I am considering doing my son's third birthday party at a great place and I know it would be a wonderful party, but it is about a 30minute drive for almost all of my guests. Is that too much to ask to drive that far for a birthday party? I know my family would come out, but what about friends? I personally am willing to drive it, but that is because I think the facility is worth the drive (The Little Gym) If you got a bday invite that was that far away, how would you respond? Thanks!
Personally, I would go. But my feeling is that if people want to go they will no matter how close or how far it is for them.
I don't think a 30 minute drive is a big deal at all. I'm sure people have driven that to go to a bday party at someone's house. I would just go for it.
Hi, Velika -
I wouldn't worry about it too much. We live in a sprawling city, and a 30 minute drive is not all that uncommon. I recently had my daughter's 5th birthday at Makutu's Island, and it was quite a way for my guests, too. If my child got an invitation to be a guest for a fun party at a great place, I'd certainly be more than happy to drive them there!
Have fun.
I would put out feelers with your friends. I suggest going on E-vite, put in exactly what you'd like to do and then email the invite to everyone and see if they'd be able to come. If the majority of them can't because it's too far then you'll know and you can make different plans. I did something similar with trying to decide the time of my daughter's up coming birthday.
I have driven all over the valley for parties-even from Mesa to Anthem to have a party at a park up there! I wouldn't worry about it too much, if it is an issue, you can always offer to carpool people to the location. Personally our most popular and well-attended party was 30 minutes away from our home, so I don't think travel was an issue. Most of the guests made a day out of it and did other activities in the area!
Well, I think it would depend on how busy their weekend was. I would drive my son out, but that is just me. I drove my son 45 minutes to a B-Day Party across town and had fun myself talking to the other parents at the party. I would think it would also depend on how well the kids know each other and how well the parents know each other though. Anyhow, you should have the party where you want to hold it. It will be fun for whoever shows up.
D. P.
We have had my son's party in places that are far from our house at least 3 times so far. We live in the west valley and have had parties as far as Chandler before because that was were the cool places were. The only person who complained was my sister-in-law, but everyone else came and had a great time. I wouldn't worry about it. It takes us about 20-30 min to get anywhere in the city anyway! Most people don't even think about it. You can offer to car pool with the kids and have them at your house 30 min prior to the party, but most people will not take you up on this (I know from experience!). Go for it and have fun!
I recommend having the kids meet at your house and then give them all a ride there. They could play in the front while waiting for all to arrive. Perhaps your family could help also, or some moms might want to drive some kids too. The kids would have a blast riding in the car together, you could play music, maybe have a juice box for each for the ride, etc. We did this for my son's party and they all had a LOT of fun! (especially since I know toddlers get impatient on long drives without "entertainment".)
Plus, I differ from others that it really is a lot to ask. Families have very busy schedules. Consider the family that has more than one child -- do all the siblings have to take the long ride, because maybe the spouse has to work or isn't available to stay home with them for half the day? Since it's so far, they'd realistically need to stay at the party or in the area, because after they dropped off and got back home, it'd only be a short while before they'd have to go all the way back again -- which is two hours of driving!
Good luck, I know the kids will have fun!
Personally, I would go because I think it is important to show up to all the childrens invites that you get. I think it makes them feel special and important and helps build self esteem. I know plenty of moms who have driven a ways to attend a birthday party that was a little farther then they might have expected. :)
Don't worry about it, I'd totally go. I regularly drive 45min-1 hour to go to birthdays, baby/wedding showers, etc. because many of my friends live that far away. 30 minutes is no big deal!
30min isn't bad. If its someone we know well its no big deal at all. Heck I even drive my son that far for people we don't know well like in his class.
I would definitely still go! Those kids and especially the birthday boy deserves a fun party and you should have it where you want it. Don't accommodate your friends. Only your son on this very special day because it is 'his' day. :-) I would drive the 30 minutes for the party. :-)
HAVE FUN and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your little boy!
Hi Velika, I read these responses and agree the drive is no big deal, people will go if they want to go! However, I do disagree with the suggestion to offer to carpool and take all the kids yourself. That is a liability risk that you do NOT want to take! Car accidents happen all the time so I would not even go there. Good luck and have fun!
