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Original poster

Drinks for parents at soft play party?

94 replies

BluetheBear · 02/04/2023 15:59

Child will be 2. Soft play party included food and drinks for the children but nothing for adults. They would need to buy their own coffees / cake. The party is not going to be at a mealtime.

Would you be happy paying for your own drink or do you think these should be paid for? The venue told me most people don't pay for drinks for the parents but to me this feels a bit tight. Then again I wouldn't want people ordering multiple coffees at £4 each but I don't think the venue could police this unless we arranged some kind of drinks token??

OP posts:
blackpinkinyourarea · 02/04/2023 16:02

You dont need to pay for refreshments for the adults

Ichosetheredpill · 02/04/2023 16:02

No, don’t pay for drinks for the adults. I wouldn’t expect it at all and have never experienced it.

MrsDoylesDoily · 02/04/2023 16:03

They can buy their own drinks if they want one, or bring a bottle of water.

How long is the party? They're normally only a couple of hours aren't they?

MagicMatilda · 02/04/2023 16:04

We did a party like this a few times and covered the tab for adults drinks. No one ever took the Nick with it and it was definitely appreciated. I think it’s a nice thing to do if you can afford it.

Jules912 · 02/04/2023 16:04

It's nice when they are paid for but I wouldn't expect it. Usually when it's paid for it's because that soft play includes one drink for each adult in the package.

MajorCarolDanvers · 02/04/2023 16:04

Adults buy their own

Amore2023 · 02/04/2023 16:07

It isn’t necessary at all and I would not expect it (but if you can afford it, it is a nice gesture. Just one each though).

CornedBeef451 · 02/04/2023 16:08

I don't think it's expected to provide drinks but nice if you can.

We did once and there was a CF family ordering multiple drinks for adult and non invited kids plus snacks and chocolate bars!

Sorryyoufeelthatway · 02/04/2023 16:09

Provide water. Coffees and tea they can buy their own.

VivaVivaa · 02/04/2023 16:11

At our local soft play you can pay a bit extra to have urns of basic tea and coffee for the parents at parties. That’s a nice thing to stretch to. I wouldn’t provide or expect a tab service, no way.

ureterr1blemuriel · 02/04/2023 16:14

When I’ve hosted, I’ve offered to buy everyone drinks towards the start of the party but that’s it (no food or subsequent drinks). As guest, we’ve experienced both - I don’t expect it but it’s a nice gesture (if you can afford it).

McAvennie · 02/04/2023 16:14

As a parent I'd be happy to pay for my own.

We did a softplay party for DC last month though where we did pay for drinks - I think it added around £150 onto the bill for 35-ish parents, so I thought that was pretty reasonable. But I think some people might have paid for their own/second drinks anyway.

FlounderingFruitcake · 02/04/2023 16:14

All the ones I’ve been to have had booze and nibbles. At the very least tea, coffee and water surely?!

SheilaFentiman · 02/04/2023 16:15

“All the ones I’ve been to have had booze and nibbles. At the very least tea, coffee and water surely?!”

a soft play party for a 2 year old
with booze?

Switchwitch · 02/04/2023 16:19

Vodka luge in the middle of the ball pit?

SnarkyBag · 02/04/2023 16:23

DH’s sole responsibility at all the dc’s soft play parties was offering to get parents a drink. We only offered one but I think most people don’t expect more than one coffee/tea or wine at a two hour kids party.

That said I don’t remember being given drinks by many hosts at kids parties and would be happy to buy my own.

prescribingmum · 02/04/2023 16:25

Never expect anything at children's parties although most we go to do have platter of food, big urns of tea/coffee or tab behind bar for parents. It is a nice to have but really doesn't bother me if not included.

When planning parties for DC, I have chosen parents' catering according to type of party. A soft play for 2 year olds means parents usually in soft play with the child and then helping child with meal so just pass around platter when children are eating, no hot drinks. For a 5/6 year old, I would provide tea/coffee whilst children are playing as parents do not go in with the child but not yet ready to drop and run

Vodkaislethal · 02/04/2023 16:26

FlounderingFruitcake · 02/04/2023 16:14

All the ones I’ve been to have had booze and nibbles. At the very least tea, coffee and water surely?!

At a party at soft play?

FlounderingFruitcake · 02/04/2023 16:28

Vodkaislethal · 02/04/2023 16:26

At a party at soft play?

Show quote history

Yes

FlounderingFruitcake · 02/04/2023 16:30

Not hard booze obviously but fizz and beer! Helps massively with the fact you to spend the afternoon in a soft play 🤣

NonJeNeRegretteRien · 02/04/2023 16:30

I’m always happy to buy my own coffee but it’s nice when it’s covered. All the parties we’ve been to have covered drinks for parents - we will do the same when we have our daughters party soon.

shutthewindownow · 02/04/2023 16:31

No you don't pay for adults

Roselilly36 · 02/04/2023 16:32

I would agree, adults buy their own.

Snowjokes · 02/04/2023 16:32

At the latest one I went to the host bought a drink each for parents, but only one. Will depend on your personal situation/social circle I think, I wouldn’t expect it. Jug of water and cups would be appreciated!

Original poster
BluetheBear · 02/04/2023 16:32

Yes I would want it limited to one. For soft play parties do most children come with one adult or two? That makes a difference to the bill too.

10 parents x £4 drink each = £40
20... = £80

Theres no option for big urns of tea and coffee.

There are food platters but I figure if it's not a mealtime then I don't feel like I should provide this.

OP posts: