Soft play meet

[Disneyland2022]

Its my little girls 5th birthday this week, anyway, rather than do a party I’ve just suggested to a few of her friends that we meet at soft play after school.

the venue will accommodate walks ins so doesn’t necessarily need to book but I’m wondering if I should book & pay for everyone like is that how these things work?
or shall I just leave each individual family to pay upon entry?

this is my first child so no clue 😂
I don’t want to offend anyone 🙈

thankyou!! X

As it's her birthday and something you're arranging, I'd book and pay for everyone.

I've only got one as well so will be thinking about this for her future birthdays as well so keen to know what other people think...

Up to you. I've done it this way before and paid, also grabbed drinks/pizza at the soft play but obviously it depends on whether that's financially possible.

Whichever way you do it though, just make it clear to the other parents. Either send out prices as part of a reminder, or message to say you've brought the tickets.

Yes, you pay and get their meals.

You've organised it for your daughter's birthday, so I would bring a gift. I'd be annoyed at paying for my kids enterance/food/drink because we're all there for your child's birthday! Don't pay for siblings though

I'm in exactly the same boat for my daughter's 5th birthday in December. I've paid for a party package at soft play before and ended up losing money because of kids who didn't turn up, so I'm hesitant to do it again. I've been to both parties that were paid for and ones where I've had to pay and it honestly doesn't bother me either way. And I certainly wouldn't begrudge a child a gift just because I had to pay for my child's entry fee/food. Some parents can be super judgy if you ask for them to pay, but the options are you either pay or don't come. As someone has said previously, most important thing is that if you do decide not to pay for everyone, be very open and upfront about it from the beginning.

Similar to you, I'm thinking about about organising it as a playdate rather than booking a party package. I'm not bothered about gifts as she'll get plenty from us/grandparents etc. Just about her spending time with her friends for her birthday.

You pay and I would provide some food. Are you doing cake? If so, just drinks, snacks and cake. But otherwise if over a meal time, something more substantial. I would be really confused turning up at a party and being expected to pay for the activity. If you don’t want to pay, then meet at home or the park (still bring snacks and cake).

Seeing as it's for a birthday, I would definitely pay for the children and a coffee for each mum and some cake/a treat for the children... but that's just me.