Birthday Parties

[Overthebow]

This will be the first birthday party my DC has had as it was lockdown last year. She will be 2. What time of day and how many hours is best for this age? I’m thinking village hall with bouncy castle/soft play and food.

People will have different thoughts.

For mine, we had grandparents and my local sibling and her dc round to the house for a buffet tea, blowing out of candles, and I think by the time the youngest was 2, the older ones did a few games like musical bumps.

Any more than that may well be overwhelming.
At this age, it is more about what you, as adults want - a 'just turning 2 yr old' won't know or care.

As for how long, again, it depends who you are inviting.
If it is really a chance for the extended family to get together, then it will depend how many of them will come and how far they are traveling.

If you are actually going to invite other 2 yr olds, then keep it to about 90mins.

Two is very little for a bouncy castle. Although older ones would like it if they are coming. Soft play is nicer at this age.

Although I remember a party identical to this for a 3 year old and she sobbed and tantrummed for the first hour of the party as she got overwhelmed when her guests arrived and then sulked she couldnt have the bouncy castle to herself.

Village/church halls in my area book out miles in advance for weekends, esp. If they have any regular commitments.

I would:
a) contact your chosen bouncy castle/softplay provider and see how much time they need to set up and take down
b) allow 90 mins for the party
c) contact the village hall and find out what dates they have available
d) plan for it to happen outside traditional naptimes. 3.30 to 5pm would be a good slot as they can have a little tea at the end. But obviously a very popular slot for that reason.

My little girl is 2 today obviously born and first birthday in lockdowns. We've got her immediate family and a close friend over for a little party later. She would get far too overwhelmed with a big party of soft play thing. She's too small for a bouncy castle. Oh and we are going to her favourite zoo on Sunday with her nana and grandpa. She won't remember today either. She is at nursery this morning (would normally be the whole day but she's coming home early to see everyone). It doesn't need to be a huge birthday. Toddlers get very overwhelmed easily and can change their mind with what they want/like/dislike in a split second. Just enjoy the birthday don't put pressure on you both

We did a picnic in the park with some mum friends (no family around locally).

Easy and simple.

DD went to a couple of softplay parties at that age but they were at a venue with a large set-up for under 3s. It was normally 1 hour play and some food.

It's more about adults at this age and something longer than 1-1.5 hours would be overwhelming for the kids. The time of the day would depend on the time available for the adult guests in the first place but I think having immediate family and grandparents to come over during the lunch time on a weekend is a good compromise for everyone. I agree that 2 is too young for a bouncy castle, but you can play classic games like musical chairs, make a smartshow 3d video with DD's photos, do candle blowing etc.