14 Foolproof Ways to Keep the Kids Entertained at your Wedding
Many couples (especially those who have large weddings and/or families) are going to have a few kids attending. The question is — how do we keep them entertained? No matter your budget, this list is filled with 14 foolproof ways to keep the kids entertained during the reception.
1 — Bouncy Castle + other rentals
You’d be surprised at the price of renting a bouncy castle! The hourly rate is usually quite affordable and think about how memorable that would be for both the kids and the parents.
For rentals (Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon, Fraser Valley, BC Interior), check out Fun Zone Rentals — they have a TON of options for all ages; not only bouncy castles but other activities such as rubber axe throwing, obstacle courses, dunk tanks, arcade games, and photobooths! This would be such a fun and unique idea for any wedding to keep all your guests talking about how fun your wedding was.
2 — Colouring/Writing Station
Likely the easiest and most budget-friendly option for keeping the kids entertained. You can even find personalized coloring/activity sheets such as this one on Etsy, or create your own on Canva.
3 — Lawn Games
Either build, rent, or buy some lawn games such as ladder ball, corn-hole, or boccee ball.
The Party Rental Collective has a bean bag toss and a giant jenga available for rent (plus a huge selection of other options for rentals including signs and table numbers, décor, sound systems, restrooms, arches/backdrops, and tables, chairs, and linens). They are serving Kamloops, Kelowna, Salmon Arm, Vancouver, and the entire Thompson and South Okanagan areas with pick-up and drop-off locations in Kamloops and Salmon Arm.
4 — Candy Bar
While some of the parents may not approve of this, you’ll be in all the kids’ good-books with a candy bar! Bulk Barn would likely give you the most bang for your buck and has a lot of variety.
5 — Have a supervised area away from the reception
Hire a friend or family member to baby-sit for the evening and supervise the kiddos.
6 — Game Room
Gather all your favourite board games and let that speak for itself. It’s easy to borrow from friends and family or rent more complex games like pinball, air hockey, and so much more at Fun Zone Rentals.
7 — Arts and Crafts
Another easy and affordable option — I’m thinking paper snow flakes, painting, or drawing. You can also get pre-made art kits such as this one on Etsy.
8 — Hire an Entertainer
If your budget allows, hire an entertainer! Imagine a clown, animal balloon maker, or anything else that will grab the kids’ attention.
Kamloops has a Princess Party available where a Disney Princess will come to your event and entertain the kids (see their Facebook page here) and A-Star Art Parlour offers magic shows, balloon animal art, party characters, and more.
9 — Toy Instruments and a Dance Party
Set the kids up near the band and let them join in on the music! You could easily find some toy instruments second hand. There’s also a bunch of sets like this one on Amazon.
10 — Sparkler Send-Off
Even if you don’t have kids, this is such a fun way to entertain guests for a few minutes. But I find kids really love being a part of sparkler send-offs! Head out after your first dances, light everyone’s sparkler, and share a dance with all your guests to your favourite songs.
11 — Building Blocks or Legos
Who doesn’t love legos? Set up a little table at the reception with bins filled with building blocks! Find some wooden block options like this one on Etsy or like this one on Amazon.
12 — Sensory Bins
If you don’t know what sensory bins are, they’re bins filled with small items such as beads, figurines, and toys that provide children with the opportunity to explore and learn through hands-on tactile play that engages their senses. You can make your own pretty easily or find some online like this one on Etsy.
13 — Face Painting
Hiring a professional face painter would make your wedding one to remember — I have a feeling the kids won’t be the only ones joining in! There are a few in Kamloops including Facepainting by Denise, Cheeky Faces, and A-Star
14 — Photo Booth
Such a great idea to keep all your guests busy, plus they’ll have a momento to take home after the night is through! My favourite photo booth is Oh Snap! The Travelling Photo Booth located in the Okanagan but available for travel. Brianne has a really cool vintage sprinter van and a cute pink camper that she sets up as the photo booth! Such a cool idea.
Other photo booths in the area include First Comes Love and Fun Zone Rentals.