How Long Does a Birthday Party Usually Last?

One of the first steps in planning a birthday party is deciding how long it should be. The length of the party can set the tone for how your guests will feel when it is over and even whether they want to come. This might also determine what venue or activities you want to use for your child̵7;s party. You need to weigh several factors as you plan the length of your child̵7;s party to ensure that it is fun for everyone, including you.

  1. Age

    • When you make your guest list, identify the age of each guest. Consider the ages of the majority of the children who will come to the party. If your guests are 1 to 3 years old, keep your party to just an hour. If they are 4 to 6, two hours will be enough time for games, cake, presents and visiting, according to Parents.com. For kids between 7 and 8, 2 1/2 hours is enough time, according to Martha Stewart̵7;s website. Plan on 2 1/2 to three hours for kids 9 to 10 years old. Older kids might like a longer party, or even a sleepover.

    Activities

    • Keep the activities varied as you plan your party. You don̵7;t want a bunch of cranky, bored preschoolers on your hands. Change activities regularly, or about every 10 to 15 minutes, but also allow kids to engage in some independent activities if they want to get away from the busy nature of the party. A coloring table or a quiet reading corner with books can help kids who don̵7;t want to participate in all the games.

    Time of Day

    • Martha Stewart̵7;s site suggests that for kids between 1 and 2, it is wisest to hold the party after nap time. However, Birthday Party in a Box̵7;s website suggests that between 10 and 11 a.m. is a good time, too. Lunchtime or late afternoon are good times for kids who are 3 and 4 years old. Early to midafternoon are good times for a party for 5- and 6-year-olds, and for kids who are 7 and 8. Children 9 and 10 years old should have their parties in the mid- to late afternoon.

    Parents and Helpers

    • The length of your party will also depend on the number of children you invite, whether parents are expected to stay and whether you have any helpers if you plan to have parents leave. Plan on having one helper to every four or six children if parents are going to drop off their kids. You can ask a parent to help, hire a babysitter or get an older sibling of your child to help out.

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