When you’re running to the park at the last minute to visit your friends, very little goes into the trip, but when you’re the host of a scheduled playdate among a group, there are things you can do to avoid looking like a hot mess.
First, choose a venue with clean restrooms, air conditioned if you can find them. One of my favorite parks doesn’t have a large playground, but it has air conditioned restrooms, several picnic tables, a few swings, new playground equipment for toddlers, a large climbing tower for kids (that the toddlers are unable to master), the park is fenced, and is surrounded by a smooth winding bike trail for the teens to enjoy. It isn’t our usual meeting place, but I love it for small gatherings!
Last, not everyone brings food, but I like to provide refreshments because active kids get hungry, and hungry kids get cranky. No mama likes to spend her afternoon at the park with a cranky kid! (And honestly, I offer food more for my bunch more than anything because I’m trying to avoid the “I’m hungry” rant on the entire trip home!)
10 Tips to Hosting a Successful Playdate
- Select a venue with clean restrooms allowing little potty trainers to use them without fear.
- Choose a park with appropriate equipment/actives for everyone (teen, tween, children, and toddlers.)
- Avoid locations that are crowded, not fenced, and too spread out.
- Request final head count on day of event (will serve as a reminder and help you identify cancellations.)
- Check the weather forecast for your time slot.
- Bring the essentials you have for play (sports balls, Frisbee, kites, bubble solution)
- Bring refreshment essentials – table cover, paper plates, napkins, utensils, baby wipes.
- Offer Water bottles. (I always bring a new 24 pack of bottles.)
- Choose simple refreshments, leaving options open for other parents to contribute. (See our Menu HERE)
- Avoid hosting when your time is restrained.
Read all of our posts from Mom Does Reviews’
Pampers Easy Ups Party (Playdate) Series
HERE
