Evening B-day Celebration

how about a pizza and pajamas party? have the kids come in their jammies, eat pizza and watch a kid-friendly movie, maybe have a simple craft activity station or some lego-type building toys available for kids who aren't interested in the movie. And if you have toothpaste and toothbrushes for party favors, parents have the option of brushing their kids' teeth before they head home, and they're already in their jammies so they'll be ready for bed when they get home.

We've been to a few 5-7 or 6-8 p.m. birthday parties for kids. I think it works out well. Is it at your home? Just keep it simple, pizza, cake & ice cream, opening gifts and a few basic games: piñata, hot potato, etc.

Hi, we just celebrated my son's 4th birthday and we did a party at 5:30 PM. I was not sure if that was a good time to have it but the feed back was great. It was not too late for the kids.
We held it at San Rafael Gymnastics. Brought in pizza and cake and it was really fun and easy.

We've been to many children's parties with a 4:30 to 5pm start time, lasting a couple of hours, and they are fine. Several of them have been a Chuck E cheese, which really keeps the kids of your age range entertained. I don't know that the adults were particularly engaged, but they could talk to one another and keep their eye on the kids. Adults know the party is for the kids, so I wouldn't worry so much about entertaining them as I would keeping the kids entertained.

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but I think that timing is really tough. Kids and grown ups are kind of "cooked" at the end of the week, and it might be hard for some people to make it on time on a Friday. Saturday evening might work better.

If you're set on doing it on Friday, I would make it really clear that you are planning on feeding everyone (grown-ups included). Other than that, I think that regular party games should fit the bill. I would have it end by 7.30, so kids have time to travel home, get washed up and get to bed at close to bedtime still.

Happy birthday.

We've been to many evening parties. Most were "piquito sleepovers" that went until 10pm or midnight. Party, then the kids climb into sleeping bags with a movie while the adults had some grown up time (wine, board games, etc.).

The party part is pretty normal. Crafts, games, solid meal, cake, presents, sleeping bags and movies, home at 10 or 12.

It REALLY helps parents to have an itinerary of events and menu and invitation to bring their own food along if they care to (milk cups, special foods, etc., ). Also, for sibs to be invited if it's a parent party afterwards, and to know they're welcome to stay or go at any point during the "sleepover". A great party favor for a piquito sleepover is a toothbrush & washcloth for washing faces and glowstick bracelets/necklaces for wearing in the dark with the movie.

i really like elaine's idea. cute.