Childrens Parties

[BriefDisaster]

So DS has asked for a party this spring for his 7th birthday. He has been to birthday parties but hasn't had one himself (aside from family birthday teas at home).

He is such a sociable wee thing - nothing like his parents! I want to do it but don't know where to start.

What kind of parties do 7 year olds have? Is softplay too babyish? Is a trampoline park better? Is a hall with bouncy disco dome and other games a better option?

Im also worried no one will show up. We both work so don't do all the drop offs and pick ups. In two years of school I've spoken to one parent!

Any advice welcome!

My son is 6 tomorrow. He is having a disco. His friends have done soft play mostly. We also work, but I gave out 30 invites before Christmas and got 30 replies, all yes! I did give them out by hand at the Christmas play though, which may have helped.

Be guided by the parties he's attended. As an unknown parent I'd be wary of doing something too far away or too outside the box, just in case there is some playground rule you are unaware of. Otherwise, just do what your son would like and be sure to have enough adults to corral them: at this age many will drop and run. Both mine had Saturday morning cinema and then kids meals at Frankie and Bennie's at 7. You just need enough adults for the constant loo runs during the film but it's cheaper than soft play per head.

Trampoline park would be ideal for this age. Send the invitations into school and I'm sure he will get lots of 'yes's!

Thanks everyone, I am leabing towadds the trampoline park as it is the least work for me. Just nerve wracking as its so much money to pay out on something that no one then comes to!

soft play parties probably peak before 7, though depends on the place.

Trampoline park sounds ideal- i imagine a lot of kids would want to come too.

I'd say trampoline park too. Keep it simple! It doesn't have to be massive but Invite a few more than you want / the minimum required in case some can't come or don't reply. My dc are 6 and 8 and have parties every year and this works for me.

It depends on your budget, but I would lean towards any place that gives you the full package. Such as party bags etc. I find that often works out cheaper and I find it less stressful.

Check with the venue whether they are willing to deal with lighting and cutting up a cake, as that can be a hassle, especially at the end of the party when you are possibly chasing around fractious kids.

I think it's also a good idea to be clear with the parents of the kids you are inviting whether or not you expect them to stay for the duration of the party - and check with the venue what their rules are on that as some expect a lot of adults to be present. It depends.

From experience, I find it's best to give adults the option to RSVP to you via mobile. It's handy because then you have their phone numbers to hand if you should need them on the day.

The party venue will probably want you to check with parents about allergies or dietary requirements of the kids, so it's worth asking for that on the invitation too.

Hope you have a great party.

We did bowling and pizza which had the advantage that we could book and pay once we had numbers.

My DS (7) would be enthusiastic about a trampoline park. I have stayed before if asked (ice skating!) but happily dropped and run too.

My son has just turned 7, and he and his friends consider themselves too old for softplay parties (although they happily go with younger siblings!). So if your options, trampolining sounds better.

Other things DS has been to this year/ is invited to include:

• bowling
• football party at local leisure centre
• forest school party
• Lego party (parents bough then all a small kit and they did them round a table, then did Lego challenges with a big box if Lego)