What time for a children's party?

[Wavingwhiledrowning]

Hi all,

DS turns 5 soon and is super excited about having a party. We're going to hold it at the local soft play place, who do packages. For the dates we're after (a Saturday) they only have availability between 12.30-2.30 or 3-5.
I can't decide which time is best!

The party includes a buffet party tea type thing, but I'm guessing the children will be desperate to play as soon as they arrive.

Will be mostly 5 year olds but there will be a couple of 3 and 4 year olds there too (DD's 3rd birthday is the week after so she's having some pals along).

I've got myself into a total muddle trying to decide which time slot is least annoying for parents, and also would work for food. My DCs are pretty flexible about meal times so they're not the best guage for everyone else!

Any thoughts gratefully received!

Thanks!

3-5 then it covers tea , the other slot is to late for lunch.

I think either of those is fine.
If I were doing it I'd go for the earlier time to get it out the way. Then you can flop afterwards and the DC can have a quieter afternoon playing with their new toys.

If DC are going to a 12:30-2:30 I'd give them a big snack at 11 to last through to a later lunch. Slightly more of a pain if parents are staying though, whereas 3-5 doesn't hit adult meal times.

If there having a buffet tea i would go for
3-5

Either is fine

3-5.

If 12.30-2.30 then lunch would usually be in the last half hour so probably late for kids.

3-5 food will be at 4.30 so on time or early for tea. Also people will leave more promptly to get home and ready for their evening.

Def 3-5pm as covers tea the over one kids will be hungry and way too late to eat for a 5 year old

3-5, you are less likely to be thrown out of the party room for the next party as it's the last one of the day!

I also much prefer a later party - it means they have their tea and we just have to think about bedtime after!!
I always give a hot lunch on a day like this so even if they don't each much at the party I know they have eaten good meal that day!

Thanks so much for all the replies. They've confirmed all the pros and cons I was thinking of for both time slots! I think on balance I'm starting to favour the 3-5 slot though. I like the idea of not being rushed to leave, and it also means I don't have to do tea too

Thanks again!