35 Fun 70th Birthday Ideas to Mark a Magical Milestone

Searching for the best 70th birthday ideas to mark the occasion? Not sure where to start? We’ve got a list of the best possibilities, with specific sections for foodies, parents and more. After all, a 70th birthday is a significant milestone and should be celebrated accordingly. 

Whether your interests lean towards social gatherings and events or calmer activities outside in nature, there’s a suitable idea on this list for everyone. Get ready to get inspired when planning the next 70th birthday celebration in your circle. 

 Jump to Section

• 70th Birthday Ideas for Foodies
• Fun 70th Birthday Ideas
• 70th Birthday Ideas for Mom
• 70th Birthday Ideas for Dad
• Elegant 70th Birthday Ideas 

70th Birthday Ideas for Foodies

1. Take a Cooking Class 

For foodies, one of the greatest joys in life is food. One of the best 70th birthday ideas you can do for yourself or your foodie friends is to learn how to cook a new dish at one of the cooking classes near you. Guided by an expert chef, you’ll learn to cook dishes of your choice, whether they’re long-time favorites that you've always wanted to learn to create, or brand-new cuisines from around the world.

2. Learn From an Online Cooking Class 

Mark your next milestone with this great 70th birthday idea: taking an online cooking class. Doing so allows you to learn about new cuisines and elevate your cooking skills from the comfort of your own home. For those collecting ideas for 70th birthday celebrations, this is a great option since you can gain all the expertise and inspiration of an in-person class without having to leave your own kitchen.

3. Hire a Private Chef 

This next 70th birthday idea is the epitome of luxury. Hiring a private chef near you means you can sit back and enjoy an expertly prepared meal that’s catered to your tastes. Along with impressing your guests, you can relax the entire time with the knowledge that everything is being taken care of, from grocery shopping and cooking to the dreaded cleanup afterward. 

4. Explore the City With a Food Tour 

Craving the discovery of something new to liven up your life or at the very least, your restaurant rotation? See your city with a fresh point of view by taking one of the food tours near you. This 70th birthday idea is all about finding unique restaurants while connecting with fellow food connoisseurs. Consider your own preferences before booking a tour, as they can vary in terms of time and cuisine. 

5. Make Drinks at an Online Mixology Class 

Sharpen your bartending skills with this next addition to your list of potential 70th birthday ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter of drinks or starting out as a novice, upgrade your knowledge by taking an online mixology class. With the basics under your belt, you’ll be able to whip up popular drinks and add your own original twist to new creations in no time. 

6. Set up a High Tea Party 

Take the regal road by hosting a high tea. This next 70th birthday celebration idea is a great daytime activity for those who love bite-sized foods and calming teas. In addition to deciding on a theme and finding the right decorations and invitations to go with it, make sure to set aside some time for creating your dream menu. To get started, consider these sweet cranberry orange scones among other popular treats.  

7. Send Out Invites for a Restaurant Dinner 

Some ideas are simply old but gold and this is one of them. With a classic night out at a restaurant, you and your guests can enjoy delicious food in a beautifully decorated setting. Whether you enjoy vibrant, lively restaurants or those with a more refined air, there’s sure to be a perfect restaurant nearby for you. Some even offer free birthday food for the celebrant! 

Fun 70th Birthday Ideas  

8. Go On a Boat Cruise 

Ahoy there! Another great 70th birthday idea is to set sail on a boat cruise. This is a popular choice for many senior citizens and their families. Different companies, such as American Cruise Lines, offer all-inclusive plans that make it easy to book a trip. You can enjoy a ton of amenities and entertainment options amid breathtaking sights, all while satisfying your craving for adventure. If you want to up the ante even more, consider booking an international cruise. 

9. Plan a Surprise Party 

Can you keep a secret? If so, planning a surprise party could be a great 70th birthday idea. After experiencing the highs and lows of life, there’s nothing like finding a pleasant surprise gathering filled with the birthday person’s favorite things. From the theme to the food and, of course, the people, every part of this event can be curated to a person’s tastes. You can even use sites like Greetings Island to find customizable invitation templates. The opportunities are endless. 

10. Book an Adventurous Hot Air Balloon Ride 

For those who aren’t afraid of heights, booking a hot air balloon ride might be one of the best 70th birthday ideas yet. Enjoy soaring views as you join the birds in the ride of a lifetime, alongside an expert pilot to lead the way. Some companies, like Lancaster Balloon Rides in the eastern United States, even offer celebratory Champagne when you land. This 70th birthday party idea is one to keep in mind for adventurous souls. 

11. Rent an Entire Movie Theatre 

If you’ve got a cinephile in your life who’s about to turn 70, renting an entire movie theater could be a fun way to mark the occasion. This is one of the more creative 70th birthday ideas on this list since the movie being screened is up to you. Go the classic route with a favorite film or edit home videos and friendly video messages together into a heartwarming home movie. Remember to look at food and birthday cake ideas to serve afterward too. 

12. Pack Your Bags for a Destination Birthday 

Vacations sound great at any time of the year, but especially as a milestone celebration. That’s why one of the best 70th birthday ideas is to plan a destination birthday. Customize it to your liking, whether you want it to be a large family reunion or an intimate occasion. You could book a destination that holds fond memories for the celebrant or, if they’re the adventurous type, plan to explore somewhere totally new.

13. Gather the Relatives for a Family Reunion 

This next 70th birthday idea is sure to be welcomed by those with family across the country or the globe. Gather your relatives and catch up about everything that’s changed since you last talked and everything that’s still the same. Unique ideas for 70th birthday parties like this one are sure to be talked about for years to come, so be sure to check this guide to planning a family reunion and make it happen! 

14. Throw a 70s-Themed Party 

Lava lamps, flower chains and bead curtains; if these things sound groovy to you, it might be a sign to throw a 70s-themed birthday party. As far as 70th birthday ideas go, this one is perfect for those who miss their disco days. For food, you can serve delicious classics like pigs-in-a-blanket, deviled eggs and cheese fondue. Paperless Post has some great ideas on how to throw the best 70s party possible, from food to décor and more. 

70th Birthday Ideas for Mom 

15. Lay Out a Picnic 

Celebrate one of the most important women in your life with a perfectly laid-out picnic as your next 70th birthday idea. For those with spring or summer birthdays, an outdoor picnic is a great way to enjoy the weather along with some BBQ or delicate sandwiches with your loved ones.  If you’re unsure where to start, this guide from WikiHow to planning a picnic is sure to help, from customizing the menu to games, décor and more.  

16. Dress Up for Brunch

If you’re looking at culinary 70th birthday ideas, brunch is sure to be on the list, and for good reason. It’s the perfect excuse to dress up and enjoy refreshing mimosas with your mother and her favorite people. This daytime affair is one of the top 70th birthday ideas if you want to take your mom out for a delicious meal. For some brunch outfit inspiration, check out this article from Harper’s Bazaar. 

17. Gather Up a Gorgeous Bouquet of Flowers 

This next 70th birthday idea is a thoughtful way to mark your mother’s latest milestone — she’ll be overjoyed about this new centerpiece as well as the thought behind it. Go big with an impressive florist-arranged bouquet of her favorites. For a more personal touch, discover how to make a bouquet with WikiHow.

18. Work on a Slideshow of Photos 

Commemorate your mother’s 70th birthday with a collection of photos in slideshow format that the entire family can enjoy, looking back on all the special moments in her life. To get started, you can enlist the help of your family members to find the most relevant clips to use, then put them together with video editing software like FlexClip. 70th birthday ideas like this one are sure to invoke a heartwarming nostalgia for the past. 

19. Curate a Wine Tasting 

Wine, anyone? If your mother is a wine connoisseur of any degree, she’s sure to appreciate this next 70th birthday idea. Craft a personalized wine tasting for her and some friends or family with a collection of favorites or new contenders. You can also enlist the advice of a sommelier by booking a private wine tasting. This is only one of many great birthday party themes for ladies. 

20. Explore Options for a Weekend Getaway 

If a big trip isn’t in the budget, you can always plan a weekend getaway or staycation for your mother. The best 70th birthday ideas for women don’t have to be extravagant in order to be memorable, but they should still cater to the interests of the person being celebrated. You can also explore getaways that focus on other activities your mother is interested in. NPR has an article on all the details to cover for the perfect weekend trip. 

21. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

A spa day is always a good call, especially if you’re looking for relaxing, low-key 70th birthday ideas that your mother can enjoy. Explore different local options with the Spas of America website. The day can easily be customized with treatments like massages, manicures, pedicures and more, all to make sure your mother feels pampered. There are even longer retreat-style options if she’s interested. Celebrating a milestone birthday has never felt so serene. 

70th Birthday Ideas for Dad 

22. Head Out to the Countryside 

For many dads, there’s nothing like taking a break from the city and heading out to the countryside for some much-needed time in nature. That’s why this next 70th birthday idea is all about giving your dad the opportunity to spend time with his loved ones in the great outdoors. There are plenty of gifts for men that you can pair with the trip, from a fire-starting kit to a multi-tool, perfect for helping them make the most of their time in nature.

23. Bring Everyone Together on a Fishing Trip 

Fishing is a versatile activity. It can be part of a larger weekend or, in this case, it can be the main focus of a daytrip. Bring everyone together on a fishing trip as your next 70th birthday idea, especially if you want to create memories that everyone in the family can look back on. If you’re a beginner or need a refresher, Take Me Fishing has a great set of tips on how to successfully bring home a fresh catch.

24. Get Active With a Game of Lawn Bowling 

Is your dad more of an old-school guy? For those who love traditional activities, 70th birthday ideas like lawn bowling are sure to be a hit. Enjoy an afternoon spent outside with loved ones, but be warned: this fun-spirited game can get surprisingly competitive. If you’ve never played before or need a refresher, TutorialsPoint has detailed instructions on how to get started. It’s a great option to add to your list of 70th birthday ideas for men. 

25. Fly High With a Helicopter Tour 

Similar to the hot air balloon rides we mentioned above, you can also book a helicopter tour for your dad’s upcoming milestone celebration. It’s the perfect 70th birthday party idea for dads who love adrenaline-fueled activities, one that’s sure to provide an unforgettable experience. For inspiration, check out this list by Viator; it ranks the top helicopter tours offered in the USA today.  

26. Invite Friends to a Gold Party 

To celebrate 70 golden years, there’s nothing more appropriate than throwing a gold-themed party. Give your friends and family a celebration to remember, with gold decorations, sophisticated food and even speeches, if you’re so inclined. 70th birthday ideas like this one will take more time to prepare, so make sure you start your planning early. 

27. Play at the Arcade 

Is your dad still a kid at heart? Give him the gift of his dreams: a daytime session at the arcade. This can be a nostalgic throwback for him, especially with games like Pacman or race car simulators. This is a great 70th birthday idea that you can plan with ease, since all it takes is some research on the latest retro arcades and arcade bars in your area, leaving you free to get creative with an arcade-themed cake!

28. Dress To Impress With a Fun Costume Party 

Plan your own costume party as the next possible 70th birthday idea for your dad. If he’s a fan of the theater, Halloween or both, it’s sure to be a hit. You can choose a generic theme or something more specific, like a movie or a murder mystery. Niche 70th birthday ideas for men like this one are a great way to celebrate your dad in all his uniqueness. 

Elegant 70th Birthday Ideas 

29. Capture the Day With a Family Photo Session 

Another great option when it comes to 70th birthday ideas is to plan a family photo session with your extended family. This can be as formal or informal as you’d like. With that said, the chaos of gathering everyone together can be stressful, but rest assured that the results will be worth it. If there’s a budding photographer in the family, send them this list of tips for shooting extended family portraits by Rangefinder Magazine and then set them free. 

30. Plan an Extravagant Cocktail Party 

A significant birthday like this one deserves an elegant celebration to match. If you’re thinking about 70th birthday ideas that leave a positive impression, planning a cocktail party is a great one to decide on. Along with the usual party-planning details to confirm like decorations and food, this is a chance to craft some exquisite, creative cocktails for your guests. For ideas and tips, Social Tables has a blog on all things related to cocktail parties. 

31. Host a Fun Dinner Party 

Grab your planning tools and get ready to host the most memorable dinner party yet. With 70th birthday ideas like this one, it’s easy to make sure that every detail suits the person you’re celebrating. Serve a menu of favorite foods, drinks and desserts, and then play fun games as late into the evening as you wish. For menu inspiration, consider these delicious dinner party ideas. If it’s planned right, the evening will fly by in no time. 

32. Decorate the House for a Retro-Themed Party 

This next 70th birthday celebration idea allows you to go as big as you want, all according to your own tastes. This is a more generic theme that you can use to show off your collection of retro ephemera. 70th birthday ideas like this one are great for more relaxed gatherings. For invitation inspiration and more, Greenvelope has a curated list specifically for retro parties. 

33. Peruse Artwork at the Gallery 

If you’d rather celebrate in a more introspective way, strolling through a gallery could be your best bet as a 70th birthday idea. You could even transform this idea into a trip by going to a famous gallery like the MoMA. Bring your partner or group of loved ones, or enjoy a solo trip to enjoy the best that the art world has to offer. 

34. Enjoy a Private Concert 

Have an experienced music lover in your life? Give them the special treat of a private concert to enjoy, right in the comfort of their own home. It could also be in another special setting, like a restaurant or other place that holds significance. This is a great option if you’re looking at ideas for 70th birthday celebrations that can be personalized according to music taste. Check out Candlelight Concerts and other production companies to learn more. 

35. Create a Timeless Playlist 

This versatile idea is all about capturing the songs that you or your loved ones have enjoyed the most over the years. Personalized 70th birthday ideas like this one are great for sentimental folks.

Since music can reach areas of the brain that are connected to emotion and memory, an entire playlist is sure to capture sentimental value over the years. Use music services like Spotify to create, save and share your playlist, then enjoy dancing to your favorite melodies of yesteryear.

There’s no shortage of 70th birthday ideas that you can try. You can even combine different aspects that stand out to you from various ideas to create your own unique celebration. 

This milestone birthday deserves the utmost attention since, for many, it marks a new decade full of new reflections and joyous discoveries. Whether the person you're celebrating has already retired or is heading there soon, this is a wonderful day to mark the continued passage of time. 

For even more ways to celebrate your birthday, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.