loved ones, but it really is your choice. Here are some ideas on what to do on your birthday with friends.
- Have a dance party
Invite your friends over and have a mega dance party. I really don’t think there is anything better than cranking up the music with people you love. - Go bowling
Even if you’re not great at bowling, it’s always more fun as a group. Especially on a birthday! - Go to an amusement park
Roller coasters, snacks, and friends. Need I say more? Get your adrenaline going and check out a local amusement park. - Go on a road trip
You can go away for a day or a weekend with your closest pals. Rent a fun car to make it even more special. The point is, you’re getting away with the people you care about most. - Wake up and get breakfast delivered by your friends
Breakfast food and friends? I don’t think there is a better combination. - Go to a movie
Whether you want to have a movie marathon or go to a theater, the choice is yours. Get cozy with your favorite movies and favorite people. - Have a picnic
Munching on snacks outside with friends is great any time of year, but its especially fun on your birthday. Grab some tasty food and enjoy the sun on a cozy blanket. - Go to the beach
Why not enjoy some nature on your special day? Head to your favorite beach for a refreshing swim. Or, take a dip in the lake or a pool at a friends house. - Go ice skating
If your birthday is in the winter, ice skating can be a lot of fun. You can also check out an indoor skating rink if it is off season. - Play mini-golf
Mini-golf is really silly… and hilarious! Don’t feel badly if you hold people up, it’s your day. - Go to a concert
There is nothing better than fun, loud music on your birthday with your closest friends. Even if you have never heard of the band, you may find yourself impressed. - Go to a state or town fair
Carnival rides and apple fritters are the perfect recipe for fun. Check out a state fair if its the right season. - Throw a house party
A house party is a classic way to have fun on your big day. Invite over your friends and family for food, drinks, and loads of fun. - Go to the zoo
It’s not every single day you get to see a zebra, right? Spend the day at the zoo feeding the animals. - Have a bonfire and make s’mores
There is nothing like a warm fire with s’mores. Grab your friends, as well as the marshmallow and chocolate for a cozy night outdoors. - Throw a fancy dinner party
Who doesn’t like getting fancy and dressing up every now and then? A fancy dinner party is a fun way to make your birthday extra special. - Host a trivia night
Who is the ultimate trivia master? There is only one way to find out. Have a trivia night at your house, or go to a local bar/restaurant. - Go to a museum
Museums are a great way to learn and spend a day relaxing indoors. Check out a local museum that you have never been to. - Host a game night
From party games to video games, they’re all more fun with friends. And who knows, they may let you win because its your birthday. - Go to a sports game
There is nothing quite as good as cheering your favorite team on with thousands of other fans. - Skydive
If you’re adventurous, this is one way to make sure your birthday is extra epic. - Go to a drive-in movie
You don’t know what you’re missing until you’ve been. Cozy up with popcorn in the comfort of your own vehicle at a classic drive-in movie. - Sled down a snowy hill
Get in touch with your inner child and sled down the biggest hill you can find. Afterwards? Hot cocoa and a cozy blanket, obviously. - Visit a planetarium
Watch the stars and learn about them at the same time. This is also a really good idea for a rainy day. - Take a cooking class
Make a tasty recipe and learn something new about cooking with the people you love. - Go camping or glamping
Get back to nature and hang out with the stars all night. If camping isn’t your thing, consider glamping. It’s “fancy/comfortable” camping (in an RV or cabin). Trust me, its a ton of fun! - Put together a puzzle
Puzzles are incredibly relaxing and therapeutic. Get together some of your friends and work on a puzzle while you chat all night for a cozy birthday indoors. - Host a BBQ or potluck
Get some people together, have some fun and eat lots of good food. What more could you want? Everyone can bring their favorite dish and make it a potluck, too. - Play frisbee
Play with your dogs, friends, or significant other on the beach or at a local park. - Make some new friends
You don’t have to be besties with everyone, but it never hurts to expand your horizons. Spend your birthday making new friends. - Play laser tag
It’s a great way to get moving, connect with your inner child, and have a ton of fun. - See a musical
Musicals are a fun and unique way to have a night on the town. Get dressed up for the evening and go to dinner afterwards. - Go to a winery
Wineries are a fun way to spend a birthday indoors, or outdoors if the weather is appropriate. Bring some snacks and gather your friends for a relaxing afternoon. - Go on a weekend trip
Plan a weekend getaway with your besties to a new place and have a little adventure. - Go to a dance club
Dance clubs are definitely a different kind of fun for everyone. See what clubs may be in your area and get ready to move. - See a comedy show
They say laughter is the best medicine. It’s also just really good for the soil. A good comedy show will make you laugh and forget your worries for a bit. If you can’t make it to a live show, queue one up at home with your pals. - See a magic show
Magic shows aren’t just for kids you know. They’re super fun and a great way to spend a birthday evening with friends.
Epic things to do on your birthday alone
If you want to do something all by yourself for your birthday, then that’s totally up to you and nobody should judge you for that! That’s what makes it your birthday. You can do whatever makes you happy. Honestly? I am one of those people. Here is a list of amazing things you can do for your birthday alone.
- Go to a restaurant and order whatever you want off the menu
How often do you get to order anything you want from wherever you want? It’s your birthday, treat yourself, you deserve it! - Have a spa day
Take advantage of your day off work or school and get a day at the spa. Relax, rejuvenate, and be grateful for all the wonderful things in your life. - Sleep into the afternoon
Sleeping in on your birthday is always a good idea. You deserve it! Leave the blinds down and get the extra rest you need. This is also a great way to practice self-care. - Make an ice cream sundae for breakfast
It’s your birthday, eat the ice cream you want to eat, when you want to eat it. Even if its for breakfast. - Spend a few minutes practicing gratitude
It’s hard to feel negative when you’re focusing on the good things in your life. When you first wake up on your birthday, try thinking of a few things you are grateful for. It will set the tone for the rest of your day. - Go for a hike outside
Reconnect with the outdoors and go for a peaceful hike by yourself. Or, bring your pup! - Go to the park
Take in the fresh air and spend some quality time outdoors at a local park. - Take a yoga class
Stretch, breathe, and relax at a local yoga class. You can even view one for free on YouTube. - Visit a volunteer center
Check your local animal shelter or soup kitchen and spend some time doing good for your community. - Put together a photo album
You don’t have to wait until someone makes a scrapbook for you. Grab all your photos and make a photo album to admire for years to come. I love looking back on these types of memories. Fill it with photos, ticket stubs, letters and mementos. You can even make it a tradition and add to it every year. - Write a letter to yourself
Write about what your life will be like in 10 years and how you feel about life now. Then, pack it away somewhere safe and revisit it at a later date. - Learn another language
Today is the day to start something new! Pick a language you have been wanting to learn and dive right in. Dedicate a couple of days during the week, or a specific time to commit to learning the language for the year. Maybe on your birthday the next year you can visit somewhere they speak it fluently! - Go to a bookstore
Is there anything better than wasting away a few hours at a bookstore? Nope, I think not. This is a great way to spend a rainy birthday indoors as well. - Spend a day being creative
Write, sing, dance, draw… who knows what might come out of it! Make your birthday a day of all things creative. Get all of your craft supplies out and give yourself permission to make the biggest mess you can. - Build a birdhouse
This is a unique skill to have, and they make really good gifts. - Get a massage
If you’re looking to relax and feel like a whole new person, treat yourself to that massage you have been wanting for awhile. - Make a time capsule
Write down your thoughts and feelings about this year, or just fill it with cool things you wouldn’t want to forget about and stash it away. - Give a stranger a compliment
Giving someone a compliment is one of my favorite gratitude activities, and why not feel a little extra good on your birthday? - Try that new thing you’re afraid of
No matter how scary or silly it is, try it out. Not everything has to be perfect! - Take some time to reflect
Self-reflection is one of the best things you can do to grow as a person. Take the time you need today to reflect on what matters to you most. - Go cloud watching
Just watch the sky! It’s very therapeutic and relaxing. Let all of your worries drift away with the clouds. - Adopt a new pet
If you can provide a safe, loving home for an animal, why not make the next year the most wonderful one yet? - Organize all of your photos
Photos are priceless. If you’re not making a scrapbook, take some time to organize your photos into boxes or albums. You can also take this time to organize the photos in your cellphone. - Ride a bike
When was the last time you rode a bike? Maybe it is time to pump up those tires! - Go for a long drive
Just you and the open road. Find a new place to explore and take it all in. - Visit an art gallery
You can learn about different times in history, or be inspired by the works of others at a local art gallery or museum. - Take a class that’s totally out of your comfort zone
See what you’re like when you’re outside of your element. Take a class you never thought you’d be comfortable with and go for. - Visit your grandparents
They’re getting older and you never know when they might not be around anymore. Take some time to visit your grandparents this year on your birthday. - Write a letter to someone who inspired you
Thank them for impacting your life. You can choose whether you want to send it. Sometimes, just getting our feelings out can be very therapeutic. - Audition for something
It doesn’t matter what it is or how scared you are, just take the leap outside of your cozy comfort zone. - Go on an adventure in the city
There’s so much to discover and experience in the city. Try a new restaurant, see a show, or just have fun getting lost somewhere new. - Clean out your wardrobe
Believe it or not, spring cleaning can be done at any time of year. Get rid of anything that you don’t need or want anymore, it’s good for the soul. - Go to a dog park
They’re so much fun and it’s also a great way to get some exercise for your furry friend. - Go to an open mic night
Open mic nights are where anyone can be a star. You can go alone or bring some friends for support. If you’re feeling self-conscious, go to a far-away city where nobody will know you. - Go to a flea market
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. You never know what you might find or what you can repurpose. - Watch the sunrise or sunset
Nothing beats witnessing the start or end of a day. - Spend some time away from technology
No phones, no computers, just you and nature. - Try a new recipe
Find the tastiest or craziest recipe you can find on the internet. Then, go to the store and get all the ingredients to make yourself a delicious meal. - Visit a place you’ve never been before
You might not even need to leave the city you live in! It’s easy to make discoveries close by. - Visit a farmers market
You can get to know your food and meet other people at the same time. - Spend the day in bed
It’s not lazy, it’s self-care! Sometimes we need a day of pure relaxation. - Learn to play a new instrument
You might just find your true passion or a new hobby. - Go randonauting
No planning, just going! - Go vintage shopping
There’s nothing like going to a thrift store and finding gems. It’s amazing what you may find. - Start a garden
Even if it’s just one pot with some herbs, you can learn so much from what grows. - Make pancakes for dinner
They can be healthy and delicious, and you can get creative with what toppings you add. If pancakes aren’t your thing, try a different breakfast food for dinner. Breakfast is good for any meal. - Go on a scavenger hunt
You’ll never know what you might find! - Visit someplace near and dear to your heart
It could be your school, your favorite park, or even just that bench you used to eat lunch at. Take the time to be nostalgic. - Buy yourself flowers
You deserve it! - Give someone a handmade gift
It doesn’t have to be expensive, just heartfelt. - Be kind and loving towards yourself
Spend some time by yourself doing whatever makes you happy and feeling good. - Give yourself permission to do nothing at all
It is completely acceptable to relax anywhere you are! Don’t forget about self-care. - Get a tattoo
If you’ve thought about it for a while and know what you want, go ahead. - Start a new book
Any genre, any language – there’s nothing better than getting lost between the pages for a while. - Learn to make your own pasta
It’s easy and fun! You also get to eat a delicious meal. - Splurge on something you really want
Don’t hold back on something you’ve been eying for a while. - Go bird watching
Grab your binoculars and head outside to admire some of the local birds. You may be surprised at what birds are local to your area! A quick Google search can lead you in the right direction. - Watch the stars
Stargazing is a great way for you to take a moment for yourself and just think. It’s important to feel small sometimes. - Take a bath with candles
It’s a great way to be present and relax. Add some bath salts and fruity candles to make it extra special. - Make a list of things you want to do or learn before your next year/birthday
Write a list of things you want to learn and how they could positively benefit your life. - Design a vision board
A vision board is a fun way to visualize what you want. You can be as creative as you’d like! - Start a journal
There’s something special about putting pen to paper. If you’re new to journaling, we have some journaling prompts for beginners. It may be a hobby you end up loving. - Start a blog
If you’re already writing, what better chance to practice than by sharing your work with others? Start a blog about whatever interests you the most. - Adopt a new pet
Why not bring home a new furry friend on your birthday? Your birthday can be your new pups “gotcha day”! - And last but not least, celebrate yourself.
You only get one life to live, so make it an amazing one!
Hopefully, this list inspired you and gave you some awesome ideas. You deserve to have a great time, so get out there and enjoy your birthday!
What do you like to do on your birthday? Do you have any other suggestions for fun things to do? Add them in the comments below!