NEW idea for a party - a 5th year party - for a girl...?

[Richie]

Hello all!
I am wondering what to do for my DD's forthcoming 5th birthday party. Last year had it at Willows Farm (local 'working' farm), that is aimed at children and well organised, with rides, bouncy castle, cafes, food laid on - a show, etc. Have been to following: 'princess parties' with face painting, skiing party at local dry slope, one with 'smarty arty' entertainer, one with a 'general' kids entertainer, also at a gym where organised bouncy castle and traditional party games take place, others at own houses too. IS there anything different out there? (Without costing a ridiculous fortune? But appreciate there is always A cost....)
For a 5 year old, am I just trying too hard? Am I trying to impress the parents perhaps, rather than what the children would enjoy?
What do you think? Help!

reading the first part of your thread I was thinking exactly what you have put in the second part! what are your answers to those questions?

How about a craft party? There are certainly people that do that around here. (SE London)

My DD will be 5 in May and I'm going to have a My Little Pony party for her. There is lots of MLP stuff around. I'll make it for 2 hrs, 2.30 to 4.30. For the first 1/2 hr as they arrive she can open the presents, and show the girls anything else she has received. Then afternoon tea for 1/2 hr, play a few games,both inside and outside. Then cut the cake and send them home with some sweets and a cheap imitation pony.

How about being really radical and having an old fashioned normal party with games?

You know
Pin the tail on teh donkey
pass the parcel
musical statues/bump
etc

And tea

And dancing to kids music

art pary?

We did our first 'away from home' party for ds1 last year, for his 6th birthday - he had a gymnastics party, at the place he goes for gymnastics lessons. That worked fantastically well, and it was lovely not having 20 6 year olds in our house.

Our most 'unusual' party was his 4th birthday party - he has always been fire engine mad, and I had written to the fire station to ask if they had open days, they said they didn't but they could organise a visit if I got a group together, so the first half of the party was at the fire station, they got the hoses out, let the kids play with them, they climbed on the fire engines, talked to the firemen etc. Then back to our house (just round the corner) for tea, (and inevitably more hose play in the garden!).

And that was free!

we hadd a fire engine come to take the kids outt for rides in dec for my sons 3rd and 4th birthday party. everyone loved it, and thent he firemen got hoses out for kids to squirt water, then they had food and games.

i think next yr we will hire village hall and entertainer or do nothing!!

my dd and her friend who will be 4 are having a joint party with a visit from an "animal man" who brings various animals,reptile, snakes,spiders and shows the children and talks about them and lets them touch them (if they want!). It lasts hour to hour and quarter. then we'll do some mad running around then tea, then finish. dd's nursery had same chap in so I know he's good. Cost is £120 but split between 2 and hall hire minimal so not too bad overall.

Ask your local bakery whether you can take a few children (with some parents, probably) in to learn how bread and cakes are made - and then have a tea party with bread and cakes from said bakery.

FOr my dd's 6th birthday I booked a limo and then had all the girls back to the house. For her 8th birthday I booked a recording studio, where they all got to record their own CD (was fab and the people were fantastic) For her 8th birthday we had a swim party.....and I have now told her that there will be no more parties as I have done my bit. This year she can go to the cinema/pizz hut and like it!!!