Ds is 6 in October. We had a small party at home last year which was fine, but this year he would like some school friends there rather than just family friends. We are not keen to have it at home (15-20 children), and having investigated the indoor play options we have decided against it for being too expensive (and I really can't stand those places, although we would have gone for it if it wasn't for the cost, as DS loves them).
My cunning plan is to arrange for the guests to meet us at the local park where there is an excellent play area, for the children to play for about an hour. We have then booked the community centre (on the park) for the princely sum of £20 for the whole afternoon. We will do tea back at the hall and perhaps one or two games.
Do you think this would work? My main concern is about some parents leaving their kids with us and us not being able to properly supervise them all in the play area. We were thinking of asking for parents to stay, unless this would cause them any difficulties in which case we would ensure we had enough adults to supervise. Do you think this is reasonable, or will it be a logistical nightmare? Is it worse to have to supervise lots of kids or cater for all the parents!?
If the weather is bad then obviously we will abandon the park bit and just go to the hall, in which case we will need a few more games. What sort of thing is good at this age? Pass the parcel? Muscical bumps? Any others?
I like the idea of a DIY party in theory but it's all a bit daunting, so any ideas/thoughts welcome!