If a parent invites people to a child’s party where there is an admission fee, who should pay it?

Question

I have always thought one way about this but see some people doing it differently. Just wondering how more people see it. 
An example to clear up the question: Sally’s mom throws Sally a birthday party at a pool that has $5 admission per person (whether they are swimming or not). If you and your child/children were guests, would you expect Sally’s mom to pay the admission fee for everyone since she chose this venue/activity, or would you expect to pay for your family to get in? Gifts for the birthday child are still expected.

Answer

“Gifts are still EXPECTED?” You should NEVER expect gifts from anyone. It’s a social courtesy but it’s never a requirement. If you’re expecting people to shell out money for a gift then you should pay the admission fee (if you’re the birthday child’s parent).

Answer

Sally's mom should pay for those who RSVPed on time.

Answer

If it was where the parent had to pay the parent should pay from themselves but you should pay for their child. For instance I did my sons party at chuck e cheese, obviously theres no parent fee but we still paid for the kid, we also bought parents pizza and drinks but if they wanted additional food they had to pay for it. 
You should never just expect presents though 🤨

Answer

If I had a party like that for my child then  I would pay. It's the same for if you rented a venue, you wouldn't (hopefully) expect guests to pay for that.

Answer

We just had my son's birthday party at a pool. We paid everyone's admission. I'd never invite people to my kids party and make them pay to get in.

Answer

I voted parent of the birthday child. However it think it really depends on the people. I have been to both where we were expected to pay and other times we were not expected to pay. As long as it is made clear in the invitation who is paying. 
As for the gifts we have showed up to parties without a gift before as we simple could not afford one. Other times we can do we do. When we have people for our kids parties we don’t ever expect a gift. I actually prefer no gifts but each to their own.

Answer

If the person who invited me was up front about me having to pay the admission fee and I chose to go then yeah I feel it’s my responsibility.  They divulged that info up front, I chose to go, and every kid wants gifts at their birthday no matter what their parent asks you to do so that’s just a given for me.  If I wasn’t told up front then I shouldn’t be expected to pay when I arrive, and I would be absolutely pissed.

Answer

I think it kind of depends on the price range, but ultimately if the parents of the birthday child DON’T pay, they shouldn’t expect gifts 🤷🏻‍♀️

Answer

If it's a school friend, usually the birthday parents pay for the invited child  and one parent. Additional family members are welcome but they pay for themselves.

Answer

I think it could really go either way. I guess I always thought the person throwing the party pays the fees, but I would be ok contributing too

If a parent invites people to a child’s party where there is an admission fee, who should pay it?

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