My kids are all grown now... but the birthday child got to pick the " the resturant" for his birthday meal ( most do a little song and dance and a brownie or cupcake with a candle in it--FREE) with your meal.). They we would have a " silly or fun day" with friends for actual " party".....I'd serve cupcakes/fruit/cookies, punch etc ( light fair party wise) then we would do something at the house, more of a play day... even when the kids got older this was their favorite... once year ( summer of course) I bought cheap cans of shaving cream and we chased each other around the yard sraying each other... adults included... a good hose down and a change of cloths ( parents wer told in advance) and there was plenty of giggles to go around.. seems we did this one for the boys about their 16th or 17th Bday ( I know they had just started shaving )
Fun can be had with costing an arm and a leg....