Go ahead and do it - as long as it’s not the Fairlington Park. This is a park I go to regularly since it re-opened. Many weekend mornings I have seen parents get there early to snag the picnic tables - they can’t be reserved and are very central to the park - to set up eloborate parties. Even on Sunday when there is also a farmers market and the place is packed. Instead of a pavilion to the side - they just put out everything my toddler would ever want and I have to play keep him away from the party. Last week there was a face painter and I had to explain he to could not get his face painted. Do it if the pavilion gives you a little space and you are able to actually reserve it. Don’t be rude and take up all the free space for one that you can’t.

Anonymous wrote:October is a bit risky. If it’s cold and rainy, virtually all the parents will be asking, who has a park party in October, shaking their heads, and laughing.

This PP sounds like an ass. October weather is PERFECT!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Try a dusk campfire birthday. Roast marshmallows, make smores, read the 8-year old scary storybook, or have a fall festival party where they can play laser tag on a team for a prize (pizza night out for winners, losers get a $5 gift card to the store 5 Below). Add in karaoke songs to the iPad there are apps for it where you can do autotune, etc. Have a dance off party. Go old school. Connect with the imagination and interests of your child(ren) and their group of friends.

This sounds like the perfect party. I really hate parties at play spaces.

This. Honestly, it'll be fine, even without the campfire, characters, balloons, etc. My 9-year-old has had his bday party in a park every single year, through 4 different schools, and we've always had at least 40 kids show up, often with siblings, grandparents, etc. I provide food and drinks, but the kids figure out games on their own. I'm positive most have fun because the parties always run way longer than planned. He's recently asked to have it at an indoor play place (e.g., climbing gym, trampoline place), but when I point out that the guest list would then be limited to 8-12 friends, he always changes his mind and says he wants to invite as many friends as possible.

You know your kid and friends the best - if you think unstructured play time outside will be fun for them, go for it!

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Try a dusk campfire birthday. Roast marshmallows, make smores, read the 8-year old scary storybook, or have a fall festival party where they can play laser tag on a team for a prize (pizza night out for winners, losers get a $5 gift card to the store 5 Below). Add in karaoke songs to the iPad there are apps for it where you can do autotune, etc. Have a dance off party. Go old school. Connect with the imagination and interests of your child(ren) and their group of friends.

This sounds like the perfect party. I really hate parties at play spaces.

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.

Try a dusk campfire birthday. Roast marshmallows, make smores, read the 8-year old scary storybook, or have a fall festival party where they can play laser tag on a team for a prize (pizza night out for winners, losers get a $5 gift card to the store 5 Below). Add in karaoke songs to the iPad there are apps for it where you can do autotune, etc. Have a dance off party. Go old school. Connect with the imagination and interests of your child(ren) and their group of friends.

We had my DD's 6th party in the spring at our local no-frills playground in a park (next to the library, so there was a bathroom). There was a pavilion for food, and we brought party games (like a ring toss, bean bag toss, etc.) and a bunch of different bubble things. The kids completely ignored the games and bubbles and played on the playground for an hour. Then we had food and cake. About half the kids stayed and played for a while afterwards, and the other half left. I thought it was very successful - kids were all having a blast. Almost all the parents stayed - they may have been bored, but I truly don't care what the parents think, as long as the kids are having a good time.

October is a bit risky. If it’s cold and rainy, virtually all the parents will be asking, who has a park party in October, shaking their heads, and laughing.