Time to get creative! Id load up on as many cheap snacks as possible. Maybe make tiny sandwiches? Is there a theme you can tie everything together to? As far as games go, water balloon fight? Tons of bubble soap and wands? If you have a backyard, you could set up random small carnival games where "everyone is a winner" and they can get candy for winning at the end? (that way you don't deal with the sugar high)

Forgot to mention musical chairs, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunt! Could also print off some madlibs allow them to fill em out then read em out loud?

Have you asked him if this is what he wants? Not trying to be all negative but this sounds like a nightmare , especially if he didnt want to give you any names at all.

Its his birthday and the way you are wording this sounds like you're planning it without his feelings in mind.

Please ignore my comment if im looking at it the wrong way, maybe im just overthinking it... Im just worried that it might create a very lasting memory if it he doesnt want to be a part of it.

(source: I have that memory, Ive cringed over it for 25 years)

Thanks for the reply. He's buzzing about it now 😂 talking about how much he loves all his friends and he's naming kids he's never named before.

He asked for the party and so far everything that's organised is things he's asked for so I'm hoping he enjoys it

Loving the idea of no sweets til the end! It's not at my house thankfully, it'll be at a local hall so no bubbles or water fights but I might see if I can figure out a way to incorporate some party games without a winner 😂 last party we were at half the kids cried their eyes out when they were out

Try to get a couple parents to help you manage (or siblings if you have any). At scouting we try to have at least 4 adults for 35 kids, which is manageable. Definitely start them with some active games like tag or any variation of it (i.e. cops and robbers). Our kids also love dodgeball and buskruit (wikipedia tells me it's called "kick the can" in english). Having them run around for half an hour or so will get them to release a bit of their boundless energy (and it'll get them thirsty, expect to have to pass around drinks 45-60 minutes in). Try to do as much outside as you can, 35 kids playing inside can get LOUD and quite overwhelming, especially if you're managing them on your own.

Aw Im glad I was wrong! I hope you all have an amazing time 😊

Never put classmates with family. Too many kids will cause problems.

I do a 4 hour party for the schoolkids and an family/friends party at home. With the classmates i go to the indoor playground, lasergaming etc Best thing ever and they don't ruin your party plus house.

Why do they ignore your kid btw? Does he know? In our school nobody is to ignore. It's a very good Policy

I’ll keep thinking on games of no winners or everyone is a winner!

If it's not a matter of affordability, I say feed the parents too. I've shown up to a few parties where the food is for kids only and I always feel it's a little cheap, especially if I'm expecting to be fed and I skipped lunch for the occasion.

As far as fun, I don't know what kind of climate you're in, but when my kid was that age (in Texas) we'd set up the slip and slide or order a bounce house and we'd be set. The kids would mostly eat and run around and bounce in the bounce house and stuff.

I did the same thing! Get party pizza and fill a room up with balloons, maybe space out the toys and just let them play. That's my plan anyway, hopefully it works out... we still haven't had the party yet...

Jump house

Yes! My S.O. once ordered one for her sibling's 3rd birthday. They were six at the time. That was pretty slick if you ask me. It showed up and everything. Apparently, after the initial call, they called back and a parent answered giving them the ok. They business wasn't going to do it. They just humored her and called to explain what happened just in case. Parents thought it was cute and went for it.

Feed the adults too. Do a pizza party or something.

Can you rent a bounce house or something?

turns out he wasn't being truthful 🙄 he is quick to make sure everyone is included in games that wants to be and is first to offer a hug to anyone who's feeling down.

Could also boost the childs popularity, Kids are strange like that.. hopefully it all goes well, I could only imagine how stressful it would be to try not mess this up.. aslong as the childs happy with the idea and on board, goodluck

Regardless of how you think they "act" (which is normal for that age group anyway, peak "self" development age right there) you can't do party games with that many anyway. Even if they were older the wait times to play would be crazy unless you did like a dozen games.

I assume about 1/3 of people will no show, even if they are RSVPd

Just do pizza for everyone. Cupcakes so you don't have to cut a cake.

Go to the dollar store. Pick up a bunch of chip and dip trays and set up tables with activities in them. One table have crayons, stickers(so many stickers) paper, makers. Another tray with little plastic animals Tray with lego to build Etc etc

Go to the dollar store and just load up on cheap toys and theme the tables. Like I know I've seen little dolls and funiture, hot wheels cars, even knock off lego all that jazz at dollar tree. I'd say use your stuff but you will run the risk of it getting broken or taken home.

Have some hula hoops, bean bag toss over in a corner.

Let them just play and move around as they will. Play some music in the background.

Tell everyone when they arrive you didn't realize the venue had a earlier cut off time, lie and tell them they'll have to leave after about 90mins. You'll be able to control the chaos for about that long, not more lol.

https://www.verywellfamily.com/non-competitive-games-for-kids-1257352

https://www.mumsmakelists.com/childrens-party-games/

Get a bunch of silly string and let them go wild :)