Could anyone suggest some fun birthday party ideas that don't cost a bundle? We're on a tight budget these days, and my 7 year old's birthday is coming up. I dont' want him to have a boring birthday just because we don't have a lot of money. he wanted to take all of his friends to Castles and Coasters - but that's definitely NOT in the budget! Maybe next year. Any suggestions for this year??

How about picking up some squirt guns at the dollar store or dollar spot at Target. They could have psuedo paint gun fun if you put a couple drops of food coloring in gun after you fill it with water. Course you would have to be sure to have them wear old clothes. Old white t-shirts would be best and each kid could have their own color, have the object be to squirt eachothers white shirt. No point for other areas that are squirted! Two winners one with the cleanest shirt since he dodged the best and one for who's color shows more on more shirts. That way they'll not be tempted to just go for the easy targets. You'll have to decide where to do it depending on the amout of "open space" you have in your yard, maybe a large grassy park would be best, because you wouldn't want them near any objects that could get stained even if only temporary. You can also make your own versions of some of the classic games i.e. Pin the Tail on the Donkey, let the kids decide what to pin what on and draw the pic themselves, i.e. pin Spiderman on the web or building. They could draw a web or a building on newsprint or poster board and a pack of stickers is very inexpensive. The prize for the winner of each game could be to go first on the next game...so less junk to buy for prizes. You can also make your own pinata with your son ahead of time with just a balloon, news paper, flour and water. For more inexpensive ideas check out www.amazingmoms.com. Focus on the memories, the fun and the interaction. Speaking of which here's one more idea, you could take a photo of each kid with your son, print it out and have them make a page for a scrapbook, maybe make two, one for your son and one for themself, what a great keepsake 4-ever! Much better than the other junk kids bring home that's in the way for awhile then breaks or gets tossed. HTH!

Click on this link - when I read it, I thought of the topic posted on this site and thought I'd share.
http://blogs.momtourage.com/bloggerknowsbest/2009/05/party-planning-on-a-dime.php?nlcid=tk|05-18-2009|

One of the best birthday parties I can remember was cheap for my parents (I think). I loved riding my bike and so did most of my friends, and so we simply had a bike party. All friends brought their bikes and we rode around together in my neighborhood for most of the evening. Then we ate some home-made pizza and watched a bike movie, and then we were excited about riding bikes again, so we went out and rode again at night. This was the coolest part, because I was never allowed to ride at night, but my parents made an exception that night, because they took turns watching out for us at the end of the street. I loved it. There were no party favors and no gifts. Just pizza, bikes, a movie, bikes, and cake. Perfect party for a boy.

Great ideas here. I think all it takes is a little creativity and effort and you can definitely pull off a fabulous party without spending a load of money. Summer's here and if you have a pool, or know someone who does, pool parties are always a big hit with kids!

You could have an animal-themed party. Have family and friends bring a fury or not-so fury, preferably friendly creature to share with everyone. Turtles, dogs, cats, mice, fish and so on and so forth... Then you can have food such as snacks that look like doggie treats or cat food dips and maybe even disguise a salt shaker to look like fish food.

The 99 Cent Only Store is hands-down my first stop when it comes to party-planning because they have all the party stuff as well as cheap stuff for goody bags.

Honestly, one of the most fun things I ever did for my now 8yo's birthday was to let the kids go outside and have a water balloon fight! I had all these games planned, but they all agreed that was their favorite thing... I also set up a target for them to throw water balloons at (they did that first and then did a fight with each other).

With this heat, what could be more refreshing? It lets them get out all that energy, let's them be wild & crazy kids... and you get to be the cool parent that let them get wet & make a mess, LOL!

i'm a dude and usually leave the party planning-type stuff up to my wife, but i had to let you all know that i told her about this site and your ideas were helpful. we're using several for my son's b-day party this weekend. so thanks!

here's a tip - register on freebirthdaytreats.com to get a directory of places offering free stuff on your birthday.