Making Activity Bags for Kids

Preventive Strategies to Improve Kids Behavior at Restaurants

Oct 16, 2009

Create a strategically-filled bag of activities to keep kids entertained at restaurants and other public places.

Keeping the kids quiet at a restaurant is no easy feat. The coloring pages and crayons offered by many family restaurants keeps kids occupied for a short time. Packing a special activity bag for these situations helps fill in the remaining time spent waiting for the food. The key is to involve the kids in the process while adding extra items to the bag.

Choosing the Bag

A bag with a closing top prevents the contents from spilling during transport. A small bag with a zipper or drawstring closure works well. Involve the kids in selecting the bag to make it more personal. Another option is to purchase a plain bag, using fabric paint or patches to customize it for the child. This works well as a collaborative art project with the child.

Packing the Activity Bag for Kids

The packing process consists of two stages: the child's contribution and the parent's additions. Allowing the child to choose some of the items for the bag gives her a sense of ownership in the process. It may also increase the likelihood of her staying entertained longer since she chose the items.

During the child's time to pack, identify a set number of items she may add to the bag. The number depends on the size of the bag but about 5 to 10 items is usually sufficient. Limiting the size of the items prevents the activity bag from becoming overfilled. Let her pick any items she wants to add within reason without guiding her away from any particular items. She may pick random items such as a shoe for a doll or a toy plate. Letting her make the decision gives her ownership in the process and makes the bag more fun.

After the child adds her items, the parent gets the chance to add strategically selected items. The contents should include items that will definitely hold the child's attention. Consider the specific interests of the child when adding items to the bag. Ideas include:

Using the Activity Bag

At the restaurant, the activity bag entertains the kids until dinner arrives. Take only one item out of the bag at at a time, allowing the child to play with it until she is bored. Bring out the next item and again encourage her to play with it until she is bored. Continue bringing out one new item at a time. This extends the entertainment value of the bag. The child will be more likely to play with each toy longer. If there are several toys on the table in front of her, she might play with each for a few minutes and then grow bored completely.

If the bag is packed strategically based around the child's interests, the activities in the bag should keep her entertained until dinner arrives. The planning and preparation before heading to the restaurant may result in a more peaceful meal for everyone.

The copyright of the article Making Activity Bags for Kids in Kids Activities is owned by Shelley Frost. Permission to republish Making Activity Bags for Kids in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.