Big fun on your b-day

If blowing out the candles just isn't enough of a birthday adventure for you, try celebrating with one of these unique activities.



Explore the city by taking a cruise in Boston's historic harbor: Boston Harbor Cruises offers a variety of tours, including the USS Constitution Cruise (a 45 minute tour), the Historic Sightseeing Cruise, and the Sunset Cruise (each 90 minutes). All have great views, and you may even pick up an interesting fact or two. Prices range from $12-18. Want a full-(birth)day trip? Try the Whale Watch, a three-hour guided tour that guarantees whale sightings on every trip ($30 for adults).



If you are prone to seasickness or would prefer an on-land celebration, challenge your friends to a scavenger hunt: See which team can collect items from different Boston sites. For example, items could include a chocolate-covered cannoli from Mike's Pastry in the North End, a map of the Museum of Fine Arts, a postcard of Fenway Park, and a picture from the Prudential Center Skywalk.



Looking for a more leisurely daytime activity? Take the Red Line to Park Street and walk to the Public Garden for a picnic. Hop on one of the swan boats that paddle around the main lagoon (starting April 17). Have a winter birthday? Try a skate around the Frog Pond in Boston Commons.



Are you the competitive type? Show off your skills in a candlepin-bowling match. You won't have to look far for an alley. Sacco's Bowl-Haven is located at 45 Day Street in Davis Square. Or, you can take the Green Line to Kenmore Square and find Jillian's, (at 145 Ipswich St.) which offers a game floor and a billiards floor (Sunday through Thursday after 8pm 18+, Friday and Saturday after 8pm 21+).



Those that enjoy spending time on the dance floor but are looking for a change from the typical club scene should try their swing dancing moves. Check out Swing City, a new lindy-hop dance club, located at 688 Huron Ave in Cambridge. It's open every Friday night for dancing, and is $10 with student ID. Take the 75 bus from Harvard Square.

-Stephanie Christofides