Help with kids activities for party

[Tracey1974]

Our son is getting Christened this weekend. We are having a small reception at our community center in our town. There will be about 35 people and 8 kids, age ranging from 1-8. There is a large playground on the other end of the soccer/football fields. The weather is supposed to be around 60 degrees so it won't be cold. The room is pretty big but not super big and I have to drop off the table configuration chart on Friday.

My question is- what can I do to keep the younger ones somewhat occupied? I can't have them running all around the room or playing in the gym. Do I A. leave the parents to mind the kids B. hope they play outside or C give them some sort or activity to do and if so, WHAT?

The reception/luncheon is from 1pm-4pm so it won't be all day. Just wanted to see if anyone had any ideas or should I just leave it to the parents that they will keep their kids in check. They are mostly my friends' kids and I love them all very much, I just have never thrown a party before and had to include them.

 

[golfgal]

Bubbles are always a good idea. Get a bunch of little bottles from one of the Mart stores, throw in a superball, nerf balls and bring a kickball for everyone and let them play. Sidewalk chalk is good, but messy so if the kids are dressing up, not a good idea.

 

[canwegosoon]

Some kind of bean bag toss or relay race is always fun.

 

[clh2]

Can you rent a "bouncy house" thingy?

 

[Tracey1974]

I thought about that but I only rented the room. I'm thinking maybe like a goody bag with crayons and an actvity book or something?

 

[Ava83]

For my baby shower we bought blank bibs at a craft store, and fabric pens and let the kids go nuts on the bibs, for baby and you have bibs.

this is from my baby to yours, she thinks he's cute

 

[DVCLiz]

That's one of the cutest babies I've ever seen (beside myown, of course!!)