What to Do With Kids at a Bali Wedding (That Actually Keeps Them Happy)
What to Do With Kids at a Bali Wedding (That Actually Keeps Them Happy)
Weddings and kids are a tricky mix. Throw in tropical heat, long ceremonies, and the full pace of a Bali wedding day, and you've got a recipe for restlessness, meltdowns, and parents who spend more time managing than celebrating.
The challenge is ensuring the adults on your guest list can fully enjoy your day without worrying about their children. The solution is strategic, pre-planned supervision and entertainment — not just hoping for the best.
We've broken down a day in the life of a wedding guest under twelve to show you how to keep them safe, entertained, and — most importantly — out of trouble.
Start Strong: What to Include in a Kids' Welcome Pack
The chaos can start before the vows if children arrive with nothing to do. Instead of a ticking time bomb, greet them with a dedicated welcome table just for the kids. It signals that they're part of the day, not just extras dragged along.
- Activity packs (crayons, sticker books) — immediate, quiet distraction for toddlers and younger children (2–6)
- Bubble blowers for post-ceremony use — safe, fun, works for all ages (3+) and creates great photos
- Small puzzles or craft kits — requires focus for older children (7+) and keeps them at a table
We strongly recommend hiring nannies for arrival. They can manage the welcome table and entertain kids while their parents take in every moment of the ceremony without distraction.
Mid-Afternoon: Planned Games to Burn Energy
After a beautiful but (in the eyes of a child) very long ceremony and photo session, little ones need to move. Planned activities work magic here — they burn energy before dinner and give parents a proper break.
A wedding treasure hunt is a perfect mid-afternoon activity. Hide small trinkets or clues around a designated safe zone of the venue, leading to a prize box. For venues with lawns, consider:
- Giant Jenga or Connect Four — great for older children and adults to play together under a shaded tent
- Ring toss or bean bag toss — easy to set up, good for team games across age groups
- Kids' dance competition — a supervised, fun way to use the dance floor before the reception begins
- Colouring station — a low table with themed colouring pages, set away from the main event area
A hired children's entertainer or nanny can supervise all of this, freeing parents to enjoy the cocktail hour properly.
Dinner Time With Distraction: Managing Speeches and Courses
Adults want to linger over cocktails and courses. Kids don't. Solve this high-risk period by ensuring the children are fed and entertained separately.
- Dedicated kids' table or picnic area — seat children together with a slightly earlier dinner service
- Serve kid-friendly food early — pasta, sliders, satay sticks, mini pizzas — before the adult entrée so they're not waiting
- Kids' movie zone — a projector in a side room or outdoor tent with beanbags and popcorn; while parents enjoy speeches, kids are happily distracted
Wind-Down: Creating a Sleep Zone
Once dinner turns to dancing, most little ones are fading fast. Instead of cranky kids under tables, create a supervised sleep zone that means parents don't have to leave early.
- Location: An air-conditioned side room or a quiet outdoor tent away from the DJ
- Essentials: Travel cots, soft mats, and dim fairy lights
- Supervision: A designated nanny present at all times
For older children, the movie tent can transition into a quiet corner for device games with headphones. Parents can check in easily without leaving the party.
Professional Support: The Golden Rule
Here's the reality: if you invite children, you cannot expect parents to manage their kids and fully enjoy your wedding. One or the other will suffer. The solution is professional childcare — it's common at Bali events and completely expected at destination weddings.
- Parental freedom: Parents can enjoy the ceremony, reception, and dance floor without distraction or guilt
- Safety: Dedicated supervision is essential at venues near pools, cliffs, or with open areas
- Expert activities: Professional nannies bring their own toys, crafts, and mini-schedules for structured, age-appropriate entertainment
- Crisis management: They handle meltdowns and minor incidents, keeping you and your planner focused on the day
Budget note: Professional nannies for a wedding day typically cost $150–$250 AUD per nanny for a full day. For 10 children, two nannies is the standard recommendation. It is the best money spent on the day for any couple with kids on the guest list.
We'll handle the nanny coordination, activity planning, and everything else.
Bespoke wedding planning in Bali since 2009. Every detail — including the small guests.