My grandson is in a dilemma on what to do for his birthday party this month. In the past, he has had parties in his home and also in outside facilities. Would be thankful for any suggestions some of you mom and dads might have.
By 11 years old most kids (around here, anyway) have really small parties. Most of them have a few friends for a sleep over with pizza and video games, or take a couple of buddies to a sporting event, to the movies, paint ball or laser tag.
This year my boys decided to keep things smaller then usual and they each invited just 2 boys over and we took them all out to the theater to watch a movie and out to dinner, all the kids loved it. Afterwards the boys stayed the night.
If he's in NH, how about a ski, board, tubing day, or an indoor water park?
Best, F. B.
At this age, they tend to like smaller parties - take 3 other kids to lunch and the movies (just as expensive as a party venue but at least you get what you want by finding a movie they all like!. It's a little cheaper if you go before 4 PM, and you can often get discount tickets at AAA if anyone in the family is a member. A lot of theaters let you get a big bucket of popcorn and a few soda cups, so each kid can dig into the big bucket and still have his own supply. It's cheaper than individual popcorns, though it's not really cheap.
Or, take a few kids to go bowling. Around here, there are regular lanes but also candlepin lanes with smaller pins and smaller balls so it's easier for kids of different sizes who may have problems with heavy bowling balls. Some of the bigger alleys have bowling with heavy duty lights and music, and a lot of kids like that. You can usually get pizza at the alley.
There are some new indoor trampoline facilities but be careful - they have to be reasonably careful so there are no broken bones! The kids can't just do ANYTHING out there. Laser tag is another indoor option that doesn't rely on too much athletic ability. There are also indoor rock climbing places but you have to check the age limits. Again, stay SMALL - just a few kids.
If he likes outdoor things, there may be some decent ski facilities with low hills that offer tubing - no skiing skill required, and you pay for an hour's worth instead of a full day lift ticket. But you're somewhat dependent on the weather - does your grandson live near you in NH? He'll need a back-up plan if it's horribly frigid cold or if it's raining and miserable. Hot chocolate and pizza afterwards, or go for burgers.
He's going to want a couple of friends eat pizza and see a PG-13 movie..
Take him & a few of his friends to pizza & a movie.
Take him & a couple of friends bowling. Spring for the pizza, pitchers of
sodas etc.
Out to pizza then Laser Tag (it's indoors).
Get the gaming truck to park out front of your house if you can afford to do that & the parents don't mind their kids playing video games.
10 was our last big "friend party." ( until they're buying their own kegs!)
This year will be couple buddies, maybe a movie, dinner out, maybe basketball at the gym or in the driveway.
We just ordered Pizza and got movies and/or video games and just let them hangout at that age
What are his interests? Ice skating rink? Children Museum? Bowling? Cooking class? Painting? Happy birthday to your grandson!!! Enjoy him and have a great time.
My 11 year old had his party in a a video gaming lounge. There were about a dozen kids invited. I reserved the facility for the party, which meant I could choose the ratings of the games available and the general public could not come in.
my son the gourmand asked to go to a fancy restaurant with a friend for his 11th. it was so fun!
:) khairete
S.
Indoor bounce place, trampoline "park", indoor go karts, laser tag, bowling.
Good Luck!
P
