I wouldn't want my kid sleeping outside at 9 yo unless a parent was outside, too, and the backyard was fenced. I still might be iffy abt it if it was a large party where I didn't know the other kids well. At 9 (and mostly boys?), they might get the idea to go explore around the neighborhood, etc.
I'd have everyone come at 6 or 6:30 (so parents have time to get home from work and then drop them off to you), make sure to list you're serving dinner, and then set a 10 am pickup time. If anyone does not feel comfortable staying, I'm sure his or her parent will let you know without you needing to mention it on the invite. 10 am should be late enough so the kids can get some sleep after staying up late and still eat breakfast before they leave, but early enough that when you inevitably have a parent (or two!) show up late that it doesn't ruin your lunch or afternoon plans.
If it's a big pack of boys, I would be sure to plan a lot of (outside running-ish) activities for them to participate in so they are tired when you want them to go to bed e.g. water guns/balloons, relay races, etc.
Good luck! I went to a lot of slumber parties in middle school and always thought they were a lot of fun.
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