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Childrens Birthday Party - questions & ideas (merged)

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  • Edinburghlass_2
    Edinburghlass_2 Posts: 32,680 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    When my daughter was younger, we were lucky enough that one of the Dad's of a member of her class was a member of the Magic Circle and a DJ. He used to be great at parties and most parents hired the local hall, brought in the food themselves and left John to entertain the kids for a couple of hours with tricks, balloons and music. As they got a bit older it became more of a disco at night time between 7 and 9.

    My daughter's birthday is in the winter time so playing in the garden is not really an option but once we had a party at the zoo and although it was cold and damp the kids loved it and we had the food inside. Similar thing done another year at a city farm type place. Both of those were when she was around a similar age group to what you are talking about and I made up the party bags and cake with an animal theme.

    Have to agree with Glad over the bouncy castle, give kids one of those for an afternoon and you won't get them off for food, have some juice and crisps handy and they will be happy. I know that locally the PO have a Postman Pat bouncy castle that we can get for a local bbq for nothing as long as we pick up and return, good publicity for them!
  • Edinburghlass_2
    Edinburghlass_2 Posts: 32,680 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    cookie54 wrote:
    my son who is 9 loved us taking a few friends bowling and then macdonalds or pizza hut but just for pizza and a drink

    My 14 year old still loves bowling and McDs as a treat :j
  • jockettuk
    jockettuk Posts: 5,809 Forumite
    charlotte you have another pm... stuff on its way as of today ..
    Those we love don't go away,They walk beside us every day,Unseen, unheard, but always near,
    Still loved, still missed and very dear
    Our thoughts are ever with you,Though you have passed away.And those who loved you dearly,
    Are thinking of you today.
  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 47,358 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Please please please if you get a bouncy castle then supervise it well and get them off it if they are behaving dangerously. If there is a wide range of ages /sizes there then keep them separate.

    That means plenty of adult helpers. If there is an accident you will need them! And to prevent an accident you will need them!
    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • andyrew_2
    andyrew_2 Posts: 34 Forumite
    My 11 year old has decided that he wants a party for his 12th Birthday (at the end of April) and he wants to invite 5-7 friends.

    Does anyone have any ideas that don't cost the earth, I have already looked at:-
    Go Karting
    Quad Bikes
    Climbing
    Laser Quest
    Paint Balling

    We don't really want to pay more than 100.00 which should include the event and a drink and snacks.

    As you can imagine he wants the most exciting thing he can!!! :eek:

    We live in Dunfermline, Scotland which is quite close to Edinburgh.

    Please help if you can
  • headchef
    headchef Posts: 178 Forumite
    If he was younger I would suggest getting friends to help with party games, but i see your problem.
    Sister has four boys aged 12 to 3. I will ask her advice, but int eh meantime, can i ask how much the events you've looked into cost? I assume over the £100 mark?
    £16,500 in debt.
    New debt free date: 2015 (was 2046!!).
    Thanks MSE for helping me budget and therefore increase payments from £30 per month to £150
  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 47,358 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Down here you could certainly do a couple of games at Laser Quest for that few children plus drink and snacks for less than £100. Don't be sucked into hiring the entire place - a couple of games is more than enough, after three they're all hot sweaty and disgusting. You may end up 'sharing' your games with other people, but that's half the fun, even if the others decimate you.

    We've been lucky with good films coming out near birthdays sometimes - is that an option? If they have Dubit cards you may get 2for1 tickets. If they don't yet have Dubit cards you've got time to apply, I think! Of course with films you have to watch out for 11 year olds if he wants to go and see a 12!

    Try not to be pushed over budget. If £100 is all you want to spend - crikey that's £20 per child for 5 - he's old enough to appreciate the value of money now!
    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • Prudent
    Prudent Posts: 11,642 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Some of the outdoors centres will do a daily activity programme on request.I think Lenderickmuir at Muckhart (which is possibly about 10 miles from you) do this. It would give a range of activities. I can recommend their frisbee golf for a good laugh.
  • Spendless
    Spendless Posts: 24,677 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    My friend hired the local swimming pool for a private swimming party last year. Unsure of cost though.
  • Katgoddess
    Katgoddess Posts: 1,821 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    I take it having a party at home isn't an option?

    BBQ, DVDs, computer games, sleepover/camping?

    It's been a while since I was 12. :confused:
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