It is essential to have kid-specific activities for a lot of reasons. First, you want the kids to be happy. You usually can’t tell when we are unhappy at a wedding. However, when young ones are unhappy, they cry. You do not want crying children when others are trying to enjoy themselves. Second, you want parents to be able to relax and socialize while their kids are being entertained. Planning out things for the kids to do will go a long way.
This post is taken from a chapter in my book, The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Fun Wedding. Get your copy here on Amazon.
Coloring Station
Children can spend hours coloring; best of all, it is mess-free! Place a coloring book or special doodle paper and crayons at each child’s place setting. Cover and entire table in kraft paper so children can doodle right on it. They usually get a kick out of this! Ask kids to draw pictures to give to the bride and groom of whatever part of the wedding was their favorite. Encourage them to share their creations with the adults, fostering a sense of involvement in the celebration. These drawings can also be a cherished keepsake for you.
Lego Centerpieces
Another fantastic choice for the kids’ table is a Lego-based centerpiece. The reception time allows the youngsters to disassemble and build it again using their designs. Additionally, consider incorporating a creative twist to the Lego centerpiece by organizing a mini-Lego building contest. Provide the children with specific themes or challenges, such as building the tallest tower or creating their favorite animals. Set a timer, and at the end of the allotted time, have a mini “Lego Show and Tell” where the kids can proudly display their creations to the rest of the guests. Determine the winner with the help of the Emcee by audience cheers.
Giant Tic-Tac-Toe
It’s easy to play, and an extra-large version will give the traditional game a surprising new twist. Additionally, the Xs and Os are synonymous with hugs and kisses, making this game appropriate for a day dedicated to love. Enlarging the game adds an exciting physical element to the traditional version. Kids can strategize their Xs and Os while standing on a giant grid, creating unforgettable memories between them and whomever they challenge.
Hopscotch and Hula Hoop
Make a play place where children can release some of their energy. Traditional games like hopscotch, hula hoops, and jump ropes can keep kids occupied and active without causing any sort of interruption to the festivities. Make sure there is enough room for these activities.
Piñata
What youngster does not adore a piñata? Get a piñata shaped like a giant wedding cake, heart, or other symbol of love to stay on theme, and let the kids hit it like crazy when the wedding cake is being served. Of course, the newlyweds will also need to join them for a swing!
Interactive Placemat or Basket
Keep the kids entertained with a DIY interactive placemat at each kid’s seat. If all kids are at the same table, this works even better as they can share. Add smaller puzzles, word games, stickers, stamps, stick-on foam, pads of paper, crayons, markers, etc. Try not to add anything too messy, like paints, as this will mean a lot of cleanups later. Instead of a placemat, consider using a basket to keep everything tidy. Some adults may be jealous that they don’t get these activities at their tables.
Old Electronics
Place a container full of old handheld electronics in the center of the table and watch the kids dive in. They do not need to be popular ones, like Nintendo; any kind will do. To find some, look in the electronics section of secondhand places like Goodwill. Old toys will seem new to them! Remember to have a few spare batteries on hand to ensure uninterrupted fun.
Big Bubble Party
Outside, leave a large bubble kit you have purchased or made yourself. Be sure to include differently shaped and sized wands and lots of soapy bubble solution. The bubbles should keep the kids entertained, at least the younger ones. Any background with bubbles also makes it great for photo ops. The parents will be grateful for the distraction.
Childcare
A kind decision that lets parents and guests enjoy the celebration worry-free is to hire childcare services for weddings. Knowing their children are well cared for and entertained in a secure setting gives parents peace of mind. Professional babysitters may plan entertaining activities and even oversee meals to ensure the kids have a blast while their parents celebrate. This considerate feature makes it simpler for relatives to attend your wedding and encourages a laid-back ambiance, allowing all guests to enjoy the occasion thoroughly.
Kids Party (On-Site)
Ask the venue (if indoor) if they have another unbooked function room you could get for a reasonable price. Have a mini party for them in this other room! Hire a friend’s teenager to be in charge, put on some music from an iPhone, and offer boxes of all the sugar cereal they normally cannot have. Show a movie or have a dance party. Parents will pick kids up right after the reception and have the option to check on them at any point in the night. Kids can even come into the reception room for a few dances!
Kids Party (Off-Site)
Send the children to an “after party” after the ceremony. Ask a friend or relative to allow the kids to all hang out at their place. Hire a babysitter or put one of the older kids in charge. Give them awesome snacks (fun dip, rice crispy squares, whoopie pies, etc.) and pizza delivery. Parents can pick them up on the way home. I bet the kids would way rather do this than sit at a reception with the boring adults anyway.
