Play dates for 8 year old DS- Advice please

[krisskross]

Hi all
I've posted a few times about our slightly shy DS. Hes come out of himself alot over the last few months and wants to have friends round, so two are coming tmw.

In the past I've found his play dates tricky because they never seem to find the right activity to keep them occupied (6 year old DD playdates are easy- they just entertain themselves!) and then they get bored.

So, tmw I want to have a few activities prepared.....but what will keep them busy? I have loads of lego, twister, hot wheels.....and???? DS is 8 and his friends are 7.

I know I sound like I'm over thinking it, but i want him to enjoy it - when he (very rarely!) goes to other boys houses they seem to play computer games, but we don't do much of that and don't have a playstation or anything.

Thank you for your ideas.

Simple science experiments? You can pick up cheap kits for a fiver which have most of the bits in, you just need to add vinegar etc.

Make your own pizzas.

Treasure hunt around the house

thanks brie.....they would like the science stuff- great idea!

Anymore ideas out there? Thanks

8 year olds want to play on computer games. Ipads etc. Otherwise you are just making your own life difficult

If you have access to any outside space a good run about with or without a football - or rugby ball this week - or a trampoline always works for my DS, also 8. (Despite the lack of skills!). Also endless Lego.

We don't have an ipad etc.....

My DS likes to play spies...he makes it up himself but if your DS needs some guidance, set him a couple of challenges, like put a certain object in a certain place without X noticing. Then you get on with the cooking/whatever and they 'spy' on you/whoever else is in the house while you pretend not to see them! Hours of fun!

My lot also play a lot of board games when their friends come round, but it works better if they all know the same ones already otherwise it can be difficult to explain the rules if they're not used to them.

Can the boys bring their bikes or scooters and have races outside? Build a den, play with Nerf guns, Pokémon cards, top trumps, walkie talkies?

What does your ds like to play when he's on his own or with you?

Oh yes, Walkie talkies. Lasts for hours. Best combines with spies, as mentioned by a pp.

Uno?

It's great for this age as the rules are so simple that kids can pick it up really quickly, your dd would be able to do it too.

Thanks all, I'm thinking top trumps, remote control cars and lego. He loves art and will draw etc for ages.... But that's pretty solitary!

Pictionary?