A Ridiculously Easy Kids Table to Keep Them Entertained!

With the holiday season still in full swing and New Year’s parties coming up this week, I thought it would be a great time to share some ridiculously easy tips for creating an easy kids table that will keep all those little ones entertained at least long enough for you to enjoy a conversation or a plate of food 😉 As a mom, I know this is HUGE.

Of course, it doesn’t even have to be a separate table that kids sit at for a meal, but just having a place for them to get creative, have a snack (mine are constantly asking for one!) and play together is a great idea! Keep reading for our family friendly party tips!

With that said, here we go:

SUPER EASY KIDS TABLE AND FAMILY FRIENDLY PARTY TIPS

1) Create the backdrop. 

Butcher block paper is my best friend. I mentioned recently that I wrapped all of our Christmas presents in it (for the past few years) and I still have a big roll of it. What’s great about a kids table, and okay I would totally use it on my own table and have, is that it creates the perfect backdrop for creative minds to explore. They can color and spill, they can draw and make messes, and you don’t have to worry about it. Once everyone is done, take it off and throw it away! Or, use it as a starter for a bonfire in the backyard (properly of course). 😉

2) Gather the goods. 

Round up toys and colorful items to keep your wee one’s mind occupied. Things like legos or building blocks, crayons or markers and play dough are great at keeping their hands busy. Even a bowl of toy cars are a great idea and you can start the fun by drawing roads and landscape on the paper to get their imaginations fueled. If the kids are going to be sitting, you can even start a canvas for them and draw rectangles or squares where each child will be… I’ve found that this get’s them started, it’s like looking at their own blank art piece in front of them and they can’t wait to fill it in. 

3) Don’t forget the bellies.

Little minds, bottoms and attitudes can only last as long as hunger is subsided. My kids are notorious at eating small, nibbling through meals and requesting snacks often. While I don’t always give in to their requests I will say that I’ve grown accustomed to keeping some healthy snacks on hand, and when there is a party or gathering coming up, having something readily available for those hungry little ones never hurts. So while you don’t want to spoil dinner plans with too much food, some natural alternatives like bowls of simple popcorn and little wholesome snacks keep their growing appetites curbed. I like finding items with all natural, simple ingredients that you can pronounce, since it will also keep most mamas happy too (and curb the sugar crazies)! 

4) Extras.

I actually layered two sheets of butcher block paper on the table so when the kids completed their artful masterpiece, we could cut it out for them to have at home, and there would still be a layer of paper of the table for spills and more fun drawings. Also, to make it even more special for each child, wrap some ribbon or twine around a snack and add in something extra like crayons or bubbles so it feels more like a personalized gift just for them! It only takes a few extra minutes, but adds that extra special touch.

There it is… a ridiculously easy kids table that is totally simple and it will keep kids to themselves for a wee bit of time anyway. Plus, it will show your party guests you thought of their little ones, and that always means a great deal.

Any other family friendly party tips you can share with us? I’d love to hear!