My children's birthdays are coming up pretty quick (July 22nd and August 19th) who i do a combined party for and i need to plan their party so people who come from out of town can plan. I have a few choices and want some opinions from other moms. I can rent the clubhouse at the pool in my community like i did last year for $25, i can have it at the local splash pad ( kids are going to be 4 and 5 so this is still fun for them) not sure the cost of renting the tables, or i can ask my father and stepmother if we can use their house and pool and throw the party there. Each has its pros and cons. the pool in my community is walking distance form my house but will cost me something and even with the ac it gets a little warm in there when its 100+ outside, heat will also be an issue at the splash pad. Dad's house has AC and pool plus its free. Thoughts?
I would think the clubhouse (has air right?) Only because if I was dad and smom I would not want the liability of little kids in and around my swimming pool. Not to mention running in and out of the house with the expensive AC going.
I had a party for my brother's son. I volunteered and was glad to do it but it is still a lot of work. I think you should rent the clubhouse. $25 is a bargain.
If your community pool is only $25, that's a deal, I'd probably take it...
I'd be worried about ruining something at a parents house.
As someone with a pool who has hosted a few kid parties here...don't do it. It's always nerve wracking. Even if you specify that parents must swim with their children (even if they can swim). You have to have water watchers on deck at all times. Inevitably there is always a kid who thinks he can swim better than he can (and that kid always has parents that also overestimate their abilities).
You may not have to pay for it, but your volunteering your Dad's house for a party. Which means clean up and worry about Dad's things.
The pool is a great price. I am assuming there will be a lifeguard. And parents can jump in and cool off with their kiddos. Splash pads are great fun for the kids, but it's a bit hot and miserable for the parents watching.
Community clubhouse pool would be my choice. Having it at your parents' house does put the burden of pre-cleaning, keeping an eye on everything during the party (spills, etc.) and the post-clean up on your parents.
Did your stepmom and dad invite you to have a party at their home? Every family is different. Some LOVE hosting and other people may not feel comfortable risking the liability of a pool party with children, not to mention children they may not know.
Also, is their house neutral (is your mother welcome)?
Not knowing all the family dynamics, I vote for the community pool. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if your stepmom ponied up the $25 to keep the kids out of her house.
We host birthday parties at our Adventure Day Camps location on Lake Grapevine. We have one today with about 25 kids. There is a bounce house water slide, sand box, bubbles, archery, outdoor games, target shooting, water guns/balloons, obstacle course, scavenger hunt....you can pick from these things. We also have 2 pavilion tents with tables and chairs. Would love to have you guys join us at the lake!
www.AdventureDayCamps.com
Do it at the community pool. $25 is nothing. I would not be worrying about air conditioning being sufficient. I mean I would think you will be outside. I am sure you have the safety issues taken care of. One parent, one child.
You cannot possibly watch a bunch of four and five year olds safely.
I certainly would not impose on your Dad. That is asking way too much of him.
Just do a party at a park.
That is what we did for my son when he was turning 6.
The kids had a BLAST.
A park, is "free." You don't have to worry about water safety etc.
You bring balls, bikes, have relay games, treasure hunts, etc.
And get food that is easy for kids that age to eat.
I would not have it at your Dad's house.
Young kids are messy. Or they may break something in their house.
And they might not want all of those kids and their parents, there.
I'd do it at your community pool.
Don't trouble your dad/stepmother. IMO, that's asking too much when you have your own pool within walking distance.
It depends on your relationship with your dad. Having it at a park in July or August in TX would be miserable for the adults, and if all there is is a splash pad I know I would dread having to go. I'd say community pool if you aren't sure if your parents would be happy with it or not (I wouldn't hesitate to have a party at my parents, but we are pretty close).
I'd do the community pool. I'm happy to host in my own space, and happy to host in a public space, but nervous about hosting in someone else's home, even if they are close family, and even if they were to volunteer.
Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.
If you have a good relationship with your dad and stepmom I say ask them to have it at their place and offer to help clean before and after. That to me would be more comfortable than the other places.
Add: does doing it at the community pool mean noone else can use it. I know some of those you pay to have partys at but everyone else can still come in. That's another reason I say your dad's cause it would be private.
You need to go wherever there will be a certified lifeguard on duty the entire time.
Dads house but not a lot of kids.
I would do either splash pad or community pool. I think the liability and the headache of having it at your dad's house is too much.
$25 is a deal!
