153 Fun Things to Do For Your Birthday (2024 Bucket List)

4. Give Yourself a Gift

Isn’t it time you got something that you KNOW you’ll love? Buy yourself a gift that makes you feel good or a simple item that makes your life easier.

<<this list has great birthday gifts for busy moms.>>

5. Dream Big

Spend your afternoon dreaming up your perfect vision board and giving yourself the gift of intention for your life! (See beautiful examples and vision board ideas)

6. Do a Staycation

Make it a “birthday weekend” and decide that it’s time to stay in and pamper yourself. You can incorporate many of the other items on this list for a full staycation too! Or find family-friendly ideas >>

Related: Family Staycation Ideas Near Me

7. Give Yourself a Spa Day

If it’s in the budget, get a professional massage. But if not, you can do just as much pampering at home! Raid your nearest Target for bubble bath supplies, face masks, new nail polish, and more! Then spend your evening taking care of your skin.

8. Get the Fire Pit Going

Spark that fire pit and sit around it with those you love recalling great memories. Don’t forget the marshmallows and a fun drink too.

9. Take a Day Off of Work

If you have vacation days available, use one! Give yourself the gift of an entire DAY to do what you want to do on your birthday.

10. Buy Yourself an Inspiring Book

Get that book you’ve been eyeing and then spend the whole day reading it!

• Find great reads for women >>

11. Do a Simple Project

Next, pick a low-effort (but high-reward) project to liven up your space. Maybe you’ve been meaning to re-decorate your bedroom or put lights up on your back patio. Today is the day to do it!

12. Make a Huge Gratitude List of Your Life

There is so much to be grateful for once you take the time to look!

13. Spend the Afternoon Asking Fun Questions

Seriously, you’ll laugh AND find out a whole lot about people. Try these fun questions to ask friends & family

14. Have a Board Game Tournament in Honor of the Big Day

Do you love games? Challenge loved ones to a day of snacks, games, and laughs.

15. Put Together a Fun Self Care Basket

Spend an hour of your birthday at the store picking out small goods that you can use on a rough day. Put them in a box, and voila, you’ve got a great way to decompress! Your future self will thank you!

See a self-care box example >>

16. Get Flowers Sent to Your Home

Who says you can’t order yourself flowers? Order flowers online and delight in their beauty on your kitchen counter. And by picking them yourself, you get exactly what you want!

17. Have a Karaoke Night at Home

Grab your family or friends and crank up the tunes. To make it extra fun, play past hits you remember from your younger years.

18. Eat Your Favorite Foods

Indulge in what you love on this day. No guilt!

19. Make Yourself a Birthday Cocktail

Experiment with something new or go with your favorite classic. Every birthday deserves a fun drink!

20. Throw Yourself a Party

Make it a full-on bash or invite over your closest friends. Often we wait for others to do the work, but this time, take the reigns and make your birthday get-together exactly how you want it to be.

21. Have a Sleepover

Remember how fun sleepovers were as a kid? Re-create that with your closest friends! Or, if you have kids, enjoy camping out in the living for a family sleepover.

22. Order/Bake a Ridiculously Awesome Cake

Order that decadent dessert you are always eyeing, or bake yourself the most delicious cake you can think of. It’s your birthday, so why not treat yourself to the BEST quality on your big day?

23. Plan a Post Birthday Trip

Perhaps you need to be home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t research and book your next amazing getaway. Having something to look forward to is half the fun!

24. Celebrate Your Age With a Workout

I know, it may not seem like the most exciting one on this list. BUT if you have a good workout you finish feeling amazing and inspired. Why not give yourself this gift on your birthday?

Just make sure it’s something you love!

25. Re-read Your Favorite Book

Remember that book that you couldn’t put down? Pull it out and spend a few hours reading with a nice warm drink.

Cool Things to Do on Your Birthday Alone

Next, you don’t have to depend on others to make your big day special! These things to do for your birthday offer fun and insight.

26. Adopt Something

Adopt a plant in need of care, a puppy in need of rescuing, or something else that has been neglected. You’ll be enriching your life and the life of something else.

27. Go for a Hike in a New Location

Grab your gear and hit the trails for a beautiful scenic hike.

28. Find a Treasure at a Thrift Store

Spend your birthday afternoon leisurely searching for treasures. You’ll love the rush as you hunt for gold!

29. Start a Challenge to a Stronger You

This site has many challenge ideas that promote health, wellness, and love.

Try one of these:

• An Inspiring Gratitude Challenge
• A Challenge for self-love or 30 days of self-care
• The huge list of life-changing challenges

30. Get Your Hair Professionally Done

Many of us feel like a million bucks after a haircut and color. So, purposely schedule your next appointment for your birthday! It costs nothing more and makes it extra special!

31. Give Yourself Reflection Time

When was the last time you sat to think about your LIFE? Carve out a few minutes to reflect on your past and your hopes for the future. If not now, when?

Then, use your reflection to set goals for the coming year.

32. Create Your Beautiful Life Bucket List

Click on this good list of adult bucket list ideas and create yours today! What awesome things will you do in your coming years?

33. Check Something Off Your Bucket List

And now that you have it, do one of the things for your birthday. Check something off! What a great start!

34. Donate to a Charity

Pick a cause that’s close to your heart and donate in honor of your birthday.

35. Take the Free Self Care Quiz

The self-care quiz has four simple parts, and most importantly, it will help you determine what areas you need to take better care of yourself moving forward.

Then, grab access to great free self-care printables!

36. Mark Your Birthday as a New Beginning

Is your birthday the beginning of a healthier you? Is it the beginning of a more focused chapter in your life? Use it as the milestone it is, and decide on the direction you want to go for the next year.

37. Put Together a List of New Things

Write down 10 things you want to try by this time next year.

Related: Best Lists to Make (That Feel Amazing)

38. Make a Creation

If you are a creative type, use your day to indulge in your imagination. Paint, make jewelry, write, or spruce up furniture.

39. Decide on a Word

What’s your mantra for the coming year? Thrive? Focus? Love? Simplify?

Find your perfect word and then plan out how you’ll live it out.

40. Turn Your Birthday Into A “Self Care” Day

There’s no better time to have a self-care day! Make your body and mind feel good on your big day. Use these Sunday self care ideas to recharge and renew.

41. Try Wine Making

Grab a kit and see what kind of concoctions you can make. Not into wine? Try beer instead!

42. Write a Letter to Your Future Self

What are your deepest hopes and dreams? What values do you want to always stay true to?

Use these questions for your future self. Write down your thoughts and stick it in a drawer. Then, set an appointment on your calendar to get it out in a year.

Adventurous Things to Do on Your Birthday

These fun birthday things to do get you out and are perfect to do with friends or your significant other.

43. Go Wine Tasting

Visit a winery or bar for a wine tasting session. You can also host this at home by picking up a few bottles at the store. And use this wine tasting journal to record your findings.

44. Spend Time at the Lake With Friends

I’ve been lucky enough to do this on my birthday the last few years, and it’s a super special (and relaxing) way to spend your big day.

45. Go to an Amusement Park

Pull your inner kid out and ride that big scary roller coaster!

46. Play at the Beach

Sunbathe, get a game of frisbee going, or swim in the lake/ocean.

47. Spend the Day in a Cabin

Research a beautiful place to stay and take off on the weekend to retreat somewhere calm, colorful, and meditative.

48. Do a Fun Progressive Dinner

Pick your 3 favorite restaurants to hop around for different drinks, dinner, and dessert!

49. Book a Stay at a Historic Hotel

Pick a historic, a haunted, or a boutique hotel to make your birthday night one to remember.

50. Challenge Yourself With an Escape Room

Will you be able to get out in time?

51. Accomplish Something Physical

Doing something physical that you’ve never done reminds you what it means to BE ALIVE. So, go rock climbing or bike riding.

52. Try a Sip & Paint Class

Grab your friends and paint your masterpiece.

53. Take a Cooking Class

Learn how to properly make your favorite dish!

54. Go to a Comedy Show

Spend the night indulging in good belly laughs that melt your stress away.

55. Gamble Your Birthday Money

If you love the casino, hit the buffet for a special dinner and then get your rush.

56. Get a Tattoo

A tattoo makes a mark just like your birthday does! This is a great occasion to get one if you’ve been wanting to.

57. Get a Piercing

It’s the same idea as a tattoo, but less permanent.

58. Try Top Golf

Get outside and try the virtual game with friends.

59. Go Bowling

See who gets a strike first! There’s nothing like a little friendly competition.

60. Be a Tourist in Your City

Most of us never see what’s inside our own nearby city. Now’s your chance to scope it out!

61. Go in a Hot Air Balloon

Have you always wondered about this? There’s no time like your birthday to follow through and get a one-of-a-kind experience like this!

62. Check Out a Factory Tour

Factory tours make for a unique way to spend your day.

63. Do a Food or Drink Tour

Visit a distillery. Or check for local food tours and try something new.

64. Go Horseback Riding

Riding a horse is always a fun experience and gets you into nature.

65. Go Shopping

Have a little spree for your birthday! Get a new outfit, score a great deal, or replace worn-out wardrobe pieces.

66. Go on Vacation

Take a cruise, visit a destination you’ve been pining after, or just explore a city within a day’s drive. You’ll never regret getting out and seeing things.

67. Pack an Amazing Picnic

Find a pretty spot and bring your best quality picnic. Think of great wine, fresh bread, fancy cheeses, and juicy fruits to enjoy while you are there. Use this fun backpack.>>

68. Go to Your Favorite Sports Game

See your favorite team from great seats and enjoy the stadium snacks too.

69. Go Skydiving or Indoor Skydiving

Get a true thrill by jumping out of a plane or mimicking the experience in a closed environment. Nothing will make you feel more alive than this!

70. Go to a Concert

See your favorite band live on your birthday!

71. Go to a Winery

See if you can hit a night with live music and food trucks to mark your perfect night.

72. Go to a Music Festival

Whether to see local bands or your favorite headliners, you’re sure to have a good time.

73. Rent a Fun Car

Get the car of your dreams for a day and go on a joy ride. Don’t forget to take pictures next to your car as inspiration for the future!

74. Walk Through Open Houses

If you love home design or are dreaming of an upgrade, spend your birthday walking through different styles of homes. And don’t be afraid to go through your dream homes too! It costs nothing to dream!

75. Rent a Boat for a Day

Rent a pontoon boat to take out on the lake for the day. Pack food and fishing poles to take with you. And if that’s a little much, rent a kayak, canoe, or sailboat instead.

76. Rent Jet Skiis for a Day

Have you ever done this? If not, you’re in for a thrill!

77. Go on a Helicopter Ride

Splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride over a cool scenic view.

78. Visit an Arboretum or Beautiful Garden

Walk through a sea of flowers and enjoy nature at its finest.

79. Sign Up for Axe Throwing

Call out your inner lumberjack and enjoy an ax-throwing contest with friends.

80. Jet Off to See a Friend

If you have a friend that lives in another city, use this as a reason to see him or her and celebrate together in a new location.

81. Try a New Fitness Class

Do something you’ve never done before like Zumba, boxing, or hot yoga. You may fall in love with something new!

82. Go Searching for Beauty

Hit the nursery for house plants that will bring happiness to you (+ clean your air!). Or purchase plants and flowers for a landscaping project that you’ll love.

83. Climb a Mountain

If you’re thinking big on your birthday, climb to a peak! Most guided places offer different levels of difficulty. Regardless, you’ll give yourself a truly amazing view and a moment of reflection from the experience.

84. Go Bar Hopping (or Brewery/Winery Hopping)

Get out on the town and try out the best bars, breweries, and wineries. See what good eats they all have too!

85. Go White Water Rafting

Take adventure to a new level as you shoot down a river!

86. Go Paragliding

87. Learn to Shoot a Gun

If you go with someone who has experience it’s easier to learn.

88. Go on a Cruise

Explore Alaska or enjoy the sites of the Caribbean. Either way, you won’t regret this birthday splurge! And it’s often cheaper than other types of vacations.

89. Try Snorkeling

Discover the beauty of the ocean through activities #89-92.

90. Try Scuba Diving

91. Go Paddleboarding

92. Learn to Sail

93. Go Bungee Jumping

If you’re a thrill seeker, this is a must-do.

94. Check out a Museum

Do you love learning or art? A museum is a fantastic way to spend your birthday at your own pace.

94. Get Your Palm Read

This activity is both fun and hilarious. But, who knows, maybe your reader will give you a glimpse into the future.

95. Take an Archery Class

Channel your inner Katniss Everdeen and learn a new skill.

96. Go on a Ghost Tour

Scare yourself silly on your birthday!

97. Try Open Mic Poetry

If your inner poet is screaming to get out, check out one of these events in your area. And then go for it. YOLO.

Unique Birthday Things to Do

These experiences are creative and depend on your interests.

86. Play Videogames All Day

87. Visit an Animal Shelter

88. Have a Potluck With Friends

Want to take the pressure off your friends and family? Grab a main dish and have your favorite people bring a side dish.

89. Have a Pinterest Recipe Party

Or a spice party (where you make spice mixes). Or wreath making. You get the drift.

90. Go Chocolate Tasting

Only the best will do here.

91. Visit a Dog Park With Your Furry Friend

92. Run a 5K

Remind yourself of the fit person you are (or want to be).

93. Watch a Baking Show…And Then Re-create It

Time to try that souffle!

94. Have a Relaxing Pool Day

This is exactly how it sounds. Grab your peeps and spend the day poolside with a fruity drink.

95. Play Unique Games

Throw darts or play outside yard games for something different on your birthday.

96. Learn to Play an Instrument

You are never too old to try something new.

97. Visit a Fancy Restaurant

Research the fanciest restaurant you have near and get all dressed up. Then, order something simple like salad and a dessert. You’ll love feeling fancy without breaking the bank.

98. Splurge on Something That Improves Your Life

This could be anything from Lasik eye surgery to a workout app that improves your fitness. Instead of buying something that will get donated later, why not make your life better?

Best Things to Do on Your Birthday With Family

Now, if you’re like me, it’s not always possible to do things for your birthday without the kids. That’s ok, because this list will give everyone a wonderful time!

99. Go Go-Karting

Tell the kids they have to let you win on your birthday.

100. Start a Friendly Game of Laser Tag

Split into teams and see who wins! If you’re feeling competitive, bet that the losing team has to do the winning team’s chores.

101. Visit a Planetarium

See what the night sky truly looks like and learn about the universe together.

102. See a Drive-In Movie

Grab a pizza and head to the drive-in for a night of fun and entertainment.

103. Go to a Magic Show

Enjoy getting wowed together by the impossible.

104. Go to a Local Pool

It’s a cheap and fun way to spend a hot birthday afternoon with family.

105. Go Camping

Spend your birthday re-connecting with nature AND your family under the stars. Get the kids to pack their own stuff to make this more relaxing.

106. Go Out for Ice Cream

Get the really good stuff while you’re at it!

107. Have a Pajama Party

Decide that for this day, pajamas are welcomed ALL day long!

108. Have Your Kids Make You Dinner

Now, if you’re looking for something fancy, a parent needs to help. But either way, there’s no reason the birthday adult needs to cook dinner.

109. Have a Dance Party

Show your kids the fun dance moves you learned when you were a kid.

110. Let Your Kids Interview You

Take the kids birthday interview printable and use it on the adult instead. The kids will love asking you the questions, and you’ll get to share your favorite things with them too.

111. Laugh With Family Questions

Would you rather questions are EASY, fun, and require very little work to play!

112. Start a New Tradition

What would be a fun tradition for every family member? Create a “birthday plate,” a special dessert, or decide on an activity the birthday person gets to pick.

Find great family birthday tradition ideas >>

113. Have Your Kids Bring You Breakfast in Bed

Let them eat with you and make it a special birthday breakfast!

114. Splurge at the Farmer’s Market

Buy that fresh-baked bread that looks so good, and a few things you don’t normally buy.

115. Go to a Water Park

Get wet and have TONS of fun on the water rides together.

116. Mark Something Off Your Family Bucket List

Make your bucket list if you haven’t yet, and then mark at least one thing off! This makes it so that you’re doing activities that mean the most to your family!

• Find tons of family bucket list ideas HERE
• And seasonal bucket lists here: Spring, Summer, Fall, Holiday, Winter

117. Play Truth or Dare

Next, laugh and do absurd things with your family. These truth or dare game questions will guarantee you have a good (family-appropriate) time!

118. Play Never Have I Ever

See what your kids really do, and have a few giggles while you’re at it. These appropriate never have I ever questions will reveal a whole new side of everyone.

119. Play 2 Truths & a Lie

Can your family trick you? Get a few tricky truth or lie questions and see if you can stump the kids!

120. Play Family Feud

Next, grab another family favorite and play on your birthday! Here are 100 great feud questions: family edition!

121. Go on a Date Night With Your Spouse

If you have kids, it’s not always easy to spend quality time with your partner. So today, enjoy a birthday meal and outing with the one you love.

122. Visit a Trampoline Park

Wear the kids out, and then have a laid-back evening.

123. Visit a National Park

See beauty with every turn on your birthday.

124. Go Berry Picking

Loads of fresh berries on your birthday is not a bad way to go.

125. Have a Tea Party

Invite your girls over for the fanciest tea party they’ve ever seen.

126. Play “Who’s Most Likely To” With Your Family

This fun list of questions for who’s most likely will have everyone laughing in no time.

127. Play Trivia

Kid-friendly trivia questions will keep the entire family entertained for hours. Or learn new birthday insights with these fun birthday trivia questions and answers.

128. Pick Up a New Hobby

Explore family hobbies: photography, baking, or gardening with your kids.

129. Do a Challenge With Your Partner

Kickstart your connection while having fun with one of these couples challenges.

130. Create Goals With Your Partner

A birthday is a time for reflection. This makes it a great time to create relationship goals with your partner too.

131. Play Charades With the Kids

Next, get the family moving with this easy charades game for kids.

132. Host a Make Your Own Pizza Party

This makes for a great meal with your family and the perfect last-minute way to jazz up dinner.

133. Take a Photo

Have someone take a photo of your family on your birthday and frame the picture! It also helps you remember how amazing your day was.

133. Leave a Note to Your Favorite Little People

Finally, give a little love on your birthday too! Print these sweet notes and leave them for your family members to find. Then, watch those kiddos light up as they do.

Related Posts: Hint to your kids that you want this free 10 reasons I love you gift and these free love coupons for your gift!

Last Minute Birthday Ideas

And finally, these last-minute things to do for your birthday are simple, cheap, and effective. Because some years, you don’t have the time to make things fancy!

134. Hang Out at Your Favorite Coffee Shop

135. Pick Up a Decadent Dessert On Your Way Home

Swing by that Bundt cake or cookie bakery you’ve been dying to try.

136. Enjoy a Nature Walk

Grab someone or go alone, but take time for yourself in the fresh air.

137. Go Out For a Drink

138. Stop in For a Pedicure

139. Enjoy Your Favorite Hobby

Do you love photography but never have time to do it? Set aside a block on your birthday to lose yourself in what you love. See great hobbies for women.

140. Buy Yourself Champagne

Being alive for this many years is a gift, and worth celebrating with the good stuff.

141. Do a Random Act of Kindness

Make yourself feel like a million bucks by leaving a large tip or carrying someone’s groceries. How old are you? Try doing that many small acts of kindness!

142. Live Your Ideal Day

If you could structure your day exactly as you wanted, what would it look like?

143. Taste Test Your Favorite Things

Grab three flavors of ice cream, wine, or anything you love! Then, spend your evening deciding on your absolute favorite.

145. Put Together a Simple Charcuterie Board

It doesn’t take much to feel fancy. Skip the work and enjoy the “snacks.”

146. Go For a Scenic Drive

If your birthday is in the fall, this can be breathtaking. Pack a picnic or stop at a small restaurant to stretch your legs.

147. Explore One Town Over

Sure, you might have seen everything there is in your town. But what about just 15-20 minutes away?

148. Stargaze

Looking out at the stars takes no planning. Plus, there’s something meaningful about remembering how big the universe is on your birthday.

149. Lay Out and Read

Get your hammock out or spend a few hours lounging on the deck – guilt-free.

150. Find a Food Truck

And try a different style of food on your birthday.

151. People Watch

Head to a place with heavy foot traffic and find a good place to sit. Grab a coffee too! Then, hang out and enjoy observing your surroundings.

152. Unplug

Next, take a few hours on your birthday to unwind without the constant humming of your devices. Enjoy life for what it is – a glorious hands-on affair.

Start a social media detox on your birthday!

153. Do Something For Future You

Whether it’s starting a home improvement project, eating a salad, or going through your finances. Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

Bonus: Sign up for free birthday goodies so that when your birthday rolls around you have LOTS to look forward to! 

To Consider With the Birthday Bucket List

I hope this list gave you plenty of ideas for yourself and for the people you love most! Let’s make our adult birthday as much fun as we make it for our kids! It’s time to get living friends!

What are your favorite things to do for your birthday? Let me know in the comments!

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More Epic Things to Do for You…

• The Best Rainy Day Things to Do – to relax AND be productive!
• 10 Smart Things to Do in the Morning – wake up on the right foot!
• 11 Nighttime Things to Do – to prep for great days!

The Best Birthday Things to Do