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Original poster

What is a good time of day for a 3 year old birthday party?

63 replies

hottchocolate · 06/03/2024 15:15

If options are 10 or 1 or 2 what would you go for?

Last year a lot of the 2 year old parties we went to were in the morning (as was our DC party) and that made sense because of nap times but now they are 3 is that still the best time or is it a pain to get out somewhere by 10 am? For most people it would be at least a half hour drive.

I think 10 is good as people can then do what they want with the rest of their day but also 2 pm means we can have a leisurely morning, open and play with gifts, and then go to the party. I know some people are not morning people but 10 is not so early when you have a toddler!

OP posts:
Original poster
hottchocolate · 06/03/2024 16:23

My DC would most likely nap in the car on the way there if it is an afternoon.

It seems you can't please everyone! I think we need to just pick a time. DH would prefer afternoon. I was leaning to morning but I don't mind.

It is one of those places where you can stay and play before or after the party as well if that makes any difference.

OP posts:
MaryShelley1818 · 06/03/2024 16:22

10am is much preferred here! It's hardly early, at least a couple of hrs after most people need to be up for nursery/school/work.
I'm another one who absolutely hates afternoon parties, it means that's our whole day gone and we end up just sitting around waiting to go.

FlabMonsterIsDietingAgain · 06/03/2024 16:19

I always liked 10am parties. Dd (early riser) would have been up for about 5 hours by then and bored ready to get out and do something. Afternoons she would be ready for a nap by about 1.30pm so a party in the middle of the afternoon meant battling for an earlier nap or a tired mardy child.

Pinklanternspiral · 06/03/2024 16:17

10am. My heart sinks when we get an afternoon invitation as we end up trying to occupy an excited child for hours whilst the whole house clock watches

JaninaDuszejko · 06/03/2024 16:16

10 am would be the preference here for all preschool parties. It's still a much later start than a working day and then you can get home and sleep if you have smaller DC. Or do something fun with your older DC.

Original poster
hottchocolate · 06/03/2024 16:14

I assume if it was a 2 o'clock start they would have food closer to 3:30 or 4 but I would have to ask.

OP posts:
Original poster
hottchocolate · 06/03/2024 16:12

@SgtJuneAckland Those are not options at the place we plan to book.

10 or 2

1 on some days

Should have said would be a Sunday or Saturday

OP posts:
YessicaHaircut · 06/03/2024 15:46

I have a 3 year old and parties for his group of friends have tended to have either a 12 or 2pm start. Generally we prefer a 12 midday start as it's over a mealtime and so DS will actually eat something other than sweet things! 2pm start also fine but the kids are usually not hungry so just want cake and also with a 4pm finish it can be getting a bit late in the day by the time we're home. Agree 10am is probably a bit early to start especially if people are having to travel. We do love a party though so will go whenever it is really 🙃

SgtJuneAckland · 06/03/2024 15:24

I like 11-1 not too early and still have the whole afternoon to do something else (presuming there will be food)

PeloMom · 06/03/2024 15:21

I’d do 10

Cbljgdpk · 06/03/2024 15:20

2pm; assuming it’s a weekend so people have time to get stuff done in the morning

Darcy86 · 06/03/2024 15:17

I have a 3yo and I'd prefer 2pm.

SophieHope7 · 06/03/2024 15:16

I'd probably say 2pm.... Just more relaxed