Are you searching for playdate ideas? I’ve got 30 fun playdate ideas for parents you’re going to love! Playdates are an excellent way to give kids practice in social situations, help them learn about cooperation and kindness, and encourage them to build friendships with their peers.
There are lots of fun things you can do on a playdate at home or in the community. If you’re looking for fun things to do on playdates, you don’t want to miss these ideas for all your playdates this year. I’ve got an idea for everyone including book swaps, escape rooms, and nature walks.
What to Do on a Playdate With Kids
If you’ve ever scheduled a playdate and then wondered what to do on a playdate with kids, you’re in the right place. I’m going to share my favorite tips for planning a playdate and 30 great playdate ideas for parents too.
What should I plan for a playdate?
Planning a playdate doesn’t have to be stressful. First, determine when is a good time to schedule a playdate for everyone involved. Choose a day when you don’t have other commitments.
Consider where the kids will be most comfortable. Choosing a public setting like a local park might be more comfortable for children who haven’t visited your home before. If your child is introverted, playdates that don’t require lots of conversation like a yoga class or book swap might be just the thing.
Prep a couple of activities for the kids to engage in to break the ice and help facilitate social interaction. These can be as simple as printing coloring pages and grabbing some fun new art supplies. You can get out of the house and check out a new place in town for novel fun on your next playdate too.
Planning a playdate in the community, can be a great way to ensure both children are comfortable. Plus, it’s a good for children who aren’t accustomed to sharing their space or things on a regular basis. If you’re hosting a playdate at home, consider putting away your child’s favorite items before guests arrive.
Don’t forget to plan for a snack too. Check with parents before your playdate to make sure you’re aware of preferences or any food allergies. Choosing a snack to share is also a fun way to get your child involved in helping to plan a playdate.
Keep your first playdates short and sweet. You can always schedule a longer playdate in the future, but it’s best to keep the first playdates on the short side. That way the kids won’t get grouchy or tired.
30-60 minutes is a good length of time for most first-time playdates. After that, playdates can increase if both parties agree. It’s not uncommon for a playdate between good friends to go on for one to three hours.
30 Fun Playdate Ideas for Parents
Hosting a playdate can be as simple as inviting another child and parent to your home to play. Having activities ready to go or meeting up somewhere fun like the local playground is a great way to make your playdate fun and stress-free. Try these 30 playdate ideas for parents to make your next playdate extra special.
What are some fun things to do at playdates?
Check out my list of 30 playdate ideas for parents to help you plan your next playdate.
- Try an escape room to help kids bond and practice problem-solving
- Host a book swap playdate for introverted children
- Go for a nature walk in your neighborhood or on a nearby hiking trail
- A kids’ yoga class is a good way to connect without the need for small talk
- Try a new park to get kids exploring and give parents a chance to chat
- Challenge one another to a game of mini golf
- Visit a trampoline park or bounce house
- Go swimming to beat the summer heat or for novel fun in cooler weather
- Visit an animal shelter and volunteer to help exercise the animals
- Get crafty at your local art space by painting a canvas or pottery
- Go to a drive-in movie theater
- Try a game of bowling on your next playdate
- Play a game or two of laser tag
- Get ice cream or donuts at your favorite local shop
- Have a nerf gun battle with older kids for an active playdate
What to do on a playdate at home
If you’re hosting a playdate in your home, having a few activities planned ahead of time can help facilitate conversation and help kids connect. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the dreaded “I’m bored!” complaints.
Need any ideas about what to do on a playdate at home? Check out these fun activity ideas to make your next playdate at home a success. There’s something for everyone.
- Build a fort. You can use pillows and old sheets, or try a Fort Building Kit
- Have a dance party in the kitchen or the backyard to get kids moving
- Science experiments with a kit from National Geographic for kids
- Host a teddy bear tea party where kids can bring their favorite stuffed animals
- Make slime together. Slime kits can inspire some really fun sensory creations
- Create a scavenger hunt for kids to do at home or in the community
- Build with The Cardboard Box Book
- Make and fly paper airplanes
- Make homemade pizzas together with your favorite toppings
- Build with LEGO bricks using a fun kit or freestyle bricks
- Try a 3D puzzle kit or break out your favorite jigsaw puzzle
- Watch a movie and enjoy homemade popcorn
- Break out the board games or try a kid-friendly game on Nintendo Switch
- Set up a backyard obstacle course for friendly competition and exercise
- Play a game of hide-and-go-seek indoors or out in the backyard
Are you planning a playdate soon? What playdate ideas have you considered for your upcoming playdate? I’d love to read about your favorite playdate ideas for parents in the comments, so don’t forget to share them with everyone.
Are you planning a playdate soon? What playdate ideas have you considered for your upcoming playdate? I’d love to read about your favorite playdate ideas for parents in the comments, so don’t forget to share them with everyone.
