anyone got ideas for a 6th birthday party which don't involve me being left with 25 kids to look after?

[HonoriaGlossop]

DS is having his 6th birthday soon and is absolutely fixated on having a party. I don't want to deny him a party, but I find it really stressful being left to have responsibility for loads of other kids. I know people are glad of a couple of hours without the kids but I don't want to look after them. Just lazy I guess or maybe I have responsibility issues

So looking for ideas for good SMALL parties you've done if poss! Thought of a swimming party for about 8 kids but looked on archives here and found a thread basically saying that it is the worst idea in the history of the world to expect parents to come in the water with their kids at a party

TIA for any thoughts

wolfgirl, 20 kids in garden in nov...

thanks for that though will look it up

Also jut googled our local theatre and amazingly, every sunday they do a children's show and they do a party idea where the kids go to the show (and the actors will mention the birthday child in the show!) and then you have a room afterwards for party food and mingling with the actors

Think I may be on to something there

Have it somewhere thats not too local, say 1/2 hour away and then its not always worth the parents going home and coming back again. You'll always get some that will leave but bet the vast majority will stay.

jenkel, you are cunning, very cunning

i like your style

entertainers are worth their weight in GOLD

WE gave DD (5) a choice between a party and inviting one friend to an amusementpark this year and she took the amusement park. Then,w e went to build a bear and DD, her firend, ad DS got bears. It was fun and I didn't end up with a zillion presents she doesn't need and I have no where to put.

swimming party would be fine, you will prob only need a couple of other parents. Pal of DD's had one for 6th b/day and there were 15 kids and only her parents and I think one other couple, or maybe two couples?

Have to say that as a rule no parents will stay for a 6yo party unless coming from a long way away. IME anyway.

How about a sports party at a council sports centre? Have booked one for DS1 for up to 20 people, hour of sport and an hour in a room with food (I have to do that bit tho which may not suit). £45 to you guvnor, bargain.

Cinema party was good too, £8/head for an hour for lunch and a gaem or two (oops you d
do that bit) then film plus popcorn and ice cream.

swimming party would be fine, you will prob only need a couple of other parents. Pal of DD's had one for 6th b/day and there were 15 kids and only her parents and I think one other couple, or maybe two couples?

Have to say that as a rule no parents will stay for a 6yo party unless coming from a long way away. IME anyway.

How about a sports party at a council sports centre? Have booked one for DS1 for up to 20 people, hour of sport and an hour in a room with food (I have to do that bit tho which may not suit). £45 to you guvnor, bargain.

Cinema party was good too, £8/head for an hour for lunch and a gaem or two (oops you d
do that bit) then film plus popcorn and ice cream.