What works at this age
Short, hands-on activities beat long ones. Attention spans are still short, so pick something that can be finished in one sitting and looks good however it turns out.
Bright, bold colours matter more than detail. A blank critter painted in big blocks of colour looks great, and nobody worries about getting it 'right'.
Tips for running it with younger kids
- Keep the group at the table small, or add an extra adult.
- Put gloves on and set each painter up on their box base before the markers come out.
- Show one finished example so they know what they're making.
- Write names on cards before painting starts, not after.
- Keep the critters away from any younger siblings at the party.
Our favourite for this age
The cat and the caterpillar suit this age group well: simple shapes with plenty of room for colour. Every guest paints one, and it goes home as the favour. Minimum 6, free NZ shipping.
Questions parents ask
- Is it safe for a 6 year old?
- Ages 6 and up, with an adult supervising. The critters contain magnets and small parts, so keep them away from younger siblings.
- How long will they paint for?
- Allow up to 30 minutes. Many finish sooner, then the critters dry while everyone plays.
- What should the kids paint with?
- Acrylic paint markers. They grip the smooth plastic and there are no brushes or water pots to manage. Ordinary felt-tips and washable markers smudge and won't stick. Our marker sets have 8 colours, and one set covers about 3 kids.
More answers on the FAQ page.