Any ideas?
ETA - She's kind of a tomboy... she likes some girly stuff but likes getting dirty, climbing trees, playing basketball and riding her bike. She likes the movie Brave, playing with her stuffed animals, Polly Pockets, Legos and she likes to read. She likes to play card and board games. Not a "princessy" type of kid at all.
Location doesn't really matter... it can be at home, at a park or elsewhere.
You could have an outdoors party where the kids can just run and play. Then have a cake with one of the themes you noted she likes.
You could have a book themed party (books in general or themed after her favorite book).
You could have a game themed party (use game pieces as decorations for the party and the cake) and have the kids play different games (or have stations where they can all rotate).
What is she in to, what does she like? Need something to go on here...
ETA:do you live near a large park or wilderness area? Sounds like she would love a scavenger hunt or amazing race type theme party!
We did a dance party when my dd was about that age. We got a CD of disco music (or download from Itunes), Then we taught all the kids "YMCA, Hokie Pokie, Limbo, electric slide, Macarena", etc.
We also played games to music (kind of like a cakewalk) and had little prizes from the dollar store. The kids all loved it and were talking about how much fun they had every time I saw them. It lasted 2 hours and it was just right.
What about a 'Brave' party.
Have it in your yard or a park.
Set up a Bear Pinata
http://www.partywedding.com/bear-pinata-42574?nid=1
Have a set of games with teams were they can compete
Bean bag toss
Archery
Google "DIY Lego party 7 year old" or "DIY Polly Pocket party 7 year old", I did the Brave one for you. Your searches will yield tons of ideas to work with. I do this when I choose a theme and use the ideas that work for me, some from here, some from there.
http://www.google.com/search?q=diy+brave+character+birthd... - Brave party ideas
I second what Megan C. said.
She has a great idea: park or backyard, games, "Brave" themed. This will
make it more active and less "princessy".
We have my dd birthdays at the local pool they rent the pool for reasonable price.. We have dominos pizza delivered. Kids love it :)
