Children at wedding

[bliss]

Hey, need some advice from folks who look after children. I have some children coming to our wedding & i want to put activities on the table for during speeches etc. Age range is 2 to 7. Should i just put crayons & paper out or will that be boring, not age appropriate etc? I'm sure the parents may bring some stuff but want to try to keep it interesting for the little ones. Not spending much time with kids i'm not sure what a 2 yr old likes or what a 7 yr old likes! Thanks!

[hlao23]

I think crayons and paper will be a nice idea for the older ones. Maybe even those "fun pads" that cost a dollar...that lets them mix things up with pics to color and dot-to-dot or simple word games.

With 2-3 year-olds, it's probably up to mom or dad to just take them away from the area if need be. Attention span can be quite short at that age and sitting still for anything isn't a favorite thing to do.

[mrswaz]

I think that's very thoughtful of you, and it could work out very well. My almost nine year old still enjoys coloring, and my 18 month old niece can sit and color for a long time right along side her. I think you've chosen one activity that can provide entertainment for a wide age range.

[Robyncz]

I think that's a great idea. There are lots of wedding-related printable coloring pages online that you could print out.

My girls LOVED those little mini-stained-glass coloring books that cost about $1 each. There's one with a wedding theme. You could make little goody bags for each of the kids with one of these and a little favor-sized pack of thin-tipped markers like you can get for $1 at Michaels or a dollar store.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486430030

(editing to say. . .the two "reviews" about this book on amazon.com complain because they didn't realize how small the books are. They are truly "mini"--like 4x5 inches. The pages are sort of see-through, so the images look like stained glass once they're colored in. My girls loved them and would always buy them in museum gift shops. The same people make mini-sticker books that they also loved!)

[Terri_A]

I think crayons and paper are great. Also, depending on the flooring at the venue, I think playdoh would entertain that entire age range....heck, it entertains me!

[hollysmom]

You could get a bunch of disposable cameras and turn the kids into candid shutterbugs for you. THey could get some funny pictures!

SSM

[ellery]

Bubbles would also probably be a neat thing to have handy (probably for both kids and adults ;) ).

I'm sure the kids would love to have the "job" of blowing bubbles as you all walk down the aisle!

[TKay]

What a thoughtful hostess. I think the coloring books/crayons/markers thing is great. I want to warn you, as a mother of two rambunctious boys, that this activity will probably last longer for the girls. We've had the neighbor girls over for playdates and the girls will sit and color the whole time. My boys color for 10 minutes and are out. Still, a nice and considerate idea.

[misskitty100]

Wikki sticks would appeal to the 2-7 year olds and they aren't messy.

http://www.amazon.com/Wikki-Stix-803-Primary-Colors/dp/B000GL1DJ0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1245770939&sr=8-2

[bliss]

Thanks for replying - I was looking at markers etc last night and was thinking; "can a 2 year old draw? Will a 7 year old feel 'babyed' if I just put out crayons? Are bubbles ok?!" Its been too long since I babysat and most of my friends with childen have tiny babies. Not sure what to do once they start walking and talking!!

I'll have a look at those links you've posted too!

[Robyncz]

Another vote for Wikki Stix. They are cool!

[LakeMartinGal]

What a thoughtful person you are!:) I think you've gotten great advice!

[Kristilyn1]

My only comment would be to be careful if you decide to go with markers....depending on your venue, they may be less than pleased if expensive linens or furniture end up with marker on it. Crayons might not be as exciting, but more forgiving. I think providing this one option is going above and beyond and parents should think for themselves about what else they could bring that would entertain their particular youngster.

Kristi

[TKay]

I agree with Kristi. The fact that you're providing anything is generous and thoughtful enough. Don't go nuts trying to track down just the right stuff. That said, I would think washable markers would be fine. But again, whatever you pick up will be much appreciated.

[Jessica]

Stickers? My boys love stickers. They will color for maybe 5 minutes but my experience is similar to PP--girls will sit longer for coloring time. Another idea might be to borrow or buys some inexpensive books that kids can read with their parents. I pack toys for my little ones but I don't always remember to bring books. As ppers have said, anything is generous and much appreciated.