Guidelines for Activities

Child Life Department

Thank you for your interest in brightening the days of the patients at Methodist Children’s Hospital. Entertainment helps normalize the hospital environment for patients and their families by reducing stress and helping them relax. Community groups contribute by providing an activity for entertainment.

IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL VISIT, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES: Plan for room-to-room visits of patients of various ages (infant to 18 years of age.) You may NOT choose a specific unit to visit.  Units to be visited will be decided by the Child Life Department.  

• The event time should be approximately 1 hour unless otherwise arrange with Child Life staff.
• Contact person must be an adult of 18 or older.
• Visits may only be repeated up to 3 times per year.
• Visitors must be 15 years of age.
• Group size must be 10 or less Monday through Friday and no more than 7 on Saturday and Sunday.
• Photographs or videos are only permitted with PRIOR permission from Child Life staff (prior to the day of your event or activity.)
• No religious activities, conversations, or items can be provided.
• All participants must be prepared and practiced. You must bring your own supplies to carry out your activity. 
•  No food items.

Suggested Individual Activities:

·         Decorating with fabric paints (t-shirts, caps, bags, etc.)

·         Seasonal arts & crafts (Spring, Summer, Winter, & Fall)

·         Sports teams

·         Mascots

·         Beaded crafts

Note: Reading stories, coloring sheets, and playing board games are always available to children in the playrooms. Likewise, please choose an activity that will be unique and motivate children to participate. This will make your activity more successful.

Number of Children to expect: The number of children in the hospital varies on a daily basis. Likewise, it is impossible for us to determine the exact number of children that will be able to participate in any activity. We have a total of 105 pediatric beds.  For groups handing out various items, please plan for 100 patients.  For groups doing an activity, please plan for a minimum of 50 patients.

Planning and Scheduling your Event: Please click here for an "Activity Request Form." Completing the "Activity Request Form" is the ONLY way to be considered for an activity time. Once we receive your letter and review your request, we will contact you within seven days about your activity. Following contact with you, we will send you a confirmation letter giving you additional information you will need.

Note: Book donations and VHS tapes are no longer needed at this time. Instead, you may wish to donate: DVD's (G, PG, and PG-13 only), electronic games, cartoon band-aids (latex-free), or new toys. Only NEW stuffed animals can be accepted.  Thanks again for you interest in Methodist Children's Hospital!

Thanks again for you interest in Methodist Children's Hospital!