Ideal lenght, place and budget for 4yo birthday party?

[Emmpp]

What do you think is the perfect length and place for a preschooler's birthday party?
I just started planning a party for our little one and can't quite decide as the parties we attended varied a lot.
Soft play, private hire room with entertainer, ? We can't do the party at home unfortunately.

Is 90 minutes not enough?
And what about an ideal budget?

Thanks in advance for any comments

[Snossidge]

2 hours is fine. Softplay will probably work out cheaper and easier. Hall with entertainer will be more expensive and you'll have to do set up/clear up/food. I'd budget £200.

[JellyMouldJnr]

Agreed, 2 hours soft play would be my ideal.

[Ningnang2000]

Depends on how many you are going to invite. If you are going to invite the whole nursery class and have a big family then I think a hall with a bouncy castle is probably the best idea. If you aim to have the party mid afternoon then all you need to provide is a table full of crisps, sweets and cakes. At that age i'd hire the hall for 2 hours but just put don 1.5 hours for the invite Which would give you enough time to tidy up.

Softplay would be easier if your numbers are smaller.

[attheendoftheday]

I love doing a party in a hall, it's cheaper but it can be a lot of effort. Organise a few crafty activities, chuck in some big toys, run some traditional party games and make a little party tea. I quite enjoy thinking of little ideas. I think I probably spend around £100 and have around 25 kids, but I invest quite a bit of time.

Agree 2 hours is fine. I like the 2-4 slot as my kids are rested then and I have time to set up, but I know a lot of people like a morning party. If you run over a mealtime you have to provide a more substantial tea, obviously.

[Forestdreams]

2 hours is the norm. I think it's a bit long for littlies and 90 mins is better.

Softplay or bouncy castle & games are good for this age group. Or an entertainer - magician, or a leader of one of their current activities such as football or baby ballet. The latter can be expensive though.

[BackforGood]

Hour and a half
Home
Not a lot - just need the food and pull together a few things for them to do