entertainment for ds' party - ideas please?

[deaconblue]

There will be about 20 kids ranging from 1 to 11 at ds' 1st birthday party which is in a hotel function room. I've arranged for face painting to be done for the older ones. Thought I'd put out a rug with some of ds' more popular toys for the smaller ones and a kiddy table with crayons and colouring books. It's mainly a chance for us grown ups to get together and celebrate but wanted stuff to occupy kids too. Any cheapish ideas???

Why don't you get some making things for them. Hobby Craft do peelable funky foam shapes now, so there's no need for glue. If you also get some sheets of funky foam, you could get them to make door hangers or something. If its all peelable, then all the ages can do it and the bigger kids can help the little ones. How long is the party?

It's 2 1/2 hours and there's buffet (adults and kids stuff) and cake etc. Don't want to do party games but proper making stuff sounds like a good idea. Tesco do a range of cheap crafty bits too.