The Best 30th Birthday Party Ideas to Mark the Milestone

What's a birthday without a cocktail or two? We might have our favorites, but it's fun to learn how to make new drinks right at home, and a cocktail class is the perfect way to raise a glass and learn something new. Usually hosted by a "master mixologist," typically at a bar or occasionally at your home in some cases, you'll have an experienced bartender walking you through the basics to help you come up with your tasty beverages.

Some even send you home with your own "bartending kit" so it's easy to recreate what you've learned in the comfort of your own home.

TAKE A MIXOLOGY CLASS

Get creative with a group of friends, grab some paint and canvases from the craft store and see what kind of skills everyone has with a painting party. Have everyone paint whatever they want, give them a theme or even have a contest to see who can most accurately draw the birthday honoree. Although ideal for smaller groups, especially if you're hosting it or having it at someone's house, you can also hit up one of the many businesses that host professional ones that usually allow you to bring your own snacks and beverages that have more space for larger groups.

FIND SIP AND SEE PARTY SUPPLIES

Nothing quite puts you in a good mood like getting the blood pumping and the endorphins going out in the fresh air — well, for some people. Use your birthday to conquer a hike, bike ride or even a really long walk with a loved one if you'd rather spend your day up and active. Sometimes there's no better gift than one-on-one time with someone as you get active together. You'd be surprised what you can learn when you're out on an adventure together.

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It's a classic for good reason. Sometimes, you just want to throw a house party, complete with decor, dinner, desserts and, of course, a few cocktails. Create a playlist beforehand and have all the attendees add their favorite songs, or songs that make them think of the birthday boy or girl.

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For those who need a bit more comfort and luxury than everyday camping offers, try glamping. Instead of staying in the traditional tent, glamping provides special large pods or cocoons, huts, tents and occasionally even camper vans or RVs. Nowadays, areas by the woods, by the beach and even in National Parks are available for cozy experiences which can include heat and/or AC, nearby pools, electricity, internet access and other amenities. Grab a group of friends and become "one with nature" without actually having to get one with nature.

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When in doubt, find a stage to sing all your favorite songs off-key and out of tune. In all seriousness, sometimes there's nothing more fun than hitting up a karaoke bar with a big group of friends and watching each other rock it with a microphone. Make it even better by letting the birthday boy or girl choose the songs for people to sing.

You don't have to go out to have a good night. If you prefer a more low-key celebration with a few friends or family members, plan a night in where you play all your favorite board games. Go classic with games like Monopoly, Scrabble and Clue, or let they person you're celebrating choose their favorites for everyone to enjoy. A great option if you prefer a more intimate birthday gathering, make it a tournament and have the winner score some budget-friendly prize.

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It might sound cheesy but life's too short to not take photos of the big moments in your life. Take time on your birthday to reflect on all the things you love about yourself, and memorialize it by having a fun photo shoot, either by yourself or with a bunch of friends. Find an outfit you love, get yourself all dolled up with accessories and makeup and get snapping!

Say farewell to your youth by holding a funeral for your 20s. Have the guests all wear black, eat and drink, and use the opportunity to share stories with your friends about your favorite memories and fun times from your 20s.

SHOP DECORATIONS

Why go to the movies when you can create your own movie night oasis in the backyard? Take advantage of warm weather and set up a cozy screening alcove with the help of Christmas lights, a projector and screen or white sheet, pillows, blankets and cushions. Throw together a cooler and a build-your-own popcorn mix bar (we prefer a blend of salty and sweet) and let the birthday boy or girl cue up their favorite flicks to watch once the sun starts to set.

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You don't need to go to a gourmet restaurant to have a fancy dinner with friends. In fact, there's something more intimate and special about throwing something together in your own backyard, and going all out with centerpieces, flowers, decorative place settings, candles, namecards and whatever else you desire. If it's a small group of friends and you fancy yourself a chef, use it as an opportunity to cook for them (but only if you want to!), or find a local restaurant that you can order catering from ahead of time. With the help of some basic scrapbooking surprise, you can even make little "menus" of what you'll be serving. Just remember — whether she throws it for herself or someone else throws it for her, the birthday girl definitely shouldn't be part of clean up duty!

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Why did sleepover parties stop being a thing once we got older? A night spent in cozy PJs with friends, sitting around watching movies, painting your nails, eating pizza (or making your own), indulging in other sweet treats and staying up all night talking? Sounds even more fun now — especially since these days there's no adult chaperones to tell you to keep it down or that it's time to go to sleep. Let the birthday girl plan the agenda for the night, or before hand, have every guests share their favorite thing to do at sleepovers from when they were younger and add them all to the schedule.

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Enjoy a staycation in your area at the local fancy hotel or a weekend trip to a nearby one you've been wanting to visit and indulge in room service, soft sheets and some major R&R. Go solo (there's something to be said for having time by yourself) or grab your partner or a close friend to enjoy the experience with.

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And speaking of R&R, nothing sounds more relaxing than a day at the spa. Reward yourself with a day full of facials, massages and more, either by yourself or with a group of your closest friends.

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If you're in the mood to hit the town, hit up your favorite bar, go all out and buy your entire friend group a round at the bar. If you're feeling even bolder, buy everyone in the bar a round — although we advise that if you do the latter, you check the prices on the menu to make sure you can afford to do so first.

If your birthday happens to fall during a time of warm weather and lots of sun, take advantage and plan a massive picnic. Spend the day eating, drinking, playing games like frisbee and corn hole, and enjoying the time outdoors. And to make it so not one person is stuck with cooking everything, try a potluck and have every guest bring their favorite dish.

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Take the opportunity to check something off a bucket list and do something exhilarating that you've always wanted to do. If you're big on adventure, try tackling something like skydiving, ziplining or bungee jumping, for example. But also, don't feel like you need to do something super "scary" to check this off your list. It's all relative, so if doing an activity like finally getting your license, applying for a new job, visiting a place you've always wanted to or even reaching out to an old friend you've been nervous to reconnect with, then by all means, go for it!

Beat the heat during the summer with a pool party. Score a bunch of fun floats and inner tubes for cheap from the dollar store or Amazon, and spend the day lazing in the water listening to a great playlist, sipping chilled drinks and enjoying your favorite finger foods. For an added bonus, set up a build-your-own snowcone or ice cream sundae bar for a sweet treat to keep things cool.

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Sometimes there's nothing better than spending time with loved ones in the kitchen. So, grab a group and with the help of an instructor, learn how to make a tasty meal alongside your friends and family that you then get to enjoy together one it's finished.

FIND A COOKING CLASS

An escape room is a birthday party must for the folks who love a bit of mystery, suspense and problem-solving. These themed rooms lock you in and give you (and the group you're with) clues in order to solve a series of puzzles that inevitably help you make your escape out of the room within a certain time frame. Do one room with a group of friends or break up into teams and see who can get out of their escape room first!