The holidays are a time for family, friends, and lots of mingling—but if you’ve got kids running around, you know how quickly they can get bored once the adult conversations start flowing. The good news? There are plenty of ways to keep kids entertained at your party that don’t involve plopping them in front of a screen.
From fun crafts to exciting games, here’s how to turn your next holiday gathering into a kid-friendly party where everyone (yes, even the little ones) can have a great time.
Set Up Craft Stations for Creative Fun
Crafts are a fantastic way to keep kids busy during a holiday party. And the best part? They’re super simple to set up. A craft station with a few basic materials can keep the kids entertained for hours while also sparking their creativity.
Think about easy holiday-themed crafts like decorating ornaments, making paper snowflakes, or creating their own holiday cards. You don’t need anything fancy—just grab some markers, glue, glitter, stickers, and maybe a few popsicle sticks. Bonus points if you have some holiday-themed craft kits on hand (like this DIY Christmas headband kit)! Not only do these activities keep the kids busy, but they also give them something to take home, making the day extra memorable.
Host a Holiday Scavenger Hunt
If you’re wondering how to entertain kids at an adult party, scavenger hunts are always a crowd-pleaser. They’re fun, interactive, and can be tailored to suit any age group.
Create a holiday-themed scavenger hunt by hiding festive items around your home or yard, like small ornaments, wrapped candies, or mini gifts. You can make the hunt as simple or as challenging as you want depending on the age of the kids. For younger kids, use picture-based clues; for older ones, try word-based riddles that make them think. Add some excitement by offering small prizes for kids who complete the hunt!
Scavenger hunts not only help in keeping kids busy but also encourage problem-solving and teamwork, all while they burn off a bit of energy. It’s a win-win!
DIY Holiday Games
Turn your holiday party into a mini-carnival with some simple DIY games! These games are an easy and inexpensive way to keep kids entertained, and the best part? You probably already have everything you need.
Here are a few ideas:
- Snowman Bowling: Use white cups to create a stack of “snowmen” and let the kids bowl them over with a ball.
- Pin the Nose on Rudolph: A holiday twist on the classic game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”
- Holiday Ring Toss: Decorate some empty bottles with tinsel and let the kids toss rings onto them.
These games are not only fun but also provide an opportunity for kids to move around and burn off some holiday excitement.
Holiday Storytime & Puppet Shows
Sometimes, you need an activity that allows the kids to wind down, especially after running around with high-energy games. A cozy holiday storytime is a great way to keep kids entertained at your party while offering a quieter break.
Set up a reading corner with floor pillows, blankets, and holiday books. You could read classic holiday tales like The Night Before Christmas, or for a fun twist, let the older kids read to the younger ones. This helps foster a sense of community and inclusion.
Want to take it up a notch? Set up a simple puppet show! Kids can make their own sock puppets and put on a holiday-themed show. It’s a great way to keep them busy while encouraging imaginative play.
Bounce Houses & Outdoor Fun
If your holiday party allows for some outdoor activities, a bounce house could be the answer to your “how to entertain kids at an adult party” dilemma. Weather permitting, renting a bounce house is a surefire way to keep kids entertained for hours, and it gives them a space to burn off all that extra energy from the holiday treats.
If a bounce house isn’t feasible, think about setting up some simple outdoor games like sack races, a holiday-themed obstacle course, or even a bean bag toss. These outdoor activities provide plenty of fun and give the kids a chance to get some fresh air.
Cookie Decorating Station
What’s a holiday party without sweet treats? A gingerbread man cookie decorating station is a great way to keep kids busy while giving them a fun, creative task that they can eat when they’re done! Or, set up a table with plain sugar cookies, colored frosting, sprinkles, and edible decorations.
Not only does this activity give kids a fun and festive task, but it also makes for a delicious snack! Encourage them to decorate cookies to gift to others, turning this into a thoughtful activity that also promotes sharing and creativity.
Create a Kid-Friendly Gift Exchange
Want to include the kids in the holiday gift-giving fun? Consider setting up a kid-friendly gift exchange. You can use a platform like Elfster to organize it—it’s super easy when it comes to how to add kids to a gift exchange. Plus, it keeps things simple by letting everyone focus on giving just one unique gift for the kids.
Here’s how to add kids to a gift exchange:
When organizing the exchange, create a group just for the children with a lower price limit. You could even set a theme, like handmade gifts, books, or small toys. Let the kids pick out or make their gifts and get in on the excitement of holiday giving! It’s a fun way to include them in the festivities while teaching them about the joy of giving.
A Kid-Friendly Holiday Party Is Just a Few Fun Activities Away
The holidays are all about joy, family, and togetherness, and with these simple activities, you can ensure the kids have just as much fun as the adults at your party. By setting up craft stations, organizing scavenger hunts, and adding a few kid-friendly games, you’ll keep kids entertained at your holiday party without needing screens. Plus, including them in the gift exchange adds an extra layer of fun that makes everyone feel involved.
Elfster’s gift exchanges and curated gift guides make it easy to find unique gifts for kids and adults alike, so you can focus on creating lasting memories during the holiday season. Happy holidays—and here’s to keeping the kids busy and having fun!
