16 Birthday Party Ideas in Calgary

We know how much creative juice it takes to plan winning birthday parties year after year, so here are our suggestions for a great celebration.

These pool parties for the four to 12-year-old set are the bee knees. And despite the name, Deerfoot Inn and Casino is a pretty rad family hotel. The first hour of the party is spent making waves in the pool and barreling down the corkscrew water slide, then on to the dining room for restaurant-quality food that can include burgers, linguini or fish and chips, and a birthday cake is supplied.

Vin Gogh, Calgary's first (and only) interactive 'paint and sip' studio, might be a haven for moms looking get artsy through the week, but on the weekends the place becomes birthday party central. On Saturday afternoons the studio can be booked for birthday parties that include cupcakes, painting supplies and instruction. Parents can drop off or stick around and enjoy a glass of wine. How awesome is that? Image via studio614.co

Feel Fabulous Mobile Spa Parties offer creative options for both the ‘sugar and spice' and ‘snakes and snails' crowds. Choose from party packages like Princess, Ice Cream Manicures, Gushy, Gooey Slime Foot and Hand Soaks, Radioactive Hair, or for budding divas, the Lights, Camera, Action Party which includes a party photo shoot. You can also combine packages to create a party experience that suits both girls and boys, not to mention your budget.

Since Crave is in the business of making people feel special, it stands to reason they'd host birthday parties, too. A pretty party room is available at their Aspen Landing location. Birthday parties last an hour and a half and are ideal for 8–12 kids max. Two energetic hosts lead each party, allowing parents to enjoy the festivities (or sit back). The fun kicks off with loot bags, cake, and craft and age-specific party games. There's a photo booth with dress up accessories and if you book your party after the day's baking is done, you'll get a behind-the-scenes tour. Hosts instruct mini bakers on the finer points of icing piping and each guest receives two cupcakes to decorate.

Catch them while they still believe in the impossible (Santa, the Easter Bunny and superheroes) and book a magician for their next big birthday party. Christopher Cool creates balloon animals, does magic tricks and also teaches magic to kids. It's top secret, but our sources tell us he does birthday parties, too. He'll tell you right off the bat that he is the most expensive magician on the market, but his packages include high-end magic loot bags and a magic wand workshop. Image via chatterblock.com

What do you do for entertainment at those parties that include kids (and grown ups) of all ages? Meet Robert Wong: a man of magic who also brings a comedic slant to his act. His interactive show appeals to all ages—the smallest and tallest will be called on stage to participate—with a subtle humour that reaches a diverse crowd. Robert's shows run at an exciting pace to keep up the high energy, and includes music and comedy. Robert comes with all his gear, making the set up simple for the hosts. His goal: to entertain the entire crowd (or the show is free!), while making the guest of honour's day truly special.

Aside from their popular classes, 4Cats offers workshops and birthday parties. We highly recommend giving the Paint Splatter (aka Jackson Pollock Party) a go, for any age group. Partygoers create a six-foot painting for the birthday boy or girl by hurling paint-filled balloons and splattering brushes—with their very own splattered canvas to take home as well. Image via voneinspired.com

Yoga Mandala is a family-run studio located just off the Marda Loop strip. Birthday parties should be booked well in advance and are suitable for 3–12 year-olds; class content is customizable to different age groups. The yoga session lasts approximately 45 minutes followed by an hour of free studio time that can be spent eating cake, playing with yoga props or re-enacting yoga dramas. You bring the food and party supplies. Image via yogikids.co.nz

The Flip Factory is a gymnastics facility with a few added features designed purely for energy-burning birthday party fun. Parties cost $295 and include over an hour with 15 kids on the gym floor plus 45 minutes in the party room afterwards. Parties run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons for the majority of the school year. Book way in advance and arrive on time (not early). Bring your own food, loot bags and lots of water.

Butterfield Acres has a barn full of animals, so it's a fun choice for parties. Pet bunnies, ride ponies, watch piglets and wash little hands before you serve cake. Butterfield Acres will also set up a mini-petting zoo or pony rides for your little equestrian-to-be in your backyard or garage. Package prices for parties on the farm or at home range from $169–360. Image via calgaryplaygroundreview.com

If your little princess is not keen on mud and barnyard creatures, opt for a visit to the spa. Beaners Fun Cuts for Kids offers party packages that include hairstyle, makeup and nails at one of their several Calgary locations. Upgrade to add decorations and accessories. Parties run Monday through Saturday and cost from $150.

Let Me Bead is a company from jewellery designer Shelley Bailey that provides unique birthday party packages for kids. With a diverse selection of beads for both boys and girls, Shelley comes right to you. The Genuine Gemstone party lets your budding designers choose from a range of semi-precious stones and create their very own necklace or bracelet, as well as a beaded bookmark. There's no limit to the amount of beads used—so creativity gets free reign.

The Happy Birthday Project's mission is to help Calgary families in need to create a magical fete without spending a fortune. Assemble a party pack for another child during your own birthday party celebration (a great way to get kids learning about the importance of giving); become a birthday ‘sponsor' and provide a complete party pack for a child; hold a party supply or gift drive at your school or volunteer your time.

The Crux Climbing and Bouldering promises to drive your kids up the wall—literally. One of the tallest gyms in North America, this place has multi-pitch climbing, lead climbing and rappelling areas for those who love to tackle the wall. The Crux also hosts birthday parties with packages appropriately named after a famous peak—who would say no to the Everest Package, with cake, a party room and private instructor? Image via worldlibreto.com

Created by a cosmetician (and mom of two), You Glo Girl Parties offers a range of parties for girls 4–14. With nine themed packages that will make any girl feel glamorous, what's not to love? Parties take place in your own home and can be booked online (minimum two weeks in advance). And crafts, treats, decor and take home gifts are also included.

Iron Horse is the go-to spot for the tank engine lovers in your house. For those Thomas fans, the park is a great option for birthday parties. This spot may be a small world after all, but it's definitely on the right track when it comes to fun.