10+ Fun Things To Do On Playdates
A mom’s guide to planning a stress-free playdate (with a list of fun things to do on playdates with kids).
Are you in charge of hosting the next playdate? Are you wondering how to keep energetic kids entertained, fed, and happy without losing your sanity? I’m here to help!
Hosting a playdate can feel like a lot, especially when you’re trying to keep things fun and stress-free.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this post, I’m sharing my top tips, tricks, and activity ideas to make hosting a playdate stress-free. From snacks and fun games to prep and cleanup, I’ve got you covered!
This post is all about fun things to do on playdates.
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Before The Playdate:
A little preparation goes a long way to make your playdate more manageable.
- Make a list of things you need to pick up from the store (snacks, games, etc.)
- Check with the other children’s parents if they have any food allergies.
- Get an idea of what your child and their friends want to do on their playdate.
- Confirm with parents how long the playdate will last, the playdate plans, and the drop-off/pick-up plan for the kids.
- Plan to have the playdate at a time that doesn’t interfere with mealtime or have a meal in mind that can feed everyone.
Once you’ve got the basics covered, it’s time to plan what the kids will actually do!
Mom tip: You don’t need to plan every minute; 2-3 activities are more than enough.
Fun Things To Do On Playdates (at home):
You don’t have to leave your home to have a great playdate. These ideas are perfect for keeping kids busy and happy indoors.
1. Arts and crafts
Bring out the arts and crafts supplies and let the kids get creative. You can let them come up with their craft ideas or pick up DIY craft kits.
Craft kits for younger children:
Animal craft kit – includes 20 pre-prepped crafts organized into envelopes with all the necessary supplies
Jewelry-making kit – comes with 520 pieces and the beads snap together, making it easy for younger kids to put together and pull apart
Craft kits for older children:
DIY clay jewelry bowl – comes with supplies to make three clay jewelry bowls
DIY flower button bouquet – comes with supplies to make two vases with bouquets
2. Play video games
Video games plus snacks will make a fun playdate for older kids. They can work together to level up and have friendly competition with friends!
Mom tip: Set a timer or have kids take turns so everyone gets a chance to play and no one feels left out.
3. Play board games
Board games are perfect for a play date at home! You can find fun games for every age group and ensure a fun time.
Fun board games for younger kids:
Fun board games for older kids:
Mom tip: Let kids rotate who picks the game to avoid disagreements.
4. Answer fun trivia questions
Trivia questions are a free and easy way to keep kids entertained!
5. Watch a show or movie
A movie day at home is a cozy and entertaining play date idea. You can set up a special movie area with blankets, pillows, and snacks to make it feel like a special treat.
Mom tip: This is a great activity to wind things down if the kids start getting tired or overstimulated.
6. Build
Let kids get creative and build something with Legos or magnetic tiles.
Legos
Magnetic tiles
Fun Things To Do On Playdates (outside):
These outdoor playdate ideas are a great way to get kids outside and burn off some energy.
6. Play a sport
Do you have kids who love to play basketball, football, or soccer? Playing sports is a fun way to let kids burn off their energy. You could set up a game in your backyard or at your local park.
7. Go to a park
Parks are a great low-cost play date idea with endless opportunities for fun! Kids can play tag, swing, slide, fly kites, and more!
Mom tip: Bring extra snacks and water (kids always get hungry faster when they’re playing outside).
8. Burn off energy at a trampoline park
Trampoline parks are unique and fun with foam pits, rock climbing, and other exciting features that encourage kids to get moving, have fun, and burn off energy!
9. Have a picnic
Make it a fun, but casual playdate by packing or picking up lunch, and heading to a nearby park for a picnic. Afterward, the kids can run around, play, and enjoy the outdoors!
Mom tip: Keep the food simple to avoid unnecessary stress.
10. Go bowling
Bowling is a great play date activity for a group of older kids!
Mom tip: Call ahead and reserve a lane if you can; this will help avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.
11. Watch a movie at a theatre
Taking kids to the movie theatre is a great play date idea for kids of every age. You can make it extra special by splurging on popcorn and snacks! The kids will surely have a fun time!
Once the playdate winds down, these tips will help you end on the right note.
When the playdate ends:
A quick clean-up and check-in at the end will keep the playdate easy and stress-free.
- Have children clean up after themselves while you tidy up
- Double-check that everyone has all their belongings (jackets, water bottles, toys)
- Discuss the next playdate if you’re interested
Playdates don’t have to be stressful. A little prep, a few activities, and some snacks go a long way!
This post was all about fun things to do on playdates.
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