Keeping Kids Entertained At Any Party/Event

Here at All The Craze Entertainment, most of our clients book Face painting, Balloon Animals and Glitter Tattoos. Although they are our heaviest hitters, they're also a one-at-a-time deal, meaning only one child can be serviced at a time. This leaves some parents and party planners asking, "what can I do to keep kids occupied as they wait for their turn?"

Studies show that kids can only wait patiently for about 3-5 minutes per year of their age. That means your average 6-year-old has maybe 20 minutes of patience before the "When is it my turn?" chaos begins...

Don't panic! We've got you covered with super simple activity stations that'll keep everyone happily occupied, because the last thing any of us want to hear is, “I’m bored”.

No stress, no complicated setup, easy-peasy!

The Colouring & Drawing Station

Classic for a reason. It works!

Set up a table with a variety of paper, colouring sheets and colouring supplies, then watch kids naturally gravitate towards it. The beauty? Zero facilitation needed. Kids can drop in and out as they please. It’s also a great take-home activity

Shopping List:

• Large roll of white craft paper OR individual colouring pages (download our custom colouring sheets HERE)

• Crayola crayons (24-pack, at least 2 boxes)

• Washable markers (2-3 packs, optional)

• Coloured pencils (optional but nice to have)

• Tape to secure paper to tables

• Small cups or containers to organize supplies

Pro tip: Buy the jumbo crayons for younger kids - they're easier to grip and harder to break!

The Puzzle Table

Age-appropriate puzzles are an amazing entertainment hack.

Kids can work together or independently, jump in and out without disrupting the flow, and there's something satisfying about watching that picture come together piece by piece.

Shopping List:

• 2-3 age-appropriate puzzles (25-100 pieces depending on age group)

• Large flat surface or foam board to work on

• Small containers to keep edge pieces separate

Insider tip: Choose puzzles with bright, engaging images - think popular characters or fun scenes that match your party theme!

The Play-Doh Station

Messy? Maybe a little. Worth it? Absolutely!

Play-Doh keeps little hands busy and imaginations running wild. Set up a simple station and let the creativity flow while kids wait for their face painting transformation.

Steer clear of carpeted areas!

Shopping List:

• Play-Doh Party Pack (12+ colors)

• Plastic placemats or table covers

• Simple Play-Doh tools (you can get a decent pack on Amazon for $15-$20)

• Plastic containers for individual portions

• Baby wipes for quick cleanups

Some Simple Craft Stations!

Keep it simple. Keep it doable. Keep it fun!

Choose crafts that don't require step-by-step instructions. Kids should be able to figure it out themselves or with minimal help from other kids. You can make a sample of the craft to have displayed on the table as well.

Bracelet Making Shopping List:

• Elastic cord or string

• Variety of colourful beads

• Small bowls or containers to organize beads

• Scissors (1-2 pairs)

• Tape to secure cord while beading

Paper Plate Masks Shopping List:

• White paper plates

• Craft sticks or popsicle sticks

• Markers and crayons

• Glue sticks

• Assorted craft supplies (pom poms, googly eyes, sequins, feathers)

• Scissors (2-3 pairs for sharing)

Friendship Keychains Shopping List:

• Plastic keychain rings

• Colorful beads with large holes

• Lanyard string or plastic lacing cord

• Small charms (optional)

• Scissors

Sun Catchers Shopping List:

• Clear contact paper (cut into squares)

• Tissue paper (various colors, pre-cut into small pieces)

• Hole punch and string

• Scissors

***BONUS*** Level Up with Our Professional LEGO Building Station!

Here's where things get really exciting.

Our facilitated LEGO Station isn't just a pile of bricks in the corner - it's a full experience with challenges, competitions, and expert guidance that keeps kids engaged for the entire party. We bring thousands of pieces, themed building challenges, and the structure that transforms random building into an epic adventure!

Here’s what you get:

• 2 Hours of playtime & organized building competitions

• Age-appropriate challenges that actually work

• All supplies included (yes, even the sorting trays!)

• Professional facilitation so you can focus on being the host

• Complete set up (tables, chairs, banners & signs)

• Zero cleanup for you - we handle it all!

Clients can also forego the facilitator and rent the LEGO only for just $75 as an add-on to their existing booking

Please note that our LEGO station and rentals are subject to availability, we recommend booking 2-6 weeks in advance minimum

Setting Up for Success: Quick Tips

• Location matters! Set up your free-play stations away from the food and speakers with adequate seating and space

• Label everything clearly. Create simple signs if needed so kids and parents immediately understand the purpose.

• Keep supplies stocked. Nothing derails a party faster than running out of paper halfway through!

• You don't need to set up a ton of stations. Pick 2-3 that match your space, budget, and stress tolerance!

• The goal isn't perfection - it's keeping kids happily occupied

Add your own ideas, tips and tricks in the comments below! We can't wait to read 🤓