What to Do with Kids at a Bali Wedding (That Actually Keeps Them Happy and Out of Trouble)

Key Challenges and Solutions for Kids at a Bali Wedding

There’s no denying it: weddings and kids are a tricky mix. Throw in the tropical heat, long ceremonies, and a Bali wedding’s cocktail pace of events, and you’ve got a recipe for restlessness. The challenge is ensuring parents can fully enjoy your day without worrying about their children. The solution? Strategic, pre-planned supervision and entertainment.

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.

1. 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 kids. It sets the tone that they’re part of the day, not just extras dragged along.

Recommended Welcome Pack ContentsAge Group FocusWhy It Works

• Activity Packs (Crayons, Sticker Books) -- Toddlers - Young Children (2-6). -- Immediate, quiet distraction during downtime.

• Bubble Blowers (Post-Ceremony use). -- All Ages (3+). -- Safe, fun, and can be used during photo sessions.

• Small Puzzles or Craft Kits. -- Older Children (7+). -- Requires focus and a dedicated spot at a table.

Expert Tip: We fully recommend hiring Nannies for the arrival. They can manage the welcome table and entertain the kids while their parents take in every moment of your vows without distraction.

2. Mid-Afternoon Adventures: Games to Burn Energy

After a beautiful (but, in the eyes of a child, LONG) ceremony and photo session, little ones need to move. That’s where planned activities work magic to burn energy before dinner.

A wedding treasure hunt is a perfect mid-afternoon activity. Hide small trinkets or clues around a designated, safe zone of the venue (nothing too disruptive), leading to a prize box.

Simple Games for a Bali Wedding Lawn:

1. Giant Jenga or Connect Four: Perfect for older children and adults to play together under a shaded tent.

2. Ring Toss or Bean Bag Toss: Easy to set up and great for team games.

3. Kids’ Dance Competition: A supervised, fun way to use the dance floor space before the reception begins.

4. Colouring Station: Set up a low table with themed colouring pages and markers away from the main event area.

Outdoor villas often have big lawns—perfect for safe games that a hired children’s entertainer or nanny can supervise.

3. Dinner Time with Distraction: Managing Speeches and Courses

Adults want to linger over cocktails and courses. Kids? Not so much. Solve this high-risk period by ensuring the children are fed and entertained separately.

3 Ways to Manage Kids During Wedding Dinner & Speeches:

1. Dedicated Kids’ Table or Picnic Area: Seat children together. A separate, slightly earlier dinner service works best.

2. Serve Kid-Friendly Food Early: Stick to simple, familiar meals—pasta, sliders, satay sticks, or mini pizzas—served before the adult entrée.

3. Introduce a Kids’ Movie Zone: Your planner can set up a projector in a side room or outdoor tent with beanbags and popcorn. While parents enjoy speeches, the kids are happily distracted.

4. Wind-Down: Nap and Bed Options for Parents’ Peace of Mind

Once dinner turns to dancing, most little ones are fading fast. Instead of cranky kids under tables, create a sleep zone supervised by professional help.

Setting Up a Sleep Zone (Your Lifesaver):

• 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 must be present to monitor sleeping children.

This arrangement means parents can check in easily but don’t need to leave your party early. For older children, the chill-out movie tent can transition into a quiet corner for device games with headphones.

5. Professional Support: The Golden Rule for Stress-Free Weddings

Here’s the golden rule: If you invite children, you cannot expect parents to manage their kids and fully enjoy your wedding.

We recommend budgeting for professional support. There are many services in Bali that specialise in group childcare at events, ensuring the kids are safe, engaged, and managed by a third party.

Benefits of Hiring Nannies for a Bali Wedding:

• Parental Freedom: Allows parents to fully enjoy the ceremony, reception, and dance floor without distraction.

• Safety & Logistics: Provides dedicated supervision, crucial for venues near pools, cliffs, or busy areas.

• Expert Activities: Nannies bring their own toys, crafts, and mini-schedules, ensuring structured, age-appropriate fun.

• Crisis Management: They handle minor incidents or meltdowns, keeping the wedding planner and the couple stress-free.

Parents relaxed, kids are safe, and you avoid meltdowns mid-first dance.

FAQ: Kids at Bali Weddings

Q: Do I need to provide babysitters at my Bali wedding? A: You don’t have to, but it’s highly recommended. Professional nannies give parents freedom to enjoy themselves and keep kids safe.

Q: What food should I serve kids at a Bali wedding? A: Stick to simple, familiar meals—pasta, grilled fish, roast chicken, sliders, pizza, chicken satay skewers,—served early, so children aren’t waiting while adults enjoy a multi-course dinner.

Q: How late can kids stay at a wedding? A: Most younger kids fade after 8–9pm. That’s why a supervised sleep zone is a lifesaver if you want parents to stay later.

Q: What ages need the most attention? A: Toddlers and younger children (2–7) require the most structured activities and supervision. Older kids can handle games or movies with minimal oversight.

Find out how our team can help you plan your child-friendly Bali wedding by contacting us here.