OP, as you can tell, there are people prefer outdoor parties even in the cold (me, I'm one of them) and people who dislike them, just like there are people who dislike venue parties (because germs) or summer outdoor parties (because heat/dehydration/mosquitoes) or any other aspect of the party you plan. Organize a party you and your kids will not be miserable hosting, assume people who don't like your preferred set up will not attend, and have fun!

We did an outdoor party at the height of Omicron and people came, but it was COLD. We had warm beverages, a fire, heat lamps, and it was still COLD. I would find somewhere indoors that's not a "germy bounce place" or keep it super short. Do cake after 30 minutes and let people know they're welcome to leave. I would also caution that some preschoolers may still be young enough to be miserable and whiney in the cold. Some of the younger kids (preschool and kindergarten age) at our party definitely did. A party FOR preschoolers may end up full of those kids, which would then trigger other kids.

Anonymous wrote:I am the PP who said I would not SIT outside with my friends for 30-40 minutes.

If they are just going to be outside running around for an hour or two then that doesn't sound like much of a party to me. To my toddler, understandably, a party means cake and to eat cake you have to sit down and take your gloves off at a minimum.

Running around for an hour or two with their friends IS the party, yes. The cake is like five minutes of any party. They sing, take two bites, and then run back to the playground.

I am the PP who said I would not SIT outside with my friends for 30-40 minutes.

If they are just going to be outside running around for an hour or two then that doesn't sound like much of a party to me. To my toddler, understandably, a party means cake and to eat cake you have to sit down and take your gloves off at a minimum.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not get together with my friends and sit outside in 30-40 degree weather and wind for an hour. I certainly wouldn't make my toddler do that for her birthday of all things.

Do your kids not play outside in the winter?

DP but it’s one thing to take your kids out to run around in the cold and then come inside to warm up with hot cocoa and a snack vs. taking off your gloves and eating now cold things outside.

+1 it's not a fair comparison. And at a birthday party my kid would want to stay until cake but also not want to be in the cold. It's not a fun combination for a parent to deal with.

No

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not get together with my friends and sit outside in 30-40 degree weather and wind for an hour. I certainly wouldn't make my toddler do that for her birthday of all things.

Do your kids not play outside in the winter?

DP but it’s one thing to take your kids out to run around in the cold and then come inside to warm up with hot cocoa and a snack vs. taking off your gloves and eating now cold things outside.

Anonymous wrote:I would not get together with my friends and sit outside in 30-40 degree weather and wind for an hour. I certainly wouldn't make my toddler do that for her birthday of all things.

Do your kids not play outside in the winter?

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s fine and I would totally go and so would my kid. We believe in wearing clothing appropriate for the weather.

Same. We're going to be doing outdoor time anyway, so we'd go, but I know several friends that would not. 🤷‍♀️

I’m planning to do a mid-December park party but am hesitant for the same reasons. The spot has a fire pit and I’m thinking of doing s’mores, as well as hot cocoa/coffee and we’ll do pizza and cupcakes. Will cancel if it’s too cold but I’m hoping we luck out. We’re planning to do 12-2, but I agree with PPs that canceling if the weather gets miserable is the only option.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not get together with my friends and sit outside in 30-40 degree weather and wind for an hour. I certainly wouldn't make my toddler do that for her birthday of all things.

Even with a fireplace and patio heaters?

NP, but that's not what the OP is proposing. Also, no, I wouldn't sit outside with my friends when it's that cold unless we're at a football or outdoor hockey game or something. Why?

OP, personally, I'm over freezing cold outdoor parties, solely for the sake of being outdoors. I'd either do a very small party at your house or suck it up and go to a "germy" indoor play place.

Anonymous wrote:I would not get together with my friends and sit outside in 30-40 degree weather and wind for an hour. I certainly wouldn't make my toddler do that for her birthday of all things.

Agreed. And if it's cold enough that you can't serve food or cake then you are not properly hosting your guests.

Anonymous wrote:I would not get together with my friends and sit outside in 30-40 degree weather and wind for an hour. I certainly wouldn't make my toddler do that for her birthday of all things.

Even with a fireplace and patio heaters?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's been so warm lately but I suppose that could change at any moment. Would you plan an outdoor park birthday party for December/January? This is for preschoolers, not young toddlers. Our house is so small but with Covid I don't want to book one of those germy bounce places either.

what food are you planning to serve or are you having a mid-day party? I was thinking 1-3 (highest temp of the day) and I am just not sure about food. I also hate feeling like I have to feed adults. With 30 kids, if 2 parents come thats 90 people to feed.

If it’s cold, people may not want to take off their gloves/mittens to eat. We went to a cold playground party and no one even touched the cake because it meant removing layers. So that could save you money right there!

Maybe we will do send home cupcakes.....

I would not get together with my friends and sit outside in 30-40 degree weather and wind for an hour. I certainly wouldn't make my toddler do that for her birthday of all things.