I believe free play is often the best way to entertain kids at a party. Children are naturally creative and energetic, and they usually do not need constant guidance to have fun. That said, there are ways to step up the entertainment if you want to make the day even more exciting. By balancing simple free play with a few well-chosen activities, you can keep kids engaged without overwhelming yourself as the host.

Free Play vs Structured Activities

I always make sure to allow some time for free play at a party. Kids naturally engage and entertain themselves, and it keeps the atmosphere relaxed. For structured activities, I recommend a flexible approach:

Check out my blog post on kids games for pre-readers:

Observe the flow of the party and introduce a planned activity when there seems to be a lull
Use the same flexible mindset for each activity. Some may not get done, and that is okay
Focus on maintaining a smooth pace rather than trying to fit everything in so the party does not feel rushed or dragged out

This approach allows kids to enjoy themselves while giving the host control over timing without feeling stressed.

Simple, Low-Cost Games

A key tip for activities is to make them feel official. Gather the kids and announce the activity, for example, “Okay, now it is time for coloring. Everyone gather round and find a seat.” When it is presented this way, kids are much more likely to participate. If some kids are not interested, let them continue free play or move on to an activity everyone wants to do. For extra fun, have a themed playlist playing in the background. You can usually find ready-made playlists on Spotify for almost any theme.

Some of my favorite easy, budget-friendly activities include:

Coloring: Themed coloring pages are easy to find or create, and markers are inexpensive
Music and Dance: Songs like “Going on a Bear Hunt” or “The Floor is Lava” are perfect for dancing and singing. You can often find themed versions too
Parachute Play: A reusable parachute is fun for nearly all ages, especially mixed-age groups
Puppet or Story Time: Hiring a storyteller is not necessary. Reading aloud or putting on a small puppet show can create a memorable experience
Dress Up: Themed dress-up accessories can be bought in bulk for many party themes. This works well for pirate parties, superhero parties, and more

Themed Activities

When incorporating themed activities, I make sure the items fit into the overall party budget or can be reused for other purposes:

Supplies can be used for homeschool projects or future parties
Dress-up accessories, props, or craft materials can serve multiple events
Activities tie into the theme without adding unnecessary cost

This approach keeps the party engaging and cohesive while staying practical and budget-friendly.

Keeping it Stress-Free for the Host

The key to enjoying the party as a host is keeping activities simple and easy to set up. Most of the games and activities I choose either require minimal preparation or can be set up in advance. One thing I recommend planning ahead is music. Finding themed songs and playlists can take time, so I make sure these are ready before the party starts. By organizing the tricky parts in advance, the party runs smoothly and you can focus on enjoying the kids and the celebration.

Don’t Forget the Adults

Entertaining adults is actually the part you want to focus on. While kids often entertain themselves with free play or simple activities, providing a few comforts for adults makes the party much more enjoyable for everyone. Some tips include:

Set up games like cornhole or other easy backyard activities for adults to enjoy
Have drinks and snacks available within easy reach
Arrange comfortable seating in view of the children so adults can relax while keeping an eye on the fun

By creating a comfortable environment for adults, the host and guests can enjoy the celebration just as much as the kids, making the whole party feel smooth and relaxed.

Final Thoughts

Kids do not always need elaborate entertainment to have fun. Often, they are perfectly happy just having a big playdate with friends, playing freely, and dressing up. Hosting the party at a playground makes this even easier, as the space itself provides endless opportunities for fun. Simple activities, a few themed touches, and letting kids lead their own play can make any party enjoyable and memorable without stress or overplanning.

Easy and Fun Ways to Entertain Kids at Birthday Parties on a Budget