Boston Birthday Ideas

• Spend your birthday on Boston's waterfront. Steve Lewis/Stockbyte/Getty Images

  Charming, busy and inviting in size, the city of Boston offers many possibilities for celebrating your special day. With its harbor, thriving arts scene, lively athletic events and exceptional cuisine, the city itself is brimming with birthday options ranging from a once-in-a-lifetime Duck Tour to a candlelit dinner in the North End.

Dinner or Drinks at the Top of the Hub

• See what the city looks like from 52 floors up. prudential building image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com

  With unparalleled views of the city, this restaurant and bar perched on the Prudential Center's 52nd floor is an unforgettable dining or drinking experience. Whether you simply want to take in the vista with a birthday cocktail toast in the lounge before heading somewhere else, or wish to stay for a delicious dinner, this elegant restaurant and bar is a perfect indulgence. Live jazz bands play during select hours in the lounge, and the restaurant is able to accommodate birthday gatherings with a cake if you order it ahead of time. Reservations are recommended, particularly for a special event.

Dinner in the North End

• Indulge in the local Italian cuisine. italian image by John Keith from Fotolia.com

  Tucked in narrow winding streets in the north part of the city is one of Boston's most famous areas, renowned for its Italian cuisine. There are so many charming and intimate restaurants in this neighborhood that it can be difficult to choose one. Browse the restaurant reviews before making your birthday dinner reservation at one of the lovely trattorias or ristorantes. If you do not order cake or tiramisu with candles at the restaurant itself, Mike's Pastry on Hanover Street is famous for its cannoli and other pastries, and is worth saving some room for.

Duck Tours

• See Boston like a duck, on land and water. male mallard duck image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com

  For a daytime birthday outing and one that is adventuresome and educational, Boston's famous Duck Tours show you the city in an unconventional and entertaining way. The Duck Tour vehicles are designed to go on both land and water, and host both 55- and 80-minute tours, covering many of the cities greatest attractions. Group reservations are also available if you want to bring your favorite people on board with you to celebrate.

Skating on the Frog Pond at Boston Common

• Celebrate as you skate across the ice. ice skaters image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com

  Skating on the Common's lovely Frog Pond is a unique, though seasonal, day or evening option for a birthday celebration in Beantown. For adults, skating is available in the winter during select day and nighttime hours, while birthday packages for children include reserved ice time and skating instruction. Located centrally in the beautiful Common, the pond is within walking distance to Charles Street, the Theater District and the State House. A fun way to spend time with friends and loved ones on your birthday, skating on the Frog Pond allows you to have an athletic, outdoor celebration while nestled in the heart of Boston's downtown.