Fredericksburg Parent

22 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • May 2019 "It's more than a party. It's about having family time and family fun." WRITTEN BY BRANDY CENTOLANZA 5 Fun, Non-Traditional When it comes to children and birthdays, celebrations these days seem to amount to more than just balloons and a slice of birthday cake. Whether your child is into arts and crafts, fitness and sports, action and adventure, or nature and the great outdoors, you'll find a party theme to make your child's special day a memorable one. Here are some ideas for planning a fun birthday party for your children and their family and friends. DOWN ON THE FARM Does your child love animals, nature and being outside? Petting zoos and reptile shows are popular with little ones, or consider throwing a birthday party on a real farm. Braehead Farm has two differ- ent party barns available for rent overlooking the farm's Family Playgrounds for the young—and the young-at-heart—to enjoy. The playground space includes a hay barn, corn pit, farm animals, sand piles, slides and other play equipment and a picnic area. "Children can safely run and play in wide open space and visit with the animals to experience whole- some fun outdoors on a farm," shares Roxanna Snead with Braehead Farm. "Families can also enjoy anything else the farm has to offer such as the market, dairy fresh ice cream, or some time picking in the fields." Throughout the year, the farm offers various vegetables, flowers and fruits to pick, as well. "It is so much fun and educa- tional for children. It's more than a party. It's about having family time and family fun," says Snead. Your Kids & Their Friends Will Love BIRTHDAY PARTIES

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