30 fun and engaging playdate ideas for toddlers and kids

Playdates with friends are certainly core to many of those childhood memories. They nurture their social skills, grow their friendships to the next level, and do things that are more fun when there’s someone else to do them with. I’d say that the crown jewel of childhood is playtime. Talk to most people, and they’ll fondly remember what they played as a kid. For some, it was imagining worlds with Barbies, My Little Pony, or Power Rangers (any nostalgic ’90s kids out there?). For others, it was having a blast making cookie dough, playing video games, or riding bikes around the neighborhood. And for moms, it also means you get to potentially form other connections with a potential mom friend. If you need some inspo for things to do during your next kid-get-together, I’ve rounded up 30 creative playdate ideas for toddlers and little kids.

The nice part about playdates is that organizing them can be as elaborate or simple as you want it to be. Some parents channel a lot of enthusiasm into coming up with the perfect playdate. Others keep it easy breezy and set their kids up with some toys or games and let them have at it. From outdoor playdate ideas for summer to rainy day activities that will keep your kiddos busy, even when you feel like you’re totally out of ideas, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for playdate inspiration based on the playdate vibe you’re going for!

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How to Plan a Successful Playdate

While planning a playdate can feel daunting—especially for any introverted parents out there—there are only a few simple things you have to keep in mind to help the day go off without a hitch!

Set expectations ahead of time

The more you know ahead of time, the more you can plan! Before your kids have their playdate, be sure all parties are aware of:

• Length of playdate
• Location of playdate
• If the other caregiver plans to stay
• House rules
• Nap Schedules
• Activities
• Snacks available
• If any other kids will be present
• Pets (if present)

Have flexible activities ready

Things can always change last minute. Weather, for example, is very unpredictable. Be sure to have a backup plan in place in case things fall through! The kids can still enjoy their time together even when a quick pivot is needed. It may help to reach out to the other parent to collaborate on other playdate ideas for an alternative plan.

Communicate with parents about the child’s needs

Every child is different, and it’s important to communicate with parents about anything their child needs before they come into your home. This could include:

• Food allergies or dietary sensitivities
• Bathroom and nap time routines (important for toddlers!)
• Rules regarding screen time or outdoor play
• Have the parent’s phone number (if they won’t be present) for any emergencies

Indoor Playdate Ideas

1. Make arts and crafts

Kids who are drawn to art and making new things aren’t going to say ‘no’ to trying a new project. Fall, winter, spring, and summer arts and crafts, fashion projects, eco-friendly art and nature projects, DIY affirmation card decks, toilet paper roll crafts… you name it! 

• Painting and drawing (finger painting, water colors, rock painting, etc.)
• Making collages from magazines or family photos
• Tie-dying, jewelry-making, and sculpting with clay or Play-Doh
• Soap or candle making

2. Pretend play

Pretend play is where social growth and exploration happen! A lot of the time, kids can lead the way here. But if you need some extra inspiration, we’ve listed some of our favorite pretend play ideas for toddlers and little kids.

• Play dress up
• Use toys or stuffies for puppet shows or tea parties
• Set up a “treasure hunt” or scavenger hunt
• Visit a play cafe or indoor playground

3. Build forts or obstacle courses

You can’t go wrong with this classic toddler activity. All you probably have to do is say, “Let’s build a fort!” and they’ll be off to the races. If anything, toddlers will thank you for having snacks and an activity for them to do in their fort once it’s built.  

• Build a pillow and blanket fort with string lights
• Turn your living room into an obstacle course (the floor is lava!)
• Host “living room Olympics,” with activities like sock figure skating, towel luge, and more
• Use cardboard boxes to craft their own “city” (houses, palaces, bridges, etc.)

4. Bake together

It won’t take toddlers or kids much convincing to partake in a playdate that appeals to their sweet tooth. Baking also happens to be a useful way to teach them about proportions and measurements. You can see if there’s anything particular they’re in the mood to bake or decide in advance.

• Decorate pre-baked brownies, cupcakes, or cookies
• Bake something simple like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or a favorite treat
• Try out a new dessert recipe they can eat after dinner

5. Make sensory play stations

This is especially great for toddlers who need something hands-on and interactive! They’ll love helping you set up, and you’ll love how busy it keeps them even if it’s raining outside and you’re out of ideas for the day.

• Rice bins
• Water beads (age-appropriate supervision)
• Kinetic sand
• Playdough

6. Have a movie marathon

For kids who are used to watching movies at home, heading to the theater can be a special treat, but you can also turn your living room into a full-blown theater experience. Set them up with some popcorn and candy (or some toddler snacks), and they’ll be all set.

• Have a pizza party while they watch
• Wear cozy pajamas and tuck them in with fuzzy blankets and stuffies
• Check out what new kids movies are coming out this year

7. Head to an arcade

Another source of ’90s kid joy for kids who are a little bit older? Going to an arcade to play games, joke with friends, win tokens, and select the best prizes.

• Check what other activities your local arcade has—laser tag or go-karts
• Grab fun snacks and drinks to have while they play
• Grab prizes before heading home

8. Have a spa day

Enjoy a spa day with spa treatments that make the most age-appropriate sense to you and the other parent. It can be as simple as setting up a DIY nail spa right at home.

• Homemade face masks
• Manicures and pedicures
• Hair styling
• Face paint—great for little kids!

Outdoor Playdate Ideas   

9. Play backyard games

Most of these can be accomplished with things you already have lying around your house—basketballs, jump ropes, etc.—and are great options to get kids up and moving. For older kids, they’ll also love infusing the day with some friendly competition.

• Have a backyard relay race
• Play a game of backyard capture the flag
• Other games to play: beanbag toss, frisbee, and kickball

10. Have a park picnic

During warmer weather, it can be so pleasant to pack up some toddler-approved snacks and set up a big picnic blanket at a nearby park. You can bring along some outdoor toys or games, but odds are good the kiddos’ imaginations will make for plenty of outdoor amusement. 

• Pack fruits, veggies, sweet treats, and other simple foods
• Pack a board game, a deck of cards, or other simple games
• Pick the theme for the picnic—maybe it’s just desserts, or another type of food they love

11. Attend a local sporting event or concert 

If there’s a sports team or music artist your child and their friends are obsessed with, this playdate idea will definitely be a winner. While it’s a bigger investment, these are lifelong memories that will make the cost well worth it.

• Make signs or matching T-shirts for the event
• Grab a matching souvenir to remember the experience

12. Enjoy some water play—if weather appropriate!

When it’s hot outside, hosting a playdate can feel like the last possible thing you want to do at that moment in time. Luckily, incorporating some simple outdoor water activities is a great way to ease stress and let everyone cool down.

• Have a water balloon toss
• Set up a slip’n slide or kiddie pool in the backyard (a garden hose or sprinkler can be equally as fun)
• Have a fun car wash session
• For little ones, you can never go wrong with a water table
• Head to a local or neighborhood pool

13. Visit an amusement or water park

Sure, an amusement park or water park is more of an investment, but it will rank high on the fun factor, especially for kids who finally meet the height requirements. Parents can also find toddler-friendly water parks or splash pads, too.  

• Indulge in park treats with your kiddos, like ice cream sandwiches and slushies
• Check out any live shows or entertainment the park has
• Grab the kids a matching souvenir to remember the experience

14. Go camping in the backyard

If you’ve got a camping or beach tent on hand, then setting it up in honor of a playdate is instant entertainment. For littles, it may be more appropriate to host a ‘sleep under,’ which is the perfect alternative to a sleepover. Otherwise, create a makeshift tent using sheets or blankets and whatever furniture will work as supports. Then, spend some time under the stars.

• Sing songs or make up a new jingle
• Make microwave or toaster oven s’mores, or roast them in a bonfire
• Read stories
• Play games
• Appreciate nature

15. Host a lemonade stand

Give kids an opportunity to practice their entrepreneurial skills by planning, preparing, and hosting their own lemonade stand (or other snacks/beverages of choice). This is a summertime favorite kids of all ages will love.

• Make signs to welcome guests—crafting is always a win
• Look up a lemonade recipes
• Decide what location will bring the most sales traffic
• If focusing less on the money aspect, hand out their treats for free
• Enjoy the leftovers at the end of the day

Active Play Date Ideas

16. Try indoor movement games

These simple games can get kids up and moving without ever leaving the house. For parents who want something fun that doesn’t involve packing up the entire living room, try these at-home ideas.

• Have a dance party! It’s simple, cute, and a chance to enjoy some of your kids’ favorite tunes (KPop Demon Hunters, anyone?)
• Try a yoga session for kids
• Play simple games like Simon Says or Follow the Leader

17. Go on a hike or bike ride

Get into the great outdoors by setting foot on a doable hiking trail or wheeling around on pedestrian-friendly paths or roads in your area. With lots of fresh air and sights to see, kids will have a revitalizing time being trailblazers as hikers or bikers. 

• Turn the experience into a nature scavenger hunt: point out different trees, flowers, and insects they see
• Visit local landmarks along the way—favorite stores, cafes, or parks

18. Go roller or ice skating 

Heading to the rink is a perfect active playdate idea for little ones of all levels. They’ll be able to learn as they go—just make sure they’re outfitted with any necessary safety gear. The experience is sure to spark a lot of laughs and memorable moments.   

• Have a dance party to the songs the DJ at the rink is playing
• Indulge in some treats at the rink—ice cream, cookies, or kid-friendly favorites like burgers and fries

19. Visit a trampoline park or climbing gym

Lots of places have indoor recreational venues specifically devoted to trampoline jumping or rock climbing. If you’ve got younger kids who like a good adrenaline rush, checking out one of these activities will definitely charge them up. Just remember, most venues require a signed waiver from parents or caregivers to participate, and you may need to arrange for all caregivers to attend this outing.

• Tackle a “Ninja Warrior” obstacle course
• Challenge each other to a slam dunk contest
• If participating in rock climbing, older kids will enjoy seeing who can get to the top the fastest

20. Visit a local playground

This one is free, accessible, and perfect for toddlers and little kids. With little planning required on your part, all you have to do is get them there and supervise.

• Turn the playground visit into a physical challenge—can they cross every bridge? Can they climb the rock wall or cross the monkey bars without help?
• Have them practice swinging and be there to push them when they need it
• Pack fun snacks and drinks to help them stay energized and hydrated

Educational Playdate Ideas

21. Visit a local museum

Show kids that a museum is anything but reserved for an educational field trip. When they have the chance to visit one out of school hours with their friends, it’s a whole different excursion. They can call the shots on what exhibits they want to check out, making it more organic and down-to-earth. Most science museums tailor the bulk of their exhibits to be kid-friendly, so they’ll be able to easily find ones up their alley. 

• Choose a local science, history, art, or children’s museum
• Grab matching souvenirs to remember the experience

22. Visit the zoo or aquarium

Children of all ages can appreciate seeing exotic animals or aquatic life right before their very eyes. A trip to the zoo or aquarium is usually a safe bet for impressing kids with that genuine wow factor. It’s also convenient that both places tend to offer special shows catered to kids. That way, they have a variety to their visit besides just walking around. 

• Print off a list of different wildlife, and challenge your kiddos to find as many of them as they can
• If worksheets feel too much like school, have the kids dress up as their favorite animal
• Indulge in zoo treats like ice cream and popsicles

23. Conduct at-home science experiments

Have kids conduct some rocket science in their own at-home “laboratory.” A quick online search will turn up experiments designed with kids in mind. While this may be a more hands-on (and messy) option for parents, the reward is totally worth it.

• With toddlers: make homemade bubbles, hatch frozen dinosaur eggs, create sensory bins, or play with DIY foam
• For little kids: make erupting volcanoes, grow crystals, power light bulbs with fruit, or create candy chemistry
• Teach some organizational skills: challenge them to set up, execute, and clean up their own experiments

24. Volunteer somewhere

Get involved in a kid-friendly volunteer activity for the day and channel the power of acts of kindness. They can feel what it’s like to make a difference and give back while still making long-lasting memories with their friends.

• Check out the local animal shelter and see if they need help walking the dogs, feeding, or cleaning—a great option for dog lovers!
• Research other volunteer opportunities at local senior centers, parks, and food banks.

25. Have a reading corner

Many a child cherishes an animating story, so yours might love having a playdate devoted to reading a couple of stories together. They might even be ready to tell you exactly what they want to hear.

• Have a variety of age-appropriate books to choose from
• Get cozy with blankets, pillows, and snacks
• Host a reading corner in a fort you just built (with the help of your kiddos)

Calm and Quiet Playdate Ideas

26. Play simple board games

Round up a collection of toddlers’ or kids’ preferred games and get everyone ready for some friendly competition and prizes. Add touches here and there—like fun snacks and drinks—so that the playdate feels like more than just another everyday gaming session.

• For toddlers and little kids, try Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, and simple matching games
• For older kids, play Sorry, Monopoly, and Battleship are always winners

27. Have a coloring station

Arts and crafts are a go-to playdate idea, but complicated crafts can be time-consuming and stressful. Don’t feel bad if your kiddos spend an afternoon coloring with their friends independently—it’s simple, creative, and a great way for them to make conversation and bond with friends.

• Give drawing prompts: draw their house, their favorite pet, or a portrait of their friend
• Add in fun items like glitter, stickers, and sponges
• There’s nothing wrong with just using crayons and markers!

28. Play with building blocks

Another great opportunity for quiet, independent play that will give parents a moment to themselves and will keep messes to a minimum. Building blocks are a staple toy because they help build fine motor skills, encourage understanding of basic STEM concepts like balance and gravity, and increase spatial awareness.

• Build bridges, palaces, houses, and more
• Introduce props like action figurines and cars to get their imagination going
• Have them test how big a tower they can build before it falls down

29. Create a bubble station outside

Bubbles are a go-to for kids of all ages in my book, especially when the weather is warm and wonderful, but doing something more involved like biking is out of the question. Just set them up with wands, sit back, and relax.

• Make your own DIY bubble solution
• Many stores also sell Glow Bubbles, which are a great nighttime activity

30. Do some gardening

There is an abundance of gardening activities for toddlers and kids to get their little hands invested in the magic of Mother Earth. If you’re limited to indoor gardening, there are still plenty of fun activities to try!

• Outdoor gardening ideas: plant new seeds, pull weeds, investigate what’s already growing, and water the plants
• If you’re stuck inside: plant seeds in small cups or eggshell cartons, grow seedlings in damp paper towels, create terrariums, or make plant/floral arrangements
• Check out some of our favorite nature and gardening crafts

FAQs

What is a good length for a toddler playdate?

One hour to one-and-a-half hours is a good length for a toddler playdate. This length allows kids to socialize and have fun while not getting too tired, missing nap times, or becoming overstimulated (which can lead to meltdowns).

What activities work best for mixed ages?

Simple outdoor activities like playground visits and picnics work well for toddlers, little kids, and big kids. If you’re stuck inside, movie marathons and baking are great activities for multiple ages.

How do you entertain shy children during a playdate?

Keep things low-stress and familiar. Talk to the parents beforehand about what their child likes to do, and have those activities ready. Low-stakes activities like baking and arts and crafts are great options. Side-by-side play—playing next to one another with blocks or dolls—also allows for low-stress socialization.

How often should kids have playdates?

While one playdate a week sounds great, schedules can get crazy, and planning can definitely fall through the cracks. Realistically, try to aim for two or three playdates per month. This allows your kids to see their friends and form lasting relationships without putting too much burden on the parent.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katherine Ballesta-Rosen, Former Editorial Intern

As a former editorial intern, Katherine supported the Everymom editorial team with pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and other odds and ends. She believes moms are the ultimate heroines, so it’s a joy to have a hand in offering them nourishment for their hearts and minds.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant

As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.

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This article was originally published on The Everymom