Kids are like little balls of energy that can be quite difficult to keep entertained. After exhausting the local parks, overflowing the toy box, and reading every book on the shelf, what could there possibly be left to do? Besides, another afternoon of sitting in front of the TV seems less than ideal. If you’re scrambling to gather new ideas to keep your kids entertained, you’ve stumbled to the right place. Below, we’re going to share with you a list of fun and exciting play date ideas that are guaranteed to keep your kids engaged and on the move. Perfect for using up all their energy, you’ll never have to put Frozen on for three days in a row ever again.
1. Junior Masterchef Cook-Off
Both delicious and fun, the kitchen can be a great place to hold an exciting play date. With a “Junior Masterchef Cook-Off”, your little ones can burn off all that extra energy while discovering the wonders of cooking. Choose simple, kid-friendly recipes like pizza, cupcakes, or fruit skewers, and divide the kids into teams. It’s up to you whether you want to make this cook-off into a friendly team effort or a competitive battle. Just remember that safety comes first - give the kids easy tasks they can handle like mixing, kneading, or arranging food. Keep any and all sharp or hot items out of their reach to prevent potential accidents. The great part about this activity is not only will the kids wait in anticipation to try their delicious creations, but they also get to learn a new important life skill. As an added bonus, you’ll have lunch or snacks sorted out too!
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2. Backyard Camping Adventure
Throw up a tent, grab some camping chairs, prepare some smores, and you’re all set to transform your backyard into a fun and exciting camping ground. Without the inconvenience of long drives or pesky bugs, this play date idea is perfect for creating the ultimate day-long adventure. You can set up a bunch of backyard games, engage in sports, and even stargaze at night. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not grill up some burgers and hot dogs for a satisfying backyard meal? You can round out the night with some delicious sweet smores treats, and if the kids are prepared for it, maybe even share a couple of spooky stories. Great for fostering a love for the outdoors, this backyard camping idea is fit for the most energetic of kids.
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3. DIY Art Festival
For a fun day filled with creativity and unleashed imagination, why not organize a play date that caters to your child’s artistic abilities? Invite their closest friends to an amazing art festival, complete with different art stations like painting, clay modeling, origami, or even DIY t-shirt design. You can separate the kids into groups, letting them rotate to each station so they can try all the different forms of art. It’s a fun way to let their creativity run wild while also learning about different art styles and techniques. Who knows - maybe you’ll even inspire some growing artists! At the end of the day, every child will have a treasure trove of artwork to take home, acting as perfect keepsakes for this eventful day.
Photo by Dragos Gontariu on Unsplash
4. Indoor Treasure Hunt
To help your kids improve their critical thinking, a fun pirate-themed play date will work wonders. After all, what’s more fun than a treasure hunt? Depending on the age of your child, you can make it as simple or complex as you like. It’s time to get your own creative juices flowing as you create a series of riddles, puzzles, and clues that lead to hidden treasures placed around the house. These treasures could be small treats or toys that get the children excited to discover more. As they wander around the house solving clues and finding the goods, you’ll watch your kids’ excitement reach a new level you’ve never seen before. A great way to keep them active and engaged, it’s the perfect activity that can easily be tailored to any age group.
Photo by Ashin K Suresh on Unsplash
5. Superhero Training Camp
Is your house filled with chatter about the newest Marvel or DC superhero? If your kid has got Superman and Spiderman on the brain, use that to your advantage by creating the ultimate “Superhero Training Camp”. Think obstacle courses, target practices, and team missions. Catering to their interests, it’s a fantastic way to get them involved in physical activity while keeping them engaged and excited. Even better, they can show up as their favourite superhero! Just keep telling them they’re training to save the world and you’ll see a growing motivation and dedication unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed before.
Photo by Yulia Matvienko on Unsplash
See? Planning a fun play date has never been easier! With these five great ideas in hand, your kids will be leaping with excitement for the next activity you have planned. While it’ll definitely be a fun time for them, you’ll have an enjoyable time too! Because what’s more rewarding than watching your kids laughing and having the best time?
