Birthday ideas for my 10 year old

[bunybomb]

My daughter is turning 10 in a few weeks. I need ideas on what to do. I realize 10 years old is a big deal, but how do we do it realistically? She has grand ideas of horseback riding, amusement parks, etc. for 8+ girls. But she also feels she must impress her friends (typical tween). I want her to feel special but at the same time, we need to be practical.

TIA for ideas and help!

[Joan]

She has some great ideas! What is your budget? My niece just turned 10 and she had a slumber party. I don't know how many girls came but I know they did girly things like paint their nails, made crafts, etc. When my son turned 10, we rented the community pool and had a pool party. I don't know what the weather is like where you are, but the pool party was very reasonable. At his 9th birthday, he had 5 boys sleep over and I took them all ice skating. If she really wants something expensive, maybe she can just have 2 friends join her. Good luck!

[Silke]

Natascha had a rock climbing party when she turned nine. Wasn't cheap, but the girls loved it. My best friend had a slumber party for her daughter.

[MelissaM]

We did the slumber party for Jenn when she turned ten...crafts, movies, pizza...the whole shebang...it was stressful for James and I but it was SO worth it...she LOVED it!

William is going to have a swimming party for his tenth birthday...

[bunybomb]

Dylan asked to inviting only 3 friends and going to Elitche's, which is our local amusement park. We can get a family pack for $80. They decorate it to the nines for Halloween. Plus they have a SCARY haunted house. Maybe this is the year for her to be brave enough. :scratch: Doubt it! We told her that would be a great option. I hope this is what she decides on. We could make Halloween themed invites at home.

[Shel]

I think her limiting it to 3 people was a great idea. I read an article in a magazine this month (can't remember which) about a child who kept asking for a big party and her parents finally just gave her a budget and told her she could do whatever she wanted as long as she stuck to her budget. Great way to let them feel like they are planning it and also teaching them a great lesson about money and budgeting!

[Brooke]

The amusement park sounds like fun!

For her daughter's 11th birthday, our neighbor had a hairdresser/friend come over and do all the girls' hair and makeup and then took them for pizza and a movie.

[jenr812]

When Jess turned 8 and then again 6 weeks ago when she turned 11, we had a huge sleepover. In fact, I had a thread about it here. She invited 16 girls and I think 13 girls came. We had an awesome time at both parties. We would have done it again sooner, but her baby brother was born 3 weeks before her 9th birthday and he was still nursing and waking at night around her 10th birthday. Here's the link I was referring to: DD's having 16 girls sleepover on Friday! HELP :) (http://www.onceuponalife.com/showthread.php?t=10038) I posted about all we did in that thread :nod: Have fun with whatever you decide to do!