Planning DS first "real" birthday party...timing and ideas for 5yos?

[Caneel]

DS's past parties have been family affairs. This year he asked if he could have a party with his preschool friends.

My idea is to invite several of his close preschool friends, probably 10 or 15 kids, knowing that some likely won't attend. I suspect 5-7 will be the number.

Adults in attendence will be me, DH, my mom and likely a college student or two from the university in town, more college girls if I think extra eyes and ears are needed.

Our idea is to get a bouncy-house type thing for the backyard (DS asked for that) and a few other outdoor fun stuff (bubbles, fall activities) and just let the kids play. I will figure out food later, that doesn't concern me too much.

Parents can stay or go, doesn't matter to me. We have enough room that I won't be tripping over them.

A few questions -

How long is long enough for a 5 yo party? Is two hours enough? Three hours seems long. Length of time doesn't matter too me, just looking for feedback.

Timing - I was thinking either 11am to 1pm or 1pm to 3pm. Or 2-4....? DS hasn't napped in years and we aren't tied to schedules but I know others are.

Should I plan it over lunch? Or in the middle of the afternoon?

Help! DS has attended one birthday party, which was a casual, low-key affair. I am CLUELESS! Any suggestions are welcome.

[KatWozBlue]

in my experience (having thrown several parties and attended a ton - probably 30 in the last year, my kids friends love to throw parties), I think 2 hours is plenty, I would do 11 to 1, serve lunch around noon, then more play time then cake is at the end.

have fun!

[Grace and Granola]

We are having a 5yo party this weekend! In years past, we did 3-5pm to work around naps. This year we are doing 10-12. We went to another party a few weeks ago at that time and it worked out really well. Since it's august and super hot here, we beat the heat by having it in the morning. Plus, the kids eat and have their cake and then there is still time to get the little ones home to unwind and have a nap around 1pm. That worked perfectly for us, obviously everyone has different schedules though.

Two hours is definitely enough. Since kids usually don't eat a ton when they're having fun with their friends, they basically have and hour and a half to play and 30 minutes to have snacks and cake. We aren't doing any games, just having a splash pool, sprinklers and water balloons. Kids of that age are great at entertaining themselves, especially when there is a herd of them!

Enjoy the planning!! Remember to ENJOY the planning and the party and not get too wrapped up in the details. 5yos are easy to please!