5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

Hi,
How does everyone feel about this time for a 3 year old birthday party on a Saturday at a place like My Gym? The party last 1 1/2 hrs. The time I original wanted is booked so I was thinking maybe a later party but I just don't know if this is too late for some kids? Honest opinions please. Thanks!!

5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

It really depends on if you are providing dinner foods for the kids and parents since it is dinner time.

I would think it was fine as long as food was being served. But then again my DD goes to bed at 9pm. Some kids go to bed early.

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

Honestly, I think 4pm is the latest I would do with that age group. Usually places like that have the kids play for an hour and then do pizza/cake, so that will take you right to dinner time. Anything later than that would be a disaster for my 2.5yo.

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

Food will definitely be served for kids/adults. That's my concern is if it's too late for some kids. I would have no problem with it but I know some parents are very strict with bedtime. ugh!!

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

We have gone to birthday parties at My Gym and Gymboree type places at 5. At first I thought it was a strange time slot but now I think it is great. The kids play and have dinner afterwards.

We once went to one at 5 and there was no meal served. I thought that was terrible. My kids were starving and we did not have dinner plans since we thought the party would serve food.

eta: 5:30 is a little on the late side if you are going to play first. A lot of kids that age eat dinner early so dinner at 6:30-7 is on the late side. I would do 4, 4:30 or 5 if you can.

Message edited 6/17/2013 2:16:47 PM.

5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

I have a 3 1/2 year old and it wouldn't be too late for him but, I know a lot of his classmates go to sleep earlier.

I would also think that having a group of 3 year olds together at that time of day would lead to a large number of meltdowns...

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

The don't have a 4 or 5 time spot on Saturday. They have a 4pm on Sunday which I'd rather not do. How about noon on Sunday? Do you think that time is better?

5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

5:30 is a little late for my preference, but I'd prefer that to noon - too close to nap time!

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

I don't mind 5:30 or even 6:00 parties. The kids play, eat and then they're pooped and go right to bed.

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

On a Saturday, ends at 7, and you will be serving food? I personally think that is fine. I would assume that most parents know their children well enough to give them a snack or dinner before the party if they need it. I would really at a parent who would decline the invite because it's during dinnertime on a weekend, some things are easily worked around, this is one of them.

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

I think it's fine.
I like either early or late parties (10 or 11 am or 6pm).
Nap is usually 1-3 or 2-4.

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

I wouldn't have a problem with it. Especially since you are providing food.

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

I think its fine. By 3, most kids can tolerate a bit of an later bedtime. I just went to a Gymboree party that lasted from 5:30-7:30. It was still light out when we left. I was tired but my DD was fine

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

I think it's great as long as you are providing dinner type food for everyone like pizza.

Re: 5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

That would be fine for my 3 year old DD.
It's not like she goes to bed at 7 pm anymore.

5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

Last week I took both my kids to a 5:30 party for a 3 year old. It was fine! My 3 year old was knocked out minutes after his bath and my DD went to bed at her usual bedtime - 9pm.

5:30 birthday party for a 3 year old?

I think it is fine especially on a Saturday. We had Ds's 4th Birthday at that time. I was also worried but I had a good turn out that year. All the parents appreciated that the kids were fed and tired by 7 and ready to go to bed when they got home.