Designated Children’s Area
The first thing you will need to do is decide how integrated you want the children to be in your party. If you have a large, open area with plenty of room for everyone, then you may want to have the children’s area on one side of the room.
If space is an issue, or if you want to keep the adults and children more separated, then consider another area of your home that may work. In the summertime, the backyard may work. A finished basement, large spare bedroom, or another separate room are all good choices.
Whichever space you choose, make sure to consider the age range of children you will be entertaining, and childproof the area appropriately.
Appropriate childproofing measures may include:
- Outlet covers
- Cabinet locks
- Placing breakables out of reach
- Placing electronics and mini-blind cords out of reach
Kid-Friendly Food Table
If your young guests have a variety of delicious, interesting looking food that is easily accessible, they will be much happier, and less likely to go looking for food at the adult table.
The most important qualities your kid-friendly menu will have are: creative presentation, finger foods, and mess-free.
Here are some ideas for foods that fit the bill:
- Fresh fruit kabobs- made with strawberries, pineapple, apple slices, orange slices, and grapes
- Goldfish snack crackers
- Sliced cheese and cracker plate- choose cheeses the children will enjoy like Cheddar, Swiss, and American
- Ham or Turkey sandwich rolls
- Cookies
- Popcorn
If you are hosting your little guests in a carpeted area, consider serving water, and a clear soda, instead of punch or a colored drink. Spills are bound to happen, but if you choose a clear beverage, stains won’t be a lingering souvenir of the evening.
Consider the age of the children, and select an appropriate-sized table for the food. If all of the children are preschool age, a shorter table will be needed.
Game Area
Setting up several games and activities before the party will keep the children happy, engaged, and occupied. Make sure to have a variety of activities for all of the age groups you will be hosting. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Dance Party
Put together a child-friendly music playlist, and set aside an area of your space for a “dance floor”. You may have to encourage the children at first to start dancing, but once you get two or three kids out on the dance floor, everyone else will usually follow.
Musical Chairs or Duck, Duck, Goose
You will need an older facilitator to keep these games running smoothly, but adding in an active game, even if only for 10-20 minutes, will keep the children from becoming bored.
Use this type of game if you notice a lag in the children’s interest, or if you notice several children seeking out their parents. An organized group game is usually all you will need to redirect and engage the children again.
Dress-Up Station
A dress-up station is a lot of fun at a party, especially if it is stocked with plenty of interesting items. Consider a stop at the thrift shop prior to your party to stock a box for your guests.
Some items to include in your dress-up box include:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Adult shirts and pants
- Anything with sequins
- Old glasses or other accessories
- Purses and/or briefcases
Board and Card Games
A variety of board games, already laid out at separate tables can keep the children occupied for hours.
A few that you may want to set up include:
- Candy Land
- Sorry
- Trouble
- Settlers of Catan (for older children)
- Clue
- Uno
- Dutch Blitz
Craft Station
A craft station is a great way for children to wind down during the last 30-45 minutes of a party. Crafts generally require quiet and concentration, and the children will be ready for some rest after their other more active games.
For Christmas parties, ornament crafts are a no-brainer. This doesn’t have to be elaborate and messy. A craft as simple as gluing Popsicle sticks together in the shape of a snowflake, or using paint markers on plastic ball ornaments are always a huge hit.
For other times of the year, think about the season of the year, or any upcoming holiday that you can use as a theme. Autumn leaves, spring flowers, summer patriotism, and winter snowmen are all great themes.
Hire an Activity Director
Depending on the size of your young crowd; you may want to consider hiring an activity director or babysitter for the children. A director will ensure that the children are watched, engaged, and having fun, instead of just being left to their own devices.
You can make a loose schedule for the director to follow, for example:
- 15 minutes- dance party
- 15 minutes- snack time
- 15 minutes-musical chairs
- 30 minutes-board games
- 15 minutes-dress up dance party
- 30 minutes-craft time
Entertaining children at a party doesn’t have to be a burden. Most children will be lovely guests as long as consideration is given to their unique needs. Good food, plenty of fun and activities, and some structure are all you’ll need to keep children happy at your next party.
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