What's an Ideal time for a Toddler Birthday Party?

[devotedchristian]

Toddlers Age 3 and up?

 

[ntburns22]

I always did like 11-1 or 4-6. I always tried to avoid our naptime from 1-3.

 

[princessjv]

I have done 10:30-12:30. When they arrive, I let them free play/play a game, then eat lunch, have cake and either play or open presents (depending on how things are going). This allows for them to get home and nap/rest if they need to.

If you are not planning to feed them, I would do 3-5.

 

[ksloane]

Ours are outside in August in the Texas humidity so that influences my answer but we have ours in the late afternoon/evening. I usually don't start them until at least 4 and we fire up the barbecue pit for hot dogs for "dinner" while they are playing. I like the hot dogs because those that want to eat can run by get one and keep going, those that just want to play can do so, and of course some mom's make them sit and eat at the tables, lol

 

[latexscooter]

My DD turned 3 in May and we attended 3 other parties for preschool friends within the same month. Each was held at a different time and I observed different reactions from the various kids. Just about all the kids were the same at each of the parties but with a different birthday girl. All three parties were 3-4 friends their parents and food (outside of cake was provided). I'm giving you all this information because I think it has a direct correlation to how things turned out. Here's what happened:

11-1 This was nice but I think the kids were more tired and cranky because they were late for naps. Since they are all in the same preschool class they usually take naps at 11:30 or so. Two of the parties were held at this time and I made a note to NEVER do this myself.

1-3 This worked out pretty good. Most of the parents had done early naps with the kids and they had eaten a lunch first. There were appetizers for snacks to go along with the cake.

5-7 This actually worked the best. All the kids were hungry for lunch and exhausted when they left but not cranky. It was the late afternoon second wind I think that made it work. It wouldn't have been my first choice for a time but now I will re-think it for next year.

 

[Gillian]

My dd just turned 3. Most of her friends nap after lunch, from maybe 12:30 or 1 until 2 or 3.

We just went to a 4-6 for 3 year olds and it worked out very well. It actually ran about an hour over. They started the food at 5 but really no one ate until 5:30 and then we had cake after. No one left until 7, but it was fine.

I think late afternoon is not so great during the summer when there is so much going on and people often have other parties to go to.

We did 10:30-12:30 build a bear with lunch after and the kids did well. There were 10 kids + parents. I have a friend who always does 10-12

The nice thing about the morning is that it doesn't take up the whole day. Most adult or family parties are in the afternoon or evening so they don't conflict.

 

[MinnieGi]

I'm planning around 4:00 for almost 2yo DS's party. That way the toddlers have napped and are ready to go and play! This time always worked well when 5yo DD was that age.