Hi everyone, I'm in need of some advice. My daughter wants to have her birthday party this year a Chuck E. Cheese. The problem is that the only one near us is over 30 minutes away, and all but 2 of the friends she wants to invite are from her school. Anyone who’s been there knows CEC parties aren’t cheap, and I don’t want to waste a ton of money (only 4 seats are refundable) if no one shows up. Plus, I really don’t want a sad birthday girl. Would you drive your kids that far to a birthday party? And do you think it’s rude to put parents in that position to begin with?
**She's turning 7**
Chuck E Cheese parties can be very affordable if you order the smallest package - minimum of six kids at $12.99 a piece - that's a total of only $77 plus tax (and that includes pizza/drinks for the kids plus a ton of extra stuff). Then use their coupons to get more free tokens - google their coupons - there is a ton. That's a pretty inexpensive party compared to most, and 6 kids at a party is plenty.
Is there another similar place that is closer to you? There are several "arcade" type places around here - The "locally owned" ones tend to be less expensive, and have more things for the older kids to do - our Fun & Stuff has a rock climbing wall, duck pin bowling, etc. Check online or in your phone book to see . If there is one, maybe you can take her to visit and check out the prices for parties - if she sees in in person, she may like it a whole lot. I tend to think of Chuck E Cheese for younger kids - I know they do have some things for older kids, but all of the parties we have been to there are for 3 or 4 year olds. I just googled Gainsville & Arcade, and Skate Station Funworks came up, is that at all close?
How old is your daughter? I think that would help determine if I would drive that far. First reaction though, is no, I wouldn't. I don't think it is rude, but I wouldn't expect very many. Do you have a van and could offer to drive some?
Update: I have to change my answer as I realized that if I go to my in-laws across town, that is about 20-25 minutes anyway, so I probably would go the 30 minutes.
I would drive if that was the nearest one, and no I do not think it is rude.
If you are concerened try taking your daughter to some other places to see them. She might have chosen CEC it becuase it is the only thing she knows about.
A little girl spa party, where they do their nails (or hair and nails or dress up etc. depending where you go) might be an option she hadn't thought of...
I don't think it's too far, or rude....over the years I've driven my kids all over creation to various birthday parties! I don't know how old the birthday girl is, but maybe you and a couple of other parents with big cars could car pool? If you put an RSVP on the invitation, you should have a good idea of who can come. You may want to ask some parents ahead of time, just to feel them out on the topic before you go ahead with it though. Just to be safe.
You don't have to buy the package. Just do what we all ways do - Bring our own cake (which you can) - go to the CEC website and get all the coupons that you can printed out for tokens and buy them that way (email me privately for some other things) and just go early and grab some tables. You can do it yourself without paying the big bucks. Just get pizza and drinks there for the kids. Anything else the parents pay for themselves.
She only wants to invite 2 children from her class, is that right? Are you in a position to ask the parents how they feel about you taking them yourself without the parents? I know some parents may not like sending their child off with another parent they do not know well but these particular parents might actually enjoy some free time alone. I do not think it's rude to ask parents to bring their child to a party celebration that may be a long drive. You have nothing to lose but to ask and instead of sending an invitation, I would personally call them and explain to them the dilemma you are having. They might be more than understanding and might actually enjoy bringing their children to a place that will be fun and entertaining for everyone.
If I love the child and know that we are good friends, I would drive that far but am not sure everyone else would. Have you considered making a deal of having your daughter's closest friends (4 or 5) to have a playdate at CEC and then another birthday party at a more convenient location? You can still wear party hats and maybe ask if you can bring cupcakes or something to sing with and she can have her special day. Otherwise, ask the friends parents would they consider attending.
Good luck
Yes--I would (and have!) drive that far to O. of my son's birthday party locations. But that's me! :-)
The distance alone turns me off but we do stuff to make the kids happy. I personally wouldn't go to a birthday party that far away unless it was a really, really, close friend or family.
