Drinks party - what will older kids do?

[SahChristmas]

Having people over for Christmas drinks soon with their kids. Our kids are under 4 and have a playroom of toys for younger ones. Some of the children coming will be up to 9years.
What can I do for the older kids so they're not bored? Buy some board games etc?? Put TV on?

Christmas films. Board games

If you have netflix, they have some kids interactive tv shows (I think one based on minecraft amongst others). The kids have to select an option for the story to follow and see how it plays out.

Christmas films.

Christmas films on the TV, and let them bring screens. They'll be over the moon they're allowed unlimited screen time!

Do they know each other at all? They may well chat, or make up some games, and you can stick tv on if all else fails. I wouldn’t bother buying board games as at that age they will probably need guidance to play new ones. maybe suggest parents bring any favourite games.

IME with kids that age, board games only work if they all already know them, or if there are adults to guide the process.

never mind the older ones (screen, always) - who is going to supervise the playroom with the under 4 year olds?

Films, Board games, maybe a craft activity such as decorating biscuits etc?

😂😂😂😂

When my kids were that age and my friendship group had parties, we agreed in advance that each adult would do a 15 min activity to entertain the children. Part of the fun was working out what you planned to do and it meant that everyone only missed 15 mins of the adult event. Would that be an option?

Generally speaking when they were younger, we did a party game like wrapping someone up in loo roll, the chocolate game, pin the tail on the donkey, etc and as they got older his naturally morphed into things like charades, a quiz, Boppit, Twister or the like.

I think it's actually important to let kids of that age - are we talking toddler through to 9? - entertain themselves, simply play with each other at these types of parties. It's good for them plus they actually enjoy it more. At 9 it's often a relief to play with a train set or whatever when peer pressure is forcing you to grow up quicker.

I used to be married to a South African guy. One year, our dc were around 5 we had a Xmas party at my friends (Uk)house. It was all about the dc - pin the tail on the reindeer etc. We then had a party at his friends (SA) house. Kids just played together, all ages, youngest just trailing along as fast as they could behind; adults chatted and drank (how do you like them apples @minipie ). The SA party was a billion times more fun for everyone. Also, the kids grow up learning the world doesn't revolve around them.

Their parents will likely bring stuff with them to entertain their kids.

They might play with the little kids - or at least the little kids stuff (it’s like 9 year old nostalgia getting the duplo out).

Don’t overthink it. They can entertain themselves. Worst case scenario, you stick a film on that they’ll all watch.

I think the older ones parents would have suggested to bring an iPad/switch along, I think I would have just stuck one in my bag just in case but to be honest they’re still young enough to be able to enjoy things in the playroom, bigger kids love little toys ime!

@arethereanyleftatall got no issues with your scenario, little ones all in same room with parents, whether drinking or not, fine

It was the OP’s description of the little ones being off in a separate playroom that seemed unrealistic and/or likely to lead to some pissed off adult stuck in the playroom

Thanks all. Ordered a few board games & will stick xmas films on.
Don't worry, playroom will be supervised!