Anonymous wrote: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.

Yes- wait several years. Maybe age 8. Or 9.
A splash park might be appropriate, but still with parental supervision.
Otherwise rent something indoors with supervision.

Kids can drown in a wading pool, tub, or inflatable pool. Two feet is plenty!

Never leave kids unattended near water.

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/water-safety.html

All that said, it sounds like fun to me. I don't have a perfect body but love swimming and water and I'd go and be in the pool with my kid, without a care about my cellulite and post-pregnancy rolls. I'd go to a park or anything outdoorsy just as enthusiastically. At most of these places, you do have to buy and bring your own cake and food. I don't know of an adventure type outfit that takes care of everything. If someone does, I'd also like to hear about it!

Magic Ground really handled my daughter's 4th birthday fantastically well. I didn't have high expectations, honestly, but they were amazing. I basically didn't have to do anything.

LIttle Gym is great. Just show up, they lead kids thorugh activities in a different room. parents can watch and sit.

OP here. Thanks for some varied perspective. We would be doing a whole class party along with some other pals, so we will look into pump it up. We have been to magic ground for a few parties too, so we can also look at that. I definitely don’t want folks to not come because the setting made them feel uncomfortable. We will save the pool party for a few years from now!

My kids can swim so no big deal.

My friend had a pool party indoors one year when kids were in preschool. All the dads went in the water with kids while all the moms were chatting.

I think pool party in July is totally fine. People are hung up on the fact it is at a country club.

Spray park party would be fun but you have to lug the food, reserve a table and clean up.

What’s with all the pool party hate? We’ve been to a few whole class pool parties with the preschool class crowd. Yes, you have to watch your kid, but everyone seemed to have a good time and the parties were well attended.

You indicate that it is probably too far for you, but we had a terrific party at that age at the outdoor splash playground in Germantown. No pools, but tons of fun in fountains, waterfalls, and sprays.

Jumping Joey's in Falls Church is our go to. Almost every 5th birthday party in my DD's preschool class last year was held there (including hers).

I wouldn’t do it unless it’s a small group you know well and feel pretty sure no parent would mind hanging out in swimwear.

I say go for it. I've been to pool parties and thrown one myself. I put a note in the invite and asked parents to stick around. I basically stressed that everyone was responsible for their own kids despite the lifeguard. The dad's mostly take the kids into the water. The mom's sit out and chat and take over once kids are out of the water. For that age the splash pad area would be preferable bc all parents can just wear quick dry clothes. I like pool parties because the kids are really tired afterward.

No way. We would only go if my husband was available. Kids need a parent to go in at that age. They are too old for the baby pool. Most cannot swim so its not fun for anyone.

Magic Ground in Petworth

I’m surprised people are so opposed to a pool party at a country club. It sounds fun.

Scramble
Busy Bee
JW Tumbles
PumpU / Jump U something like that
MyGym