Need some ideas for occupying kids at a party

I'm having my son's christening this weekend at my house and I just actually took the time to figure out how many people I'm having. There is going to be 22 kids under the age of 10 at the party. I'm definitely freaking out. Anyone have any inexpensive ideas to keep them occupied? It's going to be an outside party.

Re: Need some ideas for occupying kids at a party

You can rent a large bounce house for $200...if that's out of budget you can just set up some tables with coloring books, crayons ...maybe a craft. Also, tattoos are always a big hit with the kids....if you designate some one to do it...they line up...keeps them occupied.

Re: Need some ideas for occupying kids at a party

I just emailed this to my friend:

As for kids entertainment... how old are the tiny kids? Michaels has a great asile kind of in between scrapbooking and frames where there is all this dollar store stuff on clearance (making it actually 60 cents a piece) that I look for when I make up busy boxes at home. Emme is 18 months now and she just loves a cool ball that she can throw and chase that bounces. It can be as big as a beach ball or as small has a handball. Doesnt matter- that will keep her occupied for a whole day. 3 and 4s, they love streamers on wands that they can wave around. Think like those things they do ballet dancing with. Again I think they might sell those in that cheap section...also glow sticks from the dollar store they like to throw those around and try and find them under tables, chairs, in the corners etc

One time I was at a baptism that they gav e the kids playdough which was fine until it started getting ground into the restaurant carpet from everyone stepping on it. If they are younger than 18 months I would pick up books - either borrowed from the library or from the dollar store. Give them out or put a stack in a little reading corner... If they are 5 and up, you can get Go Fish cards and give those out. They LOVE go fish at this age. and dont forget - every age loves bubbles! Make it with baby oil and you dont even have to worry about it popping in ppls eyes or staining any kind of wood furniture. Even betterm- a cheapo bubble machine from toys r us...
Hope this helps

OH and I saw a mom bring legos to a baptism once and it kept her boys occupied for a while. Thought that was a good idea.

Re: Need some ideas for occupying kids at a party

I agree w/ the above posters, craft table or legos, etc.

I'd also put out bubbles; jump ropes (if older) & any little cars/ride on's you may have.

Re: Need some ideas for occupying kids at a party

Thanks for the great suggestions! I booked a bounce house and I'm going to go to Michael's this week. Thanks so much!