birthday

Boston Birthday Ideas (Updated for 2021 COVID safety!)

So you’re trying to plan a Boston birthday celebration? Looking for Boston birthday ideas that are both fun and safe? Well boy oh boy do we have a place for…oh wait…Covid…right. In a normal year putting together a fun birthday party in the city would be as easy as walking into a bar and loudly announcing “one table for a birthday party please and thank you.” Or however a normal human would do that.

Regardless, in any other year, Boston is host to hundreds of the best activities, party venues, and attractions to choose from. However, with COVID coming in and stomping on all of our collective plans, we’ve had to reevaluate this list a little! We still want you to celebrate your birthday party with your friends and family, and so we’ve created a list of fun events and ways to celebrate your birthday party in Boston!

We hope that you find these Boston birthday party ideas useful in your search for a jubilant celebration. Of course, if you think of any other safe activities for an awesome time, please let us know! Bonus points if it’s easily accessible and close to a T sop!

Trapology Boston – Boston’s best and cleanest escape room

First on the list and located right in Downtown Boston, just steps away from the MBTA green line (Boylston), red line (Downtown Crossing), and orange line (Chinatown) is Boston’s favorite escape room, also known as the perfect place to celebrate a birthday in Boston.

Looking to escape from jail? How about saving yourselves from a haunted submarine? What about a spooky campsite where people are disappearing? These are all adventures that you can immerse yourself and your friends in at Trapology. Too tame? Leave the kids at home and come play our adult-only Rated R escape room called “The Boobie Trap”. We can’t divulge too much, but we hear there’s a secret sex playroom behind a coffee shop. It’s also the only escape room in Boston that has an actor in it!

Or new for 2021 – sign yourself up for a brand new experience with our Outdoor Escape Adventures! The only outdoor escape game in Boston, you and your team will physically traverse iconic locations while encountering puzzles, riddles, hidden clues, augmented reality, cheese, and so much more! Okay the cheese was a lie (I’m just real hungry) but the rest is absolutely true! With Outdoor Escape Adventures you can create memories, free yourself from indoor boredom, and celebrate your birthday in style! We even have versions of our Outdoor Adventures made specifically with kids in mind!

Unique, dirty, and hilarious. My boyfriend, friends and I went to the Boobie Trap (18+ room) for my birthday. It was well executed with unique puzzles that I haven’t seen the style of in other escape rooms. The BDSM room is just as dirty and raunchy as they make it out to be but if you have a good sense of humor, it’s hilarious and fun time. Karen, our actress in the room and game master, was very attentive and helpful with hints and provided and extra unique experience. Jason welcomed us and made me feel as comfortable and welcome as the previous experiences I’ve had pre-COVID. It was reassuring that (hopefully) they’re happy to be there as well and excited to get back to these awesome puzzle-filled rooms! Trapology is my go-to indoor escape game location and I’ll definitely be back in no time.”

FYI – The Boobie Trap is our Rated R, 18+ game, and probably not the best for kids. Choose The Institute and Crush Depth are better fits for kids. Check out our schedule online so that you can find a game time that works best for you! We’re close to the Boylston T stop on the green line. Our place is pretty easy to find at 177 Tremont St!

“Had a wicked awesome time bustin’ out of jail for my birthday last night! The Drunk Tank was so much fun and a great challenge that almost got the best of us, but we prevailed and busted out with 10 minutes to spare! One of the most memorable birthday parties ever!”

“This is my 3rd time visiting Trapology. My husband and I first went to do the Drunk Tank game and had a great time. A few months later, we organized a second visit! We love celebrating birthday parties here.

Fun factor: +++++ if you like puzzles. Even the intro/safety video was fun to watch.

Team building: the games take a good amount of communication and teamwork especially given the time constraints.

We host dozens of birthday parties , bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, and graduation parties. We would love to welcome you! Big smiles that leave our game definitely is a sign of a good time!

Trapology’s rates ourselves as 5 star safe “Birthday in Boston” activity!

Why is Trapology a 5 star safe activity?

  • Private games with only your friends and family
  • Extensive cleaning of all surfaces before and after each group
  • Teams of two can play any of the games!
    • The Retreat, The Boobie Trap, and The Institute are all 2-5 players.
    • Drunk Tank and Hustler are 2-10 players.
    • Crush Depth is 2-8 players.
  • Contactless ticket purchase and check-in.
  • Intros are socially distanced and only 60 seconds max.
  • Bonus #1: You would be supporting a mom and pop small business
  • Bonus #2: The owner’s mom is a microbiologist that coordinates COVID testing at Boston Medical Center. She’s been advising the Trapology team on safe cleaning habits!

Address: 177 Tremont St. 2nd floor. Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (857) 285-2085

Paddle Boston – Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe on the Charles River!

First on the list and located right in Downtown Boston, just steps away from the MBTA green line (Boylston), red line (Downtown Crossing), and orange line (Chinatown) is Boston’s favorite escape room, also known as the perfect place to celebrate a birthday in Boston.

Looking to escape from jail? How about saving yourselves from a haunted submarine? What about a spooky campsite where people are disappearing? These are all adventures that you can immerse yourself and your friends in at Trapology. Too tame? Leave the kids at home and come play our adult-only Rated R escape room called “The Boobie Trap”. We can’t divulge too much, but we hear there’s a secret sex playroom behind a coffee shop. It’s also the only escape room in Boston that has an actor in it!

Or new for 2021 – sign yourself up for a brand new experience with our Outdoor Escape Adventures! The only outdoor escape game in Boston, you and your team will physically traverse iconic locations while encountering puzzles, riddles, hidden clues, augmented reality, cheese, and so much more! Okay the cheese was a lie (I’m just real hungry) but the rest is absolutely true! With Outdoor Escape Adventures you can create memories, free yourself from indoor boredom, and celebrate your birthday in style! We even have versions of our Outdoor Adventures made specifically with kids in mind!

Unique, dirty, and hilarious. My boyfriend, friends and I went to the Boobie Trap (18+ room) for my birthday. It was well executed with unique puzzles that I haven’t seen the style of in other escape rooms. The BDSM room is just as dirty and raunchy as they make it out to be but if you have a good sense of humor, it’s hilarious and fun time. Karen, our actress in the room and game master, was very attentive and helpful with hints and provided and extra unique experience. Jason welcomed us and made me feel as comfortable and welcome as the previous experiences I’ve had pre-COVID. It was reassuring that (hopefully) they’re happy to be there as well and excited to get back to these awesome puzzle-filled rooms! Trapology is my go-to indoor escape game location and I’ll definitely be back in no time.”

FYI – The Boobie Trap is our Rated R, 18+ game, and probably not the best for kids. Choose The Institute and Crush Depth are better fits for kids. Check out our schedule online so that you can find a game time that works best for you! We’re close to the Boylston T stop on the green line. Our place is pretty easy to find at 177 Tremont St!

“Had a wicked awesome time bustin’ out of jail for my birthday last night! The Drunk Tank was so much fun and a great challenge that almost got the best of us, but we prevailed and busted out with 10 minutes to spare! One of the most memorable birthday parties ever!”

“This is my 3rd time visiting Trapology. My husband and I first went to do the Drunk Tank game and had a great time. A few months later, we organized a second visit! We love celebrating birthday parties here.

Fun factor: +++++ if you like puzzles. Even the intro/safety video was fun to watch.

Team building: the games take a good amount of communication and teamwork especially given the time constraints.

We host dozens of birthday parties , bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, and graduation parties. We would love to welcome you! Big smiles that leave our game definitely is a sign of a good time!

Trapology’s rates ourselves as 5 star safe “Birthday in Boston” activity!

Why is Trapology a 5 star safe activity?

  • Private games with only your friends and family
  • Extensive cleaning of all surfaces before and after each group
  • Teams of two can play any of the games!
  • The Retreat, The Boobie Trap, and The Institute are all 2-5 players.
  • Drunk Tank and Hustler are 2-10 players.
  • Crush Depth is 2-8 players.
  • Contactless ticket purchase and check-in.
  • Intros are socially distanced and only 60 seconds max.
  • Bonus #1: You would be supporting a mom and pop small business
  • Bonus #2: The owner’s mom is a microbiologist that coordinates COVID testing at Boston Medical Center. She’s been advising the Trapology team on safe cleaning habits!

Address: 177 Tremont St. 2nd floor. Boston, Massachusetts 02111

Phone: (857) 285-2085

Buy tickets here!

Paddle Boston – Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe on the Charles River!

Get outside. Enjoy the sun. Be on the water! Seriously, birthday parties and paddleboards; it just sounds fun! Plus you can even sign up for classes if your idea of celebrating is learning a new skill!

Multiple locations! Boston: Allston/Brighton Cambridge: Kendall Square Somerville: Blessing of the Bay Boathouse on the Mystic River Newton: Nahanton Park Newton: Historic Auburndale Boathouse Waltham: Moody Street Dam Medford: Condon Shell on the Mystic River

“I wanted to go kayaking on my birthday while on vacation this summer in Boston. We rented kayaks here and had a great morning kayaking on the St. Charles River. The staff was very helpful. This is a great way to see the city. We saw Harvard first, BU and then the Boston skyline. It was so close and so much fun. We loved it. It was easy to chose a place and a time. The area was easy to find because of the sign.”

Multiple locations!
Boston: Allston/Brighton
Cambridge: Kendall Square
Somerville: Blessing of the Bay Boathouse on the Mystic River
Newton: Nahanton Park
Newton: Historic Auburndale Boathouse
Waltham: Moody Street Dam
Medford: Condon Shell on the Mystic River

Trapology’s rates Paddle Boston as 5 star “Birthday in Boston” safe activity!

Why is Paddle Boston a 5 star safe activity?

  • Their docks are cleaned daily and high touch areas will be cleaned frequently throughout the day
  • All boats, paddles & lifejackets are be sanitized after each use
  • All traffic flow is managed, so that renters are getting in and out of their boats at different times and at designated stations
  • Waivers and rental payment are completed in advance on your own devices

Fruit picking! – Some have animals, farm stands, and even cider donuts!

A birthday party on a farm? You better believe it! Celebrate a fun birthday near Boston by going to pick some delicious fruit, and then bring it home to devour it, or make some desserts! Not only is it a great way to end up with way too much food but it’s also incredibly entertaining for kids and adults alike!

Grab yourself a table, and have fun with you and the kids!

There may even be cooking classes available.

Be sure to check what kind of party options the farm offers in case you’d like to host a birthday party here.

Check the weather first so that you can choose a day and a time where it will be best to be outdoors.

Fruit SeasonsHere’s a guide on the fruits that are in season!

Here is a list of farms that we have seen from their website or social media that are open for 2021:

Cider Hill Farm (Amesbury) Autumn Hills Orchard (Groton) Carlson Orchards (Harvard) Smolak Farms (North Andover) Tougas Family Farm (Northboro) Brooksby Farm (Peabody) Apex Orchards (Shelburne Falls) Clearview Farm (Sterling) Carver Hill Orchards (Stow) Parlee Farms (Tyngsboro)

“It’s been years of tradition that on my daughter’s birthday partSeptember 14. She loves to go to Cider Hill Farms for their amazing cider doughnuts fresh off the assembly line. Fresh apple cider and of course the best apple picking. It’s a fun family party event we cherish every year!”

“Smolak farm provides a beautiful old barn for children’s birthday parties. Our 4 year old had a great time with 20 kids this weekend.”

Here is a list of farms that we have seen from their website or social media that are open for 2020:
Cider Hill Farm (Amesbury)
Autumn Hills Orchard (Groton)
Carlson Orchards (Harvard)
Smolak Farms (North Andover)
Tougas Family Farm (Northboro)
Brooksby Farm (Peabody)
Apex Orchards (Shelburne Falls)
Clearview Farm (Sterling)
Carver Hill Orchards (Stow)
Parlee Farms (Tyngsboro)

Trapology’s rates fruit picking as 5 star “Birthday in Boston” safe activity!

Why is picking fruit a 5 star safe birthday party activity?

  • Some farms require times to be reserved so that the farm is not overcrowded and you can pick at your leisure!

Car Hop & Drive-In Movie Nights at Kowloon

tay in your car, order from the menu, and enjoy a fun movie! The Kowloon restaurant on Route 1 transformed its parking lot into a car hop and drive-in movie theater.

For the car hop, you and your friends can feel free to bring your own lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and tables. You’re of course also welcome to eat in your car. Just make sure you pick up any fries you drop between the seats. It’s all fun and games until the 3-month old fry smell perks up.

Trapology’s rates Kowloon’s Drive-In Movie Night as 5 star “Birthday in Boston” safe activity!

Why is Kowloon a 5 star safe activity?

  • When watching the movie from inside your car, all surfaces are your own!
  • If you opt to be outside, you are able to socially distance from others

Create your own picnic in Boston Common

It’s free, it’s outdoors, and it’s at the center of tons of restaurants and entertainment venues. What more could you ask for! Make your favorite meal and bring it into the city (DIY outdoor dining)! Or maybe bring a frisbee and unleash your inner kids! Boston Common offers plenty of space to have a private outing day or night for you and your friends and family to eat and relax. Plus there’s no need for that indoor voice we’ve all become accustomed to. It’s your birthday after all so shout, laugh, and sing to your heart’s content.We would argue a birthday party isn’t complete without dogs anyway!

Sometimes during the summer, there are many events – from wedding events to parades and protests. Be sure to keep an eye out on what’s happening!

It is prohibited to bring in tables or chairs since this area is one of the few public green spaces in downtown Boston. However, you’re more than welcome to bring your own soft drinks and dinner!

Afterwards, be sure to grab a table at a local bar. Our indoor nightlife scene is filled with a great party atmosphere.

Trapology’s rates Picnic in Boston Common as 5 star “Boston Birthday Ideas” safe activity!

Why is picnicking in Boston Common a 5 star safe activity?

  • Offers plenty of spaces to settle down with just your group
  • Plenty of free outdoor events always happening in the neighborhood for your party to enjoy

We hope you enjoyed our roundup of safe Boston Birthday ideas! We’ll be adding more to this list as time goes on. If you have any suggestions, please email us so that we can add to our list!