Stay or go? It’s really “mom’s play date,” so parents should always plan to stay with their child if invited for a get-together.

How long do you stay at a play date?

1-2 hours

Keep the length of the playdate short, especially if you don’t know the kids well: 1-2 hours max. Keep the numbers low, too: 2-4 children. You don’t have to be a super-host or go craft crazy, but it is a good idea to have a simple activity planned in advance. Let your child come up with some ideas.

What are playdate rules?

The Proper Play Date Etiquette Every Mom Should Follow

• Don’t be the mom who never hosts.
• Limit the play date’s time based on the children’s ages.
• Send snacks with your kid if they have dietary restrictions.
• Communicate with the other parent about whether they’d prefer you stay or drop off.

What age can you drop off playdates?

Only Drop Off When Ready



Plan on sticking around if your child is under 3. At this age, playdates are social events for both kids and adults. Most older kids like a drop-off (especially if it’s with a family they know well). Some kids take a while to warm up to being left at another family’s home.

What age should kids have play dates?

2- to 3-years-old

By the time your child is 2- to 3-years-old, she will begin engaging in interactive play with other little ones. If there is one adult present to supervise, you can drop your child off at a play date and allow her to have social interactions with other children her age.

How long should a 7 year old playdate be?

Two hours is usually about right for grade-school-aged kids; one hour is plenty for babies and toddlers. Play date time should definitely be determined by the kids’ ages. While the hosting mom has the final say, it’s good form to talk to all the parents about how long the play date should last before it starts.

What do 5 year olds do on playdates?

Kids will enjoy playing both of them. 5-year-old kids love playing with water, and they can do it for hours.

• Tell Jokes. Kids love jokes – and it’s a great way to get them laughing.
• Cardboard Box Play.
• Build a Teepee Or a Fort.
• Read Aloud Book Club.
• Do a Craft Together.

Do you bring anything to a playdate?

Rather than letting your kid go hungry and then have a meltdown, just bring your own snacks. You don’t need to pack a ton of options, especially if the playdate is only a couple of hours. One or two containers of their go-to is plenty to have on hand.

What do 7 year olds do on playdates?

At 7 years old, children are socializing more and are testing out the activities that interest them. Crafts, art, and sports are becoming more rewarding to 7-year-olds as they become strong and more confident to explore the world through art and books.

What do 14 year olds do on a playdate?

Here are some of our favorites to play with tween and teens: Monopoly, Apples to Apples, Catan and Taboo.

• Learn a TikTok dance.
• Start a book club.
• Set up an obstacle course.
• Make a time capsule.
• Work out as a family.
• Binge watch a show or movies together.
• Give back.
• Play a video game.

How do you host a good playdate?

Tips for Setting Up Playdates

1. Arrange the date. First things first, you have to figure out who would be a good child to have over for a play date.
2. Start where they are comfortable.
3. Preview with your child.
4. Special Items.
5. Keep it short and sweet.
6. Keep it small.
7. Prep a couple of activities.
8. Be ready with a snack.

How do you end a playdate?

If the behavior doesn’t improve, it’s best for host parents to end the playdate in a straightforward manner. Calling the other child’s parent, offering to drop the child off and giving an honest but non-judgmental assessment of the interaction is fine.

What should an 8 year old do on a play date?

Fun Indoor Playdate Ideas for Children

• Craft Together. If you have an imaginative and curious child, crafting is your go-to activity for a playdate.
• Video Games.
• Painting.
• Fun Science Experiments.
• Build an Indoor Fort.
• Sing-Along Dance Party.
• Baking Party.
• Indoor Camping.