20 Local Entertainment & Food Options For Virtual Birthday Parties

Covid has definitely made birthday celebrations look different than they have in the past, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still be a ton of fun! There are lots of great companies from Calgary and beyond who have changed up their typical birthday party offerings to make them safe and Covid-friendly. Whether you’re looking for something virtual or an in-person experience that your cohort can enjoy, we’ve got everything you need food, decor and entertainment-wise to throw the perfect party!

Entertainment

Looking for some fun ways to party? Here are 11 ideas to entertain your birthday kid and their guests.

1. Sprog and Sprocket |sprogandsprocket.ca
A company that brings the fun of a busy play place to your garage or living room (without all the extra kids)? Yes, please! Sprog and Sprocket has everything you need to help your kiddos burn off some of that cake-fuelled energy in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re looking for an all-out play place experience or something a little smaller, like a ball pit or soft play equipment, you can rent for a few hours, days, or even a full week!

2. Bibbidy Bobbidy Princess Parties | bibbitybobbityprincessparties.com
Our kids have attended several virtual parties with Bibbidy Bobbity Princess Parties, and have always had an amazing time! They have all of your kids’ favourite princesses to choose from, including Elsa, Anna, Moana, Ariel, Rapunzel, and more. There’s singing, dancing, story-telling, magic and tons of fun. Best of all, all of your birthday kid’s friends can join in on the fun from their own homes! We have always been so impressed with their parties and would recommend them to anyone with a princess fan in the family.

3. YYC Princess Parties | yycprincess.com
If an in-person princess visit is more up your alley, YYC Princess Parties offers a princess train experience, where princesses will make a grand entrance in their vehicle(s) and then bring all sorts of fun to your front lawn, including musical performances, dance parties, photo ops, snowball fights, and even unicorn visits!

4. Butterfield Acres | butterfieldacres.com
For the animal-loving birthday kid, Butterfield Acres has a few awesome birthday options available. Whether a pony (or unicorn) or an entire mini petting zoo, complete with goats, lambs and bunnies is what you’re looking for, Butterfield acres can bring your favourite furry friends right to your front door! Butterfield Acres also has a partnership with YYC Princess Parties and can include a princess visit with your party for an additional fee!

5. Coastal Bliss | coastalbliss.com
For the birthday kid who loves to be pampered, Coastal Bliss can bring a spa experience straight to your living room. They offer services such as manicures, pedicures, massages and more, and follow all Covid protocols while inside your home.

6. Playtime Rentals | playtimerentals.ca
Once the weather warms up, nothing says “birthday party” quite like a giant inflatable playground! Playtime Rentals has a variety of inflatables available to rent, including bouncy castles, bouncy slides, interactive playgrounds and more. Rentals are available for 4 hours.

7. A Little Campout | alittlecampout.ca
A Little Campout has everything you need to take your birthday kid’s living room sleepover to the next level. Even if it’s just a sibling sleepover, the cute little tents, lights, special blankets, lanterns, breakfast trays and more will make the night feel extra special! Throw on a movie, pop some popcorn, and you’ve got the perfect party.

8. Carlita Show | instagram.com/carlitashow
For the kiddo who loves PAW Patrol, Spider-Man, Peppa Pig, NinjaGo, Olaf and more, Carlita Show offers character visits to make your little one’s birthday dreams come true.

9. Christopher Cool – Magician | christophercool.com
Calgary’s favourite family-friendly magician is bringing the magic to your home, virtually! Christopher Cool has performed over 150 virtual magic shows over the past year, and is ready for more. He has received tons of fantastic feedback on his magic shows, including being named the winner of Calgary’s Child Magazine’s  2019 and 2020 Parents Choice Award.

10. Pinnovate | pinnovate.ca
Our family has loved creating projects from Pinnovate, both in their studio and at home using their Delivery DIY kits. Order a DIY kit to be delivered to your door and those of your guests for a crafternoon party with no prep required!

11. VRKADE | vrkade.com
For the gamer in your family, VRKADE has a socially distanced party option like no other! Your birthday kid can explore virtual rooms or try out a VR escape room with their friends, all from over 6 feet apart. Each participant will be set up in their own room and connected to a chat so they can all share in the experience, social-distance style. AHS has given VRKADE an official exemption to operate, so you can rest assured that their facilities are as safe as they are entertaining.

Food and Decor

What’s a party without food and decorations? We’ve got 9 great local options for everything you need to make your party fun and festive.

1. Balloon Central | ballooncentralcalgary.com
Balloon Central Calgary has balloon creations that are sure to make your party pop (but in a good way!) Gorgeous personalized balloons, balloon candy cups and incredible balloon arrangements are guaranteed to make your birthday kid smile!

2. Little Chic Parties | instagram.com/littlechicparties
If you want a jaw-dropping balloon arch perfect for an all-day birthday photoshoot, look no further than Little Chic Parties. They have outdoor and indoor decor options perfect for any birthday theme!

3. A Little Confetti | alittleconfetti.ca
Whether you want to go all-out with a party theme like mermaids, dinosaurs or outer space (or anything in between), or just need a few cute decor items to make the party feel special, A Little Confetti has it all. Banners, tableware, party hats, candles and, of course, confetti, are just some of the items available from this local party store.

4. Pretty Little Sweet Treats | instagram.com/prettylittlesweet_treats
For adorable decorated sugar cookies to go with any birthday theme, Pretty Sweet Little Treats has you covered! This self-taught cookie artist is located in Airdrie, but for cookies this tasty and cute, we think it’s worth the drive.

5. Bad Pie Shop | linktr.ee/Badpieshop
For something a little different, why not try a birthday pie?! We’ve tried a few pies from Bad Pie Shop, and our family agrees that they’re out of this world. They have classic flavours like apple and lemon meringue, as well as creations that are sure to be new favourites, like cereal milk cream and hot chocolate (this was a winner in our house!)

6. Crave Cupcakes | cravecupcakes.ca
We couldn’t make a list of birthday treats without including Crave Cupcakes. Crave has tons of delicious classic flavours, as well as specialty flavours that rotate. We love to get the mini cupcakes so we can have a bite of everything! Crave also offers cakes, cookies and sandwich cookies, and has DIY kits if you’d like to have a cupcake or cake baking and decorating party instead!

7. The Donut Man | thedonutman.ca
Birthday donuts? Yes, please! Although the Donut Man is located in Crossfield, Calgary foodies are raving about the incredible flavours that are well worth the drive out of town. Cookies and Cream, Unicorn Bark, Worms and Dirt and Jolly Rancher are just a few fun flavours you’ll find form The Donut Man.

8. 8 Cakes | 8cakes.com
Gorgeous cakes, delicious macarons and hot chocolate bombs are some of the offerings you’ll find from 8 Cakes. They also specialize in vegan, gluten-free and keto treats to make sure every birthday kid has something to make their mouth water!

9. Pretty Sweet Bakeshop | prettysweetshop.square.site
Pretty Sweet Bakeshop has a huge assortment of delicious treats for your birthday celebration. They have ice cream sammys, cookie sammys, macarons, blondie bars, brownies and more to make your birthday dessert spread totally gorgeous. If you’ve got cupcakes to decorate, they also have beautiful house-made sprinkle mixes, cake toppers, and candles, as well as super-cute greeting cards.