Do people actually expect expensive activities for birthday parties?
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It might be more that at that age the parent is expected to stay and if they have other kids that may be difficult and if they are at soft play they can sit and ignore everyone else and not make awkward small talk. That said that wouldn’t stop me from taking my daughter. A lot of people pick venues as they don’t have the space in their own house. It’s a bit rude of them to say that’s the reason when they’ve done the same kind of party.
I am paying 18 per child to take maybe 10 kids bowling for my sons 5 birthday. Parents can pay 20 for 2 hours if they want to bowl. It should not be about the price but the fun for the children so a party in your back yard is just as perfect
If someone invites me to their home for a kids birthday, I’m coming! I don’t see an issue with a front yard/Backyard gathering. PARENTS want to be catered to at children’s events. They want something (adults stuff) to eat and drink. They want fun actives for themselves…..which I think is weird because it’s a CHILDRENS event so everything is for the kids joy/ excitement. I have gone to parties that are boring but my kids had a freaking blast and frankly that’s all that matters. The day wasn’t for me. Personally, I am that individual that likes to host at an indoor playground or event center because they do all the heavy lifting and I’m only worried about the cake and balloons. Plus (at least the one we hosted at) allows guests to stay all day and play.
@S. annalese I can definitely see the appeal of paying a place for that however I can not waste that kind of money if I'm not sure their will be good attendance
That’s embarrassing of grown adults to be behaving that way and not coming to children’s birthday because its not at an activity place. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having kids birthday parties at home with food and games. Tbh I’ll probably always do birthdays for my kids at home or a trip somewhere for them, not others.
@Rebecca I agree! If that’s not in your budget don’t break the bank. Just host at home and enjoy those that make an effort to show up for your child!!
My son is 4 on the 17th. I'm having a party at home, with friends. They're all friends we see anyway, not preschool friends. He's been to a few parties but o don't know the parents very well so didn't invite any of them. At this age if he's invited to a party, whatever the activity, he'll go if we're free. Whether that's soft play or just at home. I think those parents are rude
Wow, that's ridiculous I definitely don't expect anything like that for a kids birthday party.
That's shocking! For my son's 4th birthday we went bowling with his friends but only cos I didn't want the hassle of feeding them myself and cleaning up afterwards. You can find some cheap party packages (bowling/trampoline parks) but you shouldn't feel obligatory cos other people are greedy!
@Nina the biggest issue is you pay weather people show or not. The cheapest place in my city is $350 that doesn't include any food. I can't pay that unless I know I can get people to attend.
Wow, people expect way too much these days. I would be so disappointed if that was the reaction I received from people I invited. The day is about celebrating the person's special day not getting to play extravagantly on someone else's dime. Maybe do a family trip instead of a birthday party if no one wants to come.