We did a climbing bday party for my son at Earth treks in Rockville (think they have a few locations around the DC area). They showed the kids how to climb the wall, had staff on hand to belay and do different activities. It was a great party and the kids loved it! We did cake at the place and we were done.

Anonymous wrote:We did legos robotic party for my 8 yr old son at home. 2 people came and they kept the kids busy pretty well.We just sat back and watched. Food etc was on us. We bought a deal on certikid.

This was a party package?

We did legos robotic party for my 8 yr old son at home. 2 people came and they kept the kids busy pretty well.We just sat back and watched. Food etc was on us. We bought a deal on certikid.

Anonymous wrote:My son has been begging for a laser tag birthday for his party in a few months. there's one in bailey's crossroads. I for one will be dreading it.

It's not so bad. I've been to lots of parties there and held them there for my boys. The teen "assigned" to your party is usually pretty good, setting the schedule for the party and making sure it all gets done. You don't have to do much more than pay (remember to tip the teen!) They even cut the cake. A few things you'll want to do:

* stress to everyone to be ON TIME, the games might start right away and they can't wait for stragglers
* take two advil before you get there
* play at least one of the games; parents play for free and it's fun

Rock climbing

Game Truck, Rockville Sportsplex and laser tag were the popular 8 yr old boy parties at my son's school.

I vote for Nats game also. They love that.

Game truck

National Geographic does b-day parties. Don't have any first hand experience with them though.

My turning-8-yo wants a sleepover. He's going to invite 4-5 friends; they'll watch a movie, and then the kids who want to stay over will. On the one hand, it's going to be a long night. On the other hand, I like the idea of a small group of his good buddies and not spending a lot of money.

My son has been begging for a laser tag birthday for his party in a few months. there's one in bailey's crossroads. I for one will be dreading it.

Other ideas:
Nats game
my son just went to a "plants vs zombies" themed party (apparently it's an app game)
nature center
Movie and then make your own sundaes back home.

My kid really enjoyed spending his 8th birthday at the Rollingcrest - Chillum splash park. He also enjoyed taking just one friend for an overnight at Great Wolf Lodge for his 9th.

We don't have a large house, but I could have something small at home or take several of his friends somewhere. We'd probably invite 8-10 kids. Any ideas that are relatively easy? In the past, we've done the big birthday party, but this year I want to keep it smaller.