Time Machine: Throwback Birthday Parties

Take a walk down memory lane with these fun-filled, nostalgic celebrations. With the addition of a few modern twists, your next birthday bash will be unforgettable.

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Go Roller Skating

Set the tone with cute décor and invitations from the roller skating collections at merimeri.com, bonjourfete.com or pigsyparty.com. Let the kids show off their moves by booking an unforgettable birthday party with a package at one of these roller skating rinks: Cascade Skating, Skate Towne, Stone Mountain Skates, RollerFit or Sparkles Family Fun Centers.

Boogie Nights

Have an incredible dance party with a disco theme. Decorate your space with mirror balls, lights and glowing décor. You can also buy disco or black light bulbs to light up your space for a few hours. Play disco hits, or hire a DJ to leave the music to a professional. Play musical chairs or Dance Dance Revolution for continual music-themed entertainment, and get a karaoke machine for an exciting sing-along.

Game On at an Arcade

Rent a birthday bash at a nearby arcade: Flashback Games, Infinite Horizons Arcade, Chuck E. Cheese or Big Play ATL. Bring the party to you with a mobile game truck, Under Lock and Key Gaming or All Out Gaming Experience. For an at-home party, use your child’s own gaming system, or rent game stations from arcaderentals.com or amusementmasters.com. Light up the space with marquee lights saying “Happy Birthday” or the age of the birthday child. Set up a table with a variety of small prizes for guests to take home as party favors.

Strike! A Bowling Party

Plan an event easily with a party package at one of these local spots: Stars and Strikes, Lucky Strike, Midtown Bowl, Main Event or Punch Bowl Social. Host a bowling party at home with pins you can set up indoor or outdoor for a game. Buy a set of glowing pins for an evening party. Decorate a cheese ball or cake pops to resemble bowling balls, or go for a more retro feel with hamburgers and milkshakes served in diner-style red baskets. Find bowling-themed décor at bigdotofhappiness.com or orientaltrading.com.

Party Like It’s 1999

Embrace your own childhood with a themed 1980s, 1990s or 2000s party. Start with a themed invitation, and ask guests to dress in a retro outfit. Search your storage boxes or ask your friends or family to help you decorate with authentic items; think toys, music, pop culture posters and games. Decorate with cassette tapes or CD garlands, and create a playlist with era-specific tunes. Make a retro photo booth with costume pieces, props and beaded curtains, and allow kids to take photos with a Polaroid or film camera.

Carnival Palooza

Rent carnival tents, inflatables and games at burgessevents.com or bouncehouseatlanta.com. Set up easy games with bean bag toss, ring toss, ball drop or balloon darts. Place popcorn, pretzels and peanuts in snack bags, and for dessert, have a cotton candy machine, or hire Sweetacular Treats. Check out toys, supplies and games at carnivalsavers.com. Consider hiring a clown or balloon artist to drop by during your party hours.

Eating Out

Have your child’s party at a restaurant for easy kids’ meals and access to a playground. Call for more information at your local restaurant for party packages at: Chick-fil-A, McDonalds or Burger King. Consider booking a pavilion at your local park. You can find information on your county’s parks and recreation site. These parties will often be near a playground for more entertainment for kids. Keep it simple with a pizza and a cake catered from the grocery store.