[JustBarbara]

DS's birthday is in March so an outdoor party is out of the question (based on living in the Northeast). My condo is small so an at-home party is not feasible. I'd welcome any ideas that are fun and not expensive. We don't neet to invite 22 kids - but am thinking more like 6-7 of his friends. Thanks in advance.

[sak9645]

Ice skating, indoors or out, appeals to kids. Go to a rink where kids that have skates can use them, but other kids can rent them. (You or the parents can pay -- up to you.)

If the rink has a party room, great, but otherwise take the kids to an inexpensive and kid-friendly restaurant afterwards. Many rinks encourage parties, and will supply cake, balloons, ice cream, paperware, etc. They will also clean up.

Find a rink where your kids will be on the ice when it's not too crowded with big and boisterous teens. (With only 7 guests, you won't have the ice to yourself.) Look for a DJ who plays fun music and encourages party games on the ice.

If some of the kids haven't skated, get some parents who do skate to go out on the ice and help out. Also, see if the rink has things like "walkers" -- devices that look like they are meant for Grandma's house, but that are designed to let kids get comfortable on the ice, without falling constantly.

Make sure the kids dress warmly. Indoor rinks have to keep their ice cold, so even there, some form of sweater or jacket is a good idea, and the more padding the kids wear, the less they'll get hurt when they fall. Some parents may want their kids to wear helmets, so ask the ice rink about it.

Other than ice skating, consider things like roller skating, bowling, etc. Most boys like to be ACTIVE.

If you are in an area where there are riding stables, do a horse themed or cowboy themed party. Some stables will do things like letting the kids "ride" a pretty tame horse on a lead line, putting wrapped candies into a pile of fresh hay in an empty stall so kids can search for them, teaching a horse-themed craft, or setting up a hay ride. Then they take the kids to a party room, where the parents and/or staff serve the usual stuff, have balloons, etc.

Sharon

[momraine]

Many gym places do parties where the kids can run obstacle courses. With that small of a number maybe you could do dinner at a kid friendly place and a movie. If there is an indoor play place nearby you can do that, or a science museum.

[lisam00]

We just had a party for my daughter's 7th party at a local roller skating rink that also has a large web city play area. It was a ton of fun and every single child was saying "this was the best party ever!" on the way out. They had time to skate, time to play in the play area, time in the party room and there was dancing in the middle of the skate floor toward the end with things like the chicken dance and some easy line dances.

it was only $129.00 for 10 children and included skate rental, skating, play, party room time, pizza and drinks for each child and each child got a pass to go back for another session of skating for free. My daughter also got time in the "ticket blaster" where she managed to collect a bunch of coupons for free admission, free skate rental, free popcorn, etc.

She already said "I'd like to have my birthday party there again next year!"

[DDAmasa]

We've gone to a lot of parties for 5th and 6th birthdays and duckpin bowling and indoor miniature golf are always popular. Also martial arts studios frequently have party options which include free lessons and sparing matches, always popular with boys. The kids always have a blast at Chuck e Cheese's if there is one in your area.

[shelbydog]

Bowling! Usually very inexpensive. Get them a slice of pizza and soda after and you're done!

Or...do you have a cheaper movie theatre? We have a few older ones that feature only one movie and have lower matinee rates. 6 movie tickets and take them for ice cream or hot chocolate afterwards and it should stay under $100.

Do you have enough room in your condo for a movie and popcorn? Another thought...

And finally....despite the cold - could you do a hike and hot chocolate? I think most parents would welcome their kids being outdoors anytime of year and when kids are together and having fun, if they are dressed correctly, they shouldn't mind the cold!

[sak9645]

Be aware that, nowadays, many parents will not allow their kids to go to roller rinks unless they can bring helmets. I haven't seen it as much at ice rinks, but you might check on what the custom is where you are. My daughter went to a birthday party at a roller rink several years ago, and some parents were horrified that other families let their kids skate without helmets.

Sharon

[lisam00]

My daughter has her own roller skates and ice skates and a great helmet. The ice and roller rinks in our area all have helmets that children who are renting skates can use. I just assumed that everyone was on the helmet thing now.

[Slatond10]

We did "roller-skating" this past year ourselves for DD 7th B-day party.

But some of the fav places around here are:

1. Rock-climbing
2. Gymnastics Studio
3. Monkey Joe
4. Ice Skating Rink
5. the Y has indoor swimming B-day party which is year round.
6. Frankie's Fun Park
7. The Regal theatre and the grand theatre both do b-day party & movie
8. Welcome Ranch (horseback riding) -- It is in covered arena.

I know you said .. "condo" too small. But my DD's favorite b-day party this year has been a SMALL sleepover w/ 3-4 girls. She is begging to do sleep-over for her next b-day party.

[JustBarbara]

Great - thanks for so many great ideas. I like the idea of an outdoor hike followed by maybe hot cocoa and/ or pizza. I will continue to read through these. DS did have fun at a bowling party so perhaps I can swing that.

[Betelnut]

My daughter's b-day is April 1, and we are having it an indoor pool run by the county recreation department.