Anonymous wrote:The Fairfax County Animal Shelter hosts kids birthday parties. Shelter is located on West Ox Rd. between Rte 50 and Rte 29. They are new this year. Seems like the kids have a lot of fun.

I wish I knew about this earlier, I just booked a party at Flight Trampoline Park in Springfield. Supposed to be a lot of fun

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter hosts kids birthday parties. Shelter is located on West Ox Rd. between Rte 50 and Rte 29. They are new this year. Seems like the kids have a lot of fun.

Anonymous wrote:My DD went to a Fear Factor party last year. Totally fun activities (pick up as many pennies off the bottom of a acquarium full of crickets; leave a worm on your face over your lip for 30 seconds etc.) Google will find you more I'm sure.

My DD wouldn't think of this as fun!

My DD went to a Fear Factor party last year. Totally fun activities (pick up as many pennies off the bottom of a acquarium full of crickets; leave a worm on your face over your lip for 30 seconds etc.) Google will find you more I'm sure.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for he ideas Which chapter of the ASPCA? When I looked at shelters it looked like volunteers had to be 18. We looked at trampoline parks but they are $300 - $350 before pizza, cake and goodie bags which is a little high for us.

The PP who mentioned horseback. Do you know a stable that does real horseback riding for a party versus 2 minute led pony rides?

You need to do your own research. Go look at websites, click around and check costs. That's what it takes to throw a birthday party. A couple of hours of research.

NP here. I've looked into the ASPCA bday parties in the past. There seem to be none in the NoVA area that do it. Are you not in the DC area?

We took 2 friends to an overnight program where you slept in the shark portion of the Baltimore aquarium. Big success.

Once they get to be a tween, if they can't accept having a casual pool party, sleepover, or inviting a couple of friends along for a fun outing, then they can research their own party or give you some ideas to help with planning.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for he ideas Which chapter of the ASPCA? When I looked at shelters it looked like volunteers had to be 18. We looked at trampoline parks but they are $300 - $350 before pizza, cake and goodie bags which is a little high for us.

The PP who mentioned horseback. Do you know a stable that does real horseback riding for a party versus 2 minute led pony rides?

if $300-350 is too high, you should drop the idea of a horseback party.
Shadowlands (laser golf) is also popular for this age.

Take a few girls to ride horses?

Or else you can just take the kids to the zoo and out for ice cream after- doesn't have to be a real party to be fun

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for he ideas Which chapter of the ASPCA? When I looked at shelters it looked like volunteers had to be 18. We looked at trampoline parks but they are $300 - $350 before pizza, cake and goodie bags which is a little high for us.

The PP who mentioned horseback. Do you know a stable that does real horseback riding for a party versus 2 minute led pony rides?

You need to do your own research. Go look at websites, click around and check costs. That's what it takes to throw a birthday party. A couple of hours of research.

Thanks for he ideas Which chapter of the ASPCA? When I looked at shelters it looked like volunteers had to be 18. We looked at trampoline parks but they are $300 - $350 before pizza, cake and goodie bags which is a little high for us.

The PP who mentioned horseback. Do you know a stable that does real horseback riding for a party versus 2 minute led pony rides?

My DD's 11th birthday party was at the ASPCA. They made toys for kittens (so minimal crafting) as the kids arrived, then they played with puppies and some other animal (I forget which one). Then pizza and cake. Everyone loved it.

Does the zoo have or aquarium have any birthday party things? I've found you can pull the party organizer person aside and say to them "Hey, I know the majority of your parties are for younger kids, but can you gear this one older?" and most will.

Without knowing your budget, it's hard to know what you mean by not breaking the bank. You could try horseback riding. You could try to negotiate a deal at a place that gives lessons but it would probably still be pricey for more than a few kids. Another idea is the zoo. Just don't do a package so the girls can wander to the places that interest them.

Non animal ideas: My tween son is having his party at a ropes course. It's expensive so we limited him to 5 friends and skipped the party package. Some places also offer a twilight climb which is much less expensive. The other places that seem popular with this age group are the trampoline places and monster golf.

Looking for ideas for a tween girl. DD doesn't want a sleepover, craft program or a movie. Something with animals would be great but most of what I found online seems geared toward a younger audience. Any creative ideas (that don't break the bank) would be appreciated.