Does anyone have any suggestions for a play date for my soon-to-be 8 year old daughter? We have the big parities on the milestone birthdays, this year just looking to have a couple of friends over for a play date. I've asked her and told her it's her day and we can do whatever she likes (movies, sky zone, laser tag, etc.). I thought to reach out to see what you guys had in mind. Her 5 yo brother and his 3 yo are tagging along also.
My soon to be 8 yr old son just had his birthday party at a trampoline park and everyone had a blast. His youngest guests were 4 and 6 and they enjoyed it. But if you're doing a movie, bowling, laser tag, I'd leave the siblings elsewhere. It would probably be more special without the sibs tagging along.
They would probably have more fun just hanging out and playing at the house, WITHOUT the little siblings bugging them. Just let her be with her friends and have fun, they don't need to go anywhere. I assume the friends will be staying for dinner and cake and ice cream? Maybe they could do a "half sleepover." Have the girls bring their PJs and hang out and watch a movie together after dinner (again, without the little ones) popcorn, sleeping bags, etc. and get picked up right before bedtime.
Anything that you decide for an 8 year old will not appeal to the little ones. So if you cannot get a sitter, I suggest a party at home. Your daughter can pick a theme and go with that.
When my daughter was around that age we threw a bowling party with friends of hers from school as well as other neighborhood kids. We paid to have a party room with food and refreshments including ice cream and I made cake pops for everyone as well.
My daughter chose this activity because her younger brother is autistic and she knew that trying to do anything else would be improbable. I only said this to remind you that since your other two are coming along you need to make sure to take all needs and such into account.
Leave the little ones with Grandma. Allow it to TRULY be her day, without toddler distractions like potty escorting and naps.
If it's your 8yo's choice, let her choose. How about a 80's movie party? Pull out some girly favorites. Have a "Most 80's Girl" contest where the girl who dresses up "the most 80's" in style gets a prize. It'll be a fun way to bond with your daughter. ;)
I've had a few group playdates for my daughter, just 4-5 girls over for a couple hours at our house with a theme. Twice we've done "Pajama Playdate" where the girls come over in PJ's and we make our own mini pizzas and mini smores (over a candle on the table). We also had a cookie decorating playdate, and a face painting playdate. We just bought the face painting kit at the craft store and did our best. Girls that age just like it when they can get together outside of school, they don't care what they do.
I would definitely get someone to watch your 5 & 3 yr old at home.
Most of the things the 8 yr olds like to do (paint pottery, sky zone, movies,
etc.) will almost impossible for the small children.
If you can get a sitter, you can go to a place to paint pottery, a place where they can dress up w/crowns & boas & have a picture taken).
If you cannot get a sitter, I would have the party at home, get pizzas, have a bunch of dress up things on hand (boas, crowns, jewelry), they can paint pottery at home (inexpensive @ the big box stores) or paint a
small canvas, rent a fun movie, you could paint the girls finger nails if their moms won't mind.
Have a candy bar (w/just a few jars of candy they can put in plastic bags to take home).
Have a cupcake decorating station etc.
if the little sibs are there, why not just a party at home? the little fellows probably won't be interested in or sit through a movie that 8 year old girls like, nor could they do laser tag like the big kids.
honestly, i'd get a sitter for the little ones if you plan to have an adventure party for the girls. otherwise cake and a tea party or movie night at your home is just fine.
khairete
S.
If you do not have the little ones along..
Swimming, bowling, Ice skating or Roller skating, , Camping in the back yard.
Movie and then Pizza, Manicures and pedicures.
Otherwise just let them go to your house and play, then serve a meal and Birthday cake.
Do you have an indoor trampoline park near you? Those are a blast!
5 and 3 year olds aren't able to physically do the same things as an 8 year old. They can't carry the weight of the laser tag gear so that's out. Unless you just keep them occupied while the big kids play it.
If the little ones can't find a friend to go with or babysit them it pretty much limits what big sis gets to do.
This summer I took my kids (4 and 6 at the time) to a paint your own ceramics store. They had a blast! It can be a little pricey though ($15+ per painter).
We also did a class at a painting studio. A teacher showed them how to paint an owl on an art canvas. The kids LOVED it and couldn't wait to come home and hang up their art. Again, $20 per painter.
You can book craft parties at Michaels Craft Stores. Or buy some craft supplies or kits and have a crafting party. Or buy a science kit and they can be mad scientists. Maybe plant small fairy gardens they could take home.
I love the bowling idea, we have done that and it is a great way to have a small party with both friends and siblings.
A.,
If you stated it's "Her" day. Let her choose. It's still a party, right, not a play date? Just on a smaller scale?
I would get a babysitter to take care of the 3 and 5 year old as they do NOT have the same interests and you will NOT be able to focus on your 8 year old. You will be watching the 3 and 5 year old. And I don't know ANY laser tag that will allow anyone under 7 in to play any way.
If she chooses a movie - I again would NOT want the 3 and 5 year old there.
I would suggest a manicure pedicure party...find out how many friends and if there is a place nearby that can accommodate your group...even check into the local beauty school - it will keep costs down and everyone will still have fun!
Happy Birthday to your daughter!!
