A wedding is generally planned with adults in mind. It can be a fun and joyous occasion, however, for some kids it can be a long and tiring day. Kids tend to have short attention spans so keeping them entertained with fun activities is the way to go. If the kids are happy, then so will the parents. It will add a special touch and memories to your big day for all the little ones. Kid’s entertainment games and activities don’t have to cost a huge amount either there are some amazing wedding entertainment ideas if you are on a budget. Here is our guide to 10 great entertainment ideas for kids at weddings.
Outdoor Games
If the weather is good outdoor activities can be exciting and fun. Make sure that there is plenty of space outside.
– Ball games
There are endless kids ball games that would be great fun. Plan the game rather than using props. Once it is all set up, the kids will get their own game started. Generally, the older children like sports games more so to the younger kids who might prefer group-based games. Here are some cool ball game ideas:
- Soccer
- Grass bowling
- Tennis
– Games on the lawn
Why not set up giant board games on the lawn or ground area for the kids to play with. These can be rented for the day off various companies online who may rent out giant games for kids. Here are some great lawn game ideas:
- Giant Jenga
- Giant Tic-Tac-Toe
- Horseshoe
- Jumbo Connect 4
- Twister
- Ring Toss
- Bean Bag Toss
A good tip when picking these games is to make note of how many kids are at the wedding and the age requirement. Also, keep in mind how long the game will take to play. You don’t want the children to get bored if it is taking too long to play.
– Propless outdoor games
There are so many outdoor games that can be played without any props or boards. The younger kids will love these. An adult should kick these games off and maybe join in the first round. Here are some great ideas:
- Hide and seek
- Elbow tag
- Duck, duck, goose
- Relay
- Giant garden games
– Bouncy Castle
A Bouncy castle is a very popular choice and can just be rented out easily for the day. After all, what kid doesn’t love a bounce around and to go wild. The adults might just join in and have a bounce also! Keep the children entertained for hours with a fun bouncy castle. Also, hiring or buying a kids motorbike or quad could keep them happy for a while.
– Treasure Hunt
Plan a fun treasure hunt game. Hide sweets and lollies around the venue garden so they can find them. They will have a great time and have loads of sweets to eat at the end of the hunt.
Indoor Games
As the weather may not permit for outdoor games, there are so many indoor games and activities for kids to play.
– Hire an entertainer
A stress free and easy way to entertain the kids is by hiring a professional entertainer. When you book you should keep in mind the adults? There are different formats for booking an entertainer.
A strolling entertainer where the performer walks among the guests, entertaining the kids and families.
A formal show where the entertainer performs a show for so many hours like a magician or a clown.
An entertainment stand for the kids to watch and enjoy like a mini puppet show or a balloon animal maker.
Here are some great entertainment ideas:
- Face painters
- Clowns
- Magicians
- Party packages with games
- Balloon animal maker
- Storyteller
You should book an entertainer that is suitable for every age even the little ones.
– Party Games
There are several party games that are Brilliant for kids to enjoy at a wedding without them getting bored. Here are some of the traditional game ideas:
- Pass the parcel
- Pin the tail on the donkey
- Bobbing for apples
– Board Games
Choose 4 to 5 different board games that kids love to play. The slightly older kids might prefer the board games more so than the younger kids. Here are some of the ideal board games:
- Monopoly
- Snakes and ladders
- The game of life
- Twister
- Connect 4
- Card games
- Chess
- Checkers and draughts
– Kid’s Corner
Put together a small kid’s corner with various activities to do and make. Kids love to draw, do basic DIY, crafts and love being involved in making something creative which in turn will keep them quiet and relaxed for a few hours anyway. Pick up some art and craft supplies such as crayons, paper, pens, pipe cleaners, paper plates, round edge scissors, collages, activity books, pictures, finger puppets, and stickers. All of this will go down a treat. Here is our guide on how to make paper plate animals so this should keep them busy for some time. They could also make their own wedding cards to give to the bride and groom at the end of the day.
Supplies needed:
- Paper plates
- White glue
- Rounded scissors
- Wiggle eyes
- Construction paper
- Crayons
- Pom poms and other decorative materials
– Paper plate dog
Colour in the paper plate.
Cut some triangles out of the paper and shape them like a dog’s ears.
Cut out a large oval shaped for the dog’s nose
Draw onto the nose with crayon a mouth and some whiskers. If you like you can cut a small tongue out of pink paper and attach this to the mouth.
Glue the nose, eyes, and ears to the paper plate like the face of a dog.
Now the kids have their very own friendly dog to play with!
Free Goody Bags
Put together some special free goody bags for all the kids with some fun treats inside. Pop them on the kid’s table in the reception area. You can purchase some great bits and bobs from 2 euros shops that don’t need to cost a lot. These special treats will keep them busy for a few hours. Include everything from:
- Glow sticks
- Crayons
- Colouring pencils
- Juice and snacks
- Mini toys
- Mini puzzles
- Colouring books
- Activity books
- Stickers
- Sweets
- Bubbles
f you’re looking for a wedding photographer, please get in touch with me
Or, if you have any questions, you can find answers on my wedding planning blog.
I’d strongly recommend booking an experienced wedding photographer for a half-day package rather than opting for a less experienced photographer or a family friend with a camera for full-day coverage.
Enjoy your planning! :)
Daniel
Irish Wedding Venues click and learn more:
For more, click here:
