Growing up as a child birthday parties were often the highlights of our weekend - and these places you may remember.
As kids, excitement would rise when we received a party invitation to go wild at a soft-play area or indulge in a meal at our favourite restaurant.
As the decades have gone by, how and where we celebrate our birthdays has changed - like many things in our lives.
READ MORE: TikTok star Banter Queen's journey from social media stardom to jail cell
Popular chains have since evolved and some venues have also been confined to history.
Many people had birthdays at home with their family and friends, but if you were a child in Merseyside, there's a good chance you'll remember some of these venues from the area and beyond.
The list below isn't intended to be comprehensive, but if there is something you feel we should have included, please let us know in the comments section.
Pleasure Island
Pleasure Island had everything a kid could want - all in the same place.
From the Rollerdome to Qasar laser games, there was an attraction for everyone.
It was a sad day when Pleasure Island closed in 1997.
Southport Pleasureland
For birthdays Pleasureland was extra special.
Who remembers riding on the Wild Cat and trying to win loads of 2ps on the slot machines? Then fish and chips on the seafront before heading home.
Wacky Warehouse
Running wild in the soft play, followed by colouring and pizza - Wacky Warehouse was one of the best children’s birthday parties back in the day.
A nationwide brand, children of the 90’s or 00's will have memories of ball pits, steep slides and rope bridges.
McDonald’s
Long gone but not forgotten, the McDonald’s play areas were a thing of greatness.
Running in for a happy meal at Aintree McDonald’s would turn into hours of climbing around playpen and ball pit.
People in Merseyside will remember hosting or going to a Ronald McDonald party at a branch, which included playing games, everyone getting a balloon and enjoying a Happy Meal.
Asda birthday party
Nowadays it may seem an unusual place to celebrate being a year older, but when we were kids a birthday party at Asda was a big deal.
According to our old photo albums, Asda has a room designed for celebrations. Sadly, the supermarket giant no longer offer its party services.
New Brighton fair
The pinnacle of childhood - a trip to the fair to celebrate a birthday - and none were better than New Brighton.
There was nothing better than trying to catch each other in bumper cars or seeing who could bounce higher on the trampoline.
Time Out
Back in the day no play centre beat the Time Out on Heysham Road.
Once inside the play area there was no getting out for a few hours.
Uncle Sam’s restaurant
Every kid’s favourite restaurant, Uncle Sam’s on Renshaw Street was a magical experience.
From the giant bear that stood in the corner to the wishing well you just had to visit, Uncle Sam’s never let you down.
Caesars Palace
And if you weren’t dining in Uncle Sam's for your birthday, you were probably having a meal in Caesars Palace.
The Frenzy
Based in the nightclub close to The Showcase Cinema, The Frenzy was the night for those under 18.
It was almost a rite of passage to attend a Frenzy night at least once and maybe even celebrate a birthday there.
The Hollywood Bowl on Edge Lane
Hollywood Bowl was in its prime when we were growing up; as soon as you left you were planning when you’d be going back.
Birthday parties were, of course, the highlight.
Blue Planet Aquarium
Even now, going to the aquarium is incredible. But experiencing it for the first time as a child was even better.
There birthday parties were even more special too, as the birthday boy or girl would come away with a newly adopted sea creature.
