Activations, novelties, gaming areas, extras… whatever you call them, these bar mitzvah entertainment ideas give guests something to do off the dance floor and keep the party buzzing. Below are favorites we’ve used at Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Photo booths
Photo booths of all kinds are always a winner!
A mirror photo booth gives classic prints a glow-up. Guests tap the screen, strike a pose, then autograph their pic on the mirror. Great for teens who love a little tech sparkle.
This brings instant red-carpet vibes. We brand the backdrop with your child’s logo, then add ropes so it feels exclusive but still approachable. Perfect spot for a family shot early in the night.
From stadiums to skylines, a greenscreen lets you match any theme. Guests come back again and again to try all of the different options.
Most Popular Games
Fast games mean quick wins. We like placing these near the DJ area so kids bounce between dancing and playing.
Try a gameroom. This one has ping pong, air hockey, extra-long foosball and virtual racing games, all super popular options.
Arcade Games
Big, bright and impossible to ignore. Four friends can play Pac-Man battle at once, which keeps the energy high and lines moving.
Skeeball is nostalgic and super Instagrammable. Plus parents love it too!
A claw machine stocked with custom prizes is always a hit! Brand the claw with your logo and fill it with mini gift cards, stickers, and plush. Teens will try again and again, which is exactly the point.
Outdoor or Oversized Games
Some of these options work well inside too!
For outdoor venues, soccer darts is a blast. We use soft, Velcro-style balls so it’s safe and spectator-friendly.
Lawn games like corn hole…
… giant Jenga or Connect 4…
or chess are low-lift, high-fun. These give shy guests an easy way to mingle, and they photograph beautifully.
And don’t sleep on LED versions of old favorites like tic tac toe for a glowing good time.
Entertainers
Try entertainers like this trick basketball performer on the dance floor. The performer teaches one trick, then invites the Mitzvah kid for a cameo moment. Other entertainers like a roving mentalist provides magic on demand or a drop-in by your favorite sports team mascot is a great photo opp.
Or an airbrush artist serves both as entertainment (how do they do that!?!) and a fun favor.
This is just a sampling of options available to you. Connect with an entertainment rental or talent agency to learn about all the possibilities.
How many activations should you book?
Quick planning math helps. Each staffed game or station usually engages about 2 to 6 kids at once, with a few more who watch or “double participate.” Larger pieces like 4-player arcades can handle more. Ask yourself: how many kids are you comfortable pulling from the dance floor at a time? If you expect more adults dancing than kids, one or two larger activations might be perfect. If it’s a teen-heavy party, aim for multiple stations in different zones so the DJ, dancers and games work together instead of competing. Depending on the number and type of games you rent, a rental company may require their event staff for safety and operation.
