entertaining kids at a party

Mrs.RockyM

so we're thinking of throwing DD2's party at a restaurant, but I'm really torn because there are just so many kids.  It's not like when DD1 was 1 and there were 5 kids, ranging from 0-3.  this time around there will be maybe 15 kids, ranging from 0-7, with most being 3-7.  should I have a craft table or maybe bring in a magician?  what do you think?

 

Holly_1007

what kind of restaurant is it? You will definitely need to do something with the kids.  Is it a pizza place or something where they can make their own pizzas? Or can you bring in plain cupcakes and let them decorate their own cupcakes? you could do a craft, or a magician but I would definitely check with management. 

hmp1

Do you have a party room? I would plan something for before the food comes out and have something to keep the fast eaters entertained at their seat. 

 

bosha711

The restaurant where we had DS's first bday party had a small dance floor, so there was room for the kids to run around. I blew up a whole bunch of balloons & covered the floor with them & we played music. We also put a pack of activities with crayons at each kid's place setting.

I was soooo nervous & stressed that the kids would be bored (we had about 15, too), but the balloons seriously kept them entertained the entire time! It was so simple & low budget, so double win.

 

edited for clarity

freeatlast2014

For DS1's birthday party I had little activity books and crayons and a puzzle you can color, stickers, and those blow horn things. They worked great. I got the stuff for pretty cheap at Michael's. I also made centerpieces with gum drops and big lollipops so the kids ate those too.

I'm so relieved to have a kid that can have a party outside this time around. My last one is a Jan baby. 

olsentobe

For DD's Christening I had a craft table in the back of the restaurant. The kids had a ball. Her 1st bday party is in a hall we are having a clown who will do face painting, tattoos etc but again am doing a craft table. I went to ac Moore a few weeks ago and bought a bunch of 1 crafts for the different age groups. I have about 20 kids up to 13.