Here at Doodle Pants, we are all about creative play and having fun with baby and toddler. We compiled a list of playdate ideas to foster independent play with other kids.
1. Car Wash
Get some buckets with soapy water and sponges along with some toy trucks and cars to wash. Toddlers love this activity and while they wash their cars, you can wash yours!
2. Cook as a group
Cooking is a lot more fun as a group. English muffin pizzas are fun (and easy!) to make. Cut the English muffins and lay our all the ingredients and toppings (marinara sauce, fresh basil, mushrooms, broccoli, cooked chicken sausage, spinach, peppers, cheese, etc.). Give all the kids their own plate to assemble their pizza creations. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes and, voila, a fun activity also means lunch or dinner is out of the way. (Let the pizzas cool a bit before the tots dig in.)
3. Let them do some free art
Instead of organizing a specific craft, give them all the space and tools they need to be creative on their own. You can pick up a large roll of paper fairly cheaply. Lay out crayons, markers, non-toxic paste, stickers, ribbon, pipe cleaners, buttons, non-toxic, easy-to-clean paint, and anything else you can find.
4. Movie night with healthy snacks
Choose a movie and create a movie night! Assemble a healthy snack bar where the kids can choose their snack(s) before the movie just like in a real theater. Avoid junk food (especially when feeding other people’s kids) and opt instead for things like veggie sticks and ranch dressing; organic, low-salt popcorn; apple slices; etc. Make sure to ask ahead of time if your guest has any dietary needs or allergies and it’s a good idea to get the movie approved by the other parent(s) because all families have different rules on what movies their kids can watch.
You can get more creative and match the snacks with the theme of the movie. So, if you are watching Frozen, you could serve Terra Blues (organic chips), frozen grapes (cut the grapes into small pieces to avoid a choking hazard), blueberries, and/or frozen yogurt with fresh fruit and other topping choices.
5. Create a giant fort
The simplest things seem to be the most fun for toddlers. During the holidays my niece played for hours in a giant cardboard box instead of playing with any of the toys she received as gifts. Forts are a classic activity for kids. Bring every spare blanket, pillow, sheet, and chair you can find to the living room. Help them build a fort and involve the kids on how they want it built.
6. Take a nature hike
If the kids are old enough to handle a bit of walking, explore the outdoors near your home or in your neighborhood. Stick to marked trails, but give them an opportunity to see a part of their world they rarely get to experience. Bring healthy snacks for a mini-picnic and waters/juice for hydration!
7. Make your own music
You can easily make some music instruments for kids from things found in your home, like a shoebox guitar or homemade trumpet or drum. Once they’ve made instruments, it’s time to write the symphony!
8. Plant a garden
If your playdates will be ongoing, you could work on a longer project together. Give each child a small space in a backyard garden. Let them pick out which flowers and vegetables to grow. This is a fantastic learning experience.
9. Make your own board game
Board games are fun, but they can be a lot more exciting when you add a physical element! Create a life-sized board game with events and obstacles to conquer. It’s easier than you think!
10. Burn off that energy
Sometimes the best thing you can do with kids is let them do their own thing. Take them somewhere they can run around, jump and get nice and tired for their moms and dads. It also helps to play some upbeat music in the background to keep them moving around.
Written by Doodle Pants Team
Doodle Pants is an exciting collection of stylish toddler leggings for girls and boys, wild animal prints, and charming original characters. Little ones (3 months to 3T) can squiggle and wiggle with ease thanks to a roomy seat, stretchy ribbed cuffs and a comfortable elastic waistband. They’re made with thick, flexible material that holds up and is easy to wash. Whether running havoc on the playground or dressing up for an impromptu dolly tea party, these are the perfect pieces for a frolicking fun time.
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