Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS was invited to nerf gun fight at a park (the mom hired organizers who brought nerf guns, etc and organized game). That was a blast.

Dd was invited probably up to 2nd grade to birthdays at a park. No idea what they did their, my guess just played and ran around. They enjoyed it. Face painting would be a hit, a character would be ridiculed probably at their age.

I feel like in this area, a lot of parents would be outraged (either at the party or behind the host parents’ backs) because of the gun thing.

NP. I agree and it's so sad!! I'm as liberal as they go and support very tight gun control (and Canadian on top of that) but for goodness' sake, nerf guns are not guns. They are fun!

What's a non-"gun" equivalent? Water balloons? Would parents be ok with their kids getting wet (assuming this is in the summer)?

We did reptiles alive ..

Anonymous wrote:DS was invited to nerf gun fight at a park (the mom hired organizers who brought nerf guns, etc and organized game). That was a blast.

Dd was invited probably up to 2nd grade to birthdays at a park. No idea what they did their, my guess just played and ran around. They enjoyed it. Face painting would be a hit, a character would be ridiculed probably at their age.

I feel like in this area, a lot of parents would be outraged (either at the party or behind the host parents’ backs) because of the gun thing.

My DD's second birthday was at a park. We hired a bubble guy. Kids of all ages (literally 1 to 17) all played with bubbles.

Depending on where you live, go for a park where you can reserve the picnic shelter area. That’s more fun bc you can decorate it & have a home base w/ food set up, snacks for parents, etc.

DS was invited to nerf gun fight at a park (the mom hired organizers who brought nerf guns, etc and organized game). That was a blast.

Dd was invited probably up to 2nd grade to birthdays at a park. No idea what they did their, my guess just played and ran around. They enjoyed it. Face painting would be a hit, a character would be ridiculed probably at their age.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Yes, for this year - thinking mid October. DC wanted a character come home but we don't have the space for it. Renting a room for 2 hours and adding a character would add to the cost, that's why I was thinking of the park.

You'd probably have to pay to reserve a space at a park as well.

OP here. Yes, for this year - thinking mid October. DC wanted a character come home but we don't have the space for it. Renting a room for 2 hours and adding a character would add to the cost, that's why I was thinking of the park.

We just got invited to 8 yo party at park. My kids don’t want to go but we are forcing them.

Is it for this year? Because we are entering the time of year where the weather is unforgiving. It could be 90 and terribly uncomfortable or 45 and everyone is chili and wants to get back into the car depending on what time of fall you are thinking. I also agree 6 is a little on the old side.

If it's a public park, make sure to share the space with others not attending your party.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To be honest I think this is hard to pull off at 6. At 3 or 4 you can get away with playground, cupcakes, and a few crafts. 6 is hard and I think a lot of kids would think it was babyish.

What about calling some characters in costume (Spiderman for boys or some Princess for girls) and get them to lead the party? Would it still be babyish for that age?

NP but ya I totally think that even makes it worst/more babyish. Have you asked your kid? I can't imagine my 6 year old actually wanting a character.

Anonymous wrote:To be honest I think this is hard to pull off at 6. At 3 or 4 you can get away with playground, cupcakes, and a few crafts. 6 is hard and I think a lot of kids would think it was babyish.

What about calling some characters in costume (Spiderman for boys or some Princess for girls) and get them to lead the party? Would it still be babyish for that age?

To be honest I think this is hard to pull off at 6. At 3 or 4 you can get away with playground, cupcakes, and a few crafts. 6 is hard and I think a lot of kids would think it was babyish.

Have you hosted a party at a park? What kind of games did you do that were a hit? Thinking of doing one for 6 year old and looking for some fun games. How has the RSVP been like? Are these considered boring parties and you get poor response. I'm also wary there will be bugs and bees and ruin the party. Not to mention unwanted attention from other people.

Is it better if I call in someone for face painting if hosting at a park or just stick to games.

Any tips, ideas, experiences will be appreciated.