Birthday party venue for 8-year-old SN and NT boys?

[Anonymous]

Having some trouble thinking of a good place for DS's 8th birthday. He has a number of friends he wants to invite who have special needs and we'd really like for everyone to be able to come.
Bounce houses are out because two of his friends have physical disabilities and would not be able to participate. We're also trying to avoid places that are too loud as there are some friends with sensory issues. An art place wouldn't work well as one of his best friends has ADHD and is very active as is DS himself and probably couldn't last 30 minutes in such a place.

Would a party at a park work okay for this age? A Lego party?

[Anonymous]

I have seen parties at a health club space where they do soccer and since it is a smaller space everyone may be able to participate.

I have done a party at a movie theater which may be an option. (for 8YOs it does not matter if anyone already saw the movie)

How about the zoo or the building museum?

[Anonymous]

Thank you for working to include everyone!

Where do you live? Either the Kid Museum, in Bethesda, or the Children's Science Center, in Fairfax, would be good options.

[Anonymous]

What about a pool party? I know many kids who don't handle loud noises well, but for whom the calming effect of the water counteracts that and they do well in the pool. Many kids with physical disabilities find the pool very freeing. You'd want a lot of adult supervision though.

[Anonymous]

OP, first, I commend you for being so inclusive.

I recommend several venues where my SN boy and his NT friends enjoyed themselves:

IdeaVentions
Bowling America
Cub Run Rec Center (great swimming pool)
Imagination Stage (esp. if the boys are into performing arts)

I also heard that Children's Science Center at Fair Oaks also hosts Bday parties. Since they are very new, I don't know how they run things.

[Anonymous]

There are lego rentals will bring the bricks to you. You could do it at home or if you don't have the space rent a room at a community center.

[Anonymous]

Bowling - if one of the parents is military maybe you could get them to get you into one of the bases. With the wounded warriors, many will be disability assessable. That's great you are so considerate. During the day Walter Reed is usually quieter.

[Anonymous]

I vote Lego party! You can rent Legos and they bring them to you? !? I'm in heaven... can't imagine your kids would NOT love it. Get a cake decorated that looks like legos, ow buy a small Lego guy for each kid and put on cupcakes... and they keep their Lego person.
So cool. If you want to go somewhere, call the big Lego stores and see if they have a private room for this. In Virginia I know they have a great store...
And if you need an extra adult helper, I'm in!

[Anonymous]

Lego party at home
Spy party at home
Party at the National Zoo

[Anonymous]

My DD with physical disabilities loves bowling parties -- there is a ramp and she can push the ball down the ramp.

Pool party is also great, and movie party.

Thank you for not doing bounce house, Pump it Up, or other constant running around parties.

[Anonymous]

My Gym Bethesda was so accommodating for my daughter's party. she was the one with major physical disabilities. so nice that you are the only party there. The helpers were amazing. they are adults (early 20s). they know how to handle kids. Such a difference from the teens that work at Dynamite or pump it up. They came up with alternative activities to make sure my child had a great time too. I would call them. My 8 year old had a blast there too.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you to all PPs for the great suggestions! Have started calling around to all these places and am hopeful we can find one that still has space. DS is going to be so happy.

[Anonymous]

I just want to say that I love you and your son. Happy Birthday to him, and many more...

[Anonymous]

One more possibility, although it might be expensive, is MoCo Movement: http://www.mocomc.com

They specialize in gymnastics/physical activity for kids with disabilities, but they are fun for everyone.

[Anonymous]

You're awesome OP!! That's so cool of you to include everyone.

We did a reptile show at our house where they come to you and bring lizards, turtles, snakes - very cool and all of the kids loved it!