Do I have to feed them? If so, what?

[birthdayfood]

I’m taking DD and 8 of her pals out at the weekend for her 11th birthday, to a bowling/ go karting type place (they’re doing 3 different activities). It’s from 1.30 - 3.30ish.

They don’t do food at the venue, though I’m guessing I’ll have to buy them all (££) drinks. Too cheeky to take drinks with me do we think? It’s a huge place, with loads to do, big arcade etc with a bar. Not sure they’d notice or care & I have spent £200 on the activities so might be ok to bring a multipack of capri suns or sometning? Especially as the drinks are served in glasses & will be tricky for the kids to carry them around whilst playing eg mini golf etc.

Then I was just thinking of bringing some crisps & sweets to have on the table whilst they’re taking turns bowling (can’t really eat during the other 2 activities).

But chatGPT reckons no, I have to feed them something proper 😩 do you agree? I don’t want to annoy the venue by bringing anything messy & I haven’t got a huge budget this close to payday - suppose I could make them a sandwich each or bring a pack of mini sausage rolls?

Would very much appreciate some guidance, in the past she’s either had a big party at a hall or whatever where obviously there would be a buffet , or just a few kids where they all fit in the car & we’ll stop at maccies. No idea what to do with this lot!

Nooooo don't do different contents for boys/girls, that's very 1980s-style sexist.

Just get some of those paper bags with handles, make a packed lunch for each, and add something they can all have - maybe a nice pack of playing cards or some other game? One decent thing is better than lots of tat.

Just birthday cake will be fine. They be very busy.

I'd just take them into the bar area afterwards and buy drinks and do cake there, they don't need continual water etc while doing activities for a couple of hours, it would be different if it was strenuous like a football party. As for party bags I'd just do one small gift for each of them at this age. Or the idea of putting a drink and snacks in gift bags for the beginning is good too, but use something with sport caps not capri-sun and then a separate gift at going home time. No boy/girl gifts. I would suggest NOT bringing their own water bottles as they'd get lost.

I don't think you have to feed them but make sure parents are aware so they give them a lunch beforehand. Otherwise just take them for a happy meal afterwards.

Having read your posts I think definitely dont ask them to eat beforehand if doing karting. As for the bowling and crazy golf they will be having too much fun to care about snacking. It really is silly of the venue not to even do a hot pizza or chips area but that is on them so I would just bring a box of cupcakes as the cake and when the activities are done then go to the snack area and just purchase each kid a drink and give out the cupcakes and sing happy birthday.

I would very much welcome a message (text or via child) that child should eat beforehand as a 1330 party is unclear if it would start with lunch.

”Hi all, venue only does snacks so if the kids could have lunch beforehand that’s great, please send them with a water bottle and I’ll grab a few bags of crisps from the bar to have when we do the bowling and then cake at the end. if anyone has Katie’s mum’s number, can you let me know so I can text her this too”

Just message the parents to let them know the venue doesn't sell food just snacks and ask if kids can have lunch first. Take a backpack and fill it with capri suns and some snacks and a plastic bag for rubbish. Let the kids know when you get there if anyone gets thirsty you've some drinks in your bag, they can easily drink a little capri sun in one and give you the pouch to stick back in your bag in the rubbish bag. If anyone starts whinging they are hungry give them something out the bag.

After the activities go sit down with them all and do the cake and get them a drink from the bar.

Good idea if allowed

Having read your posts I think definitely dont ask them to eat beforehand if doing karting

Huh? The kids won’t want to go from breakfast through to cake at 1530 without lunch!

Sorry. I just worry that people delegate so much decision making to it!

Exactly don’t starve the poor loves!

Are you absolutely sure the venue don't do food? Everywhere like that around us does offer chips or whatever at least and you wouldn't be allowed to take food in.

I would send a reminder out to parents for all children to bring a water bottle and then I would bring a multi pack of crisps, a tray of cupcakes and a few packets of cocktail sausages or sausage rolls.

Yes this is true - but so many people feel they don't have anyone in RL to ask.

Here is better for these questions!

Totally. Except when people on here spam with AI 'helpful' responses. Grr...maybe I'm getting too old?! 😂

Tell parents to feed them lunch first and to send a water bottle. Take cupcakes instead of a birthday cake (no knife or plates needed) and at the end go to the bar and buy them a fizzy drink each, maybe a packet of crisps and do the cakes.

@Bitzee above has it bang on. Job done.

I also overthink these things so I see where you’re coming from with it all! But I wouldn’t expect my DS (who is a similar age) to be fed at a party with those timings.

Jesus OP. Ignore the whingers. Ask ChatGPT whatever you want.

Yes. that's a good idea.
Bring some bin liners and wipes too as they may make a mess.

Also.. I found that it took ages cutting the cake and wrapping it up when all the kids were clamouring and needing attention... (depends how many you have) (as I say this now I wonder what DH was actually doing.)

So as well as the party cake.. I'd get a second (nice) smaller chocolate cake.. and pre cut and wrap and put in Party bags... saved a lot of time and stress you can still give out a bit of the birthday cake tif need be and if its a speciial cake, there's still some for the family at home.

Ask them to bring their water bottles with them. Take them to McDonald's for a burger and fries each which is cheap.

I took my niece to McDonalds other day, 2 meals and barely got change from £20 lol

The OP said there's nowhere to eat nearby and they can't all fit in her car.

That’s strange that a place like that doesn’t do food!

Fine not to feed a big meal as long as its communicated. Snacks and drinks yes though.

Yes. You do.

Burgers n Coke.