Is this super tacky? Baby shower advice... Kind of long

Question

So... We live in Denver and we have an old amusement park that's a relic, it's like stepping back in time and I love it there. It's also super cheap, $20 on the weekends for unlimited rides, and I think a hotdog or something. ( we're going to provide food and drinks for everyone) Anyway, I REALLY want To have our Baby shower there. I know I won't be able to ride any rides, but like I said I just like being there. They have a kiddie area, picnic area, and we have A LOT of people to invite. My family is huge and all local, I have about 25 ppl from my work, plus a few friends from my husbands office and our group of friends. So a big venue makes sense.

Here's where I'm struggling, I can pay for everyone's admission to the park, no rides for $3/person and they can buy individual rides or unlimited. But the park recommends I buy all the unlimited tickets ahead of time and ask ppl to give me money when they get there, that's over $1200 in tickets. And I just think it's horrible to ask ppl to buy a gift and pay to get in . My friend thinks ppl should pay for the admission too ($3) but again I think that's shitty. Or ppl can buy their own ticket, admission only or admission with rides when they get to the park, but again I'm just struggling with having ppl pay.

Everyone seems really excited to have it at Lakeside bc we all love it there, and it is affordable. A friend had her shower at a bowling alley and I think everyone paid for their games.

Any opinions would be great! Thanks!

Answer

I think whoever is hosting the shower should pay for food and admission. As for rides, leave that up to the guests.

Answer

I would pay for admission but not for rides, not everyone is going to want to go on rides anyway, and it's sort tacky to ask people to pay you back for their ride pass.

Answer

On the invitation write
Baby ____ is amused 
So you should be enthused
Food and drink will be provided
Its time to get excited
Admission is expended
However rides are not extended

Answer

This sounds amazing!! I wanted to get married at our local zoo so I totally get it. The $3 cover is good and I wouldn't worry about ride tickets. Just post a notice about it on your invites. People may not even take the chance to ride. See if the amusement park would comp the tickets by $5 if you can get a certain amount of people to pay in advance (or if you pay in advance) or maybe pay $5 out of the $20 for your guests if they pay ahead of time in the rsvp. That might be a hassle though.

Answer

I think as the host your responsible for food/drinks and getting people in....besides that it's up to them. I would suggest if you can get the park to give a discount for a bundle of unlimited passes then explain that on the invite and set a date to pay for pass and if you get enough people get passes ahead of them.

Answer

Maybe take a small poll from your guest to see what they would prefer?

Answer

I think it's okay but only because they don't HAVE to go on rides. They can attend the party alone without paying anything. It's never okay to ask people to pay for something at a party you've thrown (like a cash bar at a wedding)!
You could also maybe include one ride ticket? And the rest on them. That might be a nice token.

Answer

I think you paying their food and admission is enough. If I went to a party/shower and my admission was covered, I'd be appreciative. I think the guests can pay for their own rides, just list it on the invitation so they know to bring cash. Besides, when going to a baby shower, I expect to bring a gift and not equate it to what I'm getting in return. Plus, you have a baby coming and shouldn't have to pay EVERYTHING for your guests. Most wouldn't even expect it.

Answer

I don't agree with said expectation that hosts are expected to do pay for everything.  In the invite why not say you'll be taking care of admission and then l8s5 pricing fir rides so people can know in advance what to expect?

Answer

That's rough-I wouldn't want to ask for money.  Maybe have a family member throw party and ask for money.  Good luck!!!

Is this super tacky? Baby shower advice... Kind of long

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey