Ideas to keep kids entertained at party

[MayasJamas]

We’re having a daytime party in a hired bar venue. Around 40 guests. There is no outside space and obviously kids can’t run around. We have around 10 kids coming, mainly aged 7-13. I need some ideas for activities they can do at tables that will entertain and absorb them, ideally with minimal adult supervision. We’re taking Uno and a couple of other games. Thank you 😊

In a bar? I suspect there isn't much you could do to keep them all entertained. The age range is quite broad and if they are being mostly ignored by the adults there it's likely they will start to act up. If you want them quiet then I would suggest asking parents to let them bring their own entertainment e.g tablets/books/art stuff.

Do the kids know each other already? It will be easier if they do.

How about a couple of different tables with different activities set up? Craft table, board games/card games table, Lego table? If you can get hold of any tabletop games like air hockey (the electric/battery operated one) that might be popular. Does the bar have anything like table football or snooker already there? If not, you can get mini tabletop versions. Magnetic darts board for one corner maybe?

How long is the party, and what's the occasion? If it's a very obviously adult-oriented rather than a family party then the parents will be quite likely to bring things to amuse their own DC, I would expect.

Good luck with that! It doesn’t sound like the right venue for that number of children, especially what the range of ages.

Oh, and if you're not doing a buffet or similar at the party then I would definitely ask the bar to put on some big bowls of crisps and jugs of squash or whatever for them, so that they've got snacks they can just help themselves to.

In a bar where they have to stay at a table? Sounds a bit dull for a party. Do you have to invite kids if it’s an adult party?

Thanks that’s helpful

I would take puzzle books, colouring books, dry clay, jigsaws etc

No they don’t have to stay at the table but I am picturing them gathering around a table to do whateve. It’s a family party, all close family, they are cousins and get along well. There will be food.

It is helpful though. This really doesn't sound like a suitable venue for children these ages and some younger ones by the sounds of it.

I still maintain bringing their own entertainment is your best option if you mostly want them to leave the adults alone to drink and chat.

We've been to plenty of parties like that and kids entertain themselves.
As kids we went to many many parties like that too. We never had a craft or anything set out for us.

Take a paper tablecloth and provide pencils / crayons / felt tips so the children can draw on the table or play naughts and crosses etc.

Buy rubrik’s cubes and leave on table

buy magic screens

take model cars so someone can draw a car track on the table etc

Puzzle and Sticker books

you can produce the latter when the kids begin to get bored!

A bunch of cousins that age who get on well will be fine, I don’t think you need to worry about organising too much for them. Our gang (my kids and nieces/nephews) are a similar age and would make their own fun at a gathering like this. Keep the crisps and drinks flowing!

If they can move around then they will probably entertain themselves largely. Your OP gave the
impression they had to stay at the table. A few games and a pack of cards should do it. I wouldn’t bother with jigsaws and sticker pads at those ages like some have suggested, but it depends on the kids really

Excellent ideas! Love the idea of a Lego table ❤️ It’s a daytime party, around 3 hours long, with food and the kids are related.

Not helpful when the party is booked and paid for and taking place next weekend 😆 All you knew was that it is a bar with no outside space. Not really any grounds for deeming it unsuitable. Kids hang out in pubs loads. No younger kids, some older than 13

Quite expensive if you don't own one already but a polaroid camera has gone down well at family parties, both teens and smaller children.

They rarely see photos that are not on a screen.

Thanks for suggestions. I have bought a large paper tablecloth with a mandala pattern for colouring in. Turns out bar has a shelf of different board and card games (it’s family friendly) so that’s good too. A Polaroid camera is a lovely idea - I think a relative has one we can borrow. Have ordered food to be brought in steadily through the party (graze boards at the start, pizzas later etc), so fingers crossed it will be fun for all.

We had a few craft kits from here for a similar event. https://www.bakerross.co.uk/craft-kits I got ones where it was all inside, didn't need scissors and they weren't too hard. Older kids can help younger kids but buy a few spare for the adults that want to join in!!

Oo! Sounds lovely! I was going to recommend Baker Ross too. They are fab. Hope you have a great party.

Now I am no longer teaching I miss baker ross, I taught teenagers.

Update! Party was a blast. The large paper colouring-in patterned tablecloth with felt tips was brilliant for kids and adults alike, so thank you for that suggestion! Will be getting one for every party now, it really brought people together who might not otherwise have chatted. Other than that, the kids played Uno, did Kareoke on one of their phones, and danced 😊 oh and ate the buffet 😆

Glad it went well