Hosting a backyard Friendsgiving with kids is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate fall with family and close friends. Alliance Party Rentals makes it simple to add entertainment and comfort for kids while creating an event that adults will love too. With the right inflatables, seating, and setup, your Friendsgiving can be both stylish and kid-approved.

Friendsgiving has become a beloved tradition for those who want to gather outside of the typical holiday pressures. But when you’re planning one with kids around, a little extra preparation makes all the difference. From outdoor activities to family-friendly rentals, here’s how to throw a Friendsgiving that’s festive, safe, and unforgettable.

Choose the Right Location and Setup for Kids

Backyard events give families the flexibility and space needed for kids to be themselves. A private yard means children can roam safely without the worry of traffic or public space hazards. To make your backyard Friendsgiving successful, start by mapping out the area. Separate food areas from play zones to reduce crowding and spills.

A great kid-friendly setup includes covered seating, especially if you’re serving food outdoors. Tent rentals or canopy setups can block wind and provide shelter. For colder days, consider renting patio heaters and setting up cozy blankets on hay bales or lawn chairs. Make sure there’s space for both kid and adult tables to give children their own special spot.

how to plan a backyard friendsgiving with kids in mind

Add Fun Rentals That Keep Kids Busy

If you want to keep the little ones entertained for hours, bounce house rentals or inflatable obstacle courses are a huge hit. They’re safe, supervised, and allow children to release energy without needing constant parental attention. Even better, Alliance Party Rentals handles delivery, setup, and takedown—so parents can relax.

Think about adding:

  • A small bounce house for toddlers
  • An inflatable slide or obstacle course for older kids
  • A game station with corn hole, ring toss, or giant Connect 4

Having age-appropriate entertainment ensures that kids won’t get bored or start roughhousing in less-safe areas. You can find the perfect match for your space and age group by browsing our obstacle course rentals.

Keep the Food Simple, Safe, and Fun

Kids aren’t usually interested in gourmet stuffing or cranberry compote. Keep their menu basic and fun. Finger foods like mini sandwiches, fruit kabobs, and mac-and-cheese cups are always a win. Set up a “kids-only” table with paper plates, spill-proof cups, and maybe even a craft paper table cover with crayons.

If you’re using outdoor seating, be mindful of food safety. Keep hot foods warm and cold foods chilled with appropriate containers or warming trays. Use lidded drink dispensers or individual juice boxes to reduce the risk of spills. For helpful tips on serving safe meals outside, check out these holiday food safety guidelines.

Make cleanup easy with labeled trash and recycling bins near the kids’ area. That way, they’ll get in the habit of cleaning up after themselves.

Think Through Safety and Supervision

Safety is key, especially when kids are running around an open space. Make sure any inflatables are properly staked, and that cords for blowers are hidden or covered. Always designate a few adults to keep an eye on the play areas—even if the rentals are supervised.

If you plan to have a fire pit or outdoor heaters, keep them well away from any play zones. Place a few lanterns or string lights to brighten paths and dim areas as the sun sets. For younger guests, providing glow sticks or flashlights adds fun and helps adults keep track of them as it gets dark.

Review our delivery and setup policies to see how we ensure a secure rental experience every time.

Address the Big Questions Parents Ask

Many parents want to know: Will my kids have fun? Will it be safe? Will there be food they’ll actually eat? These are the real concerns behind every RSVP.

By adding inflatables, providing kid-approved snacks, and setting up seating that works for little ones, you answer all of those questions with confidence. Parents can enjoy conversations and food while their children are entertained and supervised just a few feet away.

Another common question is about weather. Since Friendsgiving falls in late fall, weather can be unpredictable. Always have a backup plan, like moving food inside or renting a covered tent. The flexibility of your backyard—and a rental provider like us—makes last-minute changes much less stressful.

Make It a Memorable Tradition

If you’re going to host a backyard Friendsgiving with kids each year, why not build traditions? Set up a photo booth with fall props. Create a gratitude tree where each child hangs a note about what they’re thankful for. Offer small prizes for games or give out party favor bags filled with stickers and treats.

Families remember the effort you make to include their children in the celebration. When kids are happy and occupied, the whole gathering is more relaxed and enjoyable. And that’s exactly what Friendsgiving should be—low-pressure, full of joy, and family-friendly.

When You Need Stress-Free Rentals for Family Events

When you need clean, insured, kid-friendly rentals that are perfect for backyard parties, Alliance Party Rentals is here to help. We serve Fort Worth, Haslet, and surrounding areas with bounce houses, obstacle courses, and other family-approved options for fall events. From setup to teardown, we handle everything—so you can focus on spending time with your loved ones. Browse our bounce house options or contact us directly to start planning a Friendsgiving the kids (and parents) will talk about for years.