Is this a good idea - 5th birthday

[Oneandanotheroneistwo]

My DD really wants a birthday party with her school friends this year, first time we've done one. Summer birthday so will be in July. There's only been one party in her year so I'm not sure what the appetite is among her classmates/their parents. I thought instead of organising something big we could do a birthday picnic at a park a couple of miles away - there's a playground and a leisure centre nearby for toilets, plus a big space to run around. We could take bubbles, balls, Frisbee etc as well, and picnic blankets as there aren't any tables. Does this sound like a good idea - low key and not super expensive if it's only small. If the weather is awful we can move it to our house the day before.

Sounds lovely! We’ve been to a couple of park parties and kids have always enjoyed them.

This sounds lovely - my brother is a July birthday and he had this every year for his party!

Sounds perfect.

The only issue I can think of is (which may not even be an issue where you live!) is it before or after school breaks up? if it's during the holidays, give plenty of notice because a lot of the friends might be away..?

Lots of people do this and children enjoy it. I feel a bit jealous of those with spring/summer children that this is an option. Winter birthdays are so expensive when you can’t fit all the kids and parents into your house!

Did exactly this for ds 5th birthday. Took a little tent to local park, big rug. Birthday food. He had about 8 friends and we played games. Parents sat and chatted, it worked well. We also had home as back up but weather came up trumps.

Sounds good, quite a few of the other parents we know have done this

Thanks all! I think we have a plan.

@PeatandDieselfanbirthday is August but planning the picnic in July before school breaks up to avoid exactly this issue 😆

Smart move!!

Sounds great, you could take party games like pass the parcel too. How has there only been one party so far though? We had loads in reception year including multiples some weekends!

Honestly, I don't know - it's made me a bit sad really. But I guess with the cost of living and most families having two working parents it's something that can be cut to save money/time