To think 6-8 pm is too late for a 3rd birthday party

[Gingerninj]

DD is 2.2 years old and has been invited to a birthday party at a soft play area starting at 6 and ending at 8. Most the children there will be 2, some 3 and maybe a couple older children. DD is usually asleep by 7:30, sometimes a bit later on a weekend, I can't imagine many of these DC stay up much later than that

Maybe they booked late and only timeslot available.

Not ideal. But not a total disaster. I would plan day to accommodate if a good friend.

The place usually closes at 6 so yes maybe it was cheaper plus no other children there. The parents are English and Arab. Might let DD have an extra long nap and things will be less likely to end in tears, she has stayed up later before but does get quite tired and grumpy usually if she's up past her bedtime (less she's had too much sugar)

Mine went to bed at 6.30 at that age. The smallest one would just lay down anywhere and sleep if it got to 7pm.

My neighbours are Syrian and the kids stay up til gone midnight as the norm. Maybe it's a culture thing? (obvs I know Arab and Syrian aren't the same thing). That time would be way too late for us too like other pp said.

Maybe they have a DC who's fine in the evening and so thought they'd go for the cheaper time.

My DS 2.5 would be fine, I'd put him in a nappy and comfy clothes to fall asleep in the car home.