Whether you’re planning your own celebration or one for a friend, these 30th birthday ideas are guaranteed to make the occasion truly special.
We can all agree that your 20s can be tough, right? But congrats, you made it through!
Happy 30th Birthday!
It’s time to celebrate a new decade and look forward to all that’s to come in your 30s and beyond.
There are endless amazing ways to celebrate a milestone birthday.
From thrill-packed adventures to unique local experiences, we’ve put together this list of our favorite 30th birthday ideas that are sure to make the milestone truly special.
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30TH BIRTHDAY IDEAS
1) Plan a Dream Trip
Have you always dreamt of eating pasta in Italy? Life is too short to wait! Turning 30 is the perfect opportunity to plan that dream trip.
2) Write Your Bucket List
Writing out your bucket list is a great way to ensure your next 30 years are lived to the absolute fullest.
3) Host a Themed Dinner Party
Hosting a themed dinner party is a great way to celebrate a new decade while getting together with close friends and family. Pick a theme and have everyone bring a dish, or hire a private chef for an extra special event.
4) Rent Out A Brewery
Rent out a local brewery and invite your friends for a low-key celebration with your favorite people. Interested in a brewery tour? Many breweries also offer behind-the-scenes tours of their facilities.
5) Visit the Spa
There is nothing more rejuvenating than a luxurious spa day where your biggest worry is choosing between lemon or cucumber-infused water.
6) Local Bar Crawl
Have a favorite bar (or two) in your local area? Round up your best buds and plan out a local bar crawl to kick off your birthday weekend in style.
7) Get Tickets to a Concert
Your 30th birthday is a great time to splurge on concert tickets to see your favorite artist play live! Go all out with a fun outfit for the big day.
8) Get a Psychic Reading
Wondering what your 30s and beyond have in store? Seeing a psychic by yourself or with your best friends would be such a fun way to celebrate a milestone birthday. Whether you believe in them or not, you’ll have a ton of fun chatting about the psychic’s visions afterward!
9) Trivia Night
Find a local bar that hosts trivia or invite guests over for an at-home trivia party. You could even make it a slumber party and set a pajamas-only dress code!
Here are a few of our favorite at-home trivia games:
10) Set New Goals
Studies show that physically writing down goals greatly increases your chances of achieving them, so grab a pen and paper and get to brainstorming!
Think about what you want your life to look like 1, 5, or 10 years from now, and work backward to set S.M.A.R.T. goals to get there.
11) Go to a Comedy Show
Let loose on your 30th birthday and grab tickets to a comedy show. It’s the perfect way to ring in your 30s laughing and having fun with your best friends.
12) Ski Trip
Go for a day, or rent a house for an extended stay, all that matters is that you enjoy hitting the slopes with friends and family by your side.
13) Take a Pottery Class
You’re never too old for a bit of arts and crafts!
14) Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Spend an afternoon volunteering your time with some furry friends. The shelter will be grateful for your time and you’ll get to hang out with adorable animals all day – win, win!
15) Go Rock Climbing
Rock climbing gyms have been popping up all over. If you’ve been wanting to try it out – now’s the perfect chance.
16) Take a Dance Class
Is the dance floor your favorite place to be at weddings and events? If so, you’d probably love to take a dance class on your birthday! Search for local studios that offer adult classes and convince a friend or family member to join you.
17) Run a Marathon
Looking for 30th birthday ideas that push your limits? How about signing up for a marathon, triathlon, or other physical challenge? Most people are scared to try something new, but getting out of your comfort zone will leave you feeling motivated, accomplished, and inspired in this new phase of life.
18) Enjoy Dinner at your Favorite Restaurant
Enjoying a meal at your favorite restaurant is the perfect way to celebrate your 30th birthday. You could even rent out a private room for the occasion.
19) Go on a Roadtrip
Skip the plane ticket and pack up the car. There are so many cool places to be discovered within driving distance!
20) Rent a Pontoon Boat
Pontoons make the perfect party boats. Plus, there’s nothing like an afternoon on the lake.
21) Go Deep Sea Fishing
If you prefer a bit more excitement on your boating excursions, head out for a deep sea fishing adventure.
22) Visit a Vineyard/Wine Tasting
Life is too short to drink bad wine. Your 30th birthday is no exception.
23) Find a Local Food Truck Festival
Look online for any food truck festivals coming to your area. They’re a blast and usually have extras like beer and live music.
24) Take a Yoga Class
Yogi or not, no one ever regrets a great yoga class!
25) Host a Game Night
Invite your friends, stock up on snacks, and get ready to host the ultimate game night! There’s nothing quite like the joy of getting together with your favorite people and enjoying some classic board games.
26) Go Skydiving
Thrill seekers – this one’s for you!
27) NASCAR Racing Experience
Ever wanted to drive a real NASCAR Race Car? Now’s your chance! This unique experience is perfect for adrenaline junkies.
28) Get a Tattoo
There’s no more permanent way to remember your 30th birthday than with a tattoo.
29) Rent a Unique Airbnb
Use the “OMG!” filter within the app to find a super unique stay. Treehouse, anyone?
30) Take Surfing Lessons
Have you always wanted to go surfing? Your 30th birthday might just be the perfect time to learn.
31) Relax at a Nordic Spa
Nordic spas differ from regular spas in that they are less focused on treatments and more on the facilities. I highly recommend checking them out for a unique experience!
32) Stay at a 5-Star Resort
Book a night or two at a sought-after 5-star resort and indulge in the extravagant experience. Order room service in your robe or relax in the resort’s luxurious hot tub while you’re there.
33) Rent a Lake House
Searching for some 30th birthday ideas that are great for groups? Renting a lake house is the perfect opportunity to get a big group together to celebrate. Throw a party or keep it low key, either way you’ll have a blast.
34) Rent an RV
If a roadtrip sounds fun but you want a little extra room, renting an RV would be a perfect idea! Cruise America offers a variety of sizes and styles.
35) Stay at a Bed and Breakfast
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled adventure with friends, a stay at a bed and breakfast is the perfect way to celebrate a milestone birthday.
36) Throw a Themed Party
Did you love the movie 13 Going on 30 growing up? Or are you ready to ring in your 30s with a dirty thirty-themed party? Pick a 30th birthday theme, put together your guest list, and have a blast!
37) Write a Letter to your Future Self
The years ahead will go by fast. Write a letter to your future self to read to 5, 10, or 20 years.
38) Movie Marathon
Calling all movie buffs. Hosting a movie marathon of your favorite series would be a great way to ring in your 30s. Grab the popcorn (and wine!) and get cozy for a night of movie-watching bliss.
39) Reread a Favorite Book
Is there a book you read years ago that you remember or think about often? Pull it off the bookshelf and give it another read. You’ll feel all sorts of nostalgia as you enter a new decade.
40) Buy Yourself a Special Gift
Only you know what you really want for your birthday. So why not treat yourself? Your birthday is a great time to splurge on that special gift you’ve been eyeing. Whether it’s a luxury bag or a fancy watch- if it’s what you really want, go for it!
41) Get Tickets to a Game
Are you a huge sports fan? Your 30th birthday is the perfect time to splurge on great tickets.
42) Mixology Class
Search around your local area for anywhere that offers a mixology class or opt for a virtual event. You might just come out of it with a new favorite drink!
43) Be a Tourist in Your Own City
Exploring your own backyard can be just as fun as traveling to an exotic location.
44) Start a New Hobby
Turning 30 is amazing, but it can also be a difficult transition. Starting a new hobby, like learning a new language or playing an instrument, can be a fun challenge and a great escape from the daily grind.
45) Go Snowmobiling
Have a winter birthday and love adventure? Sign up to go snowmobiling with your closest pals for a fun-filled outdoor 30th birthday you won’t soon forget.
46) Visit a National Park
Explore the stunning natural landscapes and experience the beauty of nature at any of the amazing national parks.
47) Local Food Tour
If your idea of a fun night out involves great food and good company, look into a local food tour.
48) Go on a Cruise
From exotic locations to nonstop entertainment, a cruise is a great way to pack in a whole lot of celebration!
49) Play a Round of Golf
Invite your friends and grab a tee time. A few hours on the course is a great way to celebrate your 30th birthday.
50) Glass Blowing Class
Looking for a unique 30th birthday idea? If you can find a glass-blowing class nearby, you’re in for a truly memorable experience. And you’ll go home with an awesome keepsake!
30 Birthday Ideas: 5 Important Tips
1) Do Whatever Makes You Happy
It’s your day, so remember to put your wants and desires first. If your friends want to throw an extravagant dinner party, but you’d rather relax at the spa, definitely let them know! True friends will absolutely understand and should be excited for you to celebrate however you choose.
2) Plan Early
Lots of activities require reservations, tickets, or advance notice, and you don’t want to be disappointed if you can’t get tickets to that awesome concert because you waited too long. Plus, if you’re inviting friends and family, you want to give them plenty of notice so they can block off their calendars!
3) Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Whether you’re planning a 30th birthday celebration for yourself or a friend, definitely ask for help if you start feeling overwhelmed. People love to celebrate birthdays, and I’m sure your closest friends and family would be thrilled to help out! Just make sure you’re specific in what you’re looking for help with.
4) Be Present
You only turn 30 once – so don’t forget to soak it all in! Put your phone away and really enjoy whatever it is you choose to do. You don’t want to look back in 5 years and be disappointed you spent all night posing for the perfect Instagram photo and missing out on the real experience.
5) Designate Someone to Take Photos/Videos
You want to be present in the moment, but you still want to have photos from the occasion! Ask a friend to take photos and videos throughout the celebration so you don’t feel pressure to capture every moment yourself.
But wait, there’s more! Check out more of our 30th birthday posts:
- 35 Trendiest 30th Birthday Themes
- 45 Best 30th Birthday Gifts For Him
- 35 Perfect 30th Birthday Gift Ideas for Son
- 38 Totally Genius 30th Birthday Gift Ideas for Husband
- 37 Most Thoughtful 30th Birthday Gift Ideas for Wife
