39 Fabulous 40th Birthday Ideas for 2024

Is your big 4-0 coming up and you’re looking for exciting ways to celebrate this special occasion? 

This type of milestone birthday deserves a great celebration. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of 39 fabulous 40th birthday ideas so that you can choose your favourite and start your planning right away. Enjoy!

Outdoor and Adventurous 40th Birthday Ideas 

Turning 40 is a significant milestone, and what better way to celebrate than by adding some spice to the occasion with an exciting and active adventure? If you aren’t afraid of trying new things, you’ll fall in love with these active birthday ideas that vary from adrenaline-pumping activities to serene outdoor escapes! 

Warning: you may actually not know which one to choose! 

1. Plan a Day of Adventure Sports

Gather your friends and take them rock climbing or zip-lining! Apart from having a blast and enjoying the magnificent views, you’ll have plenty of time to catch up and simply enjoy each other’s company. 

Are you more into water sports? Not a problem! You can go scuba diving or kayaking!

Whatever you choose, make sure that you do some research and prepare yourself to avoid any sudden setbacks. If the sport you choose is something you haven’t done before, we highly recommend hiring a professional to lead the activity and keep you and your friends safe.

2. Organise a Game Championship 

Is playing FPS games your favourite leisure activity? Then how about experiencing the adrenaline thrill of playing laser tag or paintball with your friends?

Paintball and laser tag are fantastic ways to unload all of the emotions you might be carrying as a result of turning 40. And as a bonus, you’ll have a chance to spend some quality time with your family and friends! 

3. Plan a Camping Trip 

A camping trip can be a great way to unwind, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and simply connect with nature. Plus, it offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, whether it’s hiking or fishing! 

To make your camping trip extra special, consider booking a site with breathtaking views, splurging on a luxury glamping experience, or packing some extra-special snacks and drinks to enjoy around the campfire. No matter how you choose to celebrate, a camping trip is sure to be a memorable way to celebrate your 40th!

4. Have a Beach Party 

Whether you opt for a low-key gathering or a full-blown bash, a beach party is a perfect way to soak up some sun, sand, and ocean breezes while enjoying the company of your loved ones. 

Find a lovely spot on the beach and plan some beach games such as volleyball, Frisbee or a treasure hunt. Or simply relax in the sun with some good music, snacks, and drinks if that’s what you prefer! 

A beach party is sure to create some unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish for years to come!

5. Plan a City Break

A city break can offer endless opportunities for sightseeing, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, no matter if you explore a new place or revisit an old favourite.  

But because it’s your big 4-0, we do recommend choosing a city that offers a mix of activities:  from exploring museums and galleries and enjoying the nightlife scene to simply strolling through picturesque neighbourhoods. 

To make your city break extra special and memorable, consider splurging on a luxurious hotel or unique accommodation, booking a private city tour, or making dinner reservations at top-rated restaurants. 

6. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Feel like soaring high above the treetops and taking in panoramic views of the landscape below? A hot air balloon ride offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will create unforgettable memories. 

Whether you choose to take a sunrise or sunset ride, a hot air balloon ride provides a peaceful and serene way to celebrate your special day. Consider booking a ride over a scenic area, like a national park or picturesque countryside, to make your experience even more magical. For example, how about experiencing the lunar landscape of Cappadocia in Turkey?  

Just don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning views from above (be careful not to drop it!) to preserve this memory for a lifetime!

7. Go to a Game

Are you a sports fan? Then why not book tickets to your favourite game? It’s a fantastic way to spend your 40th birthday, especially if you invite your friends to go with you! Grab some friends and make a day of it, have a tailgate party before the game or hit up nearby bars and restaurants after.

Whether it’s your beloved professional team or a local college game, attending a live sports event is a thrilling way to celebrate. To add some festivity to it, you can get dressed in your team’s colours, grab some snacks and drinks, and soak up the atmosphere of the stadium or arena.

Consider splurging on premium seats or VIP access to make your experience even more special.

8. Visit Haunted Houses in Your Area

If you are a fan of all things spooky and supernatural, this one’s just for you! Exploring the dark and eerie corners of these places can be an exciting and thrilling way to mark your day. So if you love chills running down your spine, pay a visit to some local haunted houses to see if the ghosts are real! 

Gather some brave friends and family members to join you and make a day or weekend out of it. Don’t forget to bring along some ghost-hunting gear, like EMF detectors and night-vision cameras, to capture any paranormal activity! 

You’ll transform into expert ghost hunters, just like Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej in the iconic Buzzfeed Unsolved: Supernatural series!

Simply Fun 40th Birthday Ideas

We know that not everyone wants an extravagant or adventurous party. That’s why we’ve gathered some less adventurous (but still fun!) ideas for your 40th birthday so you can celebrate  in style.

If fun and laid-back perfectly describe your personality, then hosting a game night can be the perfect way to celebrate your milestone birthday. 

Board games, card games, and party games are all great options for spending quality time with the people you cherish the most. 

Serve up some snacks and drinks to keep everyone fueled up, and let the games begin! To add a personal touch to the celebration, consider creating a custom game board or incorporating some of your favourite childhood games. This could be a great way to reminisce about old times while making new memories.

10. Hire a Party Bus

A party bus is a fun and festive way to travel to a restaurant or club or simply cruise around town with your friends and family. Most party buses come equipped with music, lighting, and even a dance floor, making it the perfect venue to let loose and have a good time. You could even make a playlist of your favourite songs to play during the ride. 

And if you want to make the setting more festive, you can decorate the party bus with balloons and streamers.

On Tagvenue, you can find the best party bus hire in your area! 

11. Have a Karaoke Party

Do you love singing your heart out under the shower or in the car? Then hosting a karaoke party might be the perfect way to celebrate stepping into your forties! 

You can hire a karaoke machine and host a house party or head out with your friends to a karaoke bar dressed up as pop stars. Whatever you choose, you’ll definitely have a blast!

12. Plan a Trip to a Winery or Brewery 

If you’re a wine or beer enthusiast, planning a trip to a winery or brewery is a marvellous way to add some flavour to your 40th birthday! 

Take a tour of the facilities, learn about the brewing or winemaking process, and enjoy a tasting experience.. Many wineries and breweries offer guided events, where you can sample different wines or beers alongside delicious dishes. You can have fun and learn new things in one go! 

If you really want to make it a memorable experience, you can book a private tasting or tour for yourself and your closest friends and family.

13. Have a Dance Party 

If you know what Anna Pavlova, Patrick Swayze and Michael Jackson have in common (Psst! They were all dancers!), and if you love moving your body to the rhythm of music, then consider hosting a dance party for your 40th birthday! 

Hire a dance studio or a club, create a fun playlist with all the best dancing bops and get everyone out on the dance floor. Just don’t forget to serve up some delicious snacks and drinks to make sure everyone has a good time!

14. Go Mini-Golfing

Mini-golfing is a great way to enjoy some friendly competition, beautiful scenery, and fresh air while having a few laughs along the way. Choose a fun and quirky mini golf course with challenging obstacles and interesting themes. You could even turn it into a tournament with prizes for the winners.

15. Have a Potluck Dinner 

Who said that potluck dinners can’t be exciting? With a bit of planning, you can host a fantastic and memorable dinner that celebrates your milestone birthday. Plus, gathering your favourite people at one table to eat delicious food and talk will definitely make your day special! 

Get creative with a potluck theme and enjoy a variety of mouth-watering food!

16. Host a Tea Party

Want to enjoy a sophisticated and elegant celebration? Then hosting a tea party can do the trick.

Choose a lovely venue (such as a garden, cafe or rooftop), and decorate with some floral centrepieces, lace tablecloths and floral centrepieces. You can also hang fairy lights to create a refined and charming atmosphere.  

When it comes to food and drinks, serve a variety of teas, both hot and iced, along with dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of desserts. 

You could even ask your guests to wear their fanciest hats, gloves and beautiful Regency attire so you can feel like the famous Bridgerton family!

17. Go to a Silent Disco 

Silent discos are all the rage, and we’re not surprised! Unlike traditional dance parties, everyone wears wireless headphones that allow them to tune into the same music and dance together.

It’s a surreal and exhilarating experience to see a room full of people dancing and singing along to the music while hearing nothing but silence! Whether you choose to host it at your house or go to a club, a silent disco is a fun and unconventional way to celebrate a milestone birthday. We’re sure that your guests will be talking about it for years to come!

Relaxing and Pampering 40th Birthday Ideas

Sometimes, the best way to celebrate our birthdays is to slow down and treat ourselves to some rest and relaxation. In this section, we’ve put together a list of relaxing and pampering activities that are perfect for a milestone birthday celebration. From spa days to booking a trip to your dream destination, these ideas will leave you feeling extra refreshed and rejuvenated!

18. Host a Spa Day

Visit a local spa or create your DIY spa at home! Enjoy a range of treatments, from massages and facials to peelings and slathering on face masks while sipping delicious, Vitamin C-boosted cocktails. 

This is the perfect way to relax and unwind while spending quality time with your loved ones.

19. Have a Movie Night

Why go out for a crazy night on the town when you can have a cosy and relaxing movie night for your 40th birthday? Gather your closest friends and family members, pick out some of your favourite films or binge-watch a new series, and stock up on snacks and drinks for a fun and relaxed evening.

To add to the experience, you can hire a whole theatre just for you and your crowd!

20. Host a Paint-and-Sip Party 

Are you itching to get your creative juices flowing and channel your inner Bob Ross to feel The Joy of Painting? Well, your 40th birthday is the perfect reason to push all those excuses away and try out creating something on a clean white canvas! To convince you of this idea, here is a fun  fact: Bob Ross was actually 40 when he started his iconic programme that inspired many people to start painting! Are you convinced? 

This fun and relaxing activity combines painting with sipping on your favourite drinks. Usually, the drinks people consume are alcohol-induced, as it helps them to relax and let their creativity roam free. The best part? You don’t need to be a skilled artist to organise this fun endeavour for you and your crowd.

You can host the party at home or invite everyone to a class guided by a professional painter who will provide step-by-step instructions.

21. Have a Picnic 

Every celebration in the fresh air will make you feel good and connected to nature. Having a picnic on a beach, scenic park, or backyard will make you nothing less than grateful and happy! 

Just don’t forget to bring along your favourite snacks, drinks and games to make the picnic even more enjoyable.

22. Have a Yacht Cruise

Imagine cruising on crystal-clear waters with stunning views and a glass of champagne in hand while everyone you care about sings  Happy Birthday. Sounds dreamy and luxurious, doesn’t it? 

Well, it’s your 40th birthday, so it’s the perfect occasion to make it happen! 

A yacht cruise is sure to make your birthday one to remember. And on Tagvenue, you can find and choose the perfect vessel in a matter of minutes!

23. Go to the Opera or Theatre

Admit it: how long has it been since you’ve immersed yourself in the world of music, drama and art? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to see some all-time classic performances such as Swan Lake, The Phantom of the Opera or Cats? Your 40th birthday is the perfect occasion to cross them off your bucket list! 

And later, you can indulge in a fancy dinner or drinks. You can find the best options on Tagvenue, so make sure to stop by our platform!

24. Book a Trip to Your Dream Destination

We get it: there’s something always getting in the way of booking a trip to a dream destination. It’s not always the right time. But there is no better time to do it than the day you turn 40. 

Whether you’ve always wanted to explore the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, soak in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Maldives, or try out a real French croissant in Paris, a trip to a dream destination is the perfect way to celebrate your birthday and enjoy life.

Creative and DIY 40th Birthday Ideas

How about getting crafty and trying some DIY and creative ideas? Not only are they fun and budget-friendly, but they will also give you the opportunity to add a personal touch to the celebration!

25. Host a DIY craft or DIY project party

A party where you and your guests have to create something in-between snacking and drinking? Why not! Hosting a DIY craft party is a great way to gather all your family and friends to spend quality time together over making something unique and meaningful. 

There are endless DIY ideas to choose from that can bring you joy: painting, woodworking, or even jewellery making! Just make sure to provide all the necessary supplies and manuals.

26. Take a Cooking or Baking Class 

Even if you aren’t a foodie, attending a cooking or baking class is a fun and rewarding experience. You’ll learn something useful and have a chance to eat all the delicacies you’ve made! And let’s face it: if you haven’t learned how to cook or bake something delicious, now it’s high time to do so!

Many cooking schools and culinary institutes offer classes that cater to all levels of experience and skill. All you have to do is choose a theme that suits your tastes! Perhaps Italian cuisine or French? 

Bonus tip: Want to make the experience even more exciting? Book a cooking class in sunny Tuscany, Rome or Florence and enjoy a full day of fun and true Italian cooking!

27. Host a Costume Party 

Who said that you can’t host a costume birthday party in your forties? Add some special touches to your celebration by asking your guests to wear a creative costume. But there’s one rule: everyone has to create their costume from scratch (this means no buying!). 

To make it even more fun and personal, you can choose a theme that reflects your character and interests. Or you can inspire yourself with our cool list of 170 party themes!

Unique and Memorable 40th Birthday Ideas

These ideas below are simply unique and will definitely make your celebration memorable!

28. Organise a Scavenger Hunt 

Who doesn’t love scavenger hunts?! It’s a great way to get everyone moving and have fun! 

To make the experience all about celebrating you and your birthday, you can personalise it with questions, locations and memories that are special to you. 

29. Have a Murder Mystery Party 

Do you feel an affinity with Detective Jake Peralta or Sherlock? Do you love listening to true crime podcasts at night and trying to solve unsolved mysteries? Then having a murder mystery party is a perfect choice for you! This interactive and thrilling experience will have you and your guests solving a fictional crime while fully immersing yourselves in the story. 

30. Go to Disneyland

Whether you are turning 40 or 50, your inner child will never fade away! So to add a special touch to your 40th birthday, consider heading to the happiest place on earth: Disneyland! It has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the experience and get ready to  feel 10 years old again and crazy about all the iconic Disney characters. Take your favourite crowd with you for a single or multi-day visit and get ready to enjoy iconic attractions, delicious food, unforgettable characters, and live experiences. 

31. Go to a Festival 

Consider embracing your forties by indulging in a festival getaway. As you enter this milestone year, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, art, and good vibes.

Festivals offer the ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and nostalgia, allowing you to reconnect with friends (perhaps make some new ones?) and create lasting memories. 

The diverse lineup of artists, workshops, and culinary delights ensures that there’s something for everyone here, no matter your interests or taste. It will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired, all while celebrating the amazing person you’ve become.

32. Explore Your City

What better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than by exploring the hidden gems of your own city? 

Rediscovering your hometown offers an exciting opportunity to see familiar sights with fresh eyes and uncover new, undiscovered treasures. As you embark on your urban adventure, you’ll be amazed by the wealth of culture, history, and gastronomy that lies right at your doorstep!

Plus, by immersing yourself in the local community, you’ll create a stronger connection to the place you call home. Who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with your city all over again and forge a deeper bond with the world around you?

33. Go to a Salsa Dancing Class

As you step into your fabulous forties, why not celebrate it by diving into the vibrant world of salsa dancing? Attending salsa classes is an exhilarating way to mark this special milestone, as it offers a perfect blend of exercise, socialisation, and self-expression. 

Embrace the rhythmic beats and sensual movements of this enchanting dance style, and discover a newfound sense of confidence and grace within yourself. If you worry that your moves will make you stick out like a sore thumb, don’t worry! Salsa classes cater to all skill levels, and encourage everyone to join in on the fun, regardless of prior experience! 

As a bonus to this exciting experience, you’ll have the opportunity to make new connections and create lasting friendships with fellow dance enthusiasts.

34. Have an Escape Room Party

Delve into a world of mystery and intrigue as you and your friends work together to decipher clues, crack codes, and uncover hidden secrets to achieve one goal: free yourselves from a locked room.

With various themes and difficulty levels available, you’ll definitely find an escape room adventure suitable for everyone’s taste and skill level. And you’ll make lasting memories with your loved ones while conquering challenges, sharing laughter, and relishing the triumphant moment when you finally solve all the puzzles!

35. Book a Professional Photo Shoot

Booking a professional photo shoot is a unique and empowering way to commemorate this important milestone. It will allow you to capture the essence of who you are at this moment in time, showcasing your confidence, wisdom, and beauty.

You’ll have plenty of fun, boost your self-esteem and create a meaningful keepsake. Because these portraits of you will serve as a reminder of your accomplishments, personal growth, and the incredible journey that lies ahead!

Psst! We’ve got the ultimate guide filled with top-notch ideas to help you make the most of your 40th birthday photo shoot. Don’t miss out, be sure to check it out!

36. Go to a Psychic Reading

What about treating yourself to an intriguing and thought-provoking experience? Delve into the world of mysticism and intuition by going to a psychic reading! It can offer valuable insight into your past, present, and future and help you navigate this new chapter of life with clarity and confidence. 

A skilled psychic can provide guidance on relationships, career, and personal growth, empowering you to make informed decisions and embrace the opportunities that come your way. It can foster self-reflection and inner exploration, allowing you to connect more deeply with your authentic self. And your 40th birthday is the right time to at least experience it once in a lifetime!

37. Go Stargazing

Why not embrace the wonders of the cosmos by going stargazing? 

This enchanting experience is a serene and awe-inspiring way to mark your milestone, reminding you of the vastness of the universe and the infinite possibilities it holds. 

Take your loved ones to a remote spot away from the city lights. And then, immerse yourself in the beauty of the night sky. The mesmerising dance of the constellations, shooting stars, and celestial wonders will undoubtedly evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around you. 

Stargazing provides a unique opportunity for introspection and reflection on the journey that has led you to this momentous occasion, as well as the exciting adventures that await you.

38. Take Mixology Classes

As you toast to your 40th birthday, you can elevate your celebration by enrolling in mixology classes!

These hands-on workshops offer a fun and interactive way to mark your milestone, providing you with the opportunity to learn the art of crafting exquisite cocktails. Under the guidance of skilled mixologists, you’ll discover the secrets behind perfectly balanced flavours, creative presentations, and the fascinating history of iconic drinks.

39. Have a Virtual Party

If your family and friends are scattered around the globe and can’t celebrate with you in person, don’t worry! You can still organise a fun-filled celebration! How? By having a virtual party! 

In 2024, anything is possible, even a virtual celebration (thanks, COVID-19!) with a professional host who will guide you through the fun entertainment options, such as games and contests. 

To Wrap Things Up

There are countless ways to mark your 40th birthday in a way that resonates with your interests and passions. The key is to embrace your individuality and choose an experience that reflects the incredible journey you’ve been on and the amazing person you’ve become. 

So, get inspired by these 39 fantastic ideas and create a birthday celebration that not only honours your past accomplishments but also sets the stage for the exciting adventures that await in the years ahead!

FAQ