The days are getting longer, and the sun is starting to shine again, which means springtime with plenty of opportunities to get out of the house and schedule some fun, seasonal playdate ideas. As mamas and littles alike would agree, socialization is beneficial for everyone. So, who wouldn’t enjoy a playdate or two? If you need fresh ideas for the coming months, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of spring playdate ideas you’ll be glad to put on your children’s calendars.
Indoor Spring Playdate Ideas for Rainy Days
Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t have a playdate! Here are three ideas you can use to encourage children to learn and use their imaginations.
Have a Dress-Up Party
Set out an assortment of clothing and accessories, or invite kiddos to bring their own, and watch the little ones keep themselves entertained with their imaginations for hours playing dress up.
Set Up Simple Science Experiments
Have the kids build a catapult out of popsicle sticks, explore sinking and floating objects in your kitchen, and observe Skittles dissolve in water; the options are endless. Kids will love the opportunity to get hands-on and inquisitive with simple DIY science experiments.
Spark Creativity with an Indoor Obstacle Course
Encourage children to utilize household items such as cushions, laundry baskets, soft play blocks, hula hoops, and more to design a challenge that will be as fun to build as it is to complete. They can even invite family members (or stuffed animals) to cheer on participating future Olympians.
Active Spring Playdate Ideas
As winter ends, the weather might not be warm enough to run outside for hours. So, here are several active playdate ideas the kids can do inside, not just in early spring but all year long.
Go Ice Skating at an Indoor Ice Rink
Outdoor rinks might close for the season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the clan laced up and out on the ice at an indoor rink. If you’ve got younger skaters in tow, check to see if training carts are available for them to push.
Get Jumping at an Indoor Trampoline Park
Fun for all ages (adults too!), plan this playdate for the early hours of the day to guarantee solid afternoon naps to follow. Hesitant to take the tiniest tots? Many trampoline parks offer weekly toddler time, which means no big kids are allowed.
Sign Up for an Open Swim Session
If your local community center or sports complex has a pool for public use, this is another great option to burn off energy in a fun setting. Open swimming is the perfect opportunity to acclimate kiddos to the water before summer rolls around.
Take a Mommy and Me Yoga Class
Just the right blend of movement and Zen, experienced yogis and amateurs alike will fit in at mommy and me yoga classes. You might expand your playdate circle as you connect with other moms and babies on the mat.
Creative Spring Playdate Ideas
Inside or outside, rainy day or not, you can encourage the kids to get creative with a craft, some paint, or at an art studio.
Host an Afternoon Full of Arts and Crafts
With the beauty of the changing seasons comes ample inspiration for children to get their creative juices flowing. Set up stations with watercolor paints, craft paper, friendship bracelet materials, and more, and watch your budding artists’ visions come to life. A little bit of prep work can go a long way here.
Paint Eggs Together
You can’t go wrong with this treasured spring activity, even if you don’t celebrate Easter. Offer paint, stickers, and stencils for the ultimate decorating eggstravaganza. For added amusement, encourage kiddos to set up an egg hunt afterward!
Register for a DIY Class at an Art or Maker’s Studio
This one is ideal if you’re hoping to get out of the house for a lowkey but structured, hands-on occasion. Depending on your child’s age, choose from pottery spinning to canvas painting and everything in between.
Laidback Spring Playdate Ideas
Give one of these a shot if you’re in the mood for a calmer, more laid-back playdate to catch up with friends.
Go Mall Walking
Load up the stroller and head to the mall for window shopping and plenty of time for mom talk. You’ll get your steps (and gossip) in while the little ones lay low–and maybe even lay back for a nap.
Go for a Stroll at the Park
Or hit your nearest playground. A foolproof playdate idea, springtime is an excellent time to get this one on the calendar–perhaps even on repeat. Pack a picnic and an outdoor blanket with these playdate must-haves; you’re good to go.
Grab Lunch Somewhere with a Designated Play Area
You’ll get a break from cooking and cleanup, and the kiddos will get to climb, slide, and play safely in an enclosed area while you take a breather. It’s a win-win.
Special Occasion Spring Playdate Ideas
Are you interested in changing things up a bit? You could try a special playdate at a show or for a sweet treat somewhere in the neighborhood or nearby.
Get Your Splash on at an Indoor Waterpark
While they are often attached to hotels, you can purchase day passes to indoor waterparks as a standalone option. Many locations feature toddler pools, and some even boast onsite arcades for double the excitement.
Attend an Ice Show
This extra-special playdate idea will create magical memories to cherish for years to come. Whether Disney On Ice, Stars On Ice, or anything else on the ice, the experience will be one to remember for everyone in the stands.
Have an Ice Cream Party
Because memories are meant to be made and shared, springtime is a wonderful time to do just that, have an ice cream party just because you can. Get creative with fun toppings and let kiddos celebrate the weather warming up and the school year winding down.
Other Spring Playdate Ideas
Other playdate ideas for spring can get kids experiencing everything from baby animals to new dance moves.
Visit a Farm
People often equate this outing with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and other fall activities, but the spring season is a fantastic time to take a trip to the farm. I mean, who doesn’t love baby ducklings hatching and wildflowers blooming?
Check Out the Zoo
Planning a leisurely day at the zoo before summer hits gives you the classic animal experience without the crowds and heat.
Go to an Outdoor Theater
Some places have outdoor theaters, outdoor movies, and outdoor concerts. Look at the shows that are coming on their calendars and pick the right one for your next spring playdate. Since the weather is warming up, you’ll enjoy getting some fresh air and entertainment. And some outdoor theaters also offer free shows!
Attend a Storytime at the Library
Youngsters enjoy structured entertainment in a group setting, while parents enjoy the presence of other adults. Plus, library storytimes are typically free.
Try Out a Gymnastics or Dance Cass
Many baby gyms and dance studios offer complimentary trial classes. If you’ve never participated in one before, prepare to become hooked. Make a (play)date to test it out before signups for the fall season start.
However busy your family’s schedule might be in the months ahead, you’ll want to make room for crowd-pleasing playdates to keep everyone entertained and happy. We hope this list comes in handy and inspires you this spring. Let the good times bloom!
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