How Long Should a Children’s Party Last
February 23, 2008 by Deborah Ng
Filed under Kids Birthday Party Ideas
Yesterday when I posted about when to send out party invitations, Pickel asked how long a children’s party should last. That’s a good question, and the answer depends on the age of the kids. A party should flow without any down time or periods of boredom. There should be enough activities to flow between arrival time and cake or going home time without kids sitting and doing nothing or wandering aimlessly.
I think for young kids two hours is perfect. It’s enough time to get all the fun in, but no so long the party feels like it’s dragging on. It’s touch to keep toddlers or even 1st graders amused for longer than that. Even when you rent out a bowling alley or kids gym or other party facility, the time limit is usually between an hour and a half and two hours.
For older kids and tweens I don’t think I’d go longer than three hours, for the same reason. The longer the party is, the more you’re asking for down time. When kids are bored you never know what can happen. I’m not an expert, but I believe in short and sweet for kids’ parties.
What do you think? How long should a kids’ party last?
