What's the polite thing to do in this scenario?

[churndash]

A friend has invited my children and I to visit a theme park with her and her family. They have season passes and get "guest" passes throughout the year, so it would be free for us to attend.

Our sons are about the same age, but her son has autism and they follow a very specific routine at the theme park, riding specific rides in a specific order.

My son will have no problem going along with this schedule, but my daughter is older than the boys (she is 15) and not likely to enjoy the kiddie rides. I get sick on roller coasters so I can't ride with her, and while my friend and her husband like the big rides, they wouldn't be able to veer from the schedule without deeply upsetting their son.

Would it be rude to ask if my daughter could bring a friend along (that we would pay for) just so she has someone to hang out with? Or should she just stay home, or hang out with the little kids or what?

[StrawberryFields]

I think it would be totally fine--if not EXPECTED--for a 15 year old to bring a friend along on a trip like this, so that they don't have to spend the day going from kiddie ride to kiddie ride. Since you are paying for the guest, if I was the "host" I wouldn't even expect a telephone call asking if it is OK. IMO it seems like the polite thing to do for everyone involved to pretty much assume that a 15 year old would have a friend and that the two would explore the park together (checking in perhaps) rather than hang alone with the grownups and little kids. I would be completely surprised if you let the host know your plans and they were not ok with it!!

[4evermom]

That sounds fine, bringing a friend for dd. It would be rude if you and your similar age ds went off and did your own thing but fine for your dd, imo.

[mamazee]

I think it would be fine to ask about bringing a friend for your dd.

[aniT]

I see no problem with it.

[ananas]

Originally Posted by StrawberryFields

I think it would be totally fine--if not EXPECTED--for a 15 year old to bring a friend along on a trip like this, so that they don't have to spend the day going from kiddie ride to kiddie ride. Since you are paying for the guest, if I was the "host" I wouldn't even expect a telephone call asking if it is OK. IMO it seems like the polite thing to do for everyone involved to pretty much assume that a 15 year old would have a friend and that the two would explore the park together (checking in perhaps) rather than hang alone with the grownups and little kids. I would be completely surprised if you let the host know your plans and they were not ok with it!!

Absolutely, to all of this. I actually can't imagine a teenager going to a theme park without bringing a friend along. You could call and ask the other parent, but honestly, I don't think it's necessary.

[Shannie77]

I don't see anything wrong with it at all!! It will keep your daughter happy so you are better able to enjoy your visit with your friend!

[lilyka]

I think it would be totally fine. Honestly it wouldn't even occur to me to ask.....so you are a step ahead of me there. but I don't see why they would want a bored 15 year old tagging along on kiddie rides. send her away with a friend to have fun and you enjoy your friends company while they little boys have fun.

[CarrieMF]

It would probably be fine, but I'd ask. They may not have enough guest tickets for a friend.

[RiverSky]

Originally Posted by CarrieMF

It would probably be fine, but I'd ask. They may not have enough guest tickets for a friend.

Since she's perfectly willing to pay for the 15 y.o. friend's ticket, I say absolutely! I'm sure your friend will think that's a great idea.

[mtiger]

The polite thing would be to mention it to the friend who invited y'all. Just a "15 is probably going to want to hit some of the coasters - she has a friend with a pass - is it okay if she comes along so 15 has some company?"

[limabean]

I can't imagine that anyone would have a problem with that -- seems like the reasonable solution to me too!

[*Erin*]

sounds perfectly reasonable to me