Are you hosting a dinner party, but don’t want to exclude the kids? Grown-up dinner parties can leave the little ones bored and let’s face it, babysitters can be expensive and hard to find. A good host makes their guests comfortable, including the kids! Luckily there are a ton of ways to keep your littlest guests happy all night long. We’ve selected six of our favourite kiddy activities for you to use at your next dinner party.

1. Kids’ movie night

Sitting the kids down to watch a movie is a great way to keep them entertained for at least an hour or two. Instead of just pointing the little ones to the living room, make the kids’ a DIY cinema. You can have as much fun with this as you want! Make sure you provide popcorn, drinks and other snacks to keep them happy throughout the film.Blog_Tips_HowtoKeepKidsEntertainedatDinner_04.jpg

Left: via Two Peas and Their Pod | Right: via Lay Baby Lay

2. Craft table

Step-up the usual kids’ table by setting up a craft table. You can give the kids a specific project or provide them with art supplies and let their imaginations run wild! For a fun take on the tablecloth, use butcher’s paper instead and let the kids draw all over it.Blog_Tips_HowtoKeepKidsEntertainedatDinner_01.jpg

Left: via Dimples and Tangles | Right: via Buzzfeed

3. Kids only area

Instead of making the kids feel isolated from the ‘grown up’ dinner party, set up a ‘kids only’ area where they can have their own dinner party! This can be a room inside, a separate table or a spot in the garden if you’re having an outdoor do. You can set up a tent and fill it with lots of cosy cushions for that extra sense of adventure. A ‘no adults allowed’ sign is also a cute addition.Blog_Tips_HowtoKeepKidsEntertainedatDinner_06.jpg

Left: via Style Me Pretty | Right: via The Knot

4. Lawn games

If you’re having a summer dinner party, chances are there will be a few hours of daylight left for your guests to enjoy. This is the perfect opportunity to set up some kids lawn games and let them have some giggles. Use a tablecloth and wooden letters to make a giant game of tic tac toe, or pile up old tins and give them a ball for some target practice!Blog_Tips_HowtoKeepKidsEntertainedatDinner_03.jpg

Left: via DIY Bride | Right: via Style Me Pretty

5. Board games

There’s something to be said for the old classic board game. Set up a game table and some cushions for the kids to sit on. You can ask your guests to bring along one of their favourite board games from home to make sure there are plenty of options for the littlies.Blog_Tips_HowtoKeepKidsEntertainedatDinner_02.jpg

Left: via Rachel Derman Events | Right: via Style Me Pretty

6. Dress up box

Kids love having fun dressing up! Set up a collection of masks and silly dress ups, then let their imaginations run wild. The kids will have a ball pretending to be characters and making up stories to match!Blog_Tips_HowtoKeepKidsEntertainedatDinner_05.jpg

Left: via Wedding Bells | Right: via Sooti and Sweet