Great ideas. Thank you.

Does he have neighborhood friends? Maybe do an outside party with laser tag & a pinata or something at your house. Ice cream/ice cream truck for refreshments.

I would personally plan an activity with just the one kid he knows and is friends with. That way you have more options, especially during Covid (you just need an activity that you and the other kid's family are comfortable with, rather than something a bunch of families you don't know need to be able to cosign). I like the ropes course idea above, but I might also suggest an amusement park. Depends on your kids temperament. If you have a yard you could also do an outdoor movie night (my sister does this with her kids and they LOVE it -- you get a little projector, pop popcorn and buy movie theater snacks, set out furniture and blankets and pillows, and do a double feature of their favorite movies).

Then couple it with a family celebration with a special meal, cake, and gifts. That way he gets the special kid-centric celebration without highlighting the fact that he's still new and making friends, plus because he's essentially getting two parties, it will feel special and momentous.

I would avoid inviting a bunch of kids he doesn't know at all to a party with somewhat high stakes, during Covid, because the risk of it being really awkward or not fun would be too high for me. As a new kid, I wouldn't want to overshoot -- stick with the friend you know and work your way up once school is back in person. No one will judge your kid for having a small party this year of all years.

My 10 year old went to a laser tag party in a park with friends. He loved it!

Get an ice cream truck or a food truck to come too. Eat it outside.

Anonymous wrote:DS will be 10 in September and I'd like to throw him some kind of birthday. Besides issues with COVID, this is his first year in-person at his school (moved here last August). He knows exactly one kid and have had a few playdates outside and in the pool with this kid. He's into singing, Legos, anything military-related, and video games. I know that he would love a laser tag party, but I don't know how comfortable I am with that, or other people. Any ideas what I could do to make this a special birthday?

Do one of those laser tag companies that come to your house and set up outside. We have had several parties with that set up and its perfect for that age and Covid.

A bike riding party is perfect where the kids don’t know each other well. They have a shared activity but don’t need to cat to get it done.

Worked great for DS8’s party where the guests knew him but not each other.

How about inviting the friend to an outdoor ropes course...really active and pretty safe. Go for pizza and ice cream afterwards Ten is too old to just invite kids whose parents you know or work with.

Laser X, get two 4-packs and you can invite 7 kids!

If you have a back yard, there are laser tag places that will come to you so everyone can stay outside. Especially if you require masks, that's less risky than in person school.

I’d hold off until you get a class list

Outdoors. A scavenger hunt, party games, provide some soccer or basketballs and let them play.

How many kids?

Do something outside at a party to get them running.

kind=kid

DS will be 10 in September and I'd like to throw him some kind of birthday. Besides issues with COVID, this is his first year in-person at his school (moved here last August). He knows exactly one kid and have had a few playdates outside and in the pool with this kid. He's into singing, Legos, anything military-related, and video games. I know that he would love a laser tag party, but I don't know how comfortable I am with that, or other people. Any ideas what I could do to make this a special birthday?