Planning wedding activities specifically for kids is an easy way to entertain them while freeing up the adults to enjoy the day even more. It’s a win-win.
You don’t have to plan anything extravagant, but don’t overlook them. Otherwise, you can easily end up with 10 or 20 young guests that have nothing to do.
With this in mind, we’ve listed 10 easy games and activities for kids to do during a wedding, as well as some planning tips.
Outdoor kid’s wedding activities and games
If your wedding venue has an outdoor area, and if the weather permits, planning activities outside can be great fun.
If the cocktail reception is also happening outside, you’ll want a separate space for these games. Otherwise, choose games that match the space you’re provided (i.e keep windows and wine glasses out of shooting distance).
1. Ball Games
The number of ball games you can organise for the kids is endless. We recommend choosing an actual game rather than just leaving balls out. Once you get the fun started, the kids will take it from there.
When selecting a game, keep in mind that younger kids tend to prefer group-based games, while older kids generally enjoy sports games more. Again, this all depends on the kids themselves.
If the games involve a lot of running (and potentially rolling around in the grass) let the parents know in advance so that they can plan spare clothes (or perhaps avoid these where possible!)
Ideas:
- Football – Great for older kids who want to burn off energy. Set up mini goals and keep the teams small to avoid chaos.
- Ball tag – One child is ‘on’ and tries to tag others by gently throwing a soft ball at them. If they’re hit, they’re out or become the new tagger.
- Hot potato – Kids stand in a circle and pass a ball quickly around as music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the ball is out (or does a silly forfeit).
- Grass bowling – Set up plastic bottles or pins on the grass and let the kids take turns rolling a ball to knock them down. You can fill the bottles with a little water for weight (the adults will likely love this one too!)
Pro-tip: we suggest staying away from games that have a single loser, like “Piggy in the middle”. These games can create unnecessary tensions. And if you’re looking for more ball games, then checkout this blog on “Fun ball games for kids”
2. Propless Outdoor Games
A surprising amount of fun games can be played without any props.These are ideal for younger children and can be run with zero setup.
Again, we recommend planning the game in advance and having an adult kick it off. In fact, the adult might want to play the first few rounds as well.
Ideas:
- Duck, duck, goose – Children sit in a circle while one child walks around tapping heads and saying “duck.” When they say “goose,” the chosen child must jump up and chase them around the circle, trying to tag them before they sit down.
- Hide and Seek – A classic favourite. One child counts while the others hide. You can mix it up with versions like sardines (where one person hides and everyone else tries to find them and hide with them).
- Crazy relay – Split the group into two teams and set a silly challenge (e.g. run to a point and spin three times before hopping back). Adjust the difficulty based on the kids’ ages.
- Simon Says – One child gives instructions starting with “Simon says…” The others must only follow the command if it’s prefaced with “Simon says.” If not, and they still follow it, they’re out.
- Elbow tag – Children pair up and link elbows. One pair is chosen to be ‘it’ and ‘on the run.’ The ‘it’ player tries to tag the other. The runner can link arms with a pair, forcing the person on the opposite side to become the new runner.
3. Lawn Games
Lawn games are giant board games that you can set-up outside for your guests to enjoy (think Alice In Wonderland). You can rent these for the day and they’re great fun for kids and adults alike.
Ideas:
- Jumbo Naughts and Crosses – just like the classic pen and paper game, but played with oversized pieces.
- Giant Connect 4 – players take turns dropping coloured discs to make four in a row.
- Giant Jenga – a tower of wooden blocks that players remove and stack until it tumbles.
- Bean bag toss – aim bean bags at a raised board with holes to score points.
- Horseshoe – throw horseshoes to land around a stake in the ground (be careful with younger children)
- Giant Chess – a full-sized outdoor chess set, better for older children or adults.
Pro-tip: When choosing a game, keep in mind the length of play, the number of players, and the age requirements. For example, a giant chess set might look impressive on the lawn, but a full game can last over an hour and the rules may be too complicated for younger kids.
4. Bouncy Castle
Bouncy castles are always a hit at weddings as they can easily be rented for the day. Just be prepared for some of your adult guests to want a go as well! Choose a castle size accordingly and make sure you capture a few photos.
Pro-tip: Keep in mind the noise from the air fan. It isn’t very loud, but it’s best to place the castle a little further away from the main seating or dining area.
5. Carnival games
Carnival games are ideal for younger kids, but they do require adult supervision. Consider hiring a minder or an entertainer to run them so parents can relax.
When planning, there are two main approaches:
- Have a separate stand with the games so children can wander over and play.
- Plan a series of games (four or five is plenty) and get the kids to play each one in turn.
The best option will depend on the number of children and the space available.
Here are some ideas:
- Bean bag toss – aim bean bags at a target to score points.
- Balloon pop – kids pop balloons to reveal a small prize or just for fun.
- Rubber duck race – float ducks down a water trough and see which reaches the end first.
- Apple bobbing – catch apples floating in water using only your mouth.
- Ring toss – throw rings to land over a peg or bottle.
Pro-tip: The games don’t have to be traditional carnival ones. Any activity that can be framed as a challenge will work, as long as you include a small prize for the winners.
Indoor kid’s wedding activities and games
Not every wedding has outdoor space, and that’s absolutely fine. Indoor activities can be just as exciting, giving children plenty of fun options without depending on the weather. From creative corners to entertainers, there are lots of ways to keep kids happy inside the venue.
6. Plan a kids’ corner
Depending on the layout of your venue, try to set aside a small area just for children. Think of it as a mini chill-out zone with simple activities that keep little ones entertained while giving parents peace of mind. Some children will be happiest with quieter, more creative options after the excitement of the ceremony.
Ideas:
- Books – set out a small stack of picture books or short stories.
- Games – simple puzzles or card games work well.
- Paper, pens and crayons – perfect for drawing or colouring.
- Round-edge scissors – safe for basic crafts.
- Stickers or colouring sheets – easy, low-mess options that kids love.
7. Activity bags
If space doesn’t allow for a kids’ corner, or if you’d prefer a more personal touch, prepare individual activity bags for each child. These work like party bags but are designed to keep kids busy throughout the day. They also double up as a fun keepsake they can take home.
Ideas to include:
- Games – mini travel-sized games or cards.
- Puzzles – small jigsaws are perfect for older children.
- Stickers – easy entertainment for all ages.
- Drawing – a little notebook with crayons or colouring pencils.
- Snacks – add a small treat to keep energy levels up.
Pro-tip: Avoid including items that are too messy, noisy, or contain small parts that could be a choking hazard. Keep it simple and parent-friendly.
8. Hire a Kid’s Entertainer
When people think about booking wedding entertainment, it’s usually for the adults. But children can benefit just as much from a dedicated entertainer. Having someone perform just for them means they’ll stay engaged and parents can relax knowing the kids are happy.
There are three main ways you can book an entertainer:
- A formal show – the entertainer performs a set of 40 minutes to 2 hours for the children to enjoy all at once.
- A strolling entertainer – they move among the guests, entertaining children and families in smaller groups.
- An entertainer stand – a designated area where kids can approach the entertainer for mini-shows or activities.
Ideas:
Pro-tip: Choose entertainment that matches the age range of your young guests. If you have a broad mix of ages, opt for a “family show” rather than a “kids-only show”, so everyone can join in the fun.
9. Traditional Party Games
Classic party games are always a hit and can be given a fun wedding twist. They work well indoors or outdoors and are easy to set up with very little equipment. To make them feel special for the occasion, use wedding-themed props or prizes, such as confetti, ribbons, or mini favours. Consider asking a minder or older child to help supervise so the games run smoothly.
Ideas:
- Pin the tail on the donkey – swap the donkey for a wedding cake or a picture of the bride and groom.
- Pass the parcel – wrap the parcel in elegant wrapping paper or tie it with ribbon to match the wedding colours.
- Duck, duck, goose – change the chant to “bride, bride, groom” for a playful wedding version.
- Musical statues – play songs from the wedding playlist so kids can dance to the same music as the adults.
10. Board games
It might sound simple, but board games are often overlooked at weddings. They’re a great way to keep older children entertained, especially during quieter parts of the day.
Plan four or five games and set aside a designated space where they can be played. For medium to large groups, social games like Mafia (or Werewolves) are ideal. If you don’t have the actual board, you can often recreate the essentials with pen and paper.
Ideas:
- Snakes and ladders
- Checkers or Chinese checkers
- Monopoly
- Twister
- The Game of Life
Pro-tip: You can also invite children to bring along their favourite board game and teach it to the others. It’s a great way to help them break the ice.
Planning tips for kid’s wedding activities
You don’t need to prepare an endless list of games. A few well-chosen activities will keep children busy during the reception and towards the end of dinner. The real key to success is remembering the small details:
Have an activity schedule
At weddings, children tend to get split into 3 age groups:
- The younger ones who will spend most of the day with the minders
- the older ones who will do some activities with the parents and some activities among themselves.
- The teenagers who are they’re old enough to do things on their own (and often too “cool” to join the younger kids).
Before planning anything, decide where each group will be throughout the day. For the youngest, also confirm who will be responsible for looking after them.
Mix in different types of activities
We recommend planning one main activity (such as hiring an entertainer) before dinner, a few simple games that children can play on their own during the day, and a calming activity before bedtime (for example, a movie).
Watch the reception time
The toughest part of the day for younger children is often the drinks reception or cocktail hour at the start of the wedding. Spending time chatting to friends and relatives feels fun for adults, but for children it can quickly become boring.
Professional minders
If you have a significant number of children at your wedding (more than five or six), we highly recommend booking professional minders for the day. The cost is relatively small compared to other wedding expenses, but it makes a huge difference.
Professional minders provide peace of mind for parents and can guide the children through the different activities. They’ll also make sure the kids are safe, entertained, and having an amazing time.
Introduce the different groups
If the children are from different sides of the family or don’t know each other, make sure you introduce them early on. Otherwise, they may end up sticking to themselves for the whole day. Helping them break the ice will ensure they enjoy the celebration together.
When making introductions, it’s a good idea to give them an activity straight away. This could be one of the games already planned or a simple task they can do together.
Ask the kids if they want to help
Children are often happy to get involved during the wedding, especially if it feels like a fun responsibility. Simple tasks can make them feel important and included, while also keeping them occupied.
For example, you could ask them to help find adults for group photographs or guide guests to the right area. These small jobs can easily be turned into games with scoreboards and prizes at the end.
Plan a Place to Sleep
Make sure the children have somewhere quiet to rest if they get tired. It doesn’t need to be fancy, a calm room with cushions, blankets, or a sleeping bag is always appreciated, especially if the party continues late into the evening.
You can also re-purpose the kids’ corner after a certain time, turning it into a cosy space for resting or napping.
Plan a Movie Area
Not every child will want to go to bed early, it’s a party after all. A movie area is a great way to keep them entertained while also winding things down. Choose a family-friendly film, set up some cushions or beanbags, and let the children relax together. It’s the perfect way to lower the energy after an exciting day.
Establish the Boundaries
Don’t be afraid to set a few ground rules for your younger guests. This helps avoid accidents and makes sure the fun lasts all day.
For example, if you have a photo booth with Polaroid cameras, remind the children that the film refills need to be shared with all the guests. Simple guidelines like this keep things fair and prevent disappointment.
Delegate the Planning
Once you have a rough idea of the activities you want and any bookings in place, it’s time to delegate the details. If you’re the bride or groom, you’ll have plenty of other things to think about on the day. Ask a trusted friend or family member to manage the children’s activities – they’ll usually be delighted to help.
And if you’re reading this as the person in charge of the kids’ entertainment, congratulations – the happy couple has already trusted you with the job.
Keeping the kids entertained means the adults can relax and enjoy themselves too. With a little planning, everyone will have more fun and your special day will run that bit more smoothly.
PartyWizz helps you book the best wedding entertainers and services in UK and Ireland. From magicians and wedding singers to DJs and photographers, you’ll find those in your area in just a few clicks. Whether you’re planning a big or small reception, at home or in a venue, go to PartyWizz to find the perfect service providers for your special day!
