How Many Hours for a Kid's Birthday Party?

[robinb]

I am planning to have my DD's 9th birthday party at our local beach. This is the first birthday party I have planned for her (all her other recent ones have been at a Disney park). I bought a bunch of beach towels on sale this summer and each kid gets a towel. I will also buy some cheap sand pails, etc. I figured that they could swim/play for a while and then I would have pizza delivered. Do you think 2 hours would be enough? Or should I plan for 3 hours? I am filling out invitations today.

Thanks!

 

[kirbydog48]

My DS just turned 9 and we did a pool party, did 2 hours. One hour swim/splash park, 10 min to change and the rest for cake. If you're having a small group 2 hours should be fine, but if it's like 15-20 kids, it takes longer to get everyone organized and you may want to do longer. Sounds like a fun party! I'll send out vibes for sunshine!

 

[mickeyboat]

I would probably do 3 hours. The water will keep them occupied for a long time, and it will be hard to get them out for the birthday celebration. We took our 7-8 year old Girls Scouts to a local beach and they swam and played for 2 1/2 hours. They did get hungry and thirsty in the mean time, so you might want to think about some snacks and drinks to go along with the pizza.

Denae

 

[OceanAnnie]

That sounds like a fun birthday party! I'd probably have it for 3 hours.

 

[Chipmunk89]

I would make it 3 hrs. Sounds like a wonderful party. I like the idea of the beach towel as the "goody bag".

 

[Rora]

Another vote for 3 hours!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

2 hours is long enough for a childs party I like the plan that the PP posted about 1hr to play 10 to change and the rest for cake and presents!

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Another vote for 3 hours, considering the activity and the age group. It's still short compared to a sleepover , and I've never known a kid who was ready to finish swimming after an hour.

 

[Cindy B]

2 hours is more than enough!

 

[Kitzka]

Are you having any other activities aside from swimming? If it's just swimming i think 2 hours. if you have an extra game in tehre then i say 3. At the age of 9 and 10 they really play with one another so 1 hour in the water may not be enough.

Lara

 

[Erin1700]

Hey robin, nice to see ya!

My vote...3 hours