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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have a 5 year old’s party in a park....

85 replies

BadGherkin · 22/05/2021 13:10

AIBU to have a 5 year old’s party in a park which doesn’t have public toilets? It would be for 2 hours (either morning or afternoon, I haven’t decided that yet). It is my DCs favourite park, and is usually not too busy.

OP posts:
ForensicFlossy · 22/05/2021 13:13

I think you need to make it very clear to people that there are no toilets.

LadyWhistledownsQuill · 22/05/2021 13:14

Aren't there any alternative parks with loos?

ItsReallyOnlyMe · 22/05/2021 13:15

Please be aware that at this age parents may be are leaving their children there so you're going to be constantly making sure there are no escapees.

Original poster
BadGherkin · 22/05/2021 13:20

No one leaves their children here, the age range is 3 - 5.

There are other parks with toilets, but they are more popular (obviously!) and need someone to lay claim extremely early to an area/table to ensure getting space.

OP posts:
JellyTumble · 22/05/2021 13:22

You can’t have a 5 year olds birthday in a place without toilets!

Whinge · 22/05/2021 13:24

A group of children between the ages of 3 and 5 with no access to toilets for 2 hours, is a recipe for distaster. I really don't think it would be a wise decision.

MilduraS · 22/05/2021 13:24

Just make sure you warn people in advance. I still remember going to a one year old's birthday party in a massive park and not knowing there weren't any toilets until I needed to go. I spent 45 minutes wandering around with my boyfriend trying to find some bushes that would cover me up. In my desperation I ended up behind a single bush that only covered me from one side. I was wearing jeans so it was impossible to do it discreetly. If I had known I would have gone before the park, drank less and worn a dress just in case. I still panic about being caught short ten years later and always check if there are toilets before agreeing to meet people outdoors.

ncgy · 22/05/2021 13:28

Lots of people done this near me, we also know there are no toilets at the park.

pepsicolagirl · 22/05/2021 13:31

potty in a tent?

Freyaismyname · 22/05/2021 13:33

@pepsicolagirl

potty in a tent?
Not a bad idea
Thehop · 22/05/2021 13:35

I did it when my son was 3. We had a gazebo and a picnic and it was absolutely lovely

Beseigedbykillersquirrels · 22/05/2021 13:37

I don't think I'd be brave enough to do this. It might well be fine if you let everyone know beforehand, etc, you might be lucky, but I know I'm probably worse than a toddler for needing the loo unexpectedly so it wouldn't just be the kids I'd be worried about!

Jellybabiesforbreakfast · 22/05/2021 13:39

Most adults would be fine for 2 hours, but 5 is beyond the stage I'd expect a small child to be comfortable using a potty in the open air. Is it mostly boys attending? They'll probably be fine, they all seem very enthusiastic (including my 3yo) about weeing behind bushes or against the sides of buildings around here Hmm. Trickier for any girls.

MadeOfStarStuff · 22/05/2021 13:40

YABU

We’re currently limiting brownie meetings (age 7-10) to an hour because of a lack of toilets in the outdoor space we’re using. For younger children 2 hours with no access to toilets is ridiculous especially since there are alternative places you could have the party.

De88 · 22/05/2021 13:41

Say 1.5 hours instead, if they're still there at 2 hours, which is likely, cool. Definitley warn them all there's no toilets.

Taking out the toilet problem, 2 hours is a long time for 5 year old to be expected to stay with a group, sitting still or not. Feels a lot longer if the weather is a bit shit.

Original poster
BadGherkin · 22/05/2021 13:43

It’s about even numbers of boys and girls.

I may have to rethink this....

OP posts:
Original poster
BadGherkin · 22/05/2021 13:45

I am new to children’s parties! Not had one before due to circumstances and COVID. The only 2 my DC has been to have both been for 2 hours, but both had toilet access.

OP posts:
BelleBlueBell · 22/05/2021 13:50

How are you planning to entertain them for 2 hours ime parties can be like the opposite of dog year, the time can go very slowly Grin

Terrazzo · 22/05/2021 13:50

Hmm we have planned a party for my son who is turning 6 next week. Considered park (with loos) but didn’t want to have to keep my eyes on 30 kids who could scatter and leave the park. So we’re having it in the garden - but probably will have to cancel because of the rain. So I would say don’t do it from that aspect! Lack if loos is obviously another downside!

Terrazzo · 22/05/2021 13:50

(And covid police… yes yes, obviously not 30 kids - 27 and 3 adults)

Terrazzo · 22/05/2021 13:51

(We haven’t had a big party before due to covid too. Dreading it tbh!)

peartreebeartree · 22/05/2021 13:53

am I the only parent who takes my children for a wee in the bushes?
How do you all expect people visit a park normally?
I agree though about writing 'parents must stay and no toilets' on the invitation

HopelesslydevotedtoGu · 22/05/2021 13:53

This is very normal where I live, including pre covid. Kids would wee in bushes. If parents might be unfamiliar with the park I'd tell them there are no toilets in advance.

TheSandgroper · 22/05/2021 13:53

I’ve (dd too) been a guest at one like that. Cue lots of parents sloping off home early. I can’t imagine what the drive home would have been like, let alone getting out of the car, unlocking front doors etc.

Donitta · 22/05/2021 13:53

Is your park bookable? If not then you have to be aware other kids will probably be using the park and mixing in with your birthday party. That could make it complicated to supervise and organise games, and also to make sure no kids wander off.