Today we’re talking about how to entertain kids at weddings.  It’s easy, really:  just read our guide, below! And while you’re here, subscribe for the latest posts to your inbox.

If you’re inviting kids to your wedding, you’ll probably want to keep them entertained, right? If not, they’ll get bored and unless they have something to do they’ll be taking turns trying to sneak icing from your cake on their fingers and play hide and seek underneath your decorated tables. :) Their parents are probably keeping a watchful eye, but doesn’t that sound like what you’d do if you were a kid bored at a wedding? Me too.

So, let’s change the dynamic. Let’s make it fun for them. Let’s make kids a part of the party. They don’t want to sit through speeches and wait through dinner.  They’re hungry! They want cake! And they’re all dressed up and their bowties or dresses are uncomfortable and all they want to do is play. So let them!

Here are some ways to entertain kids at weddings so they can be a part of the fun (and their parents can enjoy the party, too). Enjoy!

There are dozens of ways to entertain kids at weddings, but we’ve combed through other lists and brought you the best ten.  Here are some that are sure to keep those kids happy all reception long! Or at least until dancing begins, which we all know is where the kids really get their energy out.  Seriously, kids dancing at weddings makes my heart melt! They have so much fun!

Okay, on to the list!

1. Bubble Basket at Ceremony

Provide a basket of bubble jars at your ceremony. It’s fun for all ages (and unlike confetti, it doesn’t leave any cleanup behind). Tiny jars are so inexpensive, too! Buy a ton of them here.

2. What Shall I Photograph?

Provide each kid with a disposable camera and a list of things to photograph at the wedding. This will keep them busy (and you’ll have a cute arrangement of photos taken from a child’s view).

These cute activity books by Unhinged Designs are a great choice, too!

Don’t forget wedding ring crayons by LivLuvFavors!

If you’re more a fan of, you know, modern age, try these cameras instead. They’re instant (and seriously fun to play with).

Don’t forget plenty of film!

3. Life-size Lawn Games

Giant lawn games (like any of these) are all the rage right now.  Huge life-size versions of Connect Four or Jenga or Jumbo Checkers will definitely entertain kids at weddings!

4. Kids Only Area

Make a kids-only area with toys, coloring books, crayons, and blankets.

5. Lego Building

Put legos in a bowl at a kids’ table and let them go to town! Note: For kids 3 and up.  You can buy them in bulk here. (Kids 18 months and up can use Duplo instead.)

6. Color a Card

Place these packets at each child’s place that includes crayons, candy, and a card. There’s a note that tells them to ‘color a card for the bride and groom’.  Coloring books like these are a fun idea, too! I spy candy watches in there — my fave! You can buy candy watches in bulk here.

7. Bounce House

Kids love bounce castles! Adults, too. :) You can rent locally or buy online (and always rent it out or re-sell later). You can browse a ton of bouncy castles here.

8. Kids’ drink

Have juice, sparkling juice in a special cup, or even milk and cookies given to kids in lieu of their champagne toast.

9. Candy Bar

Help-yourself favors at a candy bar is the ultimate treat for kids! Don’t forget gummy bears! They’re my favorite.  You can get a TON of them in bulk here including cherries, frogs, dinosaurs… so much fun for kids!

10. Project Video Games

Use a projector and a screen on a giant white wall to project video games! Wii, Kinect, Guitar Hero… the options are endless! Kids (and pretty much everyone at the wedding) will want to play! This works especially well if there’s a room off to the side at your reception so as to not distract from the goings-on of the reception itself.

BONUS: Glow Sticks!

What kid doesn’t LOVE dancing/running around the room with glowsticks?! You can buy them in bulk here. You can also plan a glowstick exit here!

Which of these is your favorite? I love the giant lawn games and instant camera ideas! What fun for kids!

And there you have it: how to entertain kids at your wedding! Now everyone can have a great time!

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma