PARTY IDEAS · GAMES & CRAFTS
How to Run a Birthday Craft Station by Age Group
A craft station works best when the activities, materials and supervision match the age of the children using it. Below is a breakdown by common party age groups—toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary and older kids—with recommended crafts, setup, adult tasks and cleanup so you can run simultaneous stations confidently.
General Station Principles
Keep stations predictable: one craft, one set of supplies, and an adult who knows the steps. Use clear, large-print signage explaining the activity and time. Pre-package materials for each child when possible to speed distribution and reduce cross-contamination—important for hygiene when children share tools like markers or glue sticks.
Adults should handle food-adjacent tasks like handing out snacks, and any sharp work such as hole-punching, using exacto blades, or working with hot glue. For toddlers especially, keep stations within arm’s reach of the supervising adult.
Toddlers (Ages 2–3): Station Setup and Crafts
Recommended crafts: sticker books, finger painting on large paper, and foam shape collages. Materials: large stickers, washable finger paints, pre-cut foam shapes, glue sticks (used sparingly). Adult duties: closely supervise to prevent ingestion, assist with paint clean-up, and guide safe use of materials. Keep sessions short—10–15 minutes—and provide a quiet corner with a caregiver if a child becomes upset.
Cleanup: have a bucket of warm soapy water and wipes, and immediately collect any detached small pieces.
Preschool (Ages 3–5): Station Setup and Crafts
Recommended crafts: paper plate masks, simple bead-free bracelets (using pipe cleaners), and stamp art. Materials: washable markers, stickers, pipe cleaners, large buttons only for older preschoolers under supervision. Adult duties: pre-cut delicate pieces and supervise gluing. Provide step-by-step picture instructions and allow children to move at their own pace.
Timing: 15–25 minutes per project. Cleanup: designate an adult to collect scraps and wash tablecloths promptly to avoid staining.