OT- having my sons b-day party at a park

[PaDisney02]

HI, I have decided to have my sons b-day party this year at our local park. The park has a pavillion for rent and also a large playground. I have never done a party at a park b4 and I am just looking for tips!

We r not inviting any school friends, its just our family (large family). My only concern is that the parents of small children will not get to really enjoy the party because they will have to be with their children on the play equipment. The play equipment is very close to the pavillion but I would not let my younger son alone on it, so I hope no one else will let their kids alone. Do u think people will expect me to watch all the kids on the equipment? I hope not because I will be busy with the party and socializing with my guests. I have alot of older adults coming and relatives that have not seen eachother in a while.

Of course my husband will help me watch my kids on the playground but I'm just worried about the other children there (all relatives). Do you think I should hire someone to help out and watch the kids? My mom thinks thats a dumb idea and everyone should just watch their own kids. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[daisyduck123]

I think you'll be fine.

I can't imagine going to a family gathering and expecting another family member to watch my own children. If your family members have any common sense about them, I think that they'll realize that you're busy and that they'll need to supervise their own kids.

Hope your party goes off great!

 

[Lstar311]

I just had my son's second birthday at a park. It worked out great. I had a similar situation where the playground equipment was close to the pavillion but that was why I chose that park. You won't really have to do much in the way of entertainment because all the kids will want to play on the equipment. It never crossed my mind that others would want me to watch their kids, I didn't even watch my own son on the equipment I was so busy with all the party stuff. Don't get me wrong I am a very diligent mother but my son's grandfather was there and was more than happy to take him on the equipment. I guess because the kids at my son's party were so little all the parents definitely were watching their own kids. If you have any other questions pm me, I'd be happy to tell you how I did things for the party.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I agree with your mother. If you are in a public place, you should not be responsible for watching everyone's kids, especially family.

As for people missing out... it's a kid's party. They should want to be involved with the kids at the playground. I would make sure to make an honest effort to round people up for presents and cake, but other than that, let them roam.

Friends of ours rent out a pavillion every year and everyone takes care of themselves. Not everyone will want to play on the playground, so maybe have some little games like a ladder toss, cornhole, frisbee, etc as a back up to keep near your site. Who knows, you could get a crazy family tournament going that you never planned for!

 

[MSSANDRA]

We have done the park b-days many time and agree that it is a great low cost way to do it. You need little or no entertainment nor decorations. We have never had issues with parents not watching their own kids. We have done both family and friends. Sometimes all the dads would take the kids and the mom could talk or vice versa. One set of parents may watch for another set of parents but it has never been a problem. Only issue with park parties has been trying to have ice cream. Never found a way that worked well!

 

[PaDisney02]

Thanks for all the advice! Now I feel much better about the park party. I'm excited!