Is 8yrs old too young to appreciate a "birthday party" that consists of a meal with a few friends..........

[FAQ]

at somewhere like Pizza Hut or MacDonalds similar?

Once again I've got to the middle of August and realised I haven't sorted anything for DS1's birthday (16th September) - I could just do a party at home (like he had for his 5th) but I promised him months ago we'd do something different (at his request - completely unprompted).

I've rung around a few places today - the church hall is booked as are all the other "normal" places for the weekend before and after his birthday.

So - would I be considered a completely "uncool" mother if I were to do something like that????

[FAQ]

oh - and I also have to consider the fact that I'll try and get something "fun" booked for DS2's birthday at the end of November and I don't want any sibling jealously "because he got a cool party and I didn't"

[StinkyFart]

Nope

Sounds perfect for an older child.

We stopped full blown birthday parties at age 6, then outing/meal with a few friends subsequently.

[forevercleaning]

what about 4 friends to the cinema with pizza or mac after. then you dont have to go the whole hog with a party, but a meal on its own could be a bit boring so somewhere inbetween could suit everyone.

[Aniyan]

How about combining it with a cinema trip if there's a suitable film out? Even if not, a meal sounds fine - my ds is 9 this year & I'm sure he'd enjoy it.

[Aniyan]

x posts forevercleaning!

[FAQ]

don't have a cinema in our town - and I don't drive - so a bit more complicated that. Also have to try do something that DS2 and 3 can be dragged along to (and fed sweets and fruit shoots to be kept quiet).

I know he's got 2 friends he wants to invite over to play on the PS2 (promised ages ago - and they're very keen to come) with him - and was sort of thinking that he could have a few of his friends over for a few hours of PS2 games and then take them out for a meal.

[FAQ]

oh - disclaimer - I know the parents of the children that are due to come and play PS2 are happy with the idea of them spending a few hours staring at a screen

[pagwatch]

TBH I think 8 is a bit young for just food. Cinema is a great idea. Or bowling. Or ice skating? Anything like that near you? Or wall climbing?

[QuintessentialShadows]

HOw about just 5 friends to the cinema, hotdogs and popcorn and fizzy drinks included, and make it into a cinema party?

[QuintessentialShadows]

sorry xposted.

[Aniyan]

PS2 marathon followed by pizza sounds like 8-year-old-boy heaven to me! Plus, it will make them feel quite grown-up - especially if you and little dcs can sit at an adjacent table & let them have their own.

[roisin]

We've mostly done meal -> cinema with our boys at this sort of age, and they love it. Just a small party of 3 or 4 guests plus us 4.

Round here I haven't heard of anyone doing 'just' a meal for a birthday. But I think what you are proposing of some time at home/PS2 games as well, sounds fab.

Personally I would schedule the meal first, then the games. Otherwise they will probably want snacks at your house, then won't have the appetite for a meal.

[FAQ]

hmm - think we do have bowling (will have to check), no cinema, iceskating etc etc

[TsarChasm]

No not at all. It seems to be the 'way of things' that 8ish onwards they start to want to do that sort of thing.

I've been praying for the day actually and finally at last...now dd is about to be 10.. she has decided on this type of birthday. After 9 years of full on party mayhem, what relief!

[Aniyan]

ooh yes - food first - I'm with roisin on that one - then you can miss dessert at the restaurant & give them treats at home while they play PS2.

[forevercleaning]

is your nearest cinema absolutely miles away FAQ?

I see you don't drive but wondered if you could meet the children at the cinema (most have a pizza place/kentucky fry etc) near by, then ask a friend to drop you there?

That way you could do the cinema and meal but the childrens parents could bring them and pick them up from there after?

[pagwatch]

bowling is quite fun....
my DS2 had that one year. He has ASD though and half way through they bought out a big bloke dressed in a dogs costume which freaked him out . Freaked me out too. make sure they don't do that !

Tsar
my DS had his first 'chill with his friends' party this year. He is 15 !

[FAQ]

ok - thanks everyone (and glad to get approval for the PS2 Marathon - wasn't sure how that idea would go down here on MN )

all is not yet lost on the "special" birthday that I promised him

[TsarChasm]

Do you have a Wii or access to one; maybe to borrow? Wii Sport is fun and you can do bowling.

[FAQ]

forevercleaning - it's about 12 miles to our next cinema - and I'm not sure what I'd do with DS2 and 3

[forevercleaning]

oh thats realy too far, what a shame. oh well.

[jellybeans]

Sounds a great idea. Mine like Frankie and Bennys if there is one near you, but pizza hut is great too.

[donnie]

sounds like a far better option than the church hall lark.

[pointydog]

Depends on teh children. Some 8 yr olds wouldn't be too interested. Most just like any sort of party.

It would probably be cheaper and more fun to go to the cinema together. Dd2 had a few friends at the house for a party tea, then off to cinema (I had chosen sweets so they made up their own pick n mix at the house - saved a fortune), then back to the house for cake before home.

I booked a bowling party very last minute for a weekday. That's pricey though.

[FAQ]

pointy - I can't really do the cinema/party tea - unless I asked the parents to come and pick their DC up to take to the cinema in the middle of the "party" - and I really don't know what I'd do with dS2 and 3 (4 3/4yrs and 15 months) during the movie.