Keeping kids entertained

We are buying all the kids little activity packs with coloring, word searches etc for the table to keep them occupied during the meal. We also have a separate room within our main room so is safe and we will be setting up a Switch in there with Just Dance, Mario Kart etc along with some games board games across the age ranges. We thought about craft table but didn't want them getting to messy and would need to be supervised. the ice cream truck sounds good but in honesty will give them 5 s of excitement and then not much there after so is costly for what it is. I think as long as they are entertained in the meal don't worry too much, they will play with each other and then be on thh dance floor all night, the teenagers will skulk in corners on their phones! We do have a photo booth and they are setting up straight from the meal as kids can use it in the bit between meal and evening so keeps them occupied so may be worth looking at if you were thinkig of one for just the eve, and pay for an extra couple of hours if you can

We planned an activity bag for each kid so they had something to do during the meal. It also helps if there is a side room/space for them to play in.

You can get some low-mess craft kits - check out Bakker Ross. They have a lot of craft kits that are just peel & stick or colour in & slot together.

Older kids are likely to be mostly on their phones anyway!