Bday party for 3 or 4 year old who needs time

Where can you have a bday party for a 3 or 4 yo who needs time to adjust? Like, he can't just show up and jump in like most 1.5-2 hr parties require... he needs a good 1-1.5 hrs to warm up before he really enjoys. VFW and similar halls... how much do they really cost? Inexpensive ones in S.E. Nassau? TIA!

Bday party for 3 or 4 year old who needs time

I priced out a few and they were about $600 for 4 hours plus 2 hours for set up and include bus boys to clean up and help out during the party.

Or childrens party places or play areas allow you to pay extra for more time. Ask to pay extra for extra 2 hours.

This is just me and i dont know your situatuon but maybe it would be better to do something smaller? maybe it will make him feel less overwhelmed and he will have more fun. Take out just a few of his close friends or what about at home? Would that help him or be feasible?

Bday party for 3 or 4 year old who needs time

Maybe you could find a place that also has open play so that you could go earlier yourselves. Or, what if you went to open plays a few times before the party, would that help? I couldn't imagine adding two hours onto a party like that. Last year I added half an hour to that type of party and I was unsure if I did the right thing bc people were starting to look tired and hungry. How about Nunley's Carousel? You could go any time to ride or if you book the later slot you could hang out there before the party for an hour or two bc it's open to the public. Same for LI Children's Museum.

Re: Bday party for 3 or 4 year old who needs time

I agree with the PP... something smaller so it's not so overwhelming. My 4 yr old DS is like that too, but better when he sees kids. If it's a lot of adults he is quiet.

What about an activity before the party to get your LO excited? A 4 hour party is a bit much for other kids. By the time your LO is adjusting other kids can be getting restless.

Is there something he LOVES and would get excited for?

Re: Bday party for 3 or 4 year old who needs time

My DS is the same in that it takes him a long time to warm up. I've had his birthday parties at home and they've been great successes. It's the place where he feels most comfortable and so it's easier for him to acclimate and get in on the fun. He turned 4 last year and he actually asked for him party to be at home. We brought in a traveling animal farm and pony ride and had a great time. No rushing to leave and people could just relax and enjoy. It helps that he's October and we can be outside in the backyard but I'd do it inside also if I needed to.

Re: Bday party for 3 or 4 year old who needs time

You could do White Post and just arrive before the time of the party to walk around.

Re: Bday party for 3 or 4 year old who needs time

What if you do it at home so he's comfortable and you can manage the time?

Unless you're inviting family and family friends though - not many people are interested in a kid's party that lasts for 5 hours ........especially with everyone's weekend schedules being so jam packed -

What about getting him there early walk around, check things out etc?
Or, like another said doing it someplace where he can participate early .....the farm, children's museum, etc -
Or, possibly someplace with a more 'organized' play so it's not just chaos .......like bowling, or a craft place ??