This year, you have decided that your birthday will be more than a day when Facebook reminds your friends that they should congratulate you on your birthday. You have decided that you want to make this day special. 

But a silent voice in the head says that birthday parties are more for children who do not count the years. They have trampolines, cakes, fairy-tale characters leading the games, and ball pits. 

But birthdays don't end when you stop putting a candle on the cake for each year of your life because you would have to buy more than one package. No matter how old you are, your birthday is your day - an opportunity to live out a dream and be the main character of a reality show or movie. So let's celebrate!

Let's see what kind of movie themes we have today for your birthday party.

Birthday party in Laser tag - funny spy comedy

Do you want to fulfill your secret agent or world conqueror fantasy?

Your team has the best players - your friends who understand you even without words. Although... You also have the most dangerous opponents - your friends, who know you the best. But this is not an obstacle for a super agent!

The room is half-dark. You know that the enemy's hideout is close by and you quietly move along the wall. Your teammate, Agent X, is trying to show something in sign language. Two. The letter L? Curve? Corner! Around the corner! There are 2 opponents around the corner. You are the main character of the movie. So you attack.

Who will win?

I personally like laser tag better than paintball - because this entertainment does not leave bruises. Also, the one I played on my birthday had unlimited lives for everyone, which means you don't have to step aside as soon as someone hits you, which is a big bonus in my eyes. Because otherwise, I would be like swiss cheese and just sit and watch others play. 

You will get to run, think, plan, and, of course, have a great time with your loved ones - no matter which side you play on. All you have to do is implement a theme-appropriate dress code and you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. But after that, of course, both teams have to make peace at a dinner table.

Places to rent Laser tag for a birthday party in Riga

Couple of years ago I went to Battle Arena Underground  and I loved the atmosphere of the room. I could really imagine that I was in a movie.

But there are also alternatives like Guns and Lasers and others.

Reality show - birthday party in the water park

Party for those young at heart who aren't afraid of exercise. 

Remember when there used to be a fun reality show where people ran through an obstacle course with big bouncy balls? I don't remember what it was called. I call this show "big balls." It was funny to watch people falling in the water, flying in the air, sliding down... Maybe you too couldn't understand what was so difficult about it. They are just large inflatables.

Lights, cameras, water park rental, and you and your friends have the opportunity to try where the salt is buried. It will be fun, and it will be challenging. 

At the birthday party I attended, the birthday girl had rented the whole water park for an hour. That means no one else was on the track at the time, and we could pretend we were filming our own reality show. Everyone was given life jackets (safety first), and the ones afraid of the cold could get wet-suits. 

After that, we warmed up in the sauna. And we were all hungry as wolves.

Where to find a bubble park on the water for a birthday party

The park where I stayed is a water park in Mārupē.

From horror film to a magical family movie - a birthday party in an escape room

Want to be surprised? Let someone else write the script.

Whether you're trying to find out how the mad scientist disappeared or to figure out how to unchain yourself from a chair, someone has already done the hard part and written the script for this birthday party. All you have to do is put yourself in the shoes of the main hero and work your brain a little to decode the symbols of the alchemists and unlock the safe. Remember - not everything is as it seems. 

The range of breakout rooms ranges from family-friendly games to nerve-wracking horror. I have both broken out of the secret bunker and searched for a scientist. Both times were fun. And both times I failed to beat the game. So no pressure. The main thing is to have a good time with friends or relatives.

A program about nature - a birthday hike with sausages baked in a campfire 

Become a trail conqueror, rock discoverer, or waterfall hunter. 

A birthday idea for my active friends who never run out of adventurous spirit.  

First, you can take a nice walk, see interesting places and take photos of various natural wonders. 

But in the last few meters, you will be drooling over the thought of warm tea and sausages sizzling on the fire. 

I understand that many of these birthday party ideas for adults require an investment, so this will be the most wallet-friendly activity. There is no need to book anything. And you only pay for the food you bring and travel expenses.

Which hiking route to choose for a birthday hike?

My number one recommendation would be Cīrulīši nature trail. We were there for a work event, and all people were satisfied. Read more about the route here. But it is a bit difficult with campfire places - there is only a paid camping spot on the way. 

On the Kurzeme side Cīravas mežaparksis a great place for a walk. It will also be interesting for children because of the various games and climbing equipment. Read more here.

If you are looking for something close to Riga and natural objects are not so important, and the most important thing is walking and fresh air, you can go on a hike along the sea from Lilaste to the place where Gauja river meets the sea.Read more here.

And there are many other routes on this blog. You can find all ideas for trips around Latvia here.

Cooking show - cook something together with your birthday guests

Full bellies equal happy people, right?

It is no secret that guests always want to eat. So why not turn it into entertainment? No, I am not talking about a hot dog eating contest. I am talking about the first episode of the cooking show "In the Kitchen with the birthday celebrant." In my case, it would probably be the show “Worst cooks of…” But that is okay because it is a funny show. 

Instead of preparing a three-course dinner before the birthday party, share the responsibilities with your friends and cook something interesting together during the party. Because it is more fun together.

What to cook together with guests at a birthday party?

It is best to choose something that can be adapted to different tastes. And something that allows you to express yourself creatively.

• Want a challenge? Try making sushi. You will find the recipe here , but you can express yourself with the fillings. But for everything to go as planned, you will have to put in a little work and prepare the ingredients, such as sushi rice, before the guests arrive. 
• Want something super easy? What could be easier than pizzas? All ingredients, including the pizza base, can be bought ready-made. All that remains is to put everything together, then put it in the oven, and voila - You are a cook. 
• Don't want to bother with cooking and just want to decorate? And your eyes sparkle in the store looking at all the sweet treats? Decorate gingerbread houses or cupcakes or ice cream. 

Brain games - board games

It's your birthday, but who will be tonight's champion?

A party idea for those whose ideal evening is a quiet evening at home in the company of friends.

Prepare treats and prepare board games. My favorite board games for non-die-hard board game enthusiasts are Carcassonne, Codenames, and Dixit. But I have heard that there is even an escape game board game. So you can enjoy that experience at home too.

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Can I congratulate you on your birthday already? I hope the next year in your life will be successful and full of positive adventures. I hope one of these party ideas intrigued you. Or at least inspired to take a piece of the script and transform it into your own. 

And remember - you're a star of your own movie. 

PS - most of the pictures used in the article are not mine. They are from other talented authors on unsplashed.com and Pexels.com.