How to Host a Kid-Friendly Seder

Hi GOLDA gang! Our Passover Hotline is a hit—it turns out you have a lot of burning Passover questions. Today we’re tackling the first batch, all about how to keep kids engaged and entertained during the Seder. 

I brought in a ringer to answer today’s hotline questions: Ariel Stein, aka @ariel.loves, founder of @JewishFamilyMagic. She always shares the most fun and creative Jewish family and holiday ideas, and no surprise, she knew exactly how to guide our readers. 

Read on for her tips for hosting a kid-friendly Seder to remember. Ariel also shares some great gifts to bring to a Seder, so you don’t have to resort to another bottle of kosher wine. 

Question 1: Hello! This is so fun. I've never hosted more than 10 people before and now I have 19 people coming. Any pro tips for large groups including 6 young kids?

Here are some pro tips for managing the Seder with 19 people, including 6 young kids:

1. Kid-friendly seating: 

• Set up a separate “kid’s table” to help them feel more comfortable. Include small plates and cups for them and include some toys and books on the table.

2. Be mindful of time

• The Seder can be long, especially with young kids, so consider doing a "shortened" version of the Seder. This could mean cutting down on some of the readings or songs but still keeping the key moments intact. You can also consider an earlier start time.

3. Make the Seder Interactive

• Involve the kids: The Passover Seder is meant to be interactive, especially for kids. Have them take turns asking the Four Questions, or assign them to help with symbolic foods (e.g., dipping parsley into saltwater). You can also get them to sing or help with the rituals.

• Ella and Noah activity books - My kids love this one!

• 10 Plagues Finger Puppets - These make telling the Passover story so fun! 

• Matza Pajamas - since the Seder can be a late night, invite the kids to get cozy in these holiday pajamas!

4. Meal Prep goes a long way! 

• Snacks for kids: Have snacks like fruit, matzah crackers, or something simple available at the table, so the kids don’t get too fidgety if they’re hungry before the meal starts.

• Buffet-style or family-style: With a larger group, it can be easier to serve the meal buffet-style or family-style. This way, guests can help themselves, and you won’t be trying to pass dishes around a crowded table.

• Pre-portion everything: To avoid the chaos of serving everyone at once, pre-plate the main meal or have portions ready for people to grab. This helps streamline the meal service.

• Kids’ meal options: If you're concerned about picky eaters, consider setting aside a "kids' plate" with some familiar foods (like chicken or potatoes) that might be more appealing to them.

5. Keep the Seder Relaxed

• Don’t worry about perfection: Things may get a little chaotic with a large group, and that’s okay! The focus is on coming together as a community and having an enjoyable experience. Embrace the energy, even if it gets a little messy at times.

Question 2: Hi! I’m planning to start the Seder “Kulanu mesubin” in the living room to let the toddlers run around before sitting down to eat. Any tips for how to orchestrate that whole thing?

That sounds like a fun and engaging way to kick off your Seder! Here are some tips to help orchestrate your Kulanu Mesubin (the part of the Seder where everyone is gathered together before the formal meal) while making it manageable with toddlers running around:

1. Set Up a Kid-Friendly Area

• Designate a Space for the Kids: If you have a dedicated play area in the living room, set it up with some toys, books, or activities to keep them engaged while the adults can focus on the Seder. If space is tight, clear a small area with soft items like cushions or blankets.

• Interactive Seder Plate: Give the kids their own “mini” Seder plate with some of the traditional items (like a slice of matzah, a small piece of bitter herb, etc.) so they feel included in the ritual.

2. Start with a Story or Activity

• Tell the Exodus Story in a Fun Way: Toddlers may not sit still for the entire Haggadah, but you can keep them engaged with a simple retelling of the Exodus story using a children’s Haggadah (check out this one from PJ Library), puppets, or picture books.

• Passover Songs: Incorporate a couple of familiar songs (like “Dayenu” or “Chad Gadya”) that you can sing together with the toddlers. You can even get a little dance party going to keep the energy light and fun.

• Scavenger Hunt: Hide some small items related to Passover around the room (like plastic frogs for the plagues) and let the kids go on a little scavenger hunt during the Kulanu Mesubin time. This will help keep them busy while you go over the details of the Seder.

3. Keep the Seder Short and Sweet

• Consider Timing: Plan to start your Seder a little earlier than usual if possible to avoid toddlers getting too tired or cranky. This gives you some flexibility before their bedtime kicks in.

• Simplify the Steps: Focus on the most important moments in the Seder. For example, the blessings over the wine, the washing of hands, and the telling of the story don’t need to be super long. Engage the toddlers in shorter bursts of attention.

• Time for Snacks: If the toddlers are getting hungry, have some snacks (like matzah with a spread or fruits) available for them to nibble on in the break area.

4. Involve the Kids in the Seder

• Toddler “Jobs”: Give the toddlers some “jobs” like helping to pass out the cups of wine or filling up glasses. This will make them feel like active participants in the ritual.

• Let Them Lead a Song or Blessing: If one of the toddlers knows a short song or prayer (like “Mah Nishtanah”), let them take the lead. You might also let them help find the Afikoman, which will give them something to look forward to during the Seder.

Lastly, have fun with it! The energy toddlers bring to the Seder will create special memories for everyone!

Question 3: I am going to my best friend’s fiancé’s hometown for Passover, and I want to bring something for the Seder. I know wine is usually safe but I am sober and was trying to come up with something else. Thanks for the help!

For a Passover Seder, there are many thoughtful gifts you can bring that aren't wine. Here are some ideas:

1. Chocolate from NC Chocolatier - They have a full Kosher for Passover collection with lots of treats to choose from! 

2. Scented Candle from Adara Rituals. 

3. Matzah cover or tray - Peace Love Light Shop has many beautiful options! 

4. Set of Jewish-themed coasters - I love this one from Jewish Together. 

5. A Jewish wall hanging - I love this one from Ariel Tidhar!

6. Marzipops marzipan treats! (Note: their products naturally contain no gluten and have kosher parve certification from the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc), but their treats are not certified Kosher for Passover.)

7. Can’t go wrong with fresh flowers!

— Ariel Stein

For more magic from Ariel, follow @ariel.loves and @jewishfamilymagic on Instagram, and check out her blog and the Jewish Family Magic website, where she has even more resources—including a Passover guidebook.

GOLDA’s Passover Pick:

Sloomoo Seder Plate Slime Bundle

Sloomoo Institute sent me their new Passover products, which include this Seder plate with surprisingly realistic foods on it, plus Matzo Ball Soup Slime (!) and Sweet Pesach Slime (both sold separately). I always love when a mainstream company makes Jewish products, and I have to say the horseradish slime texture was impressively realistic.

I set it all out in front of my three-year-old daughter and a few friends who were over, and they absolutely loved it. I know slime isn’t welcome in every home, so check with your hosts before you order it, but otherwise this is a great addition to your Seder.

-Stephanie

And now, one more activity for the kids. 

Jaime Gleicher makes the most fun and sparkly creations over at Live Rainbowfully, from beaded bracelets to phone charms, bedazzled hair brushes and treasure boxes. I asked her to share a fun (and easy!) DIY idea for kids, perfect for anytime during Passover:

One of my most popular birthday party requests is a DIY version of my rainbow jeweled treasure box. For a fun Jewish craft, let’s rename it the tchotchke box. 

Parents were asking me for a way to make my jeweled items with kids, and I discovered these amazing self-adhesive stickers! There is no glue or mess and they are rainbowful and nostalgic: they remind me of my absolute favorite stick-on earrings from the 80s… only better. For personalization, you can buy jeweled adhesive letter stickers. You can use heart-shaped boxes like I do or go for an all-purpose square box. 

In honor of our amazing Jewish tradition, you could even get little piggy banks and make tzedakah boxes. You can also do this activity with picture frames, hand-held mirrors, etc. If you are crafting with kids who aren’t into bling and sparkle, raised foam stickers are a hit, too! You can buy them themed to hit on all interests: sports, space, animals, princesses, etc.

— Jaime Gleicher

For more sparkly fun from Jaime and Live Rainbowfully, check out the Live Rainbowfully website and Instagram.

Thanks to Ariel and Jaime for all the holiday help! 

We’ll be back next week with answers to your ritual-themed questions, plus tips for the perfect Passover tablescape and advice on how not to lose your mind as a Seder host.

Tomorrow I’ll be part of Zibby Media’s On Being Jewish Now: Live, at The Whitby Hotel in New York City. My panel is at noon, and I’d love to see you there! Get your ticket.

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Stay GOLDA,

Stephanie