To not go to this low key children's party?

Its fine to not go to a party because its too far or not suitable or whatever but no need to be so judgy and snotty about it

OP if you can't be bothered to go that's totally fine, but just own it rather than making the party out to be the problem. We've been to those parties, they're all they need at that age. Can your kids not just do a picnic without needing organised activities?

Are your children older? I think what you described for a 2 year old last year sounds great. As they are turning 3 they might add more games this year but lots of free play is still best at that age. Parties don’t always have to be full and busy. Low key might suit her children better (and it’s their birthday not your dc’s) Even if this is not your cup of tea I do think you show up for your friend and their dc

I actually think that sounds lovely for a 3 year olds party 🤷‍♀️
Cant imagine why you’re so judgy about it to be honest….

The other stuff would be fine but I would be busy for any kids party that required a 90 minute round trip

I happily say no to things they don’t suit us, so if you don’t want to do the party, that’s totally fine.

But as pp have said, you said very judgey. Everyone does things differently, we’re all trying to juggle parenthood as best we can.

You sound very snobby. It sounds like a great party.

Since your post is dripping with judgement, I don't mind sharing that I think it's rather odd and limited if your children don't enjoy a good old picnic and runaround in the great outdoors at their age.

Do you always entertain them? Outdoor imaginative play is so good for them.

We've been to two different outdoor parties where the host mums organised treasure hunts with various game stations and an ongoing story. You can easily find pre-designed scavenger hunts online with sections of text to read out.
@User09835
Did you read the part where this is a party for a 3 year old and some of those atending are only 2? Good luck with the treasure hunt and its ongoing storyline there!

I actually think the activities organised sound very age appropriate and, at this time of year, nice to be outside rather than in some stuffy hall or soft play.

It is a shame it is 45 minutes away but even that doesn't sound too dreadful.

Probably best if you don’t go, you sound very judgemental and grabby.

If you don't want to go decline. Why are you thinking about it to this extent? It sounds like you don't want to go for many reasons - do you think they'll be some kind of backlash for declining?

The 45 minutes would put me off more than anything else, and I would only do it if I was really at a loose end/knew that I the kids would enjoy it or it was a very close friend/family member. I've definitely turned down at least a couple of parties that I considered too far to travel for when my kids were younger without much thought.

You sound insufferable and snobbish. If this party, for you, is boring and you’re not getting value for money, decline. It sounds like a lovely way to celebrate a birthday, in a park, with some games and a picnic as well.

Costco sandwiches? 😂😂😂😂 How silly. Would M&S butties be better? Or a Fortnum and Mason fully stocked picnic hamper?

Not paying for the park entry of the guests is incredibly cheap, which does say a lot about the mindset of the host! Surely nobody here finds it acceptable to organise a (small) party at a zoo, soft play, attraction whatnot, and then expect every single guest to pay for their own entry?

Everyone here is defending the host but the party does sound quite boring and unimaginative. It has nothing to do with nature vs indoors. We've been to two different outdoor parties where the host mums organised treasure hunts with various game stations and an ongoing story. You can easily find pre-designed scavenger hunts online with sections of text to read out. It doesn't take much effort to put yourself into a child's shoes and at least make an attempt to make the day more magical.

I agree with OP the setup sounds very lazy, essentially the same level of organisation as a random weekend trip to the park. They're doing the absolute minimum for their child in order for the guests to bring gifts which compensates for the parent's lack of interest.

You avoid running around after your kids? What do you do with them then? Never take them to the park or fields to play?

Anyway, you can not go to a party if you don't want to but your reasoning is nasty and judgemental.

I actually think the party sounds like a lotnof fun for the kids, which is who it is aimed at, not you, as an adult who thinks it will be boring

I took my kids to a party held in a field next to a playground a few months ago. It was awkward tbh, as the party didn't have a lot of entertainment (which would usually be fine - we'd brought some balls and the kids are usually happy to have a run around and find sticks and stuff).

But the playground is one that we often go to and the kids kept trying to disappear off to it when my back was turned 😅. So probably would give that one a miss in future.

It is fine to say no thank you

It sounds like a perfectly good party to me. Sending home with a piece of cake is fine too. Party bags are optional.

So you’re saying if it was a fancy party with a party bag at the end you’d consider it?

It shouldn’t matter what the party is. If you don’t want to go, don’t.

Being judgy isn’t cool.

What a miserable post. Just RSVP no and don't bother seeing this person again. She'll be better off for it.

How sad that you would find a party in nature to be boring.
I think you should stick to the manufactured environment of soft play, as you do sound a little lazy.
That said, if I were the host, I’d up my game a bit with the food and party bags, if I expected people to actually pay to be there.
So YABU but I also kind of get it!

Sounds like a lovely party. Much more environmentally friendly than all the balloon arches and plastic done for social media. 45 minutes drive isn't much for a trip out.

You sound like a very judgemental person. Miserable.

It was very boring for us, especially having to run around after our 2 kids when I deliberately avoid if there's not much happening.

The party isn’t for your entertainment - sometimes stuff our kids will enjoy is boring for adults. I’d decline the invitation and do her a favour.