Really really low cost kids party

[Hullabalooo]

I'd like to do a small birthday party for dc this October but am really low on funds... like really low! I normally just do something in a park but the weather is so variable this year I'm not sure it'll hold out by mid October unfortunately.

I did a joint party last time but the other family aren't available this year.

I'm wondering what i can do realistically do on my own on a very small budget. Any ideas?

Also would it be weird to have it a couple of weeks early to hopefully make sure the weather is ok?

Dc will be six.

I've got a weird shaped house so both kitchen and living room are long but thin and tiny back yard. Wondering how to set this up? Especially given DC is very very energetic.

Also is 10 kids too many? Don't think i could get away with less than that friendship wise.

We did a den building party in a local wood once - made it clear we were going ahead whatever the weather and to dress accordingly. Did a few team games (build the highest tower out of sticks etc) and used a nature treasure hunt/find the leaves sheet printed off the Internet to occupy them all on the way back. They all had a whistle to use in case they got lost, and generally had a ball.

I've had 10+ for a home party but it gets a bit manic and you have to put on lots of activities. It's doable but 5 is easier! Do you have another adult or two to help you out if you're having 10? Also no harm in keeping it to an hour and a half so you only have to fill an hour with games. I do cheap sweets and a slice of cake in party bags and kids are perfectly happy - they don't need more small plastic toys really.

Might go for 8 as a workable amount. A friend has just offered to do balloon modelling and magic for an hour so if i make it 2 hours then i can do cake and snacks and that's pretty much it!

Love the woods idea though! Think I'll try that next year when they're a wee bit older.