What kind of parties are loved by eight year olds these days?

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DD turns eight in late September and I’m utterly stumped for party ideas. Her early years were interrupted by Covid so whole class parties have never really caught on (she’s been to three so far and is just finishing year 2) and they seem to be getting a bit old for a village hall and clown affair.

Are they too young for sleepovers by year 3?

What's your budget?! More structured sports hall type parties are good for that age (our local sports centre offers trampolining, go karts, nerf wars, football) or a smaller number of friends for bowling/cinema/go ape. 3D virtual reality headset parties seem popular round here, as well as kids escape rooms.

I personally wouldn't have more than 3 friends for a sleepover. And be prepared for at least one 7/8 year old to freak out at 11:30 and insist you call their mum to pick them up.

My DS1 turned 8 earlier this year. In his year group (Y3) there have been parties at clip n climb, swimming, trampoline parks, a village hall with a particular theme/activity (one had a guy come in with lots of animals!), pizza express, McDonald's.

Best party ever was build a bear.
I think we had 10, was around £120 included a good bag and of course they got to keep the bear

https://www.buildabear.co.uk/brand-help-party-packages.html

I promise I don't work for them

So basic package ( many bring money for extras) would be £170 for 10 now- I think that is pretty good. We had a picnic on the train on the way home instead of a party tea. We had ages 2-12 and they all loved it.

If they are all 8, swimming party can work well at that age, if they are all competent swimmers. Most pools will host this with a lifeguard and possibly pool games.

Bowling with food in the bowling alley after is easy and popular. Leisure centres run various activity parties.

You can buy build. Bear type kits or other craft kits for a craft party at home.

Pottery painting is good.

Party at home with games, craft, film etc is good.

A lot depends on budget, how many you want/need to host and if you fancy doing it at home or definitely want to be out.

At 8 I’d think a smaller group for a nicer activity is usual, but some people might prefer a bigger group.

Lots of ideas I wouldn’t have considered, thanks for the help.

DD has had a sleepover with her best friend before but I don’t think there’s been any big class sleepovers yet (I think it’s the thing from year 3… But I’m not sure I really fancy being the first!).

My daughter had a pamper party at age 8. They either come to your house and do it or some salons host them there. It was great fun! That or as others have said, bowling or trampolining are popular at this age.

Another idea is a bracelet/jewellery making party, where the host comes to your house.

Trampoline park/Ninja Warrior type place seem to be popular round here with this age group. Really expensive though.

@Flumpywoo why would you pay for someone to come make bracelets? Just buy some sets from Baker Ross and leave them to it !

@needmorelego because I'm lazy and can let the host do all the work and make it more fun than I would be. Makes it feel more special and they might learn some new things with someone who knows what they are doing

We've had bowling, sleepovers, baking places, trampoline parks and pottery painting for 8 year olds this year.

I wouldn't do sleepovers at that age as there is a big mix of those allowed / confident to come.
Ideas for 8 year olds from our area -

Pizza Express party
Trampolining party
Bowling party
Party in one of those pottery painting places
Party at home with an activity - eg craft / sports / gaming / party games / make your own pizzas / cake decorating