Do you pay for your children to attend Birthday Parties?

[eyor44]

Have to throw in my 2 cents.
I do a big party each year for my children, because I can. Couldn't always. Sometimes extra children will show up, which is no big deal, unless it is like Party Animals. Got to give credit to my parents though. They will always offer to pay for the siblings they bring, not that I let them.
I took my daughter to a party last week that had no activities planned. It was held at the b-day girl's house, her parents provided snacks and drinks and the children played. Ten 5yr olds and they made up their own game with balloons. They had a wonderful time playing and eating snacks. It was storming so they couldn't even go out in the back yard, but they didn't care. Sometimes, I think simple works just as well as planned entertainment.

 

[eliza61]

I took my daughter to a party last week that had no activities planned. It was held at the b-day girl's house, her parents provided snacks and drinks and the children played. Ten 5yr olds and they made up their own game with balloons. They had a wonderful time playing and eating snacks. It was storming so they couldn't even go out in the back yard, but they didn't care. Sometimes, I think simple works just as well as planned entertainment.

That's like the old story of buying toddlers expensive gifts. You buy them a fancy gift and they end up playing with the big box it came in.
You're right some times simple is best.

 

[PoohHappens]

Thanks for your replies, I guess I did not see dropping your kid off at a theater party any different than any other party at a place like bowling or a game place etc.... There is a very large party room with tables etc that is completely enclosed where we will meet and have cake presents etc. It is ours for the length of the movie plus 2 hours. It will be a long party though. We have always had 6 adults for about 16-20 kids. (grandparents plus us). Most of the parents have not stayed for the parties we attended last year. Of course I would never let a child go to the bathroom alone, or anywhere else. I am always very involved in the parties we have, have a schedule, announce it to the children and follow it. If the Grandparents can't make it this year I will make sure to recruit some friends ahead of time. The biggest problem I seem to face with parties lately is people not RSVP-ing. With something that has paid admission it is difficult to plan.

 

[muffyn]

Our local zoo has a birthday party area, and they arrange it for you. I would love to have a party for DS there.

But it doesn't include admission. So on top of the per person party cost, there's the admission to think about (and since our parties are still adult friends and relatives, that's all adult admissions). I cannot even imagine asking friends and family to pay their way in (if they were all members of the zoo, that would be one thing, but they aren't), and I'm not going to more than double my cost for this party, so no zoo party.

I dunno.
"I" would ask around, to the parents & relatives that you would want to invite just what they think. just a casual conversation, to get input on IF they would attend such a thing if they had to pay for admission.
I have a feeling you would get several who think that it would be OK to go with that ( bumbershoot,, would YOU go to a party like this ? )
for something that you would love to do for your DS, I wouldn't just give up on the idea & not give him that experience.

 

[Laneychris]

I had never heard of guest paying for a child's B-day party before.

 

[dizkids]

OP do you LIKE this family member or are you close enough to ask?

I am picturing myself asking my sister in law who i like (we are close). Perhaps ask her like you are questioning what is to be done? So "Mary" just to be clear we are paying for the kids to get into the party? I was just curious if everyone is fine with that? Maybe she will elaborate.