Lying about child's age for free admission

[user1489773847]

Costing out a day trip to the zoo, now that DC has turned two have to factor in their ticket cost. DH says that we should just say he isn't yet two so it's free, and that everyone does it. Just wondered what the general consensus is on this? I feel bad lying but see his point that DS is still pretty young and could end up napping through a lot of it so won't necessarily benefit.

DD2 was (and is) tiny and so we got away with saying she was miles younger than she was for years. In fact she's 17 now and still automatically gets given child fares on buses and trains.

However, we came a cropper more than once when as we took her through the entrance gates to an attraction she asked in a very loud voice "why did you say I'm two, Mummy, when I'm four?"

middlingmum

Would you steal from the zoo in any other way?

I would, yes. I'm currently trying to get 2 penguins and a llama nicked from the zoo to bed.

I've never done this but that's because I have giant DC and I have had a hard enough time proving that they are their actual age never mind the other way about. I once had an argument with an admission desk who insisted that my DS2 must be 3 and should pay, despite the fact it was his actual birthday and he was wearing his "2 today" badges. Cause I'd really cover my DS in badges and prime him that it was his birthday to save a fiver!! DS1 was questioned in an attempt to catch us out as they assumed he was about 5 - he'd only turned 3 the month before and his speech still wasn't great.

If you genuinely can't afford it otherwise then do it.

My dsis and bil, who are in their 50s, recently went to the cinema and only discovered later at home that the cashier had sold them oap tickets, without asking. They were glad to have saved some money but mortified that anyone could think they were in their 60s.
I'd lie to the zoo as these places make enough money. Or at least if not actively lie, just not ask for a ticket for him. Swings and roundabouts as you will in all probability spend the saving in the cafe or gift shop.

Lie and enjoy the sort period you can get away with it without the DC correcting you for your "mistake"

Laughing at prices going up due to everyone lying and getting their dc's in for free.

Prices are extortionate for families. We've done theme parks with a just 3 year old, who we say is under 3. They can't go on half the things, yet pay adult prices.

*short period

My DD would have crossly insisted 'I'm 2, Mummy!'

If it would be a real financial strain? Lie.

But it is technically stealing. If you can easily afford it? Don't lie about that...

My DS is small and people assume he's 1-2 years younger than he really is. I will always be honest, but the amount of people who say "Oh but he's only little so I'll let him in for free/the cheaper rate as he's not taking up much room!"

But I get in a lot of places as a free carer anyway (DS is autistic) so I'm happy to pay full price for him as it's still cheaper overall. So I accept it's different for us.

This takes me back to being younger..

I used to go from being 12 on the bus (so I could get a half ticket) to being 15 for a cinema ticket.

Never thought of the bus thing as stealing tbh. I wish they had the thing now where all under 18s get on for a quid no matter where they are going. I have some adult friends taking advantage of this as they look so young (but then complain when they are asked for ID in clubs )

The flip side of course is not being believed when eldest DS was going in as an under 12 (he was 10 at the time) and them wanting to charge an adult price. We'd no birth cert with us. I had to get on my phone and show photos taken of DS blowing candles on a cake with a '10' on earlier in the year.

It may not be the most honest thing to fun about their age but most families just couldn't afford these days out without stretching the truth. Far bigger crimes.

I would, yes. I'm currently trying to get 2 penguins and a llama nicked from the zoo to bed.

It's not technically stealing at all.

Zoos are totally miserable though. I think we are unreasonable to go at all (yes I go how else will my poor DCs see miserable inprisoned versions of exotic animals)

I did it until DS was 4 Just make sure you go to the yougest looking staff member, they're less likely to know.
The adult prices are so hefty that I never felt guilty

Last time I went to the Zoo I witnessed a chimp poo in his hand and pop it straight in his gob.

No child should miss out on that form of high quality entertainment.

Lie your ass off.

yea the more i think about it the more im convinced prices arent pushed up by this. its not like in retail where they can prove shortages etc by stocktaking. they have no way of knowing how many people do this and those under the paying age arent 'taking' anything that theyd get if they paid.

if he's only just two then go for it, if he's nearer 3 he might correct you though, and remember to tell your other DC.

I can remember mum taking us all on the train, guy was checking our tickets when my youngest brother piped up with 'but mummy I'm 5 now, where's my ticket?' I was a teenager and trying to help so said 'no, you're 4' and nudged him, cue the other younger siblings arguing over it and ticket guy practically wetting himself. He didn't ask for Dbro's ticket

but i still think if u can afford it comfortably then dont do it

It's ok. In 15 years your son will be telling fibs about his age in order to get into pubs!

I wouldn't have done it with my children and I wont do it with my grandchildren either. It's dishonest.

Don't they ask for proof of age? My 3.5 year old is tiny so I could get her in anywhere for free, but I'm always asked for her ID card! (Live overseas)

Would you steal from the zoo in any other way?

Er... my neighbours moved recently as they got really fed up with the elephant in my garden showering them with pond water every time they had a bbq....

I'm all for paying full entry fees as soon as you can. And bugger oap concessions too.

Would you steal from the zoo in any other way?

I would steal a giraffe if I had the space at home, for sure.

Where I live it goes by height, usually 80cm is the payment threshold. There's no hiding that!

I took a 3 year old to the zoo a few years back. They asked her age, I said 3. The lady said "Ok, she's under so that will be 2 adult tickets to pay for" Me: "I think you misheard she's 3 so I need a child ticket aswell". This went on for a little while until I eventually grasped her point I was clearly having a slow day. Luckily the lady was patient and took it with good humour and I got the child in for free