Backyard birthday parties with hot dogs and chips are so yesterday. The new generation of parents wants to nurture their child’s palate and foodie interests with birthday party options from farm-to-table lunches and harvesting experiences to tea parties fit for a prince or princess.

Tea party for tots

Keiki Tea Time at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, features kid-friendly offerings of Nutella and banana sandwiches, focaccia pepperoni toast, grilled ham and cheese, grilled chicken salad and puff pastry, seasonal macarons, cookies, cake and chocolates. Tables are decorated with ribbons and balloons, and a take-home teddy is provided for the guest of honor. Cost is $40 per person (minimum of five people). Teens and adults can opt for the Moana Classic Tea Service for $40 or First Lady Tea Service for $48. Located at 2365 Kalakaua Ave. Call Masako McCarter at 924-4778 or email masako.mccarter@westin.com.

Chef for a day

While Chuck E. Cheese is still the king of pizza parties, families looking for a more sophisticated atmosphere can book a party at California Pizza Kitchen. The restaurant provides a chef-for-a-day package. From 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., keiki tour the restaurant, then get to knead dough, select toppings and make their own personalized hearth-baked pizza. The birthday child takes home a chef’s coat. Cost is $10 per child and includes the kid-made pizza, a soft drink and a sundae (for ages 10 and under). Parents can order from the menu. Locations include Pearlridge Center (487-7741), Ala Moana Center (941-7715), Kahala Mall (737-9446), Kailua (263-2480) and Waikiki (924-2000).

Move over, Willy Wonka

Menehune Mac offers a Chocolate Making Experience in which up to 15 participants tour the factory and make a box of six chocolates to take home. Cost is $150. For an additional cost, partygoers can decorate a T-shirt for the birthday child, or they can contribute to creating a “chocolate concoction,” where a container of melted chocolate is provided and guests determine what fruit, nuts and candies to add in. The mixture is poured out and solidified into a bark which can be distributed as party favors. Bring your own food and cake; lunchroom space is provided at no additional cost. For ages 7 and up. Located at 707 Waiakamilo Road. At-home candy-making parties are also available, but an empty refrigerator and sink are required. Call Susan or Jana at 841-3344 or visit menehunemac.com.

A day on the farm

Kahuku Farms offers an ala carte farm experience, with options for a tractor-pulled wagon ride, a planting activity, andgarden-fresh meals such as grilled veggie salads or panini or grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The wagon ride costs $50, and guests can learn about growing lettuce as they sow their own plant in a take-home pot (minimum 12 participants, $2.50 each for 12 to 20 participants; discounts for larger groups). Meal prices vary; ask about group discounts. Parties are held between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bring your own birthday cake. Located at 56-800 Kamehameha Highway. Call 628-0639 or visit kahukufarms.com.

Cows and pigs

Naked Cow Dairy Farm & Creamery’s birthday party package includes touring the farm, feeding the cows and other animals, visiting the petting zoo and use of the picnic area. Bring your own tent, nonalcoholic drinks, food and cake. Cost is $250 for up to 25 people. Located at 86-344 Kuwale Road in Waianae. Visit nakedcowdairyhawaii.com or email tours@nakedcowdairyhawaii.com.

Something fishy

Families can fish for tilapia, Chinese catfish and grass carp, then eat what they catch at Ali‘i Agriculture Farms in Wahiawa. Fish may be caught and released, or the owners will clean and prepare the fish on-site (fried, steamed, broiled or prepared in soup; sauces choices are sweet and sour, sweet chili and black bean), then serve it on a platter of rice for $4 per pound plus a $6 preparation fee. Poles and bait are provided. Cost is $15 per person. Reserve the party area for an additional $50. Families can bring their own food and cake. Located at 71-680 Whitmore Ave. Call 690-0558.