to hold a 7th bday party at 6-8pm on a Friday?

[floridadreaming]

As above really.

6-8pm on a Friday night in the autumn. Private hire of a swimming pool with a flume and an inflatable assault course for 1hr, get changed etc, followed by hot food, drink and cake. Children will be mostly 6, a few 7 yr olds.

Would you bring your child or would it be a logistical nightmare at that time / too late for that age group?

Couldn't disagree more Buxton. I'm organizing a party right now and ds has specifically requested a physical activity because doing something with your friends is more fun than sitting with them and watching a movie. (His words) Unlike his siblings, he's never had a cinema party.

Last year we asked people to bring swimsuits and waterguns. All of had to supply was water balloons, garden tap and random stuff to build a base. (Luckily it was sunny but not super hot so no sun burn)

Yes, there are 2 pools near us that allow inflatables from 5 yo upwards. There needs to be a certain number of adults and they have to swim 15m first. But we live in a seaside town and swimming is practically mandatory from birth here. Most kids are swimming 25-50m in the sea in this seasons surf lifesaving group.

DizzyRascal I certainly still have to help my 6 year old get properly dry, dry her hair off with the towel, etc after swimming. I think most parents probably do? 6 is still quite little really.

It would have been fine for mine at that age. Their normal bedtime was 7.30pm then, but I'd have relaxed it for a party and wouldn't have cared if they hadn't had a shower or if they weren't properly dry, they'll live.

As it was a Friday and a one off special treat I wouldn't have a problem

My ds is 5 and is going to a soft play party 6-8pm during the holiday. On the invite it said play eat sleep in car on way home!

Do it. If the guests don't come at least your family will have a great time. Pool parties are the best.

I don't think the pool is ideal because not all children may be able to swim/ dress without supervision and a lot of the parents won't like the idea of their children being in the pool without adults being in the water too. I think the time is ok though, but some children's parents might have to work around this.

Totally fine IMO but make it clear that any non swimmers need a supervising adult.

I'd swerve this one tbh. Ds is just learning to swim and I think it's a bit more suited to older children. There is zero chance of me getting in the water at a kid's party. The time isn't great either. That time in summer is ok but in winter,no,I want to be cosy watching tv with a vat small glass of wine.

I would hire a lifeguard. A week ago a 7 year old drowned in a private pool party. Silent drowning.

Our local pool has a ration of 1 adult to 2 children under 8 for parties. In the water. Regardless of if the children can swim

We'd come but would pay the price all weekend with an over tired dd(8) she's knackered by Friday evening at the start of school term especially

Even he most competent swimmers can get into difficulties. Foot being caught in pool vents, slipping and hitting head on the side. Hire a lifeguard whatever you do, and have suffice ant adults in or around the pool.

I would feel it was very late, normally 8pm is lights out, but would take my 6 year old as a one off. However I would also get in with him as he can't swim well. Would make sure he ate dinner before we left.

DD6 is still leaning to swim and there's no way on earth I'd wear a swimsuit around a load of other school parents

Even if she could swim though the timing would put me off. It takes her a while to wind down after parties and she'd end up going to bed about 2 hours late. If it were a very best friend then yes but would probably pass on anybody else.

It would have been too late for my dd at that age, but also, as lots of others have pointed out, most kids that age can't swim, so I don't think that's a good idea at all...

Pool parties are popular here from age 5. We breathe a sigh of relief when they turn 8 or pass their deep-end test.

Parents have to go in if under 8 or cannot swim. I would not want it any other way. All the parents are in the same boat about feeling body-consciousness so you just need to get on with it.

The concern I have is that it is a bit late, but the kids will sleep well and you will still have your weekend. It is quite irritating when a party around mid-day means other plans have to be shelved.

I would take my kids

I would wait for the 9th party. Then adults don't need to go in as all children will be 8. Dd had a roller skating one for her 7th.

God 7 year olds in bed by 7?

When my DS was seven this would be fine. As a working parent this would work better for me, than some of the more recent after school 4pm types.

I'd find it very late, and too late for the kind of activity that needs a bit of alertness.

I wouldn't take my DS. Mainly cos that's so late to be eating! He's in bed by 830 usually

I hated swimming parties when mine were younger. Last one I went to I was quite happy to get in the pool, then I was informed that the party mum and I were the only supervisors for 12 children in a massive pool. 4 of them non swimmers. 3 other mums were there but they were in the cafe drinking coffee (one of those was a non swimming child mum). Was the most stressful hour of my entire life!

I'd do this absolutely. If parents have to be in then fine - there is really no need to be concerned about wearing a swimsuit in front of others (is there???). I remember doing this with mind when they were young and I would take charge of 2 children so another Mum didn't have to go in. I do not have a swimsuit body, neither do I like being in a swimming pool, but I did it for the kids and they loved it.

My daughter is now a (young) lifeguard at our pool. She loves the inflatable parties. Did one yesterday - 6 year old party. She said it's mad - the noise level is incredible but they all love it and come out exhausted and are quite wiped out eating their party tea afterwards. She also said the parents who go in the pool love it and said they commented yesterday it would be fun to hire for adults only so they wouldn't be concerned about squishing a kid!

Friday night is fine for a late night surely? - you may get a lie in the next day!

It's not a very convenient time for a lot of people. Traffic always seems to be worse on a Friday. And at the end of the week having to rush back get children ready for a party would be a bit stressful especially for seven year olds. But if that's the only time you can do it just go ahead.