If you’ve invited little guests to your special day, you may wonder how to keep them well-behaved and entertained. We chatted with Destination Sitters, an event childcare company, for their tips on 8 ways to entertain kids at weddings. From interactive games to corners designed just for them, their suggestions aim to make your wedding day enjoyable for adults and little ones alike.
Kids’ Activity Packs
Create special activity packs for the children, filled with coloring books, crayons, puzzles, and small toys. You can place these at designated kids’ tables or distribute them during the ceremony.
Outdoor Games
If the wedding has an outdoor component, set up lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or a scavenger hunt are great ways to entertain kids at weddings. These games are not only fun but also encourage kids to be active.
Child-Friendly Food and Beverages
Include a kid’s menu with familiar and appealing food options, like chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and mini pizzas. Offer non-alcoholic mocktails or flavored water to make them feel special.
Kid’s Corner
Create a dedicated kid’s area with a playpen, soft toys, and a babysitter or child to supervise and engage with the children. This allows parents to enjoy the festivities without worrying about their kids. The Destination Sitters offer both a Craft Table and a Decoration Station.
Craft Table: At their craft table they give each child a personalized favor, such as a small toy, a custom coloring book, or a framed photo from the wedding. This serves as a keepsake and a reminder of the special day.
Decorating Station: At their Decorating Station, they offer a station with cookies, cupcakes, or even small cakes that kids can decorate with frosting, sprinkles, and other toppings. It’s a delicious and creative activity.
Having a Kids Corner is one of the most popular ways to entertain kids at weddings!
Entertainers
Hire entertainers like magicians, face painters, or balloon artists to keep the kids engaged. Entertainers add a magical touch to the event, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere that captivates children’s attention. Whether it’s a skilled magician, a playful clown, or a talented balloon artist, these entertainers bring a sense of wonder and excitement, turning the wedding into a memorable experience for the little ones.
Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth with props and costumes that kids can use to take pictures. They can have a great time dressing up and taking silly photos. The instant prints serve as delightful keepsakes, allowing the young ones to take home tangible memories of the special day. Having a photo booth not only engages kids in a playful activity but also gives them a sense of involvement in the festivities.
Kids’ Dance Party
Organize a kids’ dance party with kid-friendly music and a dance floor. You can also have a limbo contest, or dance-off, where kids can showcase their dance moves, or provide glow sticks and fun props for a mini dance party.
Under what circumstances should couples consider childcare?
According to the Destination Sitters, here are a few good reasons why you should provide wedding childcare at your wedding:
1. Out of Town Guests – If you have a large percentage of out-of-town guests you may be able to increase attendance by offering a childcare option. Attending an out-of-town wedding with children in tow may pose challenges for parents who are unfamiliar with the local area. By offering childcare facilities, couples create a considerate and accommodating atmosphere for their out-of-town guests.
2. Adult-Only Reception – If you decide to have an adult-only reception, offering child care will allow your guests to bring their children to the ceremony while simultaneously allowing them to wrap up the evening with a child-free celebration.
3. Children with Special Needs – Weddings can be overwhelming for any child, and those with special needs may find the sensory stimuli and social interactions challenging. Having a dedicated childcare area staffed by trained professionals ensures that children with special needs receive personalized attention.
Having a variety of ways to entertain kids at weddings ensures that children of all ages and personalities can find something they enjoy, making the wedding a more enjoyable experience for both kids and their parents. It is helpful to coordinate with parents to ensure you have a good understanding of their children’s needs and preferences. Also, be prepared for any unexpected needs, such as baby changing stations or a quiet room for naps if the wedding extends into bedtime. By planning and catering to the needs and interests of children, you can create an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone at the wedding.
Interested in exploring ways to entertain kids at weddings here in Central Florida? Contact Destination Sitters today!
