Anyone have any good ideas, last year we did a lazer tag party, the two games were over before we knew it and then we did some games and we had alot of "free" time left afterwards! We've done home parties also, we have a nice finished basement with a huge backyard. We've been to bowling parties, parties at the local fun center, with paddle boats, miniature golf, you get the picture... What other ideas am I missing? I want it to be fun but not a huge money pit! I am planning on getting him a new bike for his birthday this year, plus May is a big month, mil and dm have birthdays, plus Mother's Day, plus my dgs birthday. Ouch!! Any ideas? I'll check back after work today... Have a good day ladies....

By Kaye on Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 07:55 am:

Well I am not much help with this, we stop bday parties when they turn 10.

For my son's bday this year (same age). He just invited 3 friends over and they played video games upstairs, with mom leaving them alone. We ordered pizza that I let them eat up there, and left them drinks and a big cookie. I think the official time was 6 to 11, I drove the other boys home. He said it was his favorite birthday yet.

By Debbie on Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 08:14 am:

We just did a sleepover for my ds's 10th birthday. He had 5 good friends over. We ate pizza. Then, we split into 2 groups, dh took one, and I took the other and we did a scavenger hunt through the neighborhood. This was a big hit. When we got back, they played tag outside, and basically ran around. We have an outdoor fireplace, so we then made smores. After that, they played in our gameroom until bedtime. The next morning, they got up, had donuts, and then went home. I had a set time for pick up 10am.

My ds said it was the best party ever. Besides, the food, I didn't pay for anything. We got the pizza from Little Ceasars($5.00 each) I bought the stuff for smores, and then the donuts.

By Yjja123 on Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 09:18 am:

My son turns 12 next month. We are doing a Pirates Of The Caribbean Party. Since we had one before, for my daughter's 12th birthday, we are calling it "Pirates Of The Caribbean Part 2 deja vu".

I have a treasure hunt made up for the kids. Not only do they have to follow the clues but they will also have to complete games to win clues.

I bought a cool box that looks just like a treasure box. It will be buried and the final clue will lead them to it. I had pirate fabric bags made for their "loot". Each kid will get a Pirates of the Caribbean shirt, hat, watch, necklace & candy in their loot bag (I hit a great sale at Disney).

By Mom2three1968 on Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 09:09 pm:

Cool ladies, thank you for the great ideas!

By Luvn29 on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 08:14 am:

Wow, I just am not sure! My daughter is the one turning twelve on her birthday, and I don't think you want those ideas! LOL! I think a spa party at a real spa with a manicure and pedicure done by a professional is out of the question! Teehee!

I know mine would enjoy an outdoorsy party if that were possible. Of course we live on a large piece of property out in the country, so they enjoy doing sleepovers in the tent after roasting hotdogs and marshmallows over a campfire!

We also rented out a gymnasium one time and just gave them free run of the place with basketballs. They shot hoops, ran around playing tag or other games, and just hung out. That was a lot of fun.

If he and his friends enjoy swimming, maybe you could book a pool party for him and his friends. If you have any hotels near you that have an indoor pool, you can rent a room from them and let everyone swim if you get their approval, which isn't usually a problem. Both of my kids' birthdays are in the summer, so we have rented the local pool before and had a blast!