Ah, the joy and struggle of the summer birthday. Everyone seems to be on vacation or at a family reunion. No classic cupcakes at school. Ice cream threatening to melt too fast depending on the whims of the weather.
Carole McFaddan previously sent out invitations six weeks in advance for a birthday party right after school gets out; however, she hasn’t done a party in three years because she now lets her nine-year-old son choose a party or experience. “Some things that have helped my son understand that maybe planning a birthday party isn’t something we want to do this year is discuss the timing, what else is on our calendar, what we might really want to do and if that’s in the family budget–we talk about budget age-appropriately with him. The dream party might mean only a few friends but a park or beach pizza party could mean everyone. Grandpa lives pretty close to a ‘magical’ place where we might be able to spend party money on more experiences.”
For June birthdays, early celebrations are popular. Lisa Newton says, “We’ve been fortunate to have gracious teachers that allowed us to celebrate with a treat in class one month early, before school gets out.” Sara Pryer, mother of two, adds, “We are lucky that both our daycare, Diana’s House, and Robert Down Elementary School celebrate birthdays early. Then we usually go out of town on vacation.”
I asked my holiday-adjacent-summer-birthday toddler who she wanted at a party and texted in April to see who’d be free in order to manage her expectations. For a late July birthday, Libby Hanson, mom of a rising seven-year-old, says, “A trip to Gilroy Gardens on the actual birthday is something we’ve done a handful of times.” She adds that on weekdays there are fewer crowds. “Most years we have a themed outdoor party at our house, like bubbles and bounce house, firefighters, or pizza and popsicles. We tend to spread out the celebration using the Monterey Bay Parent birthday club offers. Last year we went to the Monterey Zoo and the Kona Ice truck was there. We also saw a play using the free child’s admission to the ARIEL Theatrical and visited Allegro Pizzeria.”
A community event can also be a good celebration. Del Monte Center hosts Favorite Fridays concerts in June from 6 to 8 pm, such as a June 19 Santana tribute. Consider attending Laguna Seca’s July 10 through 12 MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest or the July 16 to 19 California Rodeo Salinas for freestyle bullfights and country music. August birthdays could attend Car Week between August 7 and 16, perhaps the kickoff event, Porsche Monterey Classic, the Little Car Show, or the Prancing Ponies Women’s Car Show—all free.
Half birthdays are a great option around relocations or for kiddos with holiday birthdays. “From a military perspective, we did a half birthday to be able to celebrate with the friends we’ve made here,” shared Elizabeth Kasturas.
However you celebrate, here’s to making it a special occasion.
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