Aibu to not take kids to fireworks display?

[KindergartenKop]

Pre covid we used to attend our local firework display in our town. Since covid it hasn't happened. Last year we went to the next town over and paid 26 quid to park and millions of pounds on a hog roast after queueing for ages. If we'd gotten the bus then we would have to wait ages to get back as they were all full.

This year the local one is not on again. I can't be arsed to travel to anywhere else. Kids are 7 and 10. Am I robbing them of an important rite of passage should I just save the cash and watch all the fireworks out of the window?

If you can see them from your house do it.

No point wasting money just to be stuck in traffic

Depends how much they enjoy going.
Would they like some sparklers in the garden instead?
We avoid the big expensive ones, our town has one that sounds like the one you went to and is a nightmare. However we have found good viewing points and watched from a distance.
We tend to now find small village ones which are free or cheap and much better.

get some fireworks yourself?

If they want to go, yabu. If not, yanbu

Stand outside and watch the fireworks from people locally.

It all depends if the kids want to go or not.

If they really want to go - then take them. It’s once a year. Yes these things are annoying when they’re expensive and crowded. But they can be magical for kids.

I love autumn, bonfire night and Halloween is my favourite time of year and my favourite childhood memories are from Halloween parties and going to bonfire/firework displays.

They aren't mandatory.

Just do some of your own fireworks?

Well obviously kids want to go!
Our house is on a hill and overlooks several towns, we can see everyone's fireworks. Might get sparklers too and hot dogs. Kids will get over it, they get other outings.

If the kids want to go then take them, eat before you leave if it's too expensive

Then why ask on here then? 😂

Right of passage is to stay up late sit in your bedroom watching them with a toffee apple?

I'm a teacher and all of the children are talking about bonfire night in the run up to it and the days after. I always feel a bit sorry for the kids who aren't doing anything, and they do usually look a bit glum about it too. They are not little for long so, if you can afford it, I would go. If you can't afford it, do something relevant and special at home instead.

Do your own.
My 8yo actually prefers to go to MIL’s for them than a public display.

Depends how much the kids want to go really. If they really want to go I’d take them.
You could avoid the food expenses by eating before you go.

Why don’t you go but don’t get any extras there. Eat beforehand

Look for smaller displays. Sports Clubs, community centres, Scout groups etc.

I never take my kids. I live in a 3rd floor flat and can see over to Southall on one side and over to Wembley on the other so we have a wonderful, free and warm fireworks display (and Diwali) to watch every year. I begrudge spending any money to stand up in the cold

Is there any free entry ones near you, we have 4 in the space of 4 weeks within 5 miles with just donation buckets.

yep, they don't need to be indulged with every whim. If you can see plenty from your house I would stay in, get some sparklers and do something fun at home.

Don't begrudge the money. They cost a lot of money to put on and profit usually goes to charity. Different if you simply can't afford it of course.

It's not something we ever did growing up. I think we went to the local one maybe twice, and only then as much older teenagers.
We were perfectly happy and excited to don our coats and go out in the back garden for a few fireworks lit by my dad, and then a sparkler each.

Go on a walk around your neighbourhood and see how many you can see. Sparklers when you get home.

Why ask then ?

@donttellmehesalive yes it's normally at a time when I don't have a spare £25 to spend on a fireworks display so better to stay at home and watch for free