As they get older, thinking of birthday party ideas for boys seems to get harder. So when my son decided he wanted to organise his own 11th birthday party, I was delighted.

Hi choice was 'paintball'! What better way of getting some fresh air than giving each kid a gun and sending them off in to the woods!

He designed the birthday invitations him self, using photo's off the paintball website he was going to. The invitations included the location, date, times and asked for a donation towards the cost. I was a bit dubious about asking for a donation, I thought parents may think it a bit cheeky. However I had nothing but positive feedback, and all were delighted to contribute. All the boys had been wanting to go paint balling, but it wasn't that cheap, this was a great way of spreading the cost.

On the morning of the birthday, there was some excitement in our house! When we arrived at the site, with a car full of boys, we met the others there. Our games master instructed the boys how the site worked, the do's and do nots. All were issued with their guns, camouflage, masks and battle packs.

Splitting into two teams the boys planned strategies to be first to win the game by completing their mission. Embarking on a series of skirmishes and matches to get to the flag first and hold it above their heads as winners.

There were prizes for 'player of the day' and 'best bruise'. Afterwards the boys enjoyed a birthday cake, complete of course with cake and a rendition of HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

So what did they think of our birthday party ideas for boys?

"the best day ever, awesome"

Two of the boys have now joined as club members, saving up their paper round money for the membership fee. This entitles them to a monthly battle, I can't wait until the December 'Assassinate Santa', I think I'll join in that one my self!

So if you're looking for birthday party ideas for boys I can't imagine a better day out than paint balling.