Go play and let mommy drink in peace

Whether you're hosting a kid-friendly tailgate party or bringing your little ones to someone else's gathering, bring along a few distractions to keep the small fries entertained so you'll never have to hear "Mommy, I'm BORED."

This pop-up red tent from Ikea is easy to transport and only costs $14.99.  Unfortunately, it's not available online, so you'd have to stop by a store.

This sponge ring toss game is a lot less likely to cause accidental injury than horesehoes or ladderball.  The price is inexpensive enough ($9.99) that you won't worry too much if it gets destroyed or left behind.  I've included this instead of baggo or washers because, really, the dads would immediately commandeer those games, but they're probably less likely to take over a kiddie sponge ring toss game. 

All this color-your-own-playhouse needs is an Arkansas Razorbacks flag. 

If you'll be tailgating in a parking lot, sidewalk chalk will allow the kids to decorate the area.  Teach them how to draw razorbacks and write "woo pig sooie!"

Another tip - make sure you have plenty of kid-friendly food on hand, such as hot dogs, chicken nuggets, carrot sticks, goldfish crackers, and a juice.