If you are throwing a birthday party for a 9-year-old, you probably need ideas to keep the guests busy. Nine-year-old girls are different from 9-year-old boys, and by this age, most kids have ideas about what they enjoy doing. Outdoor activities are ideal because they get kids moving, but indoor activities may be necessary, depending on the weather. One thing all 9-year-olds have in common is they like having fun.
Scavenger Hunt
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A scavenger hunt is entertaining and will keep kids busy. This activity also is ideal for large groups. It's important to pick a theme when preparing a scavenger hunt. For example, give kids a list of ingredients needed to make a homemade chocolate cake and frosting. Give them a list of approved homes to go to within your neighborhood in which to gather the items. If possible, ask them to find nine items to fit with the birthday girl or boy's age. Another idea for a scavenger hunt is to place clues outside, with each clue leading kids to the next location. The final location has a prize or treasure, such as sack lunches, party gifts or water balloons.
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Spa Day
Have a home spa day with the guest of honor and her friends. Give the girls manicures and pedicures. If you have lots of guests, enlist an older sibling or teen neighbor to help. Have lots of nail polish colors for the girls to choose from. Serve food from a local restaurant, preferably one that serves the birthday girl's favorite foods. Afterward, allow the girls to watch a movie together and celebrate with cake and ice cream. Send each guest home with spa-type party favors, such as a little bag with lotion, nail polish and a file.
Park and Play
Nine-year-old boys have a lot of energy, and a nearby park is one place to release that energy--or make use of your backyard if it's big enough. Have T-shirts made with each child's name on it and lead them in a game of soccer, softball or touch football. Take a team picture you can give to each boy as a party favor. Afterward, cook hot dogs and hamburgers on the barbecue, served with all the trimmings. Finish the day with water balloons, cake and ice cream cones.