Hosting: Play Dates
Since my children were very young, we have been hosting and attending play dates. Sometimes, we host the whole family — the adults spend time connecting with the parents and building our little village, while the children build social skills, explore cooperative play, and burn off some energy. Other times, particularly as my children have gotten a bit older, we invite a friend to play and let his or her parents make use of their day in other ways.
Hosting a play date doesn’t need to be overwhelming — you don’t need special toys or even a designated area for children to find their own fun — but a little planning goes a long way. Here's my simple guide to hosting a fun play date for young children.
Know Your Guests
Before you set a date, consider:
Ages and number of children: Younger kids may need more hands-on supervision. I find smaller groups (2–4 kids) is ideal for smoother interactions.
Personalities and preferences: A shy child might do better with one-on-one play, while social butterflies might thrive in a small group.
Allergies or special needs: Always check with parents ahead of time to ensure you have the right snacks on hand and medications, as needed.
Pick the Right Time
Mid-morning or early afternoon usually works well for most toddlers and preschoolers who may still be navigating nap times. Older kids can approach playdates with more flexibility. Two hours is the sweet spot — young kids can get overstimulated or overtired if it goes on too long. (When scheduling, it’s also a great idea to share both a start and finish time so everyone is on the same page.)
Plan Age-Appropriate Activities
Having a few things ready to go can help avoid chaos. When guests arrive, I typically prompt the children with a few ideas, i.e. “Would you like to show Emma the mud kitchen or your dress up closet?” This is also a good time to remind your own children of areas that may be off-limits, i.e. “We aren’t going to play upstairs today since brother is napping.” Some ideas include:
Creative: We favor the not-too-messy classics like crayons, Play-Doh, bead crafts, Magna-Tiles and Legos.
Imaginative: Their are endless ways to combine items from the dress-up closet (some of our favorites below) and mini kitchen (even just a basket of pretend food will do!) to create playful scenes. The children often add in animals, trains and trucks to their stories.
Active: If you don’t have a backyard swing set, try setting up a mini obstacle course or throw on some fun music for a dance party. We have made consistent use of our bounce house for years and in warmer months, a baby pool and sprinkler go a long way — even for the “big kids.”
Quiet: Books, puzzles, and a Tonie Box are great options for kids who need a break.
Avoid anything too competitive or that requires taking long turns—young children can get frustrated easily.
Great Pretenders | Super Tutu
$48
Great Pretenders | Fireman Costume
$55
Great Pretenders | Dragon Cape
$39
Keep Snacks Simple
Snacks are a highlight for most kids—but safety comes first. Always ask about food allergies in advance and inform other parents if snacks will be provided. I like to have an array of self-serve options out and ready-to-grab on the kitchen counter or back porch. We typically include a few of the following:
fruit, like berries, watermelon, or apples;
cucumber slices, baby carrots or snap peas with hummus;
mini sandwiches or chips and salsa;
cubed cheddar cheese and sliced turkey or salami.
Bonus: keep paper plates and cups on hand — it makes cleanup easy and you can mark each child’s cup (even plates!) with their name so they don’t get mixed up.
Target | Rainbow Plates
pack of ten, $2
Target | Treat Cups
pack of ten, $3
Target | Napkins
pack of thirty, $3
Prepare for the Unexpected
Even with the best planning, accidents can happen. A few tips to resolve issues quickly:
Have wipes, tissues, and a basic first-aid kit on-hand.
Be ready for minor meltdowns—sometimes a quiet cuddle or a change of activity is all that’s needed.
It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly—flexibility is key!
Wrap It Up Gracefully
About 10–15 minutes before the end, give a gentle heads-up to the children that the play date is winding down and suggest each child choose one last toy or game. You might even offer a small take-home item, like a sticker, coloring page or snack.
Pick a date, text your mom friends, and get ready to make some happy memories!
