Unique Birthday Activities for an 11-Year-Old Boy

Recognizing a child's birthday is a nice way to say, "We love you!" However, let us face it Mom and Dad, we can over think it sometimes. Big, fluffy cakes, paper mache piñatas, special costumed guests are fun when they are little but when he reaches 11, not so much. Help your 11-year old save face this year. Give him a birthday party alternative that he and his friends will think is "cool." Try these suggestions for unique birthday activities.

Home Improvement Kits

Home improvement stores are fun places to visit when you want to get started on a special project. Many DIY stores like Lowe's and the Home Depot have small birthday projects available. These kits come in neat totes and include everything your partiers will need to build a birdhouse or some other nifty project. Shop online to order them in advance or call your local store for pricing. Buy a few extra too. Be prepared for the extra kid, and Dad may want to play along too.

Cooking Class

Everyone loves cooking, even boys. Hire a local chef to come teach your kids how to cook a meal on an open flame. Or call the cooking colleges to see what services they offer. Hire a private chef to prepare a meal and involve the kids in the preparation. Pizzas and pastas are exciting to prepare and tasty to eat.

Go Cart Racing

Go-cart racing is a sport that kids can get into, especially 11-year-old boys. Sign up for some race time at a go-cart track. Have awards ready to give the winners, including the birthday boy.

Shark Tanks

Kids love sharks. Take your birthday party group on a day trip to a regional aquarium that has lots of different species of sharks. Make sharks the theme of your son's birthday party. Some facilities allow guests to feed the sharks during certain hours. Ask in advance what the feeding times are so kids can watch the sharks eat and be active.

Knee Boarding

If you live near a lake or ocean, take kids to the water. Of course, for safety's sake you'll need parents to come along too. Provide body boards or inner tubes for kids to float on. Have a fun day along the water with kites or trying some water skiing.