Can someone please suggest how I can get this party to work

[WhenTheDragonsCame]

I have just booked DD2(6) a party for her birthday in a few months. It is a swimming party at a leisure centre. You have to hire the pool and the only time they do this is 7-8 on a Friday evening. Most of the children invited will be at least 7 and it is the day they break up for the summer holidays so I am hoping the time won't be a problem.

Food isn't included in the price but I can take my own or pay £3 per child for a lunch box. I'm thinking that food just before swimming isn't a very good idea and a full tea at 8.15 is far too late.

There is a small park outside that they can play in if the weather is nice but nowhere for them to play inside if it is raining.

I can change the party to a dry activity if I can't find a way for this to work.

Thank you.

I would have thought most children would eat before they came anyway. Could you not have ice creams or cake after swimming?

When my DC have been to parties like this, they have just had cake after, just before going home. Actually, they have usually sung Haapy Birthday, watched candles blown out, eaten a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar, and taken cake home in a party bag.

The venue is a bit of a drive from where we live so I think they would possibly have to leave their homes at around 6.30 to get to the swimming pool in time for the children to change and be in the pool for 7.

Would it be ok to say the party was from 6.45 until 8.30? No food but a snack will be provided for after the swimming?

They are going to have a giant inflatable so it should be fun, just need to find lots of helpers now!

My eldest DD has been to quite a few parties like this at a couple of local pools.
All have been swimming (inflatables) then quick cake & Happy Birthday song afterwards. Party bags if you're doing them then home.

These parties are once the pool is closed for general use so you tend to find that the staff are wanting to close up & go home so wouldn't appreciate snacks & party food appearing but the whole thing is great so no one cares :-))

InkleWinkle yes for a pool party you have to hire the pool. He did say I could have food but at £3 a head it will end up being a bit expensive. There is a one off fee for the pool hire so I could invite the whole class if I can get enough helpers. The centre is open for at least another hour after the party session finishes so no rush to leave.

It would work with no food as long as you state this on the invitations. DS just went to a pool party and it was really good. Lots of parents were happy to go in. I was a bit unsure about wearing a swimming costume infront of ds's friends and other parents but it was fine once we were all in he same boat (not literally!)