Ds 4 in Feb - what is best sort of party

[PetitFilou1]

Help please - can't organise much of it myself as I work part time and just don't have the time.

But, would also like to know what best captures a 4 year olds attention.

Advice welcome....

are you wanting it at home to save a bit of money? or at a place?....do you have play gyms for kids near you?....we have a great jungle gym/ play space for kids nearby that our 3yo's just went to for a few parties recently (all ds's friends turn 3 btwen oct gone and jan)....

my ds's birthday is on the 21st of this month (but party being held the 15th) and with it beign a bit close to xmas decided to do something at home for him we asked him what sort of party he wanted and he's wanting a pirate party...we will all be dressing up, pirate themed decs, pass the parcel, dancing (mainly to tire them out!!) and i'm just serving hotdogs and fries for lunch followed by jelly and ice-cream- VERY simple!!!

all the kids know its going to be dress-up, only stripy tops and eye patches, but they are all very exited....ds chose a pirates of the carrabean cake from asda the other day.... he is just ever so exited!!we have spent about £40 in total including food that i still need to buy the day before....so very cheap and cheerful!!and hopefully lots of fun for everyone!!!

Thanks - do not want to do it at home at too many children! But the large soft play place nearby charge a minimum of £19 a head (I don't think so) and it isn't really a party as a result as they all bugger off in different directions.

I can see I am going to have to hire a church hall or something... will have to think about games

Hire a hall but if you are not going to have an entertainer (££££) you need a lot of willing helpers - IME 4yos don't really know how to play many party games but they love them if you can face "teaching" them.

Themes are good - cost no more and make the whole thing a lot more memorable for all concerned.