Entertaining kids at an adult party - please help!

[NotPennysBoat]

I'm hosting a party in January at my home for 10 adults and 10 children (ages range from 6 to 10). It will be in the evening and I am providing plenty of food & drink throughout the night.

However I don't have kids myself and I'm just at a bit of a loss as to what the kids will 'do' here! I want the adults (including me!) to be able to relax and enjoy the evening. I don't have any toys etc, although I am willing to spend money on some bits if needed, I could also ask them to bring some? I thought I might put on a kids movie in another room (is that terrible?), and there will be music and disco lights! I definitely can't get an entertainer or extra person to look after them.

Any suggestions??

Movie in another room sounds good. Personally mine would enjoy that and play with the other children. Likely I would bring a tablet or other screen to keep them entertained anyway.

Some paper/coloring books and pens might be worth buying. (If trustworthy enough).

I had similar and went on eBay, bought loads of party bag toys (quite cheap) foam masks etc just little things like that, left them out on tables and the kids loved it.

They will probably bring their phones/ipads and you won't see them all evening! If one of them has a playstation or nintendo switch and are happy to bring it, you could set that up?

Great suggestions, will definitely get some colouring/craft bits.
As parents would you think it awful for your kids to be on screens all evening at a party? Or would you be happy as long as they're happy (& quiet!)?

I would be very happy there was a movie on and delighted for my DC to watch it!

I'd just make the event child free. Alternatively if you dont want to go down that route, message those with kids and say "kids welcome to bring devices or a toy along - I'm sure they will all find somewhere to hang out together if they get bored of our chit chat"

At that age stick on a film and see if one of the families can bring a Nintendo or similar

I wouldn’t worry about screen time as the parents will monitor that if they feel they need to. Think the movie set up is always welcomed but don’t give lots of sweets and chocs otherwise they may get hyper! Stick to popcorn. Maybe some sticker books for all ages (safer than colouring pens!) Like PP have said they may grind their own tablets etc.

I would definitely not let my ds bring an iPad. Movie would be fine but I’d rather they played games. I’d def be happy to bring some.

*bring!

Movie in the other room is perfect. We've also had success with using a disco bulb (one of the ones that you put in the normal ceiling light) and letting them have their own disco in a separate room

Baker Ross do craft kits, though not many would be aimed at a 10 year old. However you can choose ones with no glue! Plus many of them have everything in them that you need, so while the headline price isn't bargain basement, if you don't own lots of crafty bits (that you're happy for children to use) then you don't have a big outlay on scissors, glue, coloured paper etc.

When we have family parties we have a few drinks and play some games all together with the kids (before palming them off with a film). Not "kids" games, just ones everyone can have a laugh doing. But everyone needs to be up for it and to throw themselves into it. Has to be the kind of party where you embrace the kids rather than preferring them to be seen and not heard so won't suit everyone but if the kids make up half your guests, it might create a fun atmosphere.

Crisps
Screens

In seriousness they will enjoy being with other children and watching a film, making their fun and running around a bit I imagine.

If I was going with my 9 and 4 years I will disagree with another poster and say that I would bring my youngest child's tablet and my eldest would bring his Nintendo switch - he would be hoping to play a 2 player game with another child as he doesn't get to do that at home as his brother is too young.

I'd probably be a bit wary of un supervised colouring and pen lids being left off...

Movie room will be good. What are the ages of the kids? If any are in the 12 and up category or particularly....'lively' make sure the alcohol is placed where it will be easily visible to all adults. I blurring remember family parties where all the adults would be having a jolly old time while the kids were sidelined to another room. The kids were helping themselves to anything they could sneak off the booze table while no one was looking.

Some ideas there but @NotPennysBoat who will be supervising 10 children if all the adults will be drinking? Children aged 6 cannot be supervised by 10 year olds...

I wouldn't bother with craft kits, having kids leave a mess. I'd tell the parents that they can watch a movie or bring their own devices.

As a PP said, I would embrace it as a family evening and plan some games everyone can enjoy together. Charades, Pictionary, that kind of thing. if you don’t want that kind of mass ‘organised fun’ you could buy a couple of table top games like Jenga or Kerplunk (these are both good as there’s no massive age advantage) that you can just have out and either kids can play them on their own or adults can join in.

How long is the party? If it’s going on past normal kids bedtimes I’d do some games then put on a movie and popcorn later when they might be starting to flag.

@citycomuter I expect the parents will be supervising their own children. Sticking a head through the door periodically making sure their own children know where to find them if they need them. Or more supervision if their child is likely to need it.
I wouldn't expect host to organise that.

Agree with most parents not having a problem with screens or a film. I limit screen time on a day to day basis, so that for situations such as these or on long train/plane trips they are captivated and sit in one place for a while!

I'd feed the kids first (since there are 10 of them) while the adults are having drinks and standing round the table supervising the kids eating. This has the added advantage of having the parents help clear up after their kids as stuff will get spilled... Then kids are marched off into another room and put on a film that would suit them all, while the adults have their evening. If you have a projector and a wall (or a sheet) and some proper speakers that could be fun too. If it's in January you could choose a seasonal film...Home Alone 2, Arthur Christmas, Nativity, the lion the witch and the wardrobe, etc.

Do NOT let the kids eat or drink while watching the film unless you're ready for chocolate on your sofa, popcorn everywhere and hot chocolate spilled on the carpet.

Younger kids will probably fall asleep on the sofa/under the coats!

Make sure they all know where the loo is. If you have a downstairs cloakroom, maybe designate that the kids' loo, adults go upstairs.

You could also get a few comics or cheap/2ndhand paperbacks in case anyone prefers to read rather than watch a film.

I’d ask the parents who are coming. What do they think would work best?

Loads of pizza for kids
Movie on
Easy Games 6-10 year old can play amongst themselves. Labyrinth is a good one, it’s quick and easy rules, adults don’t mind joining in.

What will the adult side of the party look like? I just thinking is there going to be constant drift of kids? How long?