Ideas for Kid's activities at the reception?

For my wedding, as an kiddie party favor i put some coloring books and toys for all of the kids under the age of 10. I hope that helps.

I'm going to create an activity book based around our theme for all the kids coming to our wedding. it will have colouring (colouring pencils only as it's the least messy), stickers, a tube of bubbles, glow sticks (for the older ones) and some small toys.

If you want to avoid mess altogether you could create a felt scene toy for them, or an I spy game with disposable cameras?

View Quoted Comment The felt scene is super inexpensive too u could probably make two or three of them for the wedding pretty cheap.... I am having a lot of kids at my wedding (younger brothers and sister and my own daughter) so that is a great idea to give them something to do

We put together gift bags for all oft he kids. We will have about 11 at our wedding ranging in age from 2-9 and most are children of the bridal party as well. We did a sticker book, glow stick bracelet and necklace, finger puppets, the old school water game where you push the button which makes the water move and you try to get a ring on a stick, light up squishy ball, lego figure for the boys and unicorn for the girls, fidget spinner, and parachute guys. I think that is it. We picked up toys from the $1 section at target and party city so it didn't end of costing too much. Hopefully it will keep them all busy.

I would ask the parents to make sure to remember to bring something to amuse their children. They know what their kids are into. These days most kids are into tablets, iPads, and their parents' phones.

View Quoted Comment I'm glad you like the idea. I only thought of it a day ago and am trying to convince my FH that it is a worthwhile diy. I might just do it anyway 😂

I found this tutorial that might help anyone thinking of doing this.
http://munchkinandbean.blogspot.com/2013/09/diy-felt-board.html?m=1

Are you having any of your wedding outdoors? Since mine is, I'm going to have jump rope, hula hoops and other activities outside.

I'm having outdoor lawn game for everyone. Bubble machine and little teepee for the kiddos

That’s really nice of you to think about entertaining the kids while the parents are having fun, but I honestly think it’s the parents’ responsibility to keep their kids busy. I would think most parents know to have a bag full of toys and books. If you really want to do this though, I’d suggest mini puzzles, coloring books, simple children’s books, maybe a stuffed animal. As an educator, I really like sensory toys and learning games. If you get crayons, make sure they are jumbo size so they are safe for the little ones. But like @muriel said, a lot of kids these days are super absorbed by tablets and phones. Nearly every kid on the subway or waiting room has games or videos on a device that keep them quiet and entertained for quite some time.

View Quoted Comment Thanks for the website

I made an activity book and am giving them crayons... parents will make sure their kids act responsible at a wedding especially if they are in the bridal party - the parents won't want to look bad... once the music turns on the kids like to hit up the dance floor!

A simple age appropriate coloring book and a small (4-8 pack) of crayons will suffice. I’ll be honest though. I’ve been to weddings where my daughter got those and she barely colored (choosing to dance instead) and we’ve left them by accident when we left.
something to think about: if the kids are destructive, ask DOC to put your bubbles, sparklers, ribbon wands, etc. Away until closer to your leaving. We have 20 kids coming and our DOC will do this to keep kids from breaking them or making a mess.

Bean bag tosses are easy and safe, photo booths, colouring pages and crayons on a table, for food some pb and j's cut into small classy bits, makes them super happy. (Obviously depending on allergies)

Check Oriental Trading they have different crafts that require no glue, crayons etc., puzzles and games. If we end up getting anything for kids we will probably get something like this, Owl Craft.

We will have 5 or so younger kids at our wedding and 5 older ones. We are doing white bubble wands and clear slime with sparkles in it (found at Target $1 section for 4th of July ) with ribbons tied around for those 10 and under and nothing for the older ones.

For our 2 1/2year old daughter (flower girl) we are doing what we expect all the other parents will do and bring a bag of toys we know keep her distracted and her Kindle as a last resort. Parents do know what is best and would have weighed the options on how to make it worthwhile to bring them, although a small gift is a really nice way to make them feel special.