Backyard Bday Party W/O Fenced In Yard?

JessicaLovesBrian

This is kind of a stupid question, but I have to ask for my own peace of mind, is it totally stupid to have a kids birthday party in a backyard when the yard isn't fenced in?  Have you done it?

Long story short, I really want to do a bday party this summer for the kids, but our yard isn't fenced in. I don't want to do it at a park or rent a place. My kids are 4 and 1 and most of the kids that would come are around 3 or 4 years old.  The neighbors on either side of us are older (one lady is well into her 80's and the others are a couple probably in their 60's.  We don't know the neighbors really well just because mostly everyone keeps to themselves.

What do you think?  Totally ok or disaster in the making? (Parents would be at the party).

Melanie2003

We don't have fences, but do have done trees between the properties. We've done several outdoor parties without a problem. Are you concerned with privacy, or wandering kids? If your kids know the property limits, others will figure it out too

knare

I'm glad you asked this.  I want to do Chloe's second bday party in June in our "unfenced in" backyard.  I was wondering if parents would have a problem with this. One set of neighbors would be invited, the other, I don't think, would mind if kids wandered over.

chpmnk1015

like Pp, what are you worried about?  the neighbors? privacy?  not being snarky- really just wondering.

honestly, i think it would be fine and maybe a great way to get to know your neighbors..invite them over...  is there somhow you can block sections of? (put the table on one side to act like a fence? etc).

 

knare

My concern is parent's will feel like they have to chase the kids to keep them on our property and from going to the front yard and potentially wandering into the street.  We also back up to woods which is another concern for me.

laurenpetro

we have no fence and have parties back there all the time.  the kids run around as far as their parents let them.

debfife

I can't think of one back yard party I've been to that had a fenced in yard. 

Kristen81603

I have a fenced in yard and parents are still chasing around their kids. Heck I am always chasing Mikey- 

ATSBRIDE

I would probably give a heads up to the neighbors then 

MrsDB

We have my sons birthday parties at my moms house, which is not fenced, and on a busy road. It never occured to me that it would be an issue. Parents watch their kids, and the party is in the backyard, not in the front. And there are lots of adults milling around and everyone just keeps an eye out. The kids all play together for the most part so it's a big swarm to watch. 

JessicaLovesBrian

knare:

My concern is parent's will feel like they have to chase the kids to keep them on our property and from going to the front yard and potentially wandering into the street.  We also back up to woods which is another concern for me.

 This was my concern too.  I am not too concerned with the privacy, but I was wondering if parents would be annoyed if they had to keep an eye on potentially wandering kids.  I mean, they should anyway, but I have a feeling with a fenced in yard they probablu don't as much.

Our yard backs up to the woods as well, though that's not as much as a concern for me.  Basically I just wasn't sure if in general non-fenced backyard parties were viewed as a pain because the kids aren't contained.  But from the feedback, I guess it's not a big deal which is relief to me!  I have just never thrown a non-adult only party!

Thanks for the reassurance!

AmyRob04

I think most parents will keep an eye on their kids, and the kids will stick together.i don't think it's a big deal. Our yard is fenced and gated and really? Kids who want to get out will find a way - we've had kids g out the front door. Kids figure out how to open the gate... 

Traba

We did a backyard party in our non fenced yard last summer. The kids ranged from babies to 8 but most were 3-4. We did not invite all of our neighbors and had no issues with privacy or kids running in other yards. We had entertainment so that held the kids attention. We did little rockers music and then had a train come to give the kids rides in the culdesac. 

ghl

Given that most of the kids are toddlers, I would expect that the parents will still to some degree, whether the yard is fenced or not, be keeping an eye on their kid. Mine plays out front regularly, which is the unfenced part of my yard while we're outside and has been taught rules of where he can and can't go. Even then, we stay where we can see him and are ready to grab him whenever needed. At a party, I would expect to do the same with him. The only thing I would consider is letting the neighbors know that you'll be having a party so they aren't surprised if they do see the occasional kid and parent running after cross their property line.