Ideas for ds (will be 10)'s birthday party st albans/ harpenden area? New to area...

[granarybeck]

Its ds' birthday after christmas, he'll be 10. We moved to the area a couple of months ago so really want to get his party right and give him the chance to invite his new friends.

Only problem is that I don't know all the regular party places ideas that you usually pick up as they go through school. I'd be really grateful if anyone has any suggestions.

How many children were you thinking of inviting? I have a dd of similar age and we have started doing things like cinema trips with half a dozen friends or so now. Some of her friends still have parties at home though - I wouldn't be so brave!

Do you think he is too old for a soft play sort of place? Or there is a laser place in Hemel that a friend took her son to for his ninth birthday. Bowling might appeal (there is a place at Garston) also or take a group to a local football match if he is into that?

Has he been to any parties yet that he enjoyed and might want to do the same thing?

There is a massive swimming pool ,ice scating,rock climbing place near Hemel I think . It was a good place as far as I remember .

Thanks for the ideas. I was thinking of something he could invite quite a few chilren to (just as he's new to the class, otherwise would probably have done cinema etc).

There is a good soft play thing here, which he did like, but i think they're that borderline age where he wouldn't want a party there. He's been to a party at the laser place at hemel, which i tried to get him to have but he doesn't want to copy

Think I might suggest bowling. That sounds great near Hemel, he'd love the rock climbing. I'll look it up. Cheers.

Definitely can't do at home party, we're renting while we look for a house and this house is very tiny!

My friend did a scaletric party for her boy i think he was 9. It was hosted at someones elses house that has all the gear set up in his garage, he charges a fee and the boys can race cars round all his tracks. I can ask if she still has the number it was in st albans

i was going to suggest the quaser place! how are you settling in gbeck?

Big Space in Harpenden?

What about Rollercity in Welwyn Garden City thats quite popular for this age group

They do rock climbing parties at the newish leisure centre at University of Herfordshire in Hatfield - also do swimming and trampolining ones

Oh thanks for all the suggestions, i feel better now i've things to look into. I like the sound of the place at Hatfield and the Rollercity. I think ds is going to a party there but is a girls so wasn't sure if boys had parties there. As you can see, I think I'm worrying too much about this!

Hi Southeastastra, yes settling in now thanks. Takes time i guess, i keep forgetting how short a time we have been here.

I have 13 yr old ds in SA. The good parties he has been to have been Jarmans Park (Hemel) Aquasplash or cinema. Garston Woodside Park (nr Watford) bowling, ice skating. University of Hertfordshire at Hatfield wall climbing, football (they do other stuff too). Laser Quasar at Hemel - great for boys. Roller skating party at Welwyn is brilliant. There's a place called Top Golf (near Watford) that they all love for parties even if you know nothing about golf.

Thanks Rafaella, that's really useful to hear what your ds has enjoyed. I think coming from a different area, i need to get used to the fact that people here travel a bit further for parties. There's some really good ideas, i think he'd like any of those! Thanks