is 4pm too late for a 4 yo party?

jc&cat · September 2012

We plan to have DS's party this year at a bounce house place. The options are noon to 2, 2 to 4 or 4 to 6. I'm leaning toward 4-6 for the following:

1. DD's nap is usually 1130- 130, thus killing the first 2 options and yes, she is an important attendee and no one else can really get her there

2. Later in the day might mean less crowd(?) This can go either way of course. We have a party room for the cake and food but the bounce place is open to the public

3. Some kids still nap therefore the middle option is sort of a waste.

4. Not taking up someone else's entire day for this party.

Yay or ney ladies? Thoughts?

sunnydays99 · September 2012

We had DS's 2nd bday party at 4pm and it was good timing for u's our friends. We've since been to a couple other parties starting at the same time. I think it's good!

dazidog · September 2012

I would say no. We had DD's 4th birthday party at 6pm. It was the only option left at the place we had it but it actually worked out really well. We had veggies and pizza for dinner, everyone played hard, then went right home and passed out. I've had several parents thank me:)

ridesbuttons · September 2012

If the party is 4-6 I would expect dinner to be provided for my kid.

IMO, it's a great time for a b-day party.

pea-kay · September 2012

I have been wrestling with what time to have the boys' next birthday party at, and a lot of people I asked said they like 4pm. It's not an option for us to have it that late (their party will be outside) but I think it could be a good option for you.

Quiksilver620 · September 2012

we would love a 4:00 party, but have never had that option.

good luck

schnappycat · September 2012

I have now had 6 birthday parties (at my house) for my two kids and they have all been at 4:30 PM on Sunday. It's worked really well for us and our friends, many of whom still have kids who take an afternoon nap. I serve dinner and cake and they are out by 7 PM in time for bed.

Personally, I think it's a great time and I've had no complaints!

brewcitybride · September 2012

I think 4 to 6 sounds perfect. My DD doesn't nap anymore, so it doesn't really matter, and she doesn't really get too tired or cranky at that time either. And for people attending whose kids do nap, you'll be staying away from naptime for them, too.

neverblushed · September 2012

I loved when people had parties at this time when my kids were in preschool. No one's napping, and it doesn't kill the whole day. Awesome!

jlw2505 · September 2012

We just went to our first evening party - it was from 5-7 pm and the kids ranged from just turning 4 to turning 7. I personally really disliked the time - great the kids got dinner but not until 6:30 and DH and I didn't eat until after we had put the kids to bed. Yes, it didn't kill our whole day but it did kill our Sat night. I personally would go with one of the earlier times and just adjust your DD's nap time. I have done that a ton for my kids and its just one day, they have never had an issue with it. Out of these options, the 2-4 would be best - we would have an early lunch and put the kids down to rest at around 12:30 and get them up by 1:30 and then do the party from 2-4 and then do dinner by 5 or so after the party.