Birthday party

[Biffa44]

Our two sons moved in with us a year ago (yesterday) so we are still very much on a learning curve. DS1 has his 10th birthday coming up really soon and says that he wants to have a party and invite his friends. He has never had a party and because he moved school recently, has missed out on invites to other kids' parties recently as well. He doesn't really have any ideas about what he would like to do, and because we are new to all of this, we don't really know what would work well.
He is very active, but can't cope emotionally with team sports/playing games/chasing type games or very noisy/busy environments (the last trip to a soft play was disastrous). We need to avoid changing rooms at the minute, so swimming or anything similar is not an option.
So, does anyone have any suggestions for a 10 year old boy's party/event that doesn't include competitiveness, too much noise or stimulation that will still be really good fun?
We will have a small 'family' party in the house as well, but were hoping to do something separate with his friends as he doesn't really cope too well with new people coming into the house (even his friends when he has invited individuals round). Any ideas or advice will be gratefully received!

[gabsdot]

What about a trip to the cinema and McDonalds afterwards.

[mydutifullaunderette]

Something outdoors - woodland activity maybe? Something where the goal is to build something together, such as a shelter, could avoid the competitive aspect. What kind of stuff is he into? Is there an activity that's usually successful as a family, that you could add some of his friends into - wildlife park, sciencey museum, horse riding, um...give us some more clues! If it were me, after just one year together and a recent school move, I wouldn't ask too many people. Can you chat directly to the teacher to get some tips for the best four or five classmates, and get their mums on side too? Just thinking you want to set up your son to succeed, and avoid disappointment or anticlimax if at all possible...

[canoeshoe]

Climbing party? No changing rooms, as the kids can come in suitable dress. They'll belay or spot for each other, so little competitiveness. Will wear them out!

[Biffa44]

Thanks for the suggestions - I have been having a look at our science museum and I'll look into a climbing party as well (though transport may be a problem). Unfortunately McDonalds is out as visits there trigger all sorts of behaviours, but I guess a pizza might work.
It's hard as I haven't really spoken to any other mums at school so don't know what's the in-thing to do round here at present.
It really has to be a success...... we don't handle disappointment well (yet).

[mybloodykitchen]

There's a thing called Clip and Climb which is like funky climbing walls - one is made of doorknobs, one in the shape of an alien etc. But they are only in London and Bournemouth that I know of. They are truly brilliant though and the only person you are competing with is you.

[Kewcumber]

DS invited a small group of friends to the cinema (as suggested above) and we came back to ours for takeway pizza and a dvd with strict times for pick up so it didn;t get too wild. Or pizza out after cinema.

Pottery painting - ask a local one what they would suggest for 10 year old boys (mugs)

If he likes sports - going to see local football team followed by macDonalds - our local championship team does very reasonably priced tickets for kids.

Science park (one in Bracknell is good)

Transport museum in london is ace probably even for 10 year olds though it's been a while since I've been.

Boat trip if you're near a big river

I also agree that 4 or 5 people is plenty and tbh the norm at this age.

[sunnydayinmay]

Do you have a cafe that does baking/pizza making? Some soft play will let you hire for a group after the main play closes.

[Kewcumber]

Pizza Express do pizza making parties but I think there is a minimum number

[sunnydayinmay]

www.pizzaexpress.com/parties/kidspizzamaking/

Minimum 8 children by the looks of things. Looks like a good party though.

[Kr1stina]

I have a ten year old and all these suggestions are good .

I would have the family party and the school friends party on Different days , preferably a few days apart . And 3 friends might well be enough , especially if he has his brother as well . Make sure you have at least two adults .

It sounds like he gets over stimulated easily , so keep it very structured and watch what he eats .

Im a bit confused about school - are you saying he moved once a year ago and then again recently ?

[Biffa44]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I am now also looking into the pizza-making party.... all 10yr old boys like pizza surely!
Clip and Climb looks fab and there is one reasonably near us (too far for the party) but I think a trip there will make a really good birthday treat.

Regarding the school - he moved to the new school in September into yr5. A lot of his friends' parents don't seem to do the hanging around in the playground thing and some of his friends take themselves to and from school, so I haven't had a chance to get to know anyone to talk to. I am on nodding terms with a couple of mums from DS2's class, but that's about it so far.

[slkk]

We had a magician for ds on his 10th birthday. He invited about 8 friends but it was at the house. Dd had a street dance party for her 9th. We hired a hall and a teacher. Lots of kids that age do lazerquest or bowling but it wouldn't work for your son because of competition or noise. Cinema is also popular. Ooh, do you have one of those trampoline parks near you (like gravity force). Kids that age seem to love them. Or ice skating?