Bar mitzvah bbq--looking for unique ideas

perquacky

Tue, Jul 15 2014, 9:19 pm

We're having a backyard barbecue for ds at the end of the summer. (His actual bar mitzvah is next month, but we're having the party later when his friends will be back from camp.)
I don't want the boys to get bored, so I want to come up with some ideas to keep them entertained, besides a bit of dancing to whatever music we've downloaded. We're trying to keep costs down and don't want to hire a band or dj.
Ds went to another bbq where the boys played Xbox video games inside the house. That is NOT happening at our place.
Any and all ideas are welcome, from the mundane to the downright crazy. We just want everyone to have a good time.
Not sure it matters, but we live in the NY area.
Thanks!

Notsobusy

Tue, Jul 15 2014, 11:20 pm

Maybe one of his friends can play music, do a magic show, juggling show or something like that.
Or maybe they can do an quick wood work type of project.

amother

Tue, Jul 15 2014, 11:50 pm

- Frisbee target practice
- Water gun target practice (it will turn into a water fight)
- Fireworks (if they're legal by you and you have a supervising adult)
- Scavenger hunt
- Obstacle course
- Ball toss
- Smores
- Volleyball
- Give the boys a video camera and let them ham it up
- Build and burn a Haman doll
- Football
- Decorate yarmulkas
- Tie dye T-shirts

momX4

Tue, Jul 15 2014, 11:56 pm

amother wrote:

No fireworks please. Even if its legal, you are begging for a lawsuit.

Love the other ideas.

sky

Wed, Jul 16 2014, 10:10 am

Do you have place to do a fire pit, or small bonfire (may want to check about local ordinances).
Have a guitar and kumzitz.

Raisin

Wed, Jul 16 2014, 10:35 am

I'm fascinated how for bas mitzvas people are always suggesting meaningful activities like filling care packages etc.

Is the subtle message that boys can have fun, girls should always be thinking of others?

Don't kids that age just enjoy hanging around and eating good food? What about fun food ideas like chocolate fountains, slushie/slurpee/sno cone machines.

You can also hire all types of inflatable games that are fun for that age.

perquacky

Thu, Jul 17 2014, 1:56 pm

Thanks for your suggestions! (Btw, fireworks are illegal where we live. Doesn't seem to stop the neighbors on July 4th, though.)

Barbara

Thu, Jul 17 2014, 2:04 pm

amother wrote:

I'd leave out Haman (more than a bit gruesome for my taste) and crafty things (since I've never known a 13 year old boy to enjoy them). Scavenger hunts, water guns (and water balloons) and sports work. What about lawn bowling. A blob? http://www.viralnova.com/homemade-water-blob/ And make your own sundae.

Mrs Bissli

Tue, Jul 29 2014, 2:48 pm

Actually we've been to a couple of bar mitzvas that also were fundraising by children for the chosen charity. In one, they did packing for food banks, in another boys volunteered to do car washing for reasonable amount.

If you do other activities, please make sure to indicate in the invitation that the boys need to come in casual clothes where they can get dirty.

Are there some facilities close by, like indoor ice skating, bowling, mini golf, etc?
If budget allows, photo booths, balloon shapes, go-karts.