Super Bowl LVIII is Sunday, February 11, which means there’s not a ton of time left to prepare game day celebrations. Of course, if you’re watching the big game with adults only, no biggie — some chips, dips and drinks, and boom, done. But if you’ve got little people in attendance, you need to get a little more creative.
On the hunt for Super Bowl ideas for kids so they can have fun (and you can watch the game in peace)? We’ve got you covered. Here’s how to create a fun Super Bowl for kids with crafts, games, activities and snack ideas that will turn whining into winning on game day. Score!
Super Bowl crafts for kids
Football cookies
Want a Super Bowl craft that’s absolutely delicious? Put kids on cookie decorating duty! How sweet — literally — are these football cookies from Sweet Treats by Robin? No kid will be able to refuse decorating this awesome dessert.
Football necklaces
Use cardstock, foam board or construction paper to make football-shaped necklaces complete with team colors. Complete the look with sewn laces using a hole puncher and white yarn. Add another hole at both ends of the ball, loop with yarn and tie string ends together. If enough are made for guests, each person can personalize his own.
Team flags
Cut 7″ x 10″x 10″ triangles out of construction paper. Get kids to decorate rally flags with markers, glitter and paint. Glue (we suggest a glue gun) the finished flags to a wooden dowel or hang them up around the room.
Paper pom-poms
Cut various colored tissue paper into small strips. Gather paper towel and toilet paper holders, wooden dowels or long straws and have kids tape the ends with colored tissue. Bring out at rally time.
Super Bowl games for kids
Team bingo
Create game day BINGO cards with football plays or the players and coaches from each team a la Angela at The Warrior Project. If the play is made or the person is shown on TV during the game, they can fill in that square. Be prepared for the shout-outs of BINGO!
“I Spy”
Have the kids search for items or objects during the game starting with letters of the alphabet. To make it challenging, designate a section of the alphabet each quarter that they can count (1st Quarter: A-G, 2nd Quarter: H-M, 3rd Quarter: N-S, 4th Quarter: T-Z). For example, in the first quarter, a football would count, in the third, a quarterback, and if there’s a commercial with a horse in the second, count that too. See what quarter has the most objects spied.
DIY football fields
How cute are these mini DIY Football Fields from Twinkl Teaching Resources? Not only fun, but a great STEM activity.
Commercial counting
Assign each kid an object or animal: food, horses, dogs, cars, movies, etc. When watching the commercials, they get a point every time their object appears on-screen. The trick is that they have to find it.
Stacked cups
If you have little ones, why not throw some physical activity into the day. Kelsey from Coffee and Play stacked some Solo cups up and gave the kids a football to see who could knock the most down. Great (thematic) idea!
Halftime activities and games
Sunday sundaes
Halftime is the perfect time for a sweet treat. Purchase some toppings, sauces and ice cream to create a sundae bar a la Toronto 2 Niagra. This is always a hit with kids! Or serve up the football cookies they helped you make (see above).
Crab football
This may require you to be more active than you’d like, but the kids will love it — and it will burn off a few chicken wings. Instead of “crab soccer,” you have to hold a cushy football with your neck, knees or armpits and get into your opponents’ end zone by walking like a crab. If your ball gets knocked down, it’s anyone’s game. Play kids versus adults, family versus family or boys versus girls.
Dance party
Let the kids fully engage with the halftime entertainment by having them show off their dance moves. Every year, we can count on the performers give an energetic, upbeat show that everyone can enjoy, so let the kids get the wiggles out before the game comes back on again.
In 2024, Usher is performing at halftime — very very danceable!
Super Bowl kid-friendly recipes
Festive finger foods
Instead of pigs in a blanket (yet again!) raise the bar with some fancy no-fork-necessary appetizers. Try chicken parmesan sliders. Or crisp up some pitas in the oven and serve with a variety of dips, like guacamole, hummus and spinach and artichoke.
French bread pizza
Let the kids play chef for a day by letting them make their own French bread pizzas, like these beauties from I Heart Naptime. Not only are they simple to make, they’re super delicious.
Healthy classics
Instead of huge burgers loaded with condiments, try mini sliders topped with tomato, lettuce and whole grain mustard. For dessert, serve up dark chocolate-covered strawberries.
Game day on a stick
Kids (and adults) loves kebobs, and they’re so versatile! Try shrimp or chicken kebobs, alternating with pineapple, onion and peppers, and topped with a yummy marinade. Stack strawberries, melon and berries on a stick and serve with a side of yogurt dipping sauce to end the game on a sweet note.
A final tip for Super Bowl success
As any parent knows, kids can be rambunctious, especially when there’s a party going on. If you are engaged in the on-screen drama and don’t want to be distracted, hire a babysitter to corral the home team during the game (they might even find something else to do!) and get them ready for bed — so you don’t miss a play.
