Party advice needed

[MaggieW]

Up until now we've done small parties for DS at home, but for his 5th birthday we're planning on hiring a hall and bouncy castle. However, need some guidance on how long party should last - apart from the bouncy castle there's a big outdoor area which, if it's dry, they can go out into and kick some balls around and have a run. We'd prob do a couple of party games, and again would welcome advice on the best sort of games for around 25 children. Will do pass the parcel as he loves that, but other suggestions needed!

Ihave been a parties for this age group where there is a bouncy castle and footballs etc for them to kick about. They played for 1 hour then had tea - whole party lasted 1.5 hrs. For my ds's 5th party we hired a hall with bouncy castle. As the castle was quite small I split the children (around 20) into 3 teams and rotated them - ie blues on the castle, red & geen played a game. We did pirate themed games - musical pirate flags, walk the planl obstacle course etc. Whole party including tea lasted 2 hours