Ideas for whole class party for 9yr old DD about to start new school

[ConfusedmummyKT5]

Our dd is changing primary schools at half term for a variety of reasons.

She turns 9 in December and as she won't know a soul at the new school, she'd like a party that she can invite the whole class to.

She doesn't like bowling, so that's out.

Any suggestions or ideas? It obviously needs to cater for girls and boys, she doesn't want party games as she thinks it'll be too babyish, so any help gratefully received!

Thank you x

Have you got a local leisure centre that could do a football/ ball games party or what about ice skating

Thanks Floralnomad. We do have a few options like that but she has this idea in her head that if they do something sporty like swimming, ice-skating etc, they won't stay as a group and she is hoping to get to know everyone a bit better that way.
It's not an easy one!!

Disco and Dj?

Are they too old for one of those people who bring bugs and lizards and things for them to look at ?

What about one of those spy mission places, if there's one near you?

Disco with a DJ who has a name for junior discos and runs games/ competitions as well as playing naff tunes. The games keep all the kids involved as the boys will often just run and slide across the floor at that age.

An "animal experience " of some sort, lizards, snakes and bugs seem to be popular.

Local companies that could come.in and do Team Games / Mini activities?

I'm not sure that children do get to know each other particularly at parties even in reception. I think it is more about the social value that parties have for the rest of the year - it is in the giving out of invites, the shared excitement in the playground, the discussions afterwards, and, hopefully the invites to other parties or play dates. I wouldn't see the couple of hours at the party as the socialising but the lead up to it and the time afterwards. Spy mission does sound cool though!

We were in the same boat!
This is perfect timing for your daughter's party! A real good way for her and you to get to know the other kids and Mums and maybe Dads.

Firstly, I really wouldn't have a party with all the kids... 30 9 year olds would be a nightmare. I speak from experience.. I'm a mother of 4 kids and I'm a children's party entertainer. 30 four year olds or five year olds or even 6 year olds is fine, but not 9 year olds. It's a tricky age to be honest.. And I think you'd struggle to keep all of them happy.

Can you do what we did and just invite all the girls? I don't mean to sounds sexist, but I think this really would be a better idea for you.

We have 16 girls, and that's a really I nice number.

Whereabouts do you live? I'll see if I can find some ideas for entertainers or things to do.