My older daughter turned 10 last April, and I went through the same thing with her, not knowing what kind of party she wanted. After weeks of phone calls and flipping through the parent guide for ideas, I finally decided to have it at the YMCA in Hackensack. I rented the pool and lobby for about 3 hours and it only cost me about $100-$200 (I dont remember the exact amount). I even was given a free lifeguard. The parties are on Saturday evenings only, and the Y is shut down, so u have the whole bottom floor to yourselves, u just have to bring your own food, decorations and clean up at the end. We ordered pizza, brought a cake & decorated & all her friends are still talking about it.