I had a couple of good ways to keep kids distracted and busy. I always brought popcorn to pop on the stove. The REAL way. I don't think I ever ran into a kid who had seen it done that way. They always thought I was too cool.
I also made a habit of bringing a bag of clothes pins. As soon as mom and dad left we would take all the extra sheets and blankets and make big tents out of them. We would hook them to everything. This wasn't quite as popular with mom and dad if they were still up when they got home!
It seems like I always got stuck with the really rotten kids no one else would watch. I'd say, "Bring um to me and go have a good time! I can handle um!" Then even before they left I'd take the kid in the other room, pick them up by the front of the shirt till their feet dangled (these were relatives, mind you) and growl, "Don't forget. I'm the mean aunt. They brought you here because they know how mean I am. I haven't beat a kid all day so I'm glad you're here!" They were always little angels for me. If you can't live without me, why aren't you dead already?