Toddlers (usually) love playdates but arranging and hosting them is not always fun and games. Between planning activities and snack times, coordinating with parents, and keeping the kids entertained - there’s a lot going on during a playdate. However, at the end of the day it’s all about the kids, and them having fun.
Below is a list of toddler playdate ideas – indoor and outdoor activities to do with your toddler and their friends.
1. Rent a bouncy castle or go to a bouncy castle indoor centre
Bouncy castles are great energy burners for little ones. You can also check to see if there are any local indoor bouncy castle centres. They will have a handful or more of big castles set up indoors that your toddlers will love.
2. Indoor Play Place
Another option is to gather the kids and go to an indoor play place. They are usually in large warehouse style buildings, and they have large climbing structures and slides. Sometimes they have ball bits or indoor carousels. There are lots of opportunities to climb and slide. There are usually tables and chairs for parents to sit and chat or take a break from climbing with the kids.
3. Petting Zoo
Indoor activities are great but getting outside is a fun toddler playdate too. Check out your local petting zoo for a toddler friendly play date. Pet and feed adorable animals. Have a picnic lunch and enjoy the outdoors all together.
4. Playdough Stations
Toddlers love playdough - great way you get them to play together is to set up a playdoh station/ table. You can make homemade playdough and add some accessories.
5. Sensory Activities
If you have a sensory table or plastic bins, you can prepare some sensory play. Fill the bin with dried coloured pasta or rice, lots of scoops and bowls and animal or dinosaur figurines. Or pick up pre-made ones. If you are looking to taste-safe bins check out bins that are choking hazard free.
6. Go to a park
Meet the other parents and kids at a local park. Try to find one that has a little bit for everyone - i.e., Playground equipment that is age appropriate, a sandbox and benches for parents to sit. Bonus if it has a splash pad in the summer.
7. Go to the library - reading circle
Meet the other 2- or 3-year-olds at your library and attend a reading circle together. Then spend some time in the kid’s area playing with toys or colouring.
8. Make crafts
Pick an upcoming holiday or something seasonal and make some crafts together. It’s a nice keepsake to take home for everyone to remind them of their friend at home.
9. Dress up party
Costumes aren’t just for Halloween. Have the toddlers come over for a dress up party in their favourite costume. You can make it a superhero or princess theme if everyone has costumers that would work. Or if your toddler has a bunch of costumes, let their new friend pick out what they want to wear. You can have some parent sized accessories and they can dress you up too.
10. Morning pyjama party
Have all the kids stay in their pjs and come over for breakfast and fun. This means they can squeeze in fun before naps. You can serve breakfast or morning snacks like mini pancakes and fruit kebabs.
Ensure you have a snack and drinks available for both the kids and the parents. A quick text prior to understands if there are any allergies or dietary restrictions will go a long way in ensuring a safe and happy date.
Sources:
Commentaires