Not to prove entertainment for the children

[Lucieaew]

We are having our son Baptised at the weekend and I'm wondering if I should try and think of something to entertain the older children so they don't get too out of control at the family gathering afterwards. I'm in the last three months of my maternity leave for it needs to be cheap as I'm not getting paid. There will be about 15 children there. the oldest is 10 the youngest is 2, but they are mainly between 4 and 6 years old. I was thinking balloons but wasn't sure if this is a good idea, I want them to have fun but I don't want them to be in wild. Any ideas? Thank you in advance.

Colouring books, or even just crayons and paper. Balloons might make them go even wilder!

Balloons are a terrible idea. They go mad with them. The older ones burst them all and it makes the younger ones cry. If it was summer I would say bubbles but they are best done outside. Paper and colouring books and crayons/pencils are probably best if you can trust the children coming not to scribble on your walls. It is probable that the children will bring a few of their own toys with them anyway.

Where are you having the family gathering after? Is it your house. Is there a room the children can go in. Do you have a garden? My answer may depend on what space you have.

Where is the gathering? A dance mat is a great idea. Or Nintendo Wii? One of the guests is likely to have one.

can they do the waitressing bit?
can they make snacks to pass around?

We were at a Christening yesterday. After rampaging around the garden, burning off energy, the children watched a film.

oh, 15 is a lot of children.
can you put aside some games?

Meh. Not to sound old fashioned but "back in the day" as kids we were expected to go to these events, behave properly and just get on with it. If they're bored they can make their own fun.

15 kids is quite a lot to leave to their own devices. A face painter is jro too expensive and holds interest. As others have suggested a table with cokourinf and craft bits. I have found that kids love challenges, perhaps the older ones can take some photographs of the day and the winner of the best one can win a little prize.

I bought cheap pound shop garden games for family parties. And I always had a craft table wow I sound like a wanker to keep the kids occupied too. Play do or slime is messy but kids love it too!

i am sure they can make their own games, get some games for them and put the oldest two in charge possibly

or suggest they bring their favourite games to play

I'm in the UK and it's too cold for outdoor activities. Colouring sounds good, I do have an outdoor snakes and ladders set I could use. It's at a local social club because our house is tiny so won't have a tv or anything like that.

Twister, giant jenga, connect four, giant chess

Balloons are great. Kids don't really need entertaining if there are a few of them. They all tend to run about chasing each other and the older one mooch around together.

Do you have any lego you could take, then set out a big bed sheet for it. Colouring, pipecleaners, paper chain kits (they can decorate the hall) stickers. Ask the other parents to each bring something to contribute and do a list of suggestions. Just dont ask them to bring lego if they want it back as it will all get mixed up

Like GlitterUnicorns, I wouldn't expect someone hosting a lunch to 'provide entertainment' for my dc if they were guests. As a parent, surely you take something with you to whip out when they get to the stage when they can't entertain themselves anymore.

We had a family gathering over Christmas where my SIL gave the kids coloured pipe cleaners to make things out of, it kept them amused for ages and its not messy.