Hello, the playpen is a bit politically incorrect these days (LOL) but you gotta do what you gotta do. I think a lot of ladies end up with a portacot permanently set up in their living area and just use that for the spot to pop bubba down when needed.

The thing I really wanted to say is - don't worry about the kids running around, etc, they are surprisingly nimble and aware when it comes to having the little ones around. I used to worry about DD when we went to large gatherings with kids, but they are amazing and seem to just know how to avoid the littlies.
:-)