1 1/2 hours enough time for a 4-year-old's birthday party?

[Anonymous]

hi, all.

there's a place I'd like to rent out for my son's bday party. the time block included in their standard package is 1 1/2 hours, but it's possible to buy more time in half-hour increments.

the standard package is way more money than I expected to pay for a 4-year-old's bday party, but it seems to be the going rate. I've done my research!

can we get away with 1 1/2 hours? I'd really love to save some money where I can, but I also want to make it fun for DS and his guests. by the way, the 1 1/2 hour block includes about an hour of teacher-led games and 20 - 30 minutes for the cake.

thanks!

[Anonymous]

Seems rushed. I would do 2 hours.

[Anonymous]

1.5 hrs seems to be pretty standard for these package parties. That being said, we did that at a place last year and did feel a bit rushed during the last 30 min which was the food and cake part. This year, we are also contemplating adding another 30 min to the party like you, but haven't decided what to do yet.

[Anonymous]

I think its fine, but I would either just do cake (no lunch, assuming you can get away with that), or do the lunch/cake thing quickly.

[Anonymous]

I think it's fine - 30 minutes of food should be enough time to have a slice of pizza and piece of cake.

[Anonymous]

YES.

[Anonymous]

I think it's enough. If you add extra time, be sure to plan some extra activities, too, or you'll end up with kids bouncing off the walls.

[Anonymous]

absolutely! We went to a bunch of the 1 1/2 parties last year and they know how to make it happen in the block of time that they are giving you.

as a parent, I love these as it is the perfect amount of time for the kids before they start melting down.

[Anonymous]

since you did your research (& i haven't yet!) im curious: what IS the going rate? ?

[Anonymous]

OP here.

thanks, everyone! I'd love to get away with the 1 1/2 hours, if I can.

for the PP who asked about cost... I'm looking in NW DC, which is where we live. plus, I thought that would be more central for the people coming from MD and VA. most of the guests will be from my son's daycare, who are spread all over the area.

so, I don't know if it would be cheaper if we did it in a suburb, but in DC it seems like to have a party for about 10 - 15 kids that age, with some from of teacher-led games or other entertainment, it's going to run roughly $500. I'm hoping not to exceed that amount, which means we'll just do cake -- no lunch. my DH is incredulous about the cost.

we live in a small apartment, so doing it at home is not an option. plus, I'll be 8 months pregnant by the time of the party, so I'm looking for places where I won't be responsible for too much. for instance, DH wants to have it at a park, but I think that will be too much work. plus there's the weather to consider.

if anyone else thinks I'm off on the dollar amount, please let me know!

[Anonymous]

I've been to a couple of 1.5 hour parties. While the activity part seemed a bit rushed, it was still plenty of time and the kids still had fun. If I were you I would skip the "Meal" part and just go to the cake. Maybe have snacks, but if you avoid the whole pizza thing, that helps to keep costs down and cuts eating time out. My son is much more interested in the activity and cake then the sit down and eat a meal (especially the ones that are not at a usual meal time).

Given they are 4 (and probably not in the drop off stage), I think most parents would enjoy it only being 1.5 hours (since they have to be there). Actually, I've found most 2 hour parties sort of run theirselves down by the last half hour and end early.

Now - I assume the place helps you clean up? I wouldn't want to try to have the full party AND have to do a full clean-up within 1.5 hours. Can you basically just grab your stuff and go at the end?

[Anonymous]

Yes, 1 1/2 hours is a good amount of time. I think you could do it for less than $500, particularly if you only serve cake and no other food, and if you keep the balloons/favors/decorations to a minimum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Now - I assume the place helps you clean up? I wouldn't want to try to have the full party AND have to do a full clean-up within 1.5 hours. Can you basically just grab your stuff and go at the end?

OP here -- yes, the place does the set-up and clean-up, so it doesn't count against the 1 1/2 hours. I know by having the set-up/clean-up service I'm bumping up the expense. but this pregnancy is totally wiping me out -- I'd rather not have to worry about all that jazz! even with DH's help, it would be exhausting.