What to do on playdates
Indoor Playdates Ideas for Kids
Children love to play, and nothing beats their excitement when it comes to playdates. Playdates are the perfect way your child can socialize and make new friends without involving a lot of labor or extravagant work. The best part of playdates is that parents get to watch their little ones have fun with their friends without a lot of wrangling! However, organizing both a safe and fun environment for little kids to play in is overwhelming.
Fun Indoor Playdate Ideas for Children
A lot is happening in an indoor playdate between planning fun activities and ensuring the kids are entertained.
Here is a list below to help make planning playdates for your kids easier and enjoyable.
With this list, you are guaranteed to focus on having fun with your kids.
1.
Craft TogetherIf you have an imaginative and curious child, crafting is your go-to activity for a playdate.
You do not need expensive craft supplies because common household materials are suitable to cultivate your creative spirit.
Your kids can follow their imagination with interesting crafts with materials like buttons, feathers, and wooden pieces.
When children craft together, they develop their social skills and learn to cooperate and work together with others.
2.
Video GamesVideo games are a fun and exciting playdate activity for kids to exercise and develop vital skills.
These skills include problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, reading skills, and improved imagination and creativity.
If the kids are uninterested in every activity, you can always rely on video games to keep them entertained.
3.
PaintingPainting provides long hours of entertainment for kids and is a great outlet to express and hone their creativity.
Painting is fun in groups, so it won’t be hard to find a project that every kid will enjoy working on.
Your child and friends can experiment with different styles, colors, and media using their vivid imagination.
Who knows, with watercolors, chalk pastels, or acrylic paints, they may be the next Vincent van Gogh or Leonardo da Vinci?
4.
Fun Science ExperimentsScience experiments are very intriguing for kids, and this excellent learning activity also provides entertainment to little kids.
Examples of popular experiments are the DIY lava lamps, frozen slime recipes, and edible chocolate play-dough.
5. Build an Indoor FortChildren can build an indoor fort right in the comfort of their homes.
An overnight blanket fort-camping experience is a perfect way for children to connect and put their ingenuity to work.
Find the best spot within the house where everyone will feel comfortable while playing and rolling around.
Also, let them get creative with the pillows, sheets, and blankets.
6.
Sing-Along Dance PartyHave each child select their favorite song and see who can master the hilarious dance.
Some kids might be shy at the start of the game, but they will eventually warm up to the idea.
You can also make the game fun by asking one to be the DJ and playing games like freeze dance.
Everyone starts dancing at the start of the music, but they must halt in their positions immediately after the music stops.
Any kid who continues moving after the music ends is out of the game.
The game continues till one child is left, and the person is declared the winner.
7.
Baking PartyThrow a baking party and ask the kids to bake their favorite dessert.
Cooking intrigues children, and they perceive it as a combination of both science and magic.
To make it fun, you can add a touch of mystery by including food coloring and telling them it will give them superhero powers.
Children will surely love the idea of having superpowers after their baking activity.
8. Indoor CampingIndoor camping out is not only exciting, but it’s also a great way for your little one to have a sense of adventure.
Indoor camping is safe, and the children can have the thrill of camping out while still within reach of you.
Playdate Tips and Tricks
When planning a successful playdate for your little one, preparation is key.
For optimum fun, you will need to properly research and prepare so the playdate can run smoothly without problems.
Here are five playdate tips and tricks to consider if you want every child interested throughout the playdate.
1.
Select a TimeYou would need to set a definite start and end time for your child’s playdate so that everyone can know when to bring their kids.
Usually, for five-year-olds, the maximum time to keep them interested in any activity is three hours.
However, plan several games and activities for kids to carry out within the set-out playdate time as their attention span is still relatively short.
For example, if you want kids to focus during a science experiment, then plan it at the beginning, and after that, move to more games.
2.
Prepare Your HomeIf your child’s friends come to play at your house, put away the games you know your child does not like sharing.
However, if you have duplicates of any particular game, lay them out prominently so everyone can have a toy to use.
With food, note that children rarely eat much when active and running around, so prepare small healthy snacks, like apple chips or banana smoothies.
Also, consult with other parents for their kid’s potential allergies.
3.
Plan Backup ActivitiesBefore the playdate, please find out the activities other children enjoy to prevent boredom.
Also, if your child and his new friend are slow to warm to one another, these backup activities will come in handy.
4.
Stay Nearby, but Do Not HoverChildren may need your help during the playdate, but they will also need space to socialize independently.
So, stay within earshot to help out only when necessary.
To avoid tantrums and boredom, keep the playdate short or have at least a 30-minute break.
A few minutes before the game ends, inform your little one and their friends that it is almost time to leave.
5.
Number of KidsThe number of children to have at the playdate depends on your little one’s personality.
If your child is quiet and introverted, inviting 20 of their friends and classmates would not be an enjoyable experience for them.
Even with an extroverted kid, you would still need to check the number of kids invited to their playdate.
Up to five children are usually recommended for outgoing children so they can remain focused and interested.
Conclusion
There are numerous playdate ideas to select for your little one, and sometimes they need structured play.
Children benefit greatly from playdates as it helps them hone important skills.
Sometimes interacting out of their normal social situations makes them uncomfortable; however, it’s good to step out of their comfort zone.
It will pay off in their adult years. Remember to make the game fun and exciting!
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17 Playdate Ideas for Toddlers and Kids
Kids love to play. And parents love to watch their children have fun with their friends. But sometimes putting together a safe and fun environment for them all to play can feel overwhelming. Between planning activities and snack times, coordinating with parents, and keeping the kids entertained– there’s a lot going on during a playdate. So we’re here to help. Check out our playdate ideas and resources below to help make your playdate planning easier and more organized. That way you can focus on enjoying the time spent with your kids.
Jump to:
- What Is A Playdate?
- Playdate Place and Location Ideas
- What To Do On A Playdate
- Playdate Craft Ideas
- Playdates For Toddlers
- Playdate Ideas For Kids
What Is A Playdate?
A playdate is a designated time for two children to visit and play together. Parents set the time, date, and location for a playdate ahead of time. Playdates typically last for a few hours before the parent who isn’t hosting the playdate picks up their child.
The Perfect Playdate
A “perfect” playdate is one that both children enjoy and that both children and parents feel secure about the welfare and safety of everyone involved. The best way to plan for a perfect playdate is to plan ahead, stay organized, and make sure expectations and activities are communicated to everyone beforehand.
Our Tip: To help make the scheduling of your child’s playdate easier, consider using mommy calling cards. These cards come with all your contact information to help inform other parents of important details when scheduling a playdate.
Playdate Place and Location Ideas
Looking for some new playdate location ideas? If your child is tired of always being at a certain person’s house or you’re just wanting to give them a fun surprise, consider the playdate place ideas below:
- One Parent’s House
- Local Park
- Museum
- Water Park
- Local Gardens
- Bounce House Centers
- Zoo
- Aquarium
- Bowling Alley
- Roller Rink
- Mini Golf Course
- Movie Theatre
- Laser Tag
What To Do On A Playdate
Take the opportunity of a playdate to introduce exciting or new activities to your child. Whether they’re crafty, love to play with toys, listen to stories, or make a mess in the kitchen – there’s something to do for everyone. Check out some of our favorite ideas below or use them to inspire a unique idea of your own.
Playdate Craft Ideas
Specifically looking for new crafts? We have you covered. Check out our playdate craft ideas for every season below.
1. Christmas Crafts for Kids
From gingerbread cutouts to elf party hats, these holiday focused crafts are perfect for kids of all ages! Just make sure you have a crafting corner to keep all the mess contained.
2. Valentines Day Crafts for Kids
Valentine’s crafts not only make an excellent playdate idea for the springtime, but they’re also super easy to put together. Check out some of our favorite heart-shaped crafts through the link above.
3. Art Projects for Kids
Most kids love art projects (and making a big mess!). Check out some of our favorite art project ideas above, such as homemade bird feeders or leaf art, or use them to inspire a different art project all your own.
Playdates For Toddlers
A toddler playdate can sometimes mean a lot of time and energy, leaving you burnt out by the end of the day. So if you’re needing new activities to help keep the kids entertained so you’re not left scrambling, check out the playdate ideas below.
4. Personalized Story Time
Using made up stories or even better, personalized story books, craft a new adventure starring the kids. It’s sure to keep their eyes glued to story time and help facilitate a transition to a low activity time.
5. Memory Games
Memory games aren’t only a fun and challenging activity to keep your toddlers entertained– it’s educational. These games help stimulate brain activity without the little ones even realizing it.
6. Painting Party
What’s a better way to let the little ones express themselves than a painting party? Break out the child-safe paint, paint brushes, and some clean canvases. Just make sure you get to work in a well ventilated area!
7.
Unstructured Toy TimeToddlers love playing with their favorite toys, and sometimes it’s best to leave them to their own imagination. Just make sure there’s plenty of toys so that no fighting over sharing begins!
8. Shadow Puppet Show
Shadow puppets are fun, cute, and perfect for a nighttime playdate or inside with access to a dark room and flashlights. Get creative and inspire the kids to make up their own shapes and creatures.
9. Dance Party
Who doesn’t love a dance party? Bust out some fun moves to family friendly music and get the kids moving.
Playdate Ideas For Kids
Once your child is a little older, they may feel silly playing with toys or shadow puppets during a playdate. If that’s the case, consider upgrading to a few new age appropriate playdate ideas and activities. We’ve included some of our favorites for you below.
10. Superhero Pretend
Few kids dislike superheros, making them one of the most time-honored play pretend activities around. And if you want to make your superhero play time extra special, invest in some personalized capes to hand out to the children.
11. Kids Card Games
From Go Fish, to War, to Speed and beyond, there’s plenty of fun, child-friendly card games to keep the kids happy for hours. And you can make your card game playdate sand out with our personalized kids playing cards.
12. Baking Party
Kids love food and science experiments. Put that together and you’re sure to win brownie points by throwing a baking party for a playdate. Whether you decide to make cookies, brownies, puppy chow, or anything else, the kids are sure to have a blast. And to help minimize the cooking mess, make sure to check out our kids aprons.
13. Movie Marathon
If the playdate is a little longer than usual or the kids are tired, you might want to throw a movie marathon. These low energy playdates are perfect for relaxing, and made even better by kids bean bags for lounging.
14. Adventure to the Park/Zoo/Aquarium
Bringing your playdate to a fun location like the local park, zoo, or aquarium isn’t just good for keeping the kids happy– they’re sure to learn something along the way. Just make sure their backpacks are pre packed for everything they’ll need along the way.
15. Puzzles
Build or buy a special puzzle before a playdate as a perfect quiet-time activity. Once it’s time for the kids to settle down, the puzzle will provide the perfect distraction to help them get there.
16. Game Night
Consider throwing a game night together for your next playdate. Full of plenty of fast paced games and breaks for snack time, the kids will stay entertained for hours. Make sure to check out our resource on fun family games for additional game night ideas.
17. Some Ideas for the Road
If there’s any extra time spent in the car during a playdate, consider reading our guide on travel games for kids. There you’ll find activities ranging from highly engaged to low energy– something for everyone.
Resources Related to Playdate Ideas
If you liked this resource on playdate ideas for toddlers and kids and you’re looking for additional related content, we’ve got you covered. Make sure to look through the ideas below:
- Best Parenting Blogs
- Family Activities
- Kids Products
First Date: 5 Secrets to Success
December 23, 2016RelationshipColumn
Too often we have high hopes for a first date with a person we are interested in. But do we always achieve our goals? To make the first meeting easy and pleasant for both parties, you should follow a few rules.
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0Olga Kuznetsova
Psychologist and linguist by education, currently teaching languages. And he is looking for his soul mate.
I was once in a relationship with a wonderful man and I was happy. And then everything collapsed. Not immediately, of course, but more on that some other time. Of course, I was worried. And for quite a long time. And then I decided it was time to create a new relationship. And about a month ago I registered on a dating site.
There was a time when I listened distantly about my friends' endless failed attempts to "find something decent there. " They often complained that their first dates with "amazing men" ended up being their last. Therefore, starting this stage, I tried to foresee, if not everything, then a lot. And to my surprise, every time everything went well!
Solving this problem, I formulated some simple rules, and now I want to share them. Let's start with the most important thing.
1. Be real
Remember the commercial? A girl comes on a date and accidentally hears a young man waiting for her say to someone on the phone: “No, I haven’t found it yet. After all, I'm looking for the real one! The girl quickly changes her appearance, becomes "real" and makes an excellent impression on the young man. Who would have thought that everything in life is exactly like that?
From personal experience
Every time I was going to a meeting, I tried, let's say, not to get together. Already on the first date, I realized how right I was! I was met by a slightly immersed in work problems man in a sweater and jeans. It would be nice if I came in an evening dress or in a sexy blouse with a luxurious neckline!
It's amazing, but what I chose from my entire wardrobe absolutely matched the place, time, my interlocutor, and most importantly, myself. Which significantly influenced the course of the entire meeting, because it allowed us to immediately be on the same wavelength. After all, we both came in what we feel comfortable walking, sitting, communicating. And it was so natural! In general, I recommend.
Although perhaps your favorite and most comfortable outfit is just a sexy blouse? Well then, go ahead!
But remember: the “take me now” war paint and erotic outfit are more suitable for searching for dubious adventures, and not for your soulmate.
Perhaps you ask: what about the advice that a woman should first of all be attractive? Yes that's right. The question is: who do you want to attract?
For your potential husband, most likely, your femininity and inner beauty, which modern men notice perfectly at first sight, will be attractive. And attraction at the level of the basic instinct will leave your relationship at this level and, most likely, forever.
2. Smile sincerely
Gioconda's smile won't suit us. Sometimes men fall into a strange stupor from such "female tricks" with a claim to the notorious mystery. A Hollywood smile with all 32 teeth will not suit us either. Psychologists have long explained why.
The only requirement for your smile is that it must be sincere. You ask, how can you smile at a stranger, and even sincerely? Just think about how sincere you are now! You are sincerely glad that you came to the meeting, and here he is, already waiting for you, and you are really happy to see him, aren't you?
And I'll tell you one more secret: there is nothing worse than a polite smile on the first date. Think for yourself, what can she say to your chosen one? Personally, I see something like this interpretation: “Well, it’s very nice, of course, that you came, but I’m so polite, and that’s why I smile at you so politely. I'm sure you already liked me, because I'm so polite.
From personal experience
In order to successfully use this technique, it is enough to create a special elevated mood inside yourself, which I like to call “quiet delight”. Why is it quiet? And why the excitement? On the one hand, you do not gush with uncontrollable emotions, on the other hand, you do not exhaust your interlocutor with disturbing thoughts about your inner trouble. That is, we are looking for a golden mean.
If your delight is quiet, then it can be contained, but it is still there. It inevitably announces itself from time to time and first of all breaks through in your intonations, in a smile. And your smile is really joyful and sincere. Because at this moment you let your inner sun out.
A sincere smile disarms and wins you over in a special way. It forms a space of trust in which your interlocutor falls.
Using only this one technique, you will go most of the way towards each other in one date.
3. Be simple
Take things lightly. Experience shows that a person who is too fixated on the result, the chances of achieving it are sharply reduced. It's inexplicable, but it's a fact. Although, perhaps, the whole thing is in excessive tension. She doesn't decorate. And our task is to present ourselves in such a way that a person wants to see you again. Or even more than once!
It is also important not to try to show only your best side. This will allow you to see the different reactions of your potential partner and see if he will be able to cope with your small shortcomings in the future.
Surprisingly, men also respond positively to such openness. They also have something that they want to hide, there is a fear of spoiling the first impression. Realizing that you allow yourself not to be perfect, they themselves relax a little. And we remember that the main thing is to create an atmosphere of trust and comfort.
From personal experience
Basically, I tried to be the same as in life, to behave as usual, including allowing me to be imperfect. And this gave us the opportunity to immediately get to a different level of communication than the standard scraping with mutual bows.
For example, when I was 15 minutes late, I simply apologized and explained the reason without wringing my hands. And then she sincerely rejoiced at the calmness and loyalty of her interlocutor. And she was so happy that he noticed this joy. And she mentally gave herself a plus, seeing how he inwardly drew himself up from the feeling of his generosity. And then he told me that this happens to him, and finally relaxed. By the end of our communication, we already knew that both were imperfect. And if you look closely, it is this knowledge that creates a feeling of greater closeness.
Men love girls with whom it's easy to breathe, with whom you don't have to build anything out of yourself, watch your every word, gesture, in other words, tense up. Don't stress men out on the first date. After all, if they were in search, it means that someone before you already strained them very much!
4.
Don't be afraid to askBut ask about what is really important or interesting to you. Psychologists say that people love to talk about themselves. And it's a sin not to use it! Seeing your genuine interest, a man cheers up and becomes more calm.
Plus, while he's talking, you can look into his eyes for a long time, giving him any feeling you want. Your look can be alluring, thoughtful, mysterious or perky, intriguing, with a twinkle! But most importantly, he must be open and friendly. For me personally, the last option was enough.
It is also on the first date that you should ask those questions that will pave the way for your future relationship. Do not be afraid to discuss with the interlocutor the purpose of acquaintance, ask him what he expects from communication.
Tell us about yourself. And here, don’t talk about what you expect from the person himself or from relationships in general: “You must be (hereinafter a list of 48 points) , and then I will marry you!” Talk about what attracts you to the prospect of continuing to communicate with him. If it's hard to tell a potential partner about it, tell it to yourself. Let a clear picture form in your head. By the way, this will help you keep the dialogue in the right direction.
From personal experience
Openness and mutual interest allowed us to talk enthusiastically throughout the meeting. No forced pauses, no awkward silences, no need to think hard about what else to ask.
And for difficult cases, there is one little secret, which I call the “hook loop”. Suppose you asked a question and received a detailed answer. And you notice that your interlocutor is frantically looking in the back streets of his own brain for what to ask you now. Help him out! Start talking about yourself by answering the same question that was asked of him. He will have time to silently admire you (I personally always say smiling). And there will be time to figure out what to talk about later.
We really love it when others are interested in us, our life, our thoughts. Deliver this joy to your potential partner!
Especially if you see that your questions don't leave him bewildered and don't make him want to hide somewhere. And at the same time, you can find out for yourself everything that seems important to you.
5. Believe in yourself
This rule should become an axiom for you. Self-love, adequate self-esteem and self-confidence are the main components of your future success. And not just on the first date. These qualities form your inner core of a person who is stable in life. And they are the basis of your charisma and attractiveness. If you are the happy owner of this magnificent combination, feel free to set a date. The date will be successful!
In conclusion, I would like to say: read articles, study trends, ask for advice, look for information. But first, listen to yourself! Your heart, your intuition will never let you down.
Be simple, real, sincere, ask, smile, believe in yourself!
15 tips on what not to do on a first date: July 21, 2021, 1:43 pm
Illustrative photo © Shutterstock
July 21, 2021, 13:43
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The first date allows you to understand whether you want to continue to communicate with this person. Future relationships will be built depending on how this meeting goes. But there may not be a relationship at all if you do not like each other. TengriMIX will tell you what mistakes you should not make so that the first date turns into the second.
A Reddit user asked the portal members what not to do on a first date. The discussion got more than three thousand responses, in which users shared their tips and stories of unsuccessful first dates. We present to your attention the 15 most popular answers.
"Don't interrupt. Let the person finish and listen. Avoid serious topics on the first date. You're trying to get to know each other, not start an argument. Politics, religion, and the topic of exes can be set aside for other meetings."
"Don't be distracted by your phone all the time. Set it to vibrate and don't look at it except when you go to the restroom. I left because she was constantly answering messages."
"Don't just talk about your past relationships."
"Don't come drunk. I once watched such a meeting while working as an administrator in a restaurant. The guy was clearly drunk. His companion behaved politely, but clearly felt uncomfortable. The waiter understood this, and when she got up to " go to the restroom" he escorted her to our service elevator to leave. After about 15 minutes, the waiter informed the guy that his companion had left. The guy seemed surprised, then a little upset, finally admitted that this happened to him for the second time on this week. I ended up feeling a little sad for him, because fighting addiction is very difficult."
"Don't be offended if the girl doesn't want you to pick her up/take her home. These are basic safety rules. Offer, but don't insist."
"Don't try too hard to impress. Instead, try to learn more about the person. Interest is attractive, boasting is not."
"Don't go to the movies. I think going to the movies is good for people who are already in a relationship. Why? Because if you go to the movies on your first date, you'll just spend two hours watching something. You won't get a chance to talk and get to know each other better."
"Don't order French onion soup. I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered a dish that is both messy and bad breath. My wife still reminds me of my stupid decision to order this soup."
"Don't blurt out all the unattractive things about your life on a first date. You'll have time to get to know the person better and be honest, but that's not what a first date is for.