Coronavirus: Birthday parties go online during global pandemic

Parents rejoice! You no longer have to dish up the unsavoury news that your child’s birthday party is cancelled. Thanks to one of Australia’s greatest purveyors of fun, there’s a new and free way to get the party started and follow COVID-19 rules.

Parents of April and May babies rejoice!

You no longer have to dish up the wholly unsavoury news that your child’s upcoming birthday party is cancelled.

The coronavirus and resulting social distancing rules have spoiled plenty of plans but your child’s birthday party no longer has to be one after an announcement made today by Funlab, the company behind Strike, Sky Zone and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq.

From April 15, they will be offering free, virtual, hosted children’s parties.

The 30 minute virtual parties will be hosted on the online platform Zoom and can include up to eight people.

For children aged five to eight years old, the session will include drawing, dance offs and classic party games like musical statues.

For those aged eight to 11, there’s a self portrait class, some dancing, then the chance to learn one of the latest Tik Tok routines.

All virtual parties are topped off with a “virtual cake cutting”.

Funlab CEO Michael Schreiber said the new party packages were a result of the many cancellations in light of closures mandated since the COVID-19 outbreak across Australia.

“Sadly we know so many kids won’t get to have their party at our venues right now so we want to make sure they at least get to have some fun with their friends online,” Mr Schreiber said.

“At a time like this we all need to stick together and use our talents and resources for good so that is why we are trying our hand in the online party world and doing it all for free.

“At the end of the party our host will also arrange a free visit for the birthday child when our doors reopen so they get to celebrate again but in real life this time.”

Book a virtual party via any of these links: Strike, Sky Zone, Archie Brothers