Kids, food, gifts, toys, games, cake & exercise! Who doesn’t love birthday parties? Birthdays can be a lot of fun, and yes, exercise too. Our 3 year old daughter, Malaya, has been fortunate enough to have been invited to several birthday parties over the past year and most recently attended one that was hosted at a community centre gymnasium. Games were led by an activity leader staffed by the centre and the kids had a lot of fun.

I thought it was also a great way to promote physical activity for the kids. The structured environment gave the kids an opportunity to practice listening to and following instructions given by the activity leader while playing cooperatively with the other kids. The gym provided plenty of room to run around and expend the kind of energy that only little kids seem to have.

Malaya and all the other kids certainly got their share of exercise that day.

A Happy Birthday shout out to Kaiya who turned 5 years old this year and to her parents for putting on a great party for the kids (and adults too).

Malaya and Kaiya celebrating Kaiya's 5th Birthday!

Here are some photos from some other fun and exercise infused birthday parties we’ve attended this past year.

Kaitlyn's 3rd Birthday at the Gymnastics Gym

The colourful parachute is fun for any occasion.

Brea's 3rd Birthday at the Community Centre Multi-Purpose Room

Dawn's 30th Birthday at iDance Studios

Have you been to or hosted a party that required you and your guests to be active? Post your experiences or ideas in the comments. Malaya’s birthday is only 6 months away!