I would not even come to a party with two pools to deal with, with my 4yo.

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Any recommendations for close to Capitol Hill? Meaning Arlington or Alexandria. Rockville/Bethesda are too much of a hike — although we love badlands!

Just had a party yesterday at Pump it Up in Alexandria near Old Town. It was super easy. Brought cake and goodie bags. Boom done.

We just went to a pool party 5th birthday. It was a PITA for the adults. Just getting kids in and out of bathing suits, potty breaks, and varying swim levels of attendees was a PITA. If I wasn’t long time friends with the mom I would have bailed.

That said - May be easier to manage at an outdoor pool in summer instead of winter.

Agree with PPs - close friends only. Have an activity out of the pool before cake so non-swimmers feel included.

OP again. Any recommendations for close to Capitol Hill? Meaning Arlington or Alexandria. Rockville/Bethesda are too much of a hike — although we love badlands!

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I’m with you all, my husband was the one who said no one would care. Anyways, next up — any good suggestions for where to have 5 year old party that you basically just show up and everything is handled?

Bounce houses, dynamite gym, Zava zone, and these types of places do everything for you and they are usually a hit with the 5 year old crowd. You just bring the cake.

How many kids are you inviting? If 2-3 friends with their parents, great idea. If any more than that then horrible idea.
Btw, The little kiddy pool will also require adult supervision.

There are so many places that do everything for you and do not involve drowning risk or having to run around in a suit with a bunch of strangers, just do it there.

OP here. I’m with you all, my husband was the one who said no one would care. Anyways, next up — any good suggestions for where to have 5 year old party that you basically just show up and everything is handled?

Don't do it. I know it seems like a good idea but I did one when my kid was 10 and every kid could swim and it was still a long, hot, miserable day for me as the adult.

It would annoy be and I wouldn’t go. Reasons being both the danger aspect and having to be in a swimsuit with acquaintances.

No Op, way too young. Too many reasons to worry. Stressful for the other parents ... it will seem like the only reason is to show off your country club, because it's not appropriate. There are plenty of years ahead to throw a pool party. Wait several.

If it's a small group and you are friendly with the parents? Fine. But a large group, no. I think it's also a little unfair to the kids who get stuck in the baby pool while other kids play in the big pool

Last thing I want in the world is to have to be around parents I’m friendly with in my bathing suit. And I’ve got a decent figure so just imagining how others might feel.

I think it's fine with 2-3 friends, but not for a big group of 5 for. Too much chaos.

Since the kids are 4-5 I’m assuming you’re requiring a parent to stay?

If so, I’d be fine if you were close friends and this was our friend group, but, I’d give it a no if it’s a situation where a whole class is invited—I don’t need to swim around with all the preschool dads.

Also, make sure to have plenty of lifeguards.

Would this annoy you? Our son is turning 5 in July. We have done park parties/backyard parties in the past, but with a newborn and a toddler I want a place that will do everything for me. We are considering having a pool party at our country club from 11-1. There are two pools -- one that is a toddler pool where kids who can't swim could swim without an adult (it is max 2 feet deep -- more like splash pad) and of course a big pool. Given that most 5 year-olds can't swim, would this be too much to ask of parents? If so, any other ideas not too far from capitol hill that would work? Thanks!