Not every child loves to have a loud and adventurous birthday party, with their entire class or lots of friends and family. Sometimes parents want to spoil their children on the big day, and really go all out. But for shy or introverted kids, a big boisterous party can be an absolute nightmare. It may actually ruin their day.

That doesn't mean that parents still can't plan something special. It just needs to be a little more low-key. More times than not, parents already know this about their child, but don't know what else to do than throw a party. So, for the quiet child on their birthday, here are some tips and ideas that might work out for them.

Related:What You Need To Know About Parenting A Shy Child

10 Have A Small Party At Home

kids blowing out birthday cake candles
Via Unsplash: NathanDumlao

That sounds so simple to some, but according to Zero To Three, a child's behavior can vary in different situations. A toddler may be quiet at a friend's birthday party but is chatty as can be with their grandparents, whom they know. Children who are slow to warm up are often very happy playing by themselves and just hanging out with their parents at home.

Celebrating with a few relatives or a small group of friends can be very enjoyable for a quiet child. There could be a game and a small meal or snacks. A few decorations and a birthday cake can be just as special as a big gathering.

9 Have A Small Party At A Familiar Park

Children's birthday party outside

Having a party at a park the child is familiar with will make them more comfortable. They could invite 2-3 friends and play for a few hours. Similar to a play date, only after they could have birthday cake at a picnic table together.

8 Painting Party

kids painting
Credit: Crello

There are certain businesses that will do a painting party for your child and a few friends, or parents can be really brave and have a painting party at their home. Depending on the age of the child, that could get really messy, which is why it's nice to have options. This is a calm activity that may help the child feel at ease.

The Sage Neuroscience Center says art therapy has been used as a positive stress reliever for years. Drawing, painting, and other forms of creativity can be used as calming techniques for most children who try them. Also, it's fun! The children will make their own party favor, and have a great memory to go with it.

7 Bowling Party

happy candles
via Party Planners

A bowling party can be a really fun small get-together for introverted children. It's nice because everyone has their space and [hopefully] stays in their lane. Having a few friends, siblings, or other family members tag along to make a team will keep it quiet in that space. Most bowling alleys have pizza or other foods kids enjoy, and then bring along a birthday cake too.

6 A Family Day Trip

siblings in car

Changing up the scenery for the day and making a family trip out of it can make your child feel special. Let the child choose the destination, within reason, so they feel a part of it and get excited. It might just be a town over, or to the beach, but your child gets to plan it, and it will make them feel important on their birthday.

Timothy L. Verduin, Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, says, when parents spend time following their child's lead or allowing them to choose, not only improves their behavior, it also strengthens the relationship between parents and kids.

5 Go To The Movies

popcorn

If there is a family-friendly movie option (which is usually not hard to find) head to the theater. The movie itself is loud, but your child doesn't have to do a lot of interaction with others, so it might be the perfect fit. If they invite a friend or two and get to have popcorn and/or candy, it's certain to be a big hit.

4 Go To A Hotel For A Night

child in hotel room

This can be great fun for kids whether it's their birthday or not. Kids love staying in hotels. Big comfortable beds, a new place, a swimming pool. There are all sorts of fun to be had. Parents may or may not want to have them bring a friend along, but it could be fun for them to have a swimming buddy. Then they can chill out on a big bed and watch TV. Everything just seems better at a hotel it seems.

3 Special Breakfast And/Or Dinner Party

pexels-cottonbro-4686960

This doesn't need to be anyone but the immediate family. Knowing what the child likes for breakfast and having it ready with balloons and presents is a great way for them to wake up on the big day. It starts the day off with excitement. Maybe dinner is more their style, this could be their favorite dinner at home, or taking them out to their favorite restaurant. It's a small intimate party with those they love most, and it's certain to be enjoyable.

2 Party At The Zoo

llama with birthday hat

Bringing along a friend to the zoo can be a special day of fun. Looking at all the animals and being in the fresh air helps to distract attention from being all on the birthday child, who doesn't care for attention too much. There is so much to do, and no clean up required.

1 Head To A Children's Museum

two boys with birthday hats

Children's museums can be hours of fun. There are plenty of hands-on activities, and learning fun to be had. What makes this a great option is that it's still a museum, so it's not too loud. Again, it's up to the child if they want to bring a friend or two with them, but this makes a great family activity to celebrate their birth with as well.

Sources: Zero To Three, The Sage Neuroscience Center, Timothy L. Verduin, PhD