North State Parent magazine

Our A-Z Birthday Guide features a range of party ideas to help you create a special day dedicated to celebrating someone you love. Although these ideas are geared toward celebrating with children, many ideas can be used to create a memory-making event honoring a person of any age, such as a special friend, sibling, grandparent--or any significant other in you life!

A is for Animals and Airplanes!

Create a party that is animal-friendly and fun! Most children love animals, making a having a party at a ranch or farm a special treat. The family-run businesses and non-profits below give children an up-close animal experience whether you visit the animals or the animals are brought to you.

At Two By Two Ranch & Petting Zoo in Chico, animals and caring folks greet your birthday posse and ensure that your celebration is a memorable time. Children will learn about life on a farm as they meet friendly goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, turkeys, llamas and more. Two By Two offers party packages, farm tours and pony parties--and will even bring the zoo or ponies to you. (520) 893-1088; www.twobytworanch.com.

Bella Vista Farms Animal Sanctuary in Cottonwood will bring ponies or a petting zoo to your special occasion. Proceeds benefit the sanctuary. Info/booking: Bella Vista Farms (530) 347-0544.

In Orland visit animals in the loving environment of the Farm Sanctuary, where rescued farm animal friends will help celebrate a child or adult’s special day along with friends and family. Year-round bookings offer use of the Sanctuary’s outdoor picnic area, a group tour of the spacious farm, and fun materials for kids (or adults) to take home. Rates begin at $25. For more information call (530) 865-4617 ext. 15.

B is for Baseball

If your sports-loving child was born during baseball season, take your party to a live professional ball game. The area’s very own Chico Outlaws play their home games at CSU’s Nettleton Stadium at 800 College Drive off Warner Street. Most nights have a theme and surprises for the fans—and you can schedule a special pre-game catered picnic at the stadium for your group (all you can eat, for groups of 25 or more). Games schedule, ticket and group picnic details: (530) 345-3210; www.chicooutlawsbaseball.com.

C is for Creativity & Cakes

For children who love to create, have a beading birthday event at String Bead in Chico. The kids will see thousands of beads in every size, shape, and color. Sign everyone up for a beading class—with the help of String Beads friendly staff, young crafters will keep busy make earrings, bracelets, necklaces or whatever their imagination can come up with. Call at least two weeks in advance to book a class. After, take the crafters out for lunch and cake, wearing their creations! Info/booking: (530) 894-BEAD, located in the Almond Orchard Plaza.

Have an artsy-theatrical party that’s sure to get everyone’s creativity flowing in a fun and air-conditioned atmosphere. At the Village School House in Redding, their philosophy “It takes a village to grow a child” also applies to their helpful approach with creating themed birthday parties. Held onsite in the Village Classroom, children can become kings, knights, princesses, pirates or queens—they can create a stuffed animal, have a real tea party, or explore the realm of dinosaurs. If your child has a favorite passion, a Village Schoolhouse party consultant will work with you to create an imaginative party that celebrates your child with your child’s favorite theme. Located at 1409 Market Street, at the north end of the old downtown mall. Info/booking: (530) 243-4000.

Come relax and enjoy having your child’s party take place at KidsPark in Chico where a personal party hostess will help you plan a super party for your 2-12 year old, and on the big day will conduct the festivities, leaving you to enjoy the event with family and friends. Private parties take place on Sundays; packages begin at $175 and include party consultation for the parents, and for the kids: face painting, an art project, group games, balloon favors, a gift for the birthday child, table settings, apple juice and clean up. Info/booking: (530) 894-6800, 2483 Notre Dame Blvd. #110 (Ross Shopping Center); www.kidspark.com.

Ah, the cake! Kids will remember a special birthday cake for a lifetime if it’s a memorable one! Around our offices, big hits from childhood were a giant potato and a Pink Panther. Check out your local kitchen shops for specially shaped bakeware. Getting creative with decorating can be an artistic endeavor, with a vast array of cake decorating materials available, from frostings to sprinkles to toys. Are you pushed for time or just not a baker by nature? Count on a pro to help, like Sandy's Specialties in Cottonwood at 3640 Main St. Sandy specializes in custom cakes, with amazing creations like three-dimensional cakes, mad hatter cakes, topsy-turvy cakes, character cakes, funny shapes and doll cakes. Give her a call at (530) 347-0599 so you can both ‘get cooking’ on the idea.

D is for Dance

Dancers of all ages will appreciate a ballet-themed birthday party given by company members of Redding City Ballet and staff of Redding Ballet Academie. Parties include a ballet class catered to the birthday child and the party guests, and will conclude with a short "studio performance" featuring everyone attending. Costumes are furnished courtesy of Redding City Ballet. Parties are two hours for $200 and accommodate ten children in air-conditioned studios furnished with full mirrors, sound system, sprung floors and dressing rooms. Parties are held at the Redding Ballet Academie studio across from the Cascade Theater at 1726 Market St. Call for information: (530) 241-6649.

E is for Environment

To enjoy eco-friendly and educational birthday experiences take a gaggle of curious kids on a walk through the Chico Creek Nature Center. Visit live animals in living wildlife displays. Next, embark on an outdoor journey through the Center’s self-led “World of Trees” walk. The Center offers weekend birthday packages for up to 15 children aged 5-11yrs that include a half-hour “Meet the Animals” presentation and a hands-on plaster-cast project. Afterwards head to One Mile Recreation Area for a short creek walk in beautiful tree-lined Bidwell Park. You may want to supply small fishnets and mini magnifiers as party favors to support young naturalists. For more information or to reserve your party date call (530) 891-4671; www.bidwellpark.org.

F is for Fishing and Facepainting!

Have a fantastic fin-filled party at the S.E. Marler and Family Fish Farm in Oroville. Every child is guaranteed to catch a fish from ponds that are stocked with fish raised on the farm (bass, catfish and bluegill). The kids can see other fish like koi, minnows and mosquito fish. The park-like setting invites picnicking, and an educational tour can be arranged. No fishing license is needed. Call for group rates and to reserve your party date. 8824 Hwy. 99, Catfish Lane. For information: (530) 345-5221; www.marlerfishfarm.com

How about booking a guided fishing party adventure on a river that is sure to create fond memories? Hire a private fly-fishing guide from a company such as Mt. Shasta Anglers, who provide the boat, fishing expertise and infectious enthusiasm for the experience. This can be a great Dad and child birthday experience, to be followed by a celebration with friends and all the family on dry land upon returning, or your entire party can be accommodated on the river—just give a call to customize your fishing adventure. For more information: (530) 859-3474; www.mtshastaanglers.com.

A third fishing party option is to take your group camping to Hat Creek Rancheria RV Park and Campground on the private three-acre Lunker Lake. Young campers can catch & release the rainbow and brown trout that swim in Hat Creek. Located between Burney Falls and Lassen National Park. There are plenty of amenities, so you can create experience that is sure to “hook” everyone on the experience. For information: (530) 335-7418; www.rancheriarv.com

Face Painting adds fun and festivity to any event, so why not book Funny Faces to come out and enhance the creative atmosphere of your child’s party with face-painting magic? Funny Faces also creates balloon art, and features Lollipop the Clown and other theme characters. Check out the Funny Faces website to see some great pictures of what we are talking about. Info/booking: (530) 570-0199; www.funnyfaceschico.com

G is for Garden!

What better way to celebrate the birth of your child then by giving them the gift of watching something grow? Gardens teach children about life, the reward of hard work, and pride in a job well done-- and it’s a lot of fun—kids love playing with dirt and water! Have each child bring a sunflower start to plant instead of a present, and help them plant the sunflowers in a three-sided rectangle shape (omit one of the short sides) to make a growing and summer playhouse the kids can come back to enjoy. Have the children plant morning glory seeds between the sunflowers too—as the plants grow, the morning glories will wind up the sunflowers; when the sunflowers are tall enough, tie string across from side-to-side that will create a living roof as the morning glories grow across.

H is for Horses!

How about booking horse-back riding lessons for your child’s party? Safe Haven Horse Rescue in Cottonwood offers lessons to accommodate all levels of riders. Children will meet rescued horses and the people who care for them. The environment is relaxed and friendly, and includes a shaded picnic area for festivities after the riding. You’ll feel good knowing all contributions benefit Safe Haven’s Horse Rescue program. Info/booking: (530) 347-4941; www.safehavenhorserescue.org

If you have an older child who loves horses, consider creating a special celebration of inviting a small group of older children to take a visit to the Wild Horse Sanctuary in Shingletown, where your group can see wild horses, walk nature trails and enjoy picnicking by a pond. Call to schedule; arrangements can be made for your group to meet with a sanctuary volunteer who will give the kids a brief tour and share information about the horses and workings of the sanctuary. Info/reservations: (530) 335-2241; www.wildhorsesanctuary.org.

At Almond Country Farms in Durham, you can book group lessons or can take advantage of one of the Farm’s party packages, which include pony friends for the little ones, and horse games for older participants. Enjoy your lunch and celebration goodies in the picnic area. Call for booking info: (530) 343-1558.

I is for Ice Cream!

Ice-cream—with so many possibilities! In the Chico area there’s an exciting opportunity to add delicious frozen fun to your child’s birthday event. Ben & Jerry’s, located at 855 East Avenue, makes delicious custom ice cream cakes from $16-$31. Memories are sure to be made if you choose to serve the kids the famous Vermonster—a giant 20 scoop sundae in a bucket! It feeds10 or more for $35. Ben and Jerry’s can also bring their ice cream cart to your outdoor celebration. Info/booking: (530) 893-9377; www.benjerry.com/chico

Anderson:

Chico:

Paradise:

Redding:

Red Bluff:

Baskin-Robbins, 333 S Main St # B. (530) 529-0279.

J is for Jump (and slide)!

Add fun to your outside at-home party that can’t be beat--for romping, bouncing and water slide fun, rent a bounce house or giant slippery water slide--it’s a great way for kids to work off the post-cake and ice cream energy rush. Unit rentals come with delivery and set up! For more info:

Astro Events (Serves all upper CA Counties); (530) 243-5867, www.astrojump.com.

Bounces of Fun (Chico area); (530) 345-5290.

Jump N’ Jax (Chico Area); (530) 828-9764, www.jumpnjax.org.

Party ExtraordinAIR (Serves all upper CA Counties); (530) 275-5870, www.pexair.com.

Redding Bounce Houses (Serves all Upper CA Counties); (530) 221-Jump, www.reddingbouncehouses.com.

K is for Kayaking

Older kids through adults will appreciate a guided kayak tour at Whiskeytown National Recreation area in Shasta County as a unique way to celebrate. The tours are ranger-led, and participants will learn about the Whiskeytown National Recreation area while exploring the coves around Whiskeytown Lake. Call (530) 242-3462 to book your group. Another kayaking option is to visit Riverbend Park along the cool Feather River in Oroville. Green Line Cycles offers kayaking rentals; the park offers a splash-pad water feature, BBQ’s and shaded pavilions. For Riverbend Park information: (530) 533-2011; wwwfrrpd.com, Greenline Cycles Kayak rentals: (530) 533-7885; www.greenlinecycles.com.

L is for Lakes

We are fortunate to be living in an ideal area for lake activities. The following lakes were selected as a possible party destination for their unique settings, easy access and complete beauty! If you’re ambitious, make this a camping party too!

Mt. Shasta’s Lake Siskiyou, just off Highway 5, is a pristine mountain lake offering an amazing view of the majestic mountain and surrounding natural landscapes, with picnic tables, cove areas, swimming and an around-the-lake trail. The lake’s south side is home to the Lake Siskiyou Resort and Campgrounds, where a small day-use fee offers many amenities, including a beach area with rental kayaks, canoes, paddle wheelers and float toys. There’s a picnic area, playground, volleyball and horseshoe pits, store and restaurant. Open through mid-Sept. Info:(530) 926-2618; www.reynoldsresorts.com/LakeSiskiyou.htm.

Lake Almanor is located in Plumas County near Chester. This large lake was formed by Canyon Dam, and offers fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, camping—and of course, beauty. Info: (530) 258-2426; www.chester-lakealmanor.com.

Kangaroo Lake near Callahan is part of the Klamath National Forest. Plan for swimming, camping, fishing & hiking-- bring your canoes, inflatable rafts and small non-motorized boats, or just hang out at the small beach area. This 25-acre high-mountain lake is wheel chair accessible too! Info: (530) 842-6131; go-california.com/Kangaroo-Lake-California.

Howard Prairie Lake recreation area in Ashland has been rated the number one recreation facility of its kind in Oregon. The Howard Prairie Lake Resort offers facilities that include a large picnic and day-use area with swimming ($4/vehicle), campsites, store, restaurant and marina. Information: (541) 482-1979; www.hplake.com

The beautiful Lake Britton, in the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park on Hwy 89 (about six miles North of Hwy 299), offers swimming, boating, fishing and more. Your party can visit the spectacular Burney Falls, rent canoes, paddle, rowing or small motor boats at the lake, and can just enjoy nature at it’s finest. Information: (530) 335-2777; www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=455 or (530) 335-2777.

M is for Mini-Golf!

Take your child’s party guests to Lariat Bowl in Red Bluff to ‘putt around’ on their 18-hole outdoor mini golf course. Party packages are $60 to $135 for eight guests, and include a bowling pin (guests can sign) for the birthday child. Info/booking: (530) 527-2720, 365 S. Main St.

Funland in Chico (530) 343-1601 offers Putters Miniature Golf parties! Fun for a mixed age group. Packages include party favors, party hostess, party room and decorations, and two pitchers of drinks. Bring your own cake or choose a Baskin Robbins Ice cream cake on site, or make it a pizza party catered by Round Table Pizza at Funland. Packages start at $89.95 for eight guests.

O is for Obstacle Course & Oobleck

Obstacle courses make great outdoor party fun and focus the children's energy while their minds and bodies. Be as creative as you like, make the stations age-appropriate, and number the stations so that the route is clear. Use a stop watch to time each runner if you like.

Some course station ideas: • Crawl through a large box open on both ends • Somersault down a single mattress or sleeping bag pad • Hula hoop 8 times • Run down 2 x 6' boards laid end to end without allowing your feet to touch the ground • Remove shoes, pick up a marble with toes and place it in a coffee can • Put on dress-up clothes over regular clothes, race to the next station and take take dress-up clothes back off • Place several hula hoops near each other and hop or jump from one hoop to the next • Jump rope 10 times without missing. From Nancy Bklakey's book The Mudpies Book of Boredom Busters www.nancyblakey.com.

Nancy also shares this facinating receipe for Oobleck which can be played wth after the obsticle course:

Is it a liquid? Is it a solid? Children's imaginations will blossom with Oobleck--a wondrous recipe that uncovers all kinds of possibilities. Place the Oobleck in a large bowl, 4 kids per bowl. This activity is open-ended. Some kids will want to play with it for a long time, and some kids will be finished in a few minutes.

What you will need: • 2 boxes of cornstarch • 3 cups cold water • 2 tablespoons food coloring • plastic dishpan or bowl

Mix the cornstarch, water and food coloring in the container with her hands until it is smooth. Have the kids try this: squeeze the Oobleck in your fist. Now open up your hand. Draw a finger down the center of the solution. Pound on the Oobleck, now feel it gently with your palm. What happens? If you touch Oobleck gently it acts like a liquid and is soft and yielding. When you squeeze it or pound it quickly, it is hard and crumbly. Cornstarch is ground up into such fine particles that the molecules line up like little plates. When you pound it, the plates are rigid. When you move it slowly, the plates slide around and act like a liquid.

N is for Nature

P is for Pajama Party

A pajama slumber party in the cool of the evening can be great with a small group of kids-- nothing beats sleeping outdoors on a warm summer night. Whether in your backyard or at a campground, memories will be made, and it is such a simple thing to do! Your children can help create the tent/s and in the process build self-confidence. Enlist family or friends to help create a glow-in-the dark piñata ahead of time, using glow-in-the dark paints. Greet the kids in the morning with a cereal buffet. Older kids can create star-gazers. Tarp Tent & Star Gazer ideas courtesy of Nancy Blakey, www.nancyblakey.com.

Tarp Tent

This tent can serve as a fort during the day, and a shelter at night.

You’ll need: ● Tarp (available at hardware stores) ● Stakes (tent stakes work best, but you can also use wooden stakes) ● Twine ● Rope ● 2 trees, posts or established clothesline

String the rope between two trees or posts at shoulder height. Place the tarp over the rope or clothesline, and pull the edges out until they meet the ground evenly; adjust the height of the rope if necessary. If you are using tent stakes, evenly space them in the tarp grommets, and hammer them flush into the ground. If using wooden stakes, hammer them in beside the tarp edge then use twine to thread through the tarp grommets and tie off securely to the stakes.

Star Gazer

Create your own star constellation to view, plus enjoy fascinating kaleidoscopic patterns at night on the tent wall. This is best as a 2 person project: one to hold the canister while the other hammers the holes.

You’ll need: ● Empty film canister (free at your local photo developer) ● Small nail ● Hammer ● Small Flashlight
Remove the lid and place the canister upside down on a small towel. Use the nail and hammer to make holes in the bottom (it is very easy to do!). Nail in a known constellation like the Big Dipper or create your own. At night, shine a light into the canister and hold near the tent wall. Experiment! Move the stargazer closer then further from the wall; twirl the light around inside. Older kids can try making these with small cans (i.e. tomato paste).

Q is for Quest

For older kids that like a challenge, Shasta Mountain Guides can lead your small group (up to 8) on an unforgettable rock climbing experience for the day (ages 12 and up) or on an overnight mountain climbing trip (ages 14 and up). Participants must be athletically-orientated. The day rock climbing classes take place at Castle Crags State Park or at Cantara, and include a lunch break where cake can be served. Call early to book at (530) 926-3117; www.shastaguides.com.

R is for Reptiles and Rafting

Add an educational and unique feature to your child’s special event by booking a visit from Reptile Parties. Children will meet live snakes, lizards and turtles from around the world, and be able to pet and hold these live ambassadors of their species. (530)226-5329.

There is nothing like spending a lazy summer day with a mixed age of youth and adults enjoying a rafting trip. Turtle River Rafting Company offers a challenging and engaging day of peaceful fun for ages four and up. Guided trips make it safe vacation-like adventure that includes lunch. For more information: (530)926-3223; www.turtleriver.com

S is for Splunking!

For children who love to explore, have a splunking party and visit the awesome caves at Lake Shasta Caverns. It’s sure to be a unique party experience. The Caverns are located in Northern Shasta County on the east side of the McCloud arm of Lake Shasta. Multi-colored fluted columns with stalactite and stalagmite formations are among the wonders experienced in the Cavern’s birthday packages, which include a catamaran cruise across the lake. Party packages include food and a tour; packages start at $130 for 10 kids and 2 adults. Info/booking: (530) 238-2341; www.lakeshastacaverns.com.

Subway Cave is a lava tube on Hwy 89, 1/4 mile north of the Hwy 44 intersection. It’s near the town of Old Station, across from Cave Campground, and is part of the Volcanic Legacy All-American Road. There is a 1/3 -mile walk on a rock-strewn path with stairs at the entrance and exit of the cave. Children can explore with their flashlights—it’s a long tube with only one shallow cul-de-sac, and no ceilings less that 6 feet high.

T is for Tea—for Two, or Ten or Twenty!

Ladies and gents of all ages will enjoy a fancy birthday party at Ms. Lynn's Tea in Montague, "Where grownups can be children and children can be grownups." Ms. Lynn's is a place of whimsical and elegant fun, for children and adults alike. The fun includes real china, a beautiful English garden (in warm weather), fancy dress-up clothes, wonderful treats, etiquette lessons, and a new birthday room for princesses. Don't forget the camera! Info/booking: (530) 459-3439.

Sweetbriar Tea Service & Catering in Mt. Shasta offers elegant tea parties, including children's parties for ages five and up, that includes dress-up. $12 per person by appointment. Info/booking: (530) 926-4122.

U is for Ukulele

Everyone love a magical birthday luau complete with Ukulele music! Enlist a small group of kids ahead of time to help decorate. With construction paper they can create suns, palm trees, a “grass skirt” for the table, flowers, ocean waves, and more—hang decorations on walls and from the ceiling. Fill a couple children’s pools with sand, and some smooth sea shells, kids can create castles and dig for shell treasures to take home. We suggest the Ukelele music recordings by multi award winning Jake Shimabukuro--it’s “cool” enough for any age group! www.jakeshimabukuro.com.

V is for Volcano!

For a great outdoor summer party experience, especially for little ones, take them to the Volcano Fantasy Fountain at Enterprise Community Park in Redding, where kids will have a blast getting wet under the erupting fountain, and playing with water spurting canons and other water-play features in the park. The park is open every day with the water features being active from 1 to 7p.m. Mon.-Fri., and noon to 6pm Sat. & Sun. through August 15^th, then weekends only. Information: (530) 225-4095. www.reddingtrails.com.

To experience a real volcanic area, take your party to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. All four types of volcanoes in the world are found in the park, and there are 150 miles of trails. A scenic highway provides access to volcanic wonders that include steam vents, mud pots, boiling pools, volcanic peaks and painted dunes. As weather permits, Lassen is a favorite destination for family snowshoe hikes. Info: (530) 594-4444; http://www.nps.gov/lavo.

W is for Water Fun!

How about having a really cool Waterworks Park celebration in Redding? Experience all the thrills and spills you want in a water amusement park. There are rides for all -- if you are old enough (and brave enough) try the exciting new 5-story Cyclone flume ride, the awesome 4-story Avalanche or ride the Raging Rivers rapids. Younger kids can splash, slide and ride in the Kiddy Playground. All family members will giggle with delight! With numerous lifeguards and attendants it’s the place to be cool, safe and fun, and offers a new exclusive shaded birthday party area. Special group and twilight rates make it affordable family fun. For more information: (530) 246-9550; www.waterworkspark.com.

Redding Aquatics Center also offers plenty of splish-splash fun for your event! The Center’s state-of-the-art swim facilities (and party packages) make birthday parties exceptionally easy. Water features include an Olympic-sized competition class pool, a large children’s water-play feature and a long water slide that empties into a recreational pool. Older children might enjoy the sand volleyball court, and there is a nice covered event/picnic area. Located in Caldwell Park, 44 Quartz Hill Rd. For more information: (530)245-7247; www.reddingaquaticcenter.com.

X is for X-treme Games

Older children love paintball—so take your party to Paintball Hill at Bartels Ranch in Anderson. Play paintball safely on an insured course, and then have the party at the BBQ pits next to the course. A minimum of ten players is required; cost is $25 per person. On Spring Gulch Road. Info/booking: (530) 365-0644.

Y is for Yo-Yo!

Have a “walking party” in downtown Chico. First head to the National Yo-Yo Museum at Bird In Hand gift store at 320 Broadway in Chico. Check out the historic yo-yos and purchase a small yo-yo for each child. Then take a walk to Shubert’s Ice Cream at 178 East 7th Street for homemade candy and old-fashioned ice cream--how about a banana split? There is no seating inside the shop, but there is plenty of grass and benches nearby. Then it’s just a short walk to Chico City Plaza, which offers a chance for big and little kids alike to cool off in the plaza fountain! Alternately, your party can head down to Bidwell Park to spend the day learning how to use the yo-yos, or to fly kites! For more info: www.birdinhand.com, www.shuberts.com, www.downtownchico.net/whattodo.

Z is for Zucchini

A favorite late-summer & autumn festival event, what kid wouldn’t enjoy putting his or her creative and engineering perspectives into play (while helping the neighborhood get rid of excess zucchinis in the process) by creating zucchini race cars to race down a track or zucchini boats to race in a mini-pool? Zucchini 500 here we come! A chocolate-zucchini cake may be just the right touch for the party! Search online to see zucchini race car examples and to get your imagination into high gear.