not to want to pay to go to her kid's birthday party?

[Raines100]

Sorry, I know children's birthday party woes are rather mundane, but your twopenneth would be most appreciated

A family friend has invited my DS to her DS's birthday party as usual. Normally, DH and I stay and watch the activity, and vice versa when it's our DS's party. Previous parties have included bowling, bouncy castle in a hall- that kind of thing. This year, she's doing the party at the zoo, which sounds cool, except I've just twigged that DH and I are going to have to fork out an entrance fee each. Other kids from school are coming, and might just get dropped off, but I know she expects us to stay, not that she's mentioned it's going to cost us this time.

I think we'll probably just go and suck it up. I can't be arsed to make waves. I'm just interested to see if people think this an acceptable expectation on her part, because I don't think I would expect it in reverse.

Oh, sorry about implying you are wet even if it is a little bit true It's definitely a bit inconsiderate of her not to think to let you know whether you have to pay. I suppose you could mention it to her on the pretense that other people might be wondering too. There was a thread about this same type of situation a few weeks ago where parents unexpectedly ended up having to pay to attend the party and there was a unanimous (I think!) response that it was outrageous. So I don't think you will be the only guest who feels a bit put out. Just think, by asking your friend you might be doing her a favour.

You are making something out of nothing, she hadn't asked you to stay, you are assuming you are staying and acting like its a problem. It really isn't, if you stay it's your choice so you should pay. If she asked you she should pay

London Zoo?

You can get 2 for 1 tickets if you travel via national rail to get there.

Google days out guide London Zoo to find the info. You'll need to print a page to take with you.

Update- you were on the edge of your seats with this one, weren't you?

Emailed my friend. She was expecting us to stay (see, I didn't pluck that assumption out of thin air. It was the impression she had given me without actually saying the words). She was expecting us to stay- until I pointed out that we would have to pay the entrance fee, which she hadn't thought of!
She had just assumed accompanying adults would be free of charge, so is now reassessing the plan.

Anyway, at least I know neither of us were bu. As you were

Anyway, at least I know neither of us were bu. As you were

HUZZAH

Oh yeses, I was on the edge on my seat and I think that's a great update. Well done for sending the email are you going to admit we were right for suggesting you just 'speak' to her? and fair enough if she just didn't realize that you would have to pay although she is probably faking that

Our local zoo accepts Tesco Clubcard so it costs about £20 for 3 but it takes a few weeks to arrive. Is that an option?

Zoo parties we've been to were well organised with good staff and there was no question of children wandering around the zoo. They were 4 year olds and parents either dropped and left or enjoyed the zoo themselves, having paid for themselves and any uninvited older siblings. It worked fine.