Not a good idea. Kids will finish ice cream and then ?? just sit? Those shops do not typically have much seating either.

I wouldn't do cold stone. It'll take forever. One kid get ice cream and be done with it before the last kid even got theirs. Meanwhile all the kids will be going insane with boredom and none of the parents will be happy standing around dealing with this.

Try a pizza place and see if you can bring a cake.

I would try to do something at a restaurant or you can get a room or a very large table and definitely call them ahead of time.

I wouldn't try that at Coldstone. The waiting will not be fun. Try calling ahead to someplace where you might be able to reserve a table or two and have everyone order ice cream/milkshakes/pizza and get served at the same time. Ideas not far from Dakota Crossing: the IHOP on Bladensburg Rd, Franklin's or Pizza Paradiso in Hyattsville.

Agree with indoor ideas. Maybe call a bowling alley and book 3 lanes? Indoor play places are good too.

I don't think I'd take 12 seven year olds to an ice cream shop. They will be climbing the walls. Yes I have a 7 year old at home.

Can you keep his top 2-3 friends involved and cancel the rest because of the weather? Then take just the smaller party to Dave and Busters and hand them $20-30 playing cards. They will have a blast.

Anonymous wrote:12 kids.

We would love to do a movie but our 7 year old still gets scared watching movies at home and I think the big screen would overwhelm him.

Don't just show up with 12 kids.

Go to the new pickle ball and roller skating place? It's never crowded.

I would at least look for a restaurant that is set up for birthday parties. Potomac Pizza is one example. And if you call in advance you can at least get tables together and they'll be prepared for the group.

Along with community rec center rooms, the train station rooms in MoCo parks could be an option - probably less demand now when the mini trains are closed for the season. Went to a b-day party there and it was a nice big space.

12 kids.

We would love to do a movie but our 7 year old still gets scared watching movies at home and I think the big screen would overwhelm him.

Anonymous wrote:Agree that pivoting to a movie (Wish? Trolls? Wonka?) or indoor play area tickets would be better.

+1

Agree that pivoting to a movie (Wish? Trolls? Wonka?) or indoor play area tickets would be better.

Anonymous wrote:How many kids?

I'd look at getting a room in a community center. Then figure out some old school games to keep the kids entertained (pin the tail, musical chairs) have some cake and send everyone home. It can be short.

That’s a good idea! Some libraries have rooms you can rent as well

How many kids? I think more than like 3 would be quickly overwhelming in a shop.

What about- indoor ice skating
Movie
Buy tickets to an indoor play area

How many kids?

I'd look at getting a room in a community center. Then figure out some old school games to keep the kids entertained (pin the tail, musical chairs) have some cake and send everyone home. It can be short.

We were planning an birthday party at a park for our 7 year old on Sunday and now the weather is looking ominous...

Our tentative plan B is to have everyone meet at the Cold Stone Creamery in Dakota Crossing instead for an ice cream gathering. Has anyone done something like this before, basically showing up guerrilla style and having a quasi-party?

Any other suggestion for a last minute pivot that doesn't require advance booking. (a party at home is not in the cards)

Thank you for any insights!!!!