First Communion activities – ideas for children and adults

First Communion is an important day for the child and their closest family members. After the ceremony at church, it is time for lunch, conversations and celebrating together. If there are children among the guests, it is worth planning a few additional activities to make the day more enjoyable for them.

There is no need to plan lots of activities or fill the entire celebration with entertainment. For a family gathering, a few simple, well-chosen ideas will usually work better than a full programme of organised activities. Children should have some space to play, while still being able to take part in the most important moments of the celebration.

What First Communion activities are worth planning? What can you organise for children so they have something to do while adults can enjoy time together? Here are some ideas based on the children’s ages, the number of guests, the available space and the weather.

What activities can you plan for a First Communion celebration?

Start by answering a few simple questions: How many children will be there? How old are they? Where will the celebration take place? How much time can you set aside for additional activities?

A celebration with three children of different ages will need different activities from an event with a dozen or more younger guests. The venue also matters. First Communion activities at a restaurant may look different from games organised in a garden or on a terrace.

Before choosing specific activities, consider:

• the number and ages of the children,
• the total number of guests,
• the available space,
• whether activities can be organised outdoors,
• the expected weather,
• the length of the celebration,
• when lunch, dessert and cake will be served,
• the overall character of the celebration.

The main rule is simple: activities should complement the celebration, not take it over.

First Communion activities for children – what to choose?

Children at a First Communion celebration often simply need a chance to leave the table, change activities and spend some time in a way that suits their age. This does not necessarily mean hiring professional entertainers.

A good option is to prepare a few different activities. Younger children can use a play corner or take part in simple creative activities, while older children may enjoy team games, competitions or more active games.

It is also worth remembering that children do not need to take part in organised activities all the time. Free play, talking with other children and spending time with family are just as important.

A play corner for younger children

A children’s play corner is one of the simplest activities you can prepare for a family celebration. It works particularly well when there are preschool and early school-age children among the guests.

Depending on the available space, it could include:

• colouring books and crayons,
• books,
• simple games,
• puzzles,
• building activities,
• age-appropriate toys.

This option is also available at selected celebrations held at Qubus hotels. If you are planning a First Communion celebration in Bydgoszcz, it is worth checking what options are available for younger guests and whether a play corner would be suitable for the children you are inviting.

First Communion entertainer – when is it worth hiring one?

A First Communion entertainer can be a good option when there is a larger group of children of a similar age. An entertainer can organise games, suggest different activities and keep the children engaged, so parents do not have to plan activities themselves.

An entertainer can organise, among other things:

• active games,
• competitions,
• simple team games,
• creative activities,
• music-based games,
• treasure hunts,
• bubble activities,
• themed games suited to the children’s ages.

Is a First Communion entertainer a good idea?

Not always. If there are only a few children who know each other well and can entertain themselves, a play corner, games or a few prepared activities may be enough.

An entertainer can be particularly useful when there are more children, when they have different personalities or when parents would like to enjoy the celebration without having to organise activities themselves.

It is also worth deciding in advance how long the entertainer will be needed. They do not have to run activities throughout the entire celebration. A set period between the main meals is often enough.

At Qubus Hotel Kielce, the First Communion offer can include children’s entertainment and a film screening.

Creative workshops – a relaxed activity for children

Not every child enjoys energetic games. That is why First Communion activity ideas can also include quieter creative activities.

For example, children could:

• make cards for the child celebrating their First Communion,
• decorate frames for family photos,
• take part in simple arts and crafts,
• paint,
• make paper decorations,
• create their own bookmarks,
• make small keepsakes from the celebration.

These activities work well during a longer break between meals. They can also suit children of different ages if you prepare activities with different levels of difficulty.

Another advantage is that creative workshops do not require much space. A small table, some art supplies and a place where children can work comfortably are usually enough.

Photo booth and family photos – an activity for all generations

A First Communion photo booth can be a fun way to involve both children and adults. It does not have to be the main attraction of the celebration.

You could create a small photo area with a backdrop and a few accessories that match the style of the occasion. An elegant, coordinated setup is usually better than a large collection of random props.

Another option is to create a space for family photos without using a traditional photo booth. A photo of the child with their parents, grandparents, godparents or cousins can become a much more timeless keepsake.

If you are planning an intimate First Communion celebration, you do not need a separate photo area. A well-chosen spot, some flowers, subtle decorations and enough space for family photos may be all you need.

Games for children at a First Communion – ideas for everyone

First Communion games for children should be simple and easy to start at any time. Not every game needs someone to lead it.

Good options include:

• charades,
• family quizzes,
• simple board games,
• memory games,
• riddles,
• treasure hunts,
• skill-based games,
• outdoor games.

A family quiz can also be a fun idea. Questions could be about shared memories, the child’s interests or funny family stories. This type of activity can bring different generations together instead of being something only children can enjoy.

First Communion games for children and adults

Not all First Communion activities need to be aimed at children. At a family celebration, it can also be worth planning activities that guests of different ages can enjoy together.

Good ideas include:

• family quizzes,
• charades,
• group competitions,
• a memory book or guest book with messages for the child,
• family photos,
• games that require children and adults to work together,
• creating a keepsake or decoration together.

It is important to keep things balanced, though. Not every adult guest will want to take part in games or competitions. A First Communion celebration should also leave plenty of room for guests who simply want to sit at the table and enjoy a conversation.

First Communion activities at a venue – what can you organise?

If the celebration takes place at a restaurant or hotel, it is worth choosing activities that can be organised without taking over the whole space.

Some of the most convenient options include:

• a children’s play corner,
• colouring and creative activities,
• board games,
• a children’s film screening,
• a family quiz,
• a photo booth or photo area,
• an entertainer,
• relaxed creative workshops.

It is a good idea to discuss the different activity areas with the venue staff in advance. The children’s corner should not be too far from where the parents are sitting. An entertainer or active games, on the other hand, need enough space and should not interfere with tables or walkways.

Different Qubus hotels offer different options. In Kraków, a play corner and additional activities are available, while in Kielce, options can include a play corner, an entertainer and children’s film screenings.

Outdoor First Communion activities

If the venue has a garden, terrace or another safe outdoor area, it can be worth using it during the celebration. This is especially useful on warmer days when children need to move around and take a break from sitting at the table.

Outdoor activities can include:

• ball games,
• simple sports competitions,
• bubbles,
• team games,
• treasure hunts,
• drawing with chalk,
• skill-based games,
• activities led by an entertainer.

Before organising outdoor games, check that the space is safe, that there is access to shade and that children can be easily supervised by adults.

What can children do at a First Communion if the weather changes?

First Communion celebrations often take place in spring, so if you are planning outdoor activities, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan.

If the main activities are planned for a garden or terrace, check in advance whether they can be moved indoors in case of rain. This is especially important if you are planning an entertainer, workshops or group games.

A backup plan could include:

• a children’s play corner,
• creative workshops,
• board games,
• a children’s film screening,
• a family quiz,
• a photo area,
• indoor activities led by an entertainer.

First Communion activities at Qubus Hotel – what can you organise?

Qubus Hotel has many years of experience in organising special occasions, including celebrations that require attention to detail and the individual needs of guests. First Communion celebrations are held at Qubus hotels in different cities across Poland, while the available facilities and activities depend on the individual hotel and arrangements made with the event coordinator.

An event specialist helps plan and coordinate the celebration, adapting its individual elements to the family’s needs and expectations. This includes discussing everything from the menu and table layout to decorations and activities for children. Working with one event specialist also makes it easier to plan a celebration that suits the number of guests, the children’s ages and the overall character of the event.

Different Qubus hotels offer different options for younger guests. At Qubus Hotel Bydgoszcz, First Communion celebrations can include a play corner for younger children. Qubus Hotel Kielce offers additional options such as children’s entertainment and film screenings in a dedicated children’s cinema.

It is also worth planning the right menu for the occasion. Read our guide, First Communion menu – what to serve at a First Communion celebration?, for practical tips on planning meals for both children and adults.