What are some of your favorite birthday traditions? Around this time last year we started a new birthday tradition for the girls that I am just totally.in.love.with! When my girls were younger I tried to be the Pinterest perfect birthday party mom. I had fun with it, too. Spending hours pinning cute ideas for cute themes was enjoyable at the time (check out Twinkle Twinkle Litter Star and A Frozen Birthday) .
Over time though, birthday parties began to be more than just Pinterest Perfect. They involved petting zoos, blow up bouncy houses, renting out whole stores, and on and on. With three small kids I just couldn’t keep up! Yup I said it, I couldn’t keep up with the Jones’s anymore and I didn’t want to either.
Last year we decided to throw in a new option for the girls! We could spend money throwing a birthday party each year or we could travel! Their choice!
New Birthday Traditions
Since the announcement of this new tradition the girls have chosen adventure for every birthday so far. In fact, they are typically planning their next birthday adventure as we are driving home from the current birthday adventure.
Today, I wanted to recap our adventures so far in case you are looking for some fun away from home (for any weekend not just a birthday). Next week, I plan to share the twins’ more recent adventure for their 4th birthday and all the fun that we jam-packed into two and a half days.
Ocean City, Maryland
For the twins’ third birthday and the very first birthday adventure weekend, we chose to explore Ocean City, Maryland. We stayed at the Francis Scott Key Family Resort.
This resort is super affordable during the off-season and not crowded. The indoor pool was a great way to let the kids swim, play, and get all their energy out even though it was freezing outside.
In the morning, we visited Assateague Island and were able to see some of the famous wild ponies. We also ventured down to the boardwalk and spent a few hours playing in the sand. The afternoons and evenings were spent splashing in the pool.
If you pack food and eat cheap, this fun weekend can truly be accomplished on even a tight budget.
Delaware Water Gap
Fast forward to November of last year and Miss B’s 5th birthday! She requested cabin camping and hiking in the mountains. This was a little farther from home but totally worth it. We spent two glorious nights camping in freezing temps in a cozy cabin at Delaware Water Gap KOA.
During the day, we hiked! We hiked and we hiked and we hiked! Our entire family the dog included had a lovely time choosing different trails, scoping out the area, and hiking. We hiked a total of 9 miles that weekend, which with three small kids is a pretty great accomplishment.
There are a ton of trails both in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in this area for you to hike including a Glacier Lake, Bushkill Waterfalls, and more.
Glamping in a heated cabin can be expensive, but during the off-season it’s not too bad at all. By shopping a head of time, packing food to prepare at the campground, and bringing plenty of snacks you can save a lot of money. This also can be a very affordable trip!
Coming Soon
Check back next week for the twin’s fourth birthday adventure!
And now, I would love to know, what are your favorite birthday adventures!
Until next time,
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