How Long Does a Kid’s Party Last?

November 19, 2019

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Kids’ parties are awesome events among young guests and parents. However, there should be a time frame for these parties, so as not to exhaust the children and the host parents. So, do you really know how long does a kid’s party last?

Kids and adults need to value discipline for their own good. At parties, there is an average of two hours allotted time to enjoy socializing. Based on various references, if you are having your baby’s first birthday party, this could be limited to an hour.

The key factor is the time in relation to either enjoyment or the amount of pressure and stress that may affect the young guests as well as the adults. This is the main reason why setting up a time for the party beforehand is an essential step for everyone to truly enjoy the significance of kid’s parties.

Though not all parents and kids should agree to the average number of hours to party, this average time limit is set for everybody’s convenience. However, you can opt to enjoy your party for more than two hours or so. It is best to vary your activities based on the interests of certain age groups within the event.

Make sure that extending your party for up to three hours or more will not bore your guests. As the host parent, use your creative wits to make your long party filled with exciting games and memorable moments for everybody to chill out. If you can’t handle that, avoid too long and boring parties that most partygoers dread about.

Table of Contents

Time and Birthday Party Etiquette for Everybody’s Convenience

Time is gold. Parents should teach their children about managing time in the same way they manage money and effort. Below is a table that outlines the time limit for kids’ parties. It also consists of other recommendations for the various age groups regarding parties.

AGE	1-2y.o.	3 – 4 y.o.	5-6 y.o.	7-8 y.o.	9-10 y.o.
Time of Day	After nap time	Lunchtime/ late afternoon	Early to mid- after – noon	Early to mid- after – noon	Mid to Late Afternoon
Dura- tion	1 hr	1 to 1.5 hrs	1.5 to 2 hours	2 to 2.5 hours	2.5 to 3 hrs.
Guests	Varies	4 to 5 kids	6 to 7 kids or more	8 to 9 kids or more	10 to 11 kids or more

Again, as host parents to your child’s birthday party, make sure that you vary the activities according to the interests and aesthetic preferences of your guests. If you have decided to invite their parents, make sure to have fun activities for them, too. This will not only bring fun to the parents involved. It will also improve your bonding.

, make sure that you vary the activities according to the interests and aesthetic preferences of your guests. If you have decided to invite their parents, make sure to have fun activities for them, too. This will not only bring fun to the parents involved. It will also improve your bonding.

Activity Suggestions Even Before the Party Starts

Balloon crafted into the shape of a poodle

Arts and crafts for kids may not always be appealing to everyone. Depending on the way adults present these crafts at parties, some children might show great interest in them than the others. Remember that each child is unique.

Whatever reaction you may get from these young guests, don’t get offended. What is more appealing to a certain child may not be interesting to another. This is just normal.

No matter what, prepare a crafts table where you can usher kids to gather around while waiting for the other guests to arrive. This table should have colored paper, colored markers or pens, origami models, and other related stuff.

It is good if you have an adult on this table. She can assist the kids in unleashing their creativity even before the actual party begins.

How to Vary Activities During Kids’ Parties

Keeping guests upbeat and in the mood for various activities can be tricky because some may find these activities boring. Dividing the party into 10 to 15 minute-increments with a new activity for every time block would be of great help.

It is also recommended to have an average of 30 minutes for an entertainer and another 15 to 30 minutes for lunch. The other 15 minutes will be for the cake. The rest of the time can be spent for the opening of gifts or any other fun activity.

Other Suggestions/Recommendations on Varying Activities

Incorporating kids’ arts and crafts along with children’s games during parties may not always be easy. Whenever you notice that a craft or game is not working well, just drop it and keep moving to the next activity.

Once you notice that kids are enjoying the next activity, don’t stick to the time limit, though. Let the activity run longer than the allotted time so the group can enjoy more than ever.

Activities for Toddlers

When planning on the party activities for toddlers you must prepare, you have to vary these based on their interests. Make them simple for everyone’s enjoyment.

Be sure that your chosen games are very familiar to these tiny tots. Avoid giving complicated instructions. Simplify the rules.

Activity Variation for Older Kids

Boy with soccerball during backyard party game

Parents planning to host a party for kids who are nine to ten years of age should understand that these older ones need more active play and stimulation. If you want to make sure what types of activities that the group likes, talk to your child about this.

You can then decide to organize activities or plan sports that he and his friends can enjoy, based on his responses. For instance, if your child is into soccer you can go for a backyard soccer game. Or you may think about any other sports the group will surely love.

You can be more creative by hiring a sports-themed bouncy castle for any sports they may want to play. Another option is to book for an entertainer.

Activities for Parents

Extending your child’s birthday party to the parents around is a very nice way to get to know them better. This is also an act of hospitality that children must learn. So, preparing activities for them may not be easy. Yet, it is very rewarding.

You can choose to stick to the classic parlor games such as Musical Chairs and other musical games. Try other game variations, too. You may also opt for a singing contest just for fun.

Think of more ways to entice their interests. The more activities you prepare, the more involved they will be. They can have more options, too, on which of these to play or perform during the party. Doing so will not only make the kids happy but the parents.

Good Manners at Parties

Always remember to show respect to one another. Guests, young and old, must always learn to accept one another’s differences. This is the very reason why the birthday party etiquette needs to be discussed.

Along with the etiquette comes the party planning. Proper planning for host parents must be prioritized. Teaching your kids the proper party etiquette also means keeping them involved during the planning phase.

Kids Party Planning Essentials for Every Parent

Knowing when the ideal time is to start for your child’s birthday bash is a smart thing, to begin with. The ideal time to do this is six weeks before your child’s event. The perfect timeline is outlined below for your convenience.

Six weeks before:

Choose your kid’s party theme
Draw up your guest list
Confirm the date with your child’s best friend
Reserve space that is off-site

Four weeks before:

Write out invitations
Purchase party goods
Start with homemade decorations and party favors

Three weeks before:

Arrange for extra help such as delegating tasks

One to two weeks before:

Buy party favors and craft supplies
Set activity schedules
Create planned crafts samples
Contact guests who have not yet confirmed about party attendance

Three days before the party:

Plan to buy the food

One to two days before:

Decorate your home
Ensure off-site supplies are complete
Prepare make-ahead food
Bake the cake

Following this timeline saves you time, money, and effort for a successful and stress-free party.

The Guest List

One important thing to consider about the guest list is that you should make sure that your child’s best friend can make it to your kid’s celebration. So, make sure he’s free before setting the time and date.

If you can afford to invite the whole class, then do so. This is to show love and avoid the feeling of being left out. If you can accommodate parents or other siblings, make sure to indicate it clearly on the invitation.

Invitations

These party essentials should be sent out ahead to avoid confusion or misunderstandings. These should indicate all necessary details clearly such as the time and date, RSVP, drop-off and pick up times, and other specific information.

Getting Helpers

You may be an all-around player. Yet, you have to face that you cannot entertain guests and attend to the kids’ particular needs or any other concerns while the party is going on.

If you have an older child, you can ask him/her to do this for you. If not, make sure to get a babysitter. Having a helper or two to make your preparations and the whole event successful is indeed a wise decision.

Choosing The Venue

Most parties are held at the celebrant’s residence. Other options parents may consider are the commercial halls for party rentals. Some may also consider local community centers, churches, or YMCA.

Think twice. Remember your budget. Move within your limits to avoid further problems, especially with regard to family funds. If you think going outdoors will save you money, try to ensure safety at all costs.

Having an at-home party is beneficial for your child and even for you as the host. This will make things you need accessible than in any other venue. You just have to utilize the various party decorations to keep your guests from wandering around the restricted areas of your house.

You can define the area for the party using close doors to other rooms, streamers, and balloons. Paper festooning or streamers can also be suspended along fences and between trees. Spread colorful blankets and sheets on the ground.

You can also use bright colored balloons to mark the blanket corners of the party’s boundaries. Tie these balloons to wooden dowels that are stuck in the ground. If you want to make an elegant party photo backdrop, drape fabric over a clothesline or over a tall fence.

These outdoor decorations not only work for residential parties. These also work on parks or gardens outside your home. Just make sure you have some adults to help you supervise the party, too, if you want to do this outside the comforts of your home.

How to Hire an Entertainer

Doing an online search is not enough if you want to hire a reputable entertainer. Try asking for other parents’ opinions. Gather references from local libraries and children’s museums.

Contact entertainers that you have shortlisted. Ask each one first what age group the show is designed before mentioning your child’s age. Do not just look for clowns or magicians.

Modern entertainment options include:

mobile petting zoos
professional storytellers and DJs
face painters
dance teachers
balloon artists

There are just some of the contemporary entertainer options that you can choose from. The list could be endless.

Games and Party Favors

The key to prepare for enjoyable games and party favors is to make them as simple as possible. Choose party games that are very familiar to the kids around. If you want to modify some variations, make sure that the kids agree to this before giving out the final rules to start the game.

In choosing party favors, apply the same rule of simplicity. Candies and trinkets are popular, yet inexpensive. You can opt to give out a more substantial single favor, too. Make sure to match the goodies to the theme of your party to keep kids excited.

Conclusion

Knowing how long an average kid’s party should last keeps everyone on track on what to expect about the event. This also helps partygoers to get the most of the party’s enjoyment. Planning and preparation are very crucial factors in making every party successful. Being mindful of others is also part of the birthday etiquette that children should practice.