Free tool
Birthday party timeline maker: a run of show in seconds
Choose a start time, length and what's included. You'll get a run of show with clock times that you can rename, stretch, reorder and print.
Run of show 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Something kids can join as they arrive: coloring, building, a craft table.15m
- High-energy games while everyone's fresh.40m
- Everyone sits down and recharges.20m
- Light the candles once plates and napkins are out.15m
- Something focused after the sugar: a clue hunt, a craft or a story.20m
- A calm activity while families arrive; check kids out by name.
The shape of a good party
- Something to do on arrival. Guests trickle in; give them a craft or free play.
- Active games while energy is high.
- Food in the middle, before anyone gets hangry.
- Cake, with plates and napkins ready before the candles.
- A calmer activity after the sugar.
- Goodbyes with favors at the door.
Give the timeline to your helpers so everyone knows what's next. Need games?
Frequently asked questions
How long should a kids' birthday party be?
About 60-90 minutes for toddlers and preschoolers, around 2 hours for school-age kids, and 2-4 hours or a sleepover for tweens and teens.
When should you do cake at a kids' party?
Roughly two-thirds of the way through, after food and before a calmer final activity, so the party doesn't end on a sugar high.
Are my edits saved?
Yes, on this device. The share link includes your settings (start, length, age, type), not your edits.