Activities for Kids at Showers

Including children in the shower helps them to pass the time.

Taking your children to a baby or bridal shower shouldn't mean boredom and impatience for them. Your children can take part in many activities to entertain themselves at a shower. You can choose to have your children play quietly off to the side, or you may want to include them in the festivities by giving them an active role in the shower.

Gift Opener

Many children love to watch the person of honor open her gifts, and some will be thrilled at the chance to be included in the gift-opening process. Allow your child to be in charge of handing the person of honor her gift or card and maybe ripping off some of the paper to make it easier to open. Talk to the person of honor to see if she is OK with allowing your child to help -- most people will be -- and be sure to thank her for including your child in the special day.

Bingo

Kids love games and are thrilled when they win a prize. Create a simple bingo game with pictures rather than words so even children learning to read can easily participate. Yell out the name of the items and give the children (as well as other guests) tokens or pieces of paper to cover the bingo card. Award prizes, such as candy or fruit snacks, to the children who win the game.

Guessing Game

Children get excited about guessing games. Challenge your child to guess what gift will be under the wrapping paper as the person of honor is opening it. Keep track of how many items you and your child guess correctly, and award the winner with an ice cream sundae or special treat when you get home.

Arts and Crafts

Provide children who attend the shower with a simple arts and craft project or a coloring book to keep them occupied while the adults participate in their activities. Provide a separate table -- but within viewing distance of all parents -- for the children to sit at and do the project. Bring several options for children to choose from and enlist in the help of one or two adults to alternate supervising and helping the children while the other adults enjoy their time.

References

• Parent Dish; Baby Shower Games for Kids; Linsey Knerl; June 2010

Resources

• Party Game Ideas