Outdoor Pool

• Make the most of the summer weather and hold your party at a local outdoor pool. This party lends itself to a tropical luau theme, which is easy to achieve with flower garlands, brightly colored streamers and some themed games such as the limbo. If your child enjoys splashing around in the water, then this is a laid-back and informal option. Although the pool is likely to have its own lifeguard staff, ensure there is sufficient adult supervision to oversee the children.
  
  

Garden

• Sometimes, large and unfamiliar venues can be intimidating to younger children. If your child is shy and would prefer a smaller, more intimate affair then set up a tea party in your garden. Use the "Alice in Wonderland book" as inspiration by including "eat me" biscuits and finger sandwiches. Decorate your garden with paper lanterns and streamers to give it a sense of occasion.
  
  

Amusement Park

• Older, outgoing children need lots of stimulation to keep them entertained and to prevent them from becoming bored during a birthday party. Arrange for your child and a few of her friends to visit a local amusement park for a day of roller coasters and amusement arcades. Visit one of the restaurants at the park for a birthday lunch and spot of birthday cake. Arrange your restaurant booking in advance as they are well equipped at dealing with children's birthday parties and may be able to provide extras, such as balloons.
  
  

Beach

• Take your child and his friends to the beach to splash in the sea, play Frisbee or build sandcastles. There are lots of activities to do at the beach for children of all ages. Plan your activities in advance depending upon the interests of you child, so you can take relevant items such as a ball, set of squirt guns or bunch of buckets and spades. Pack a picnic for the children so they can enjoy a relaxed birthday meal.
  
  

Mall

• For a tween girl who loves to shop, the mall is likely to be on her list of best birthday locations. Start the day in the food court and make a plan of where she and her friends will like to visit. Set each girl a challenge to choose a look for another member of the group. Let the girls try on clothes and include a small gift certificate as a favor so her guests can pick out a memento of the day, such as nail polish or hair clips.