Celebrating Birthdays Creatively in Dallas

There are many ways to celebrate birthdays aside from the hum-drum of predictability.

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth TX area, try these on for size:

Make a splash with a swim party at the Coppell Aquatic and Recreation Center, 234 E. Parkway Boulevard, Dallas, 214-307-7077.

A party to kill for is showing that crime pays, at least when it spices up a festivity with a whodunit laced with plenty of humor. The CrimeScene Company mostly performs at Spaghetti Warehouse.

Improv yourself (for adults) if you're feeling a little touchy about the relentless march of time by heading to this rooftop pool at The Fairmont Dallas, 1717 N. Akard Street, Dallas. For kids do the roommates thing. Parents of burgeoning sophisticates who would prefer to spend the night away from home with a few friends may want to consider the Fabulous Package at the hotel. The hotel opened with much fanfare in 1969 as Texas' first luxury hotel. Dubbed "the arts district hotel," the Fairmont remains at the center of the city's many attractions. Entertainment is an integral part of the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts tradition.

Your ride is waiting for the adults in your party anyway because you can celebrate your special day aboard a vintage 1920s streetcar operated by the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority, 3153 Oak Grove, Dallas. For more information, go to mata.org.

For kids try mind over matter in a fun party with challenging opportunities to explore, play, and experience mind-stretching fun at the Engineer It! exhibit at the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in the Shops at Willow Bend, 6121 at the Dallas North Tollway, Plano.

In hot weather try Cool Pools for kids that includes a feng shui combination covering hair, makeup, and clothing, use of the Water House and a green tea manicure and pedicure.