I would think that it would depend on what he or she likes. For instance, my son is getting ready to turn 4 in September and he is really into the Nick Jr. Characters. So each year since he turned two, I have picked a charater and just ran with it.

My son recently turned 8 and had a laser tag party. Even the adults played. Everyone had a wonderful time. Shadowland and XP Laser Tag are two popular locations.

We have never understood the appeal of the out-of-the-house parties. Can anyone explain to me why it's preferable not to entertain the kids at home?

Oh, the cleaning up before and after; the need to have about 30 imaginative activities planned that everyone loves; the politics of dealing with children who range into off-limits areas...anyone else want to chime in?

I was the reader who asked, for my son's birthday this year.... We only throw him a party with friends every other year, and we like to have it outside the home because we live in small quarters and can't host 15-20 (+) kids here. We have done the character themes, and were just looking for something fresh this year at a location we may not have known about or heard of, so thank you for the ideas so far, and thank you Kate for posting this!

My two biggest successes were the tea party for the six-year old girl (the "tea" was raspberry infusion) with a craft and the costume party for a four year-old boy.

For an 8 yr old boy I would suggest Ridemakerz on the Ave in White Marsh (maybe other locs?) - it's kind of like build-a-bear but kids make customized model cars instead. This would probably be better for a handful of kids for money and logistics if your son can narrow it down to 4 or 5 of his best friends, and then maybe take the kids for lunch/dinner/ice cream afterwards. It seems so fun! They have bday party packages.

I strongly suggest Sweet Potato Kids. It is located in the Deer Park Business Center in Randallstown. My daughter attended a birthday party there and I can assure you my child wants her party there and she will be attending summer camp this summer. Various theme rooms for activities and age groups. Structured activities are provided and can be customized to your audience.

Family-owned business that you can tell a lot of thought and detail has been put into developing an interactive nurturing environment.

We just had an indoor climbing party at Earthtreks for my 8 yr old daughter -- everyone seemed to have a great time. There was another birthday party next to us -- for a little boy and his friends -- they couldn't have been more than 6 years old and they, too, seemed to be enjoying themselves.

I'm enjoying hearing all these creative ideas--I'm looking for ideas for a 10-yr birthday parties. We have friends who live in Bolton Hill who did a home-based party (3rd graders) that included a scavenger hunt though the neighborhood, which included hunting for homes of historic figures--the kids had a great time.

Kate, as my sister once said, it's all about crowd control. We did have one birthday party from hell, the year our older son turned 6, so my younger son was informed from a very young age that there would be no big party when HE turned 6 (a difficult age for boys, in our experience). But if you keep the guest list small enough and are creative enough, a home-based party can be a lot of fun for everyone, even if your home is small. We had a lot of success with relay races with silly hats and other activities that allowed the guests to blow off steam before settling down to cake and ice cream. And, yes, we did open the presents at the party. Never mind the guest who decided he wanted to take his gift back!

Oh, the cleaning up before and after; the need to have about 30 imaginative activities planned that everyone loves; the politics of dealing with children who range into off-limits areas...anyone else want to chime in?

That has always been my biggest problem so here was a suggestion that my mom gave, if you have at least more than 2 children, it might not work. The week of the party, start ccleaning up the house, that way when the party day comes you do not have to do so much.

That was an amazing surprise for an 8-year old birthday party. Yeah, cleaning up is what I hate most when having a party at home. I want the party to be in a restaurant, no mess at home... :)