Our son turned 9 last year and we took him and one friend to Hershey Park for the day. They had a blast.

My nonsporty, shy 8-year-old had a great party at the Lego store in Tysons. They all built cars and then raced them. Then everyone got a small gift certificate to buy something in the store. We then went to the food court and had cupcakes and played cards. That party really helped my son socially and helped jumpstart a couple of friendships.

I like the idea of a movie and lunch before or after.

My 7 son has a large group of friends, but told me he wanted to go with the family to a local resort hotel rather than have a party. My daughter on the other hand wants a large bowling party with a million kids. She is turning 10, and I have already warned her this is her last large party. From here on out, it is going to be something small.

As others have suggested, asking your son what he wants to do, and even suggest something small, or family only. He may have not even considered the possibility.

If he wants to have the big party and is stressing about people coming, I think the pp advice for more personalized invitations is a good one.

Anonymous wrote:My 8 year old just wanted to celebrate with the family so that is what we did. Then he decided he wanted to have one friend sleep over so we did that at a later date.

I am the PP whose son did laser tag, but this (sleepover/movie with 2 good friends) is what my dd did. I don't do big parties for either child any more, they are allowed to pick a couple of friends and we do something special for those few. Although your DS may not have a bestie yet as he is new to the school.

My 8-year old took a few friends to Dave & Busters (Rockville, MD) and had a blast. Ajax (Reston, VA) is another good idea.

My DS is similar. He ended up choosing one friend to join us for the day - took metro to Air and Space museum, did planetarium show and they got to choose something small from the gift store. Then we had lunch in DC. It was really nice...just DS, his sister, mom, dad and one friend.

Oops! Sorry for the double post!

I would suggest that your son pick 5 or 6 kids with whom he is particularly close (or would like to be) and get in touch with their parents. You could send a brief email to all parents explaining that your son loves his new school and would like to invite their son/daughter to a small party.

I think that a personal email (rather than a generic evite) will help parents understand and make them more likely to fit your son's party into their schedule. I the day/time doesn't work for someone- it's great segue for inviting them for a play date. Good luck!

I would suggest that your son pick 5 or 6 kids with whom he is particularly close (or would like to be) and get in touch with their parents. You could send a brief email to all parents explaining that your son loves his new school and would like to invite their son/daughter to a small party.

I think that a personal email (rather than a generic evite) will help parents understand and make them more likely to fit your son's party into their schedule. I the day/time doesn't work for someone- it's great segue for inviting them for a play date. Good luck!