The Best Times of Day to Host a Children's Birthday Party

Planning a child’s birthday party can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the most common — yet crucial — questions parents ask is: what’s the best time of day to host the party?

At Memorable Parties, we’ve helped families across London and the surrounding counties throw unforgettable birthday celebrations for children of all ages. From disco parties to themed character events, choosing the right party time can make a big difference in how smoothly the day runs — and how much your child and their guests enjoy it.

Here’s your ultimate guide to choosing the perfect party time, with expert insights into age-appropriate timing, seasonal considerations, and even cost-saving tips.

Age Matters: Tailoring the Time to Your Child’s Needs

Toddlers (Ages 1–3)

Ideal time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Why: Most toddlers are freshest in the morning before lunchtime and afternoon naps. A short, engaging party with snacks, music, and sensory play is ideal.

Preschoolers (Ages 4–5)

Ideal time: 11:00am – 1:00pm or 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Why: These children can handle more activity, but still benefit from shorter parties (1.5–2 hours). Late morning or early afternoon avoids post-lunch crashes.

School-Aged Children (Ages 6–9)

Ideal time: 2:00pm – 4:30 pm

Why: This time works well for party games, entertainers, and themed activities, while still leaving time for cake and party bags.

Pre-Teens (Ages 10+)

Ideal time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm or Evening for special events

Why: Older children enjoy longer parties and can manage later events. For discos or movie nights, early evening starts around 5:00pm are perfect.

Consider the Party Type & Location

Indoor Venues (e.g., halls or soft play centres): Often offer time slots like 10am–12pm or 2pm–4pm.

Outdoor Parties (parks, gardens): Aim for mid-morning or early afternoon to maximise daylight, especially in spring or autumn.

Home-Based Parties: Flexible timing, but remember to factor in prep and clean-up time. Late morning or early afternoon typically works best.

Seasonal Considerations

Winter Months: Keep it earlier — think 11am or 1pm starts to avoid darker, colder evenings.

Summer Months: You can extend the fun later into the day. Afternoon parties benefit from longer daylight hours and warmer weather.

Cost-Saving Tip: Off-Peak = Better Value

Booking midweek or earlier in the day often reduces venue and entertainer costs. For example:

Morning slots are less in demand, especially for older children

Weekday after-school parties can be cost-effective for school-age kids

Ask your provider if they offer off-peak pricing or bundle deals for morning bookings. The old adage of if you don’t ask you don’t get applies here.

Final Tips for a Smooth-Running Party

Send invites early: Particularly for weekend parties, to avoid schedule clashes.

Be mindful of meal expectations: A 12pm party? Offer lunch. A 3pm start? Provide snacks and cake.

Keep it short and sweet: Especially for younger children — 90 minutes to 2 hours is ideal.

Ready to Plan a Memorable Celebration?

At Memorable Parties London, we help parents craft perfect party experiences — from timing and themes to full event setup. If you’re planning a birthday and wondering when to host it, we’ll help you find the ideal time for maximum fun (and minimal stress!).

Contact us today to start planning your child’s next unforgettable birthday.