It's your party and you'll sing "Final Countdown" if you want to. Photo by Joshua Prezant/for miami.com

You're having a party

Birthday coming up, pal? That must be why you look so, well, stressed. Another year, another bash to plan...maybe you're just getting older, but staging a celebration has begun to feel more like a task. Desperately looking for kicks in all the wrong places, you've racked your brain trying to find an outing that's fun and different. (Read: not another group dinner at an Italian restaurant.)

This year, it's gonna be easier. We've gathered seven spots that will pluck your party out of the ordinary and propel it into greatness. Now get ready to celebrate.

Gold Coast Roller Rink
The neon sign outside of the old-fashioned Ft. Lauderdale roller rink makes the past look enticingly bright. Four-wheeling it since 1947, Gold Coast is the go-to spot for South Florida roller enthusiasts and novices alike. DJs play familiar tunes from every era, and strobe light shows amp up the retro action during couple skates and Ladies' Choice numbers. Hit the snack bar for a real roll down memory lane, where you can feast on cheesy nachos and day-glo slushies. Need a break from the rink? Roll over to the video arcade for a quick game of Galaga. The staff suggests parties are best held on weekdays since weekend nights are usually packed. p.s.: Don't forget your socks!
2604 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale (954) 523-6783

Upper Eastside Garden
Lush landscaping, twinkling lights and a mini golf course make this garden a charming playground for grown-ups. Off busy Biscayne Boulevard, this urban oasis hosts installations by local artists, a variety of monthly events and private parties. Party rental starts at $100/hour and includes a 9' by 12' projector screen and access to all areas of the garden -- including the mini golf course. You provide the refreshments, videos or images for the projector and your very own birthday soundtrack. Don't feel like cooking? Call ahead to order platters from nearby restaurants Sushi Square, Dogma or UVA.
7244 Biscayne Blvd., Miami (305) 984-3231

Studio at The Shelborne Hotel
The amateur songbirds you encounter on any given night at Studio are worth the trip alone, but if you decide to have a karaoke birthday, you’re probably not the shy spectator type. The 80,000 song list will help you channel your inner Celine Dion or Weird Al on the raised stage before a moderately sober mix of South Beach locals, out-of-towners and other odd birds. A few dozen instruments surround the stage so your friends can join in and jam along -- that is, if you can stand sharing the spotlight. Studio has two VIP rooms for private parties and offers some birthday party packages.
801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach (305) 695-1770

John U. Lloyd Beach State Park
Picture it: birthday cake served under a canopy of trees, sweetened by the gentle sound of waves coming ashore and crowned with a stunning Florida sunset. Nothing like nature’s antidote to get you in a life-is-for-living kind of mood -- and isn’t that what birthdays are for? The picnic tables are right on the sand with sweeping ocean views and, for those who like a little more action the park has an array of water activities such as shore diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Lloyd Beach is also the home of Whiskey Creek, a manatee sanctuary, and a sea turtle nesting shore. Park admission costs five dollars per car; barbecues and water gear are allowed in the park and also available for rent at an additional fee. Ahoy!
6503 N. Ocean Drive, Dania (954) 923-2833

Bird Bowl
If competition's your thing, bring the birthday posse to this 60-lane alley that has been the kingpin of Miami bowling since for more than half a century. This old-school bowling and entertainment center is equipped with 18 billiard tables, a video arcade, and a bar -- the enticingly-named Rabbit’s Lounge. Birthday packages start around $80 and include your own party-themed alley, 2 hours of bowling, food and your option of beer pitchers or various non-alcoholic beverages.
9275 SW 40th Street, Miami (305) 221-1221

Mai-Kai
It doesn’t get more down-home South Florida than a Polynesian dinner revue. Opened in 1956, Mai Kai has been as much a part of the local landscape as any Cuban fixture on Calle Ocho. A veritable museum of South Seas kitsch -- complete with palm-thatched roofs, grass skirted waitresses, faux tropical waterfalls and flaming torches -- the Mai Kai summons a festive mood. And that's even before you order one of the fifty-one tropical drinks, many served in mini barrels or hollowed-out pineapples. The 600-seat tiki temple offers a menu of Cantonese/American grub (and, in a nod to modern times, sushi) and two Polynesian dance revues seven nights a week. Dinner/show packages are available for $45 per person. If that's too steep, gather your group in and have an impromptu fete at the bar. You won't see the dance revue, but the room will start to waltz after a few Rum Barrels.
3599 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale (954) 563-3272

The Catalina Hotel
Sometimes you just want to dress up and play with the beautiful people while sipping on some bubbly. With its hip rock n’ roll vibe and vitrine-like front with two-story floor-to-ceiling windows The Catalina is a place for gawkers and those who love to be gawked at. The hotel’s midcentury-mod décor stands out amid Art Deco monoliths along Collins Avenue (the Delano and Shore Club come to mind) and is a fine spot for celebrating your birthday without popping the fizz out of your wallet. Special events packages start at $25 per person for a dinner party at their restaurant, The Maxine; for an extra $25 per person you can get a three-hour open bar for your guests at the Red Bar & Lounge (minimum of 15 people required.)
1732-1756 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach (305) 674-1160

--Monika Leal