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Because its just family, no I wouldnt' be too annoyed. If it was a random friend and a legitimate birthday party, then yes I would be annoyed.

While I do think that if you're inviting people you should pay I also understand not having the money to do so. So no, I wouldn't be annoyed.

I'd be sort of annoyed but would still go and not complain to anyone other than Dh.

I wouldnt be. I'm doing a carousel themed bday party for DD's bday and I'm buying the first ride for the kids and after that if they're parents want another ride they can pay.

Since it's family, I wouldn't really be annoyed. Even if it were close friends I probably also wouldn't be annoyed. I think it's better etiquette to pay for everyone (and that's what I would do if it were my son's party), but it wouldn't really bother me at all.

If they can't afford to throw a big party, I think it's fine to invite close family to join them if they want. Sounds like a great compromise for if they can't do a big party where they pay for everyone.

@blackbird: exactly. If it was like we are going here if you want to join, that wouldn't bother me.

I do think it's not great etiquette, but if they truly can't afford $8/person for 8-10 people, I'd just feel bad for them and pay it. It's not the kid's fault his parents can't afford a party :(.

I would not be annoyed. They are telling you upfront the cost of the activity instead of blind siding you when you arrive. You can choose to attend or not.

I would probably be slightly annoyed but I would also feel bad for them that they couldn't afford to pay for everyone. If they were wealthy and were asking everyone to pay then that would annoy me.

Personally I would be a tiny bit annoyed but it wouldn't stop me from going and paying, especially if it were a place I'd like to take the kids to anyway. I would only be annoyed because I've paid for those birthday party packages and it really includes EVERYTHING for the guests. They just show up and everything is taken care of. And it's expensive for the host... but I did it because it was convenient.

But like I said, I'd still go and have a great time.

I would be annoyed. It's one thing to just go to an amusement park and let people know you're going if they want to join you, but it's another thing to have your party there and force your guests to pay up or have to decline the party altogether. That'd be like hosting a party and making your guests bring their own food. I'd be that person going "What time will you be back for pizza? I'll show up for that."

1) I'd still go & totally keep my mouth shut
But.... That is inappropriate. I strongly believe the family should pay admission.

I think if one can't afford a party, they either Gould t do it or do it at home. Parties are not a necessary part of life; they are a luxury.

@mrbee: Agreed. If we were talking $50 a person, I'd think "wow, I'd really rather not do that," but at least for us, $8/person is within what we'd totally willingly spend on a weekend activity. And in my extended family, we normally celebrate birthdays just at someone's house, but sometimes we go out for dinner and each family grouping kind of pays their own way (it's definitely not on the birthday boy/girl's family to pay for everyone) so this situation seems analogous to me.

I wouldn't be offended especially if it was family or a close friend. But I do think it's polite to pay for those who are invited usually.