I'm organising an event for families and children....

[FourArms]

... to welcome home lots of Dads after a period away (Forces).

So, whilst we're waiting for the Dads to appear, to entertain the kids we will have:

Jester (show and circus skills workshop)
Facepainter
Tattoos
Colouring sheets and pencils
Santa giving out chocolate presents
Buffet

Can you think of anything else to help pass the time?

Cheap and cheerful ideally as I'm fast running out of money! About 100 kids from 0 upwards. Grown-ups will be in the same room.

music/disco for the older ones?

That sounds brilliant, as well as music the only other thing I'd add is balloons for children to tear around with Hope it goes really well!

What about a pin the antlers on the reindeer game. I found a print your own one, on line, for just £1.49 - Try this link www.lelloandmonkey.co.uk/category.asp?id=12

skittles

Thanks for the suggestions. It's not so much a party to welcome them home, as something for the families to do whilst they're actually waiting for the dads to arrive (there is a gap between the ship coming alongside and them getting off).

Have tasked someone with Christmassy music.

Can't really think of anything for teens to do. But surely they're OK to keep themselves occupied for an hour or so? Disco not an option - it's daytime and the space doesn't lend itself to it.

I do like the idea of balloons. Wonder if it's too late to get a balloon modeller from somewhere....

£1.49 for a print your own reindeer game??? You could print your own for FREE!

Have a karaoke. HSM/Hannah Montana/XFactor.

If you can bear it.