Anonymous wrote:Agree with the others. Skip craft project, move lunch/cake up a bit and have the carousel be the last big thing.

+2
And that way people are free to leave.

I think there is way too much packed into this, have a craft table if kids want it (or don't), but its a park, kids can play and eat (and maybe carousel).

Agree with the others. Skip craft project, move lunch/cake up a bit and have the carousel be the last big thing.

My soon to be 4 year old DD loves Clemyjontri too. I'd definitely get a bunch of carousel tickets instead of other crafts etc. The main reason is because once the carousel is turned on, there can be a bit of a line to buy the tickets. So if you get there early to set up, it'd be good if you bought a bunch of tickets to have for your guests so that they don't need to spend party time waiting in line to buy their own tickets.

So in the name of a good party, I'd try to buy at least one ride per kid. Maybe a few extras. Think of it as a donation to the park if they don't all get used.

Anonymous wrote:Nix the craft project and coloring ... the carousel is where it's at!

This

my kid would expect a carousel ride and to play at the playground, not to sit in the pavilion to do crafts. however, i would never expect the birthday party thrower to give me a token, it would be a nice touch though. my kid would arrive, go play, ask me for the carousel, go back to pavilion to eat and get cake, and then back to the playground.

I would hope for a carousel ticket.

I would also expect my child to be in the pavilion for food and cake but not much else. I can’t see myself saying: “no, Larlo, we aren’t doing the playground right now because we are doing bubbles instead”.

Pony up for the carousel, fool.

Anonymous wrote:Nix the craft project and coloring ... the carousel is where it's at!

+1.

The kids will spot that carousel the instant they arrive and will be so focused on it and expecting to ride. Make it part of the party. Yes, parents who stay could pony up for their kids to ride, but that could create a delay and maybe some confusion as parents realize they need to get their own kids' tokens individually etc. I'd spare everyone the confusion and possible delay and get guest kids tokens in advance if possible.

Nix the craft project and coloring ... the carousel is where it's at!

I don’t think you need coloring pages. I think you need tokens though!

I think carousel tickets would be a really good idea if you can afford it. Kids that age would be very interest to go and probably would pester their parents about it.

It does; we used a radio there not long ago.

Sounds like a fun party, OP!

If I could afford it, I would definitely provide each kid with a token. I would try to do that in lieu of the craft project.

Hoping someone can save me the drive this week. We love going to Clemy (have seen some posts where people don’t like it) and are hosting DDs 4th birthday there this weekend. We rented the pavilion. It says on the rental website that it has electricity. Has anyone had a party at the pavilion and can confirm there are outlets? Wanted to bring a bubble machine and a small speaker for music. Won’t bother if there are not outlets at the pavilion.

Also, if you have been to a party there, are you expecting the hosts to buy tickets to the carousel? I had originally thought I might, but more kids RSVPed than I thought, and we don’t really have an extra $50 in the budget for carousel tickets.

My agenda
10:30 - 11:30 - arrive and play - finger snacks and water in the pavilion. Coloring pages for kids who want a break
11:30 - 11:50 - craft project
11:50 -12:15 - lunch (sandwich platters)
12:15 -12:25 - bubble party while we clean up the lunch plates
12:25 - cupcakes and singing - everyone goes home or stays to play

Does that sound ok? Never done a kids party. Any feedback welcome!