As a parent would you expect to go?

[youcanttouchthishammertime]

Thinking about what to do for DD’s sixth birthday. In the past, she’s had a couple of big birthday parties, all the class, extra friends/neighbours. They were great, but quite stressful, lots of planning & money and Dd was overwhelmed by the end and wanted to go home.
She says she wants a party, but begs to go to a theme park/zoo place constantly, it’s her favourite place and has everything for kids.
Would it be a nice birthday to invite a couple of her friends to come? We’d obviously pay for everything-entry, lunch, snacks, drinks, cake, party bag at the end. It would be a pretty full day-6 odd hours.
As a parent would you be ok with this or would you feel you should come along?
If parents do come too, should I pay for them too?
Is this a good idea for a calmer birthday this year or better for an older child and just go with the soft play type places again?

I think it sounds lovely and if I was a parent of one of the friends I wouldn't expect to come.

I think if you know the two kids and their parents well, you'd probably find the parents are happy for you to take them, so long as it's not too far away. I guess if a parent did want to come, they'd offer to pay their own entrance fee etc. - I don't know many that would essentially expect a free day out!

I still sort of feel guilty that she wouldn’t be having the big, typical birthday party with everyone there

My children were taken to parties like this at age 6 and they went off with the host’s parents to Legoland (our nearest child friendly theme park)

Invitation suggested just money for the gift shop. Picnic was provided for lunch

I wouldn’t expect to go but if it’s a long drive and you aren’t giving the children a lift, then they might join you due to little else to do.

@BoohooWoohoo You felt ok about it?
To me it seems ok, but it does have a water part with swimming etc, I can see how some parents might not be keen, whereas some would be really laid back about it

@TheSnowyOwl Yes, they’d have to meet us outside the place. Unless we offer to take them, but would need car seats going in etc?
Its around a 25 minute drive away

For me, it depends on the parents. A few spring to mind that I would feel comfortable taking my DD to a theme park.

If the invite was only for my kid and I didn’t feel 100% comfortable, I’d reach out to the Mum and ask if I could tag along (but definitely pay for my own ticket). I don’t think any parent would expect you to pay for both kid and adult.

I just changed my vote to yanbu because you have explained it’s close enough for parents to drop off.

However I wouldn’t let my 5 yo go to a 6th birthday at a theme park - he’d be too exhausted by the end and I’d worry he might kick off a tantrum if he got over tired.

If you’re that close to the park, it’s possible parents have Family annual passes and you might be able to include them? Just a thought.