Looking for fun play date ideas? Here are our 24 favorite ideas for a successful play date with 5 year olds! These play ideas work well for one on one play dates or as play group ideas.
Best Playdate Ideas For Young Children
Coming up with creative ways and new activities to do with little kids might seem like hard work, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Sometimes, a little bit of planning, a couple of video games, or a visit to the local park is more than enough to make a new friend. Today we are sharing with you the best way to plan a play date with kids who are 5 years old, although many of these ideas can be adapted for kids of all ages.
So next time you have a play date coming up, just take a look at this list, and we’re sure that you’ll find a good idea for you to do with your child’s friends. Let’s get ready for a good time!
Play Ideas for Play Dates
1. Color Spray – Science through Art for Kids
This Color Spray science experiment is simple enough that preschoolers can do it at home easily, and older kids can find it entertaining for hours too.
2. Let’s Make Toilet Roll Ninjas – Cutest Toilet Paper Roll Craft Ever
This ninja toilet paper roll craft is great for kids of all ages, but preschoolers and kindergarten kids will especially love using a little imagination to make these super cute ninjas!
3. Giant Snakes and Ladders Game!
This activity does take a couple of days to plan and requires a large play area, but once you make it, your kids will have so much fun – for days and days! From The Craftables.
4. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt and S’mores Printables
Scavenger hunts are always a great idea! The best part is that you can play this with any number of kids no matter where you are – a backyard is more than enough! From Clean & Scentsible.
5. DIY Pool Noodle Games- No Water Needed! (Alternative Uses for Pool Noodles)
If you have some pool noodles but no water around, don’t worry! There are plenty of creative ideas you can try with them at home that will keep children entertained for hours. From Mission To Save.
6. Marshmallow Shooters
To make this fun craft, you’ll need a bit of planning and some materials you can buy at the local Home Depot. But the best part is that you can reuse it as many times as needed to play during the whole summer! From Happiness is Homemade.
7. Learn Through Movement: Reading – I Spy Neighborhood Walk
Print the worksheets and gather your children for this I spy neighborhood walk. This activity can be played with younger children and older kids alike. From Mess For Less.
8. Water Painting – Simple Summer Activity
You don’t need a lot to have fun – some brushes, water, and kids willing to play are more than enough! Try this water painting idea from All For The Boys.
9. Garden Tea Party
Take a look at these creative ideas for a garden tea party with friends. It’s perfect for birthday parties and a special child’s play date. From Classy Clutter.
10. Sidewalk Smoke Bombs
Make sidewalk smoke bombs using a simple recipe for play. You can make rainbow clouds – just follow the easy tutorial! From Growing a Jeweled Rose.
11. How To Make Mini Water Blobs
Have you heard of water blobs? They’re plastic sheeting filled with water you can make for kids to slip and side on for some awesome water fun. Here you can learn how to make one! From Hello Wonderful.
12. Bubble Wrap Roller Printing
Want some art activities? Just wrap a few rollers with bubble wrap, put out some paint, and cover your table with paper. Your kids will be all ready to make some art! From Art Bar Blog.
13. Glowing Fairy Bottle
A beautiful glittery, water-filled jar that illuminates and glows in the dark. Making this simple craft will mesmerize both older children and younger kids! From Bitz N Giggles.
14. Paint Filled Eggs
Fill some eggs with paint and toss them on canvas to make amazing pieces of art. It’s easier than you’d expect, and kids will have an absolute blast. From Growing a Jeweled Rose.
15. Make a Mason Jar Aquarium
Kids will have a great time making this super fun and easy craft, and it is a great way to send kids home from a playdate with a treasure they created themselves. From Hello Wonderful.
16. Toilet Roll Cars: Printable
This activity is a sure way to keep the kids entertained for a long time while they make these cars and play with them with lego figures or dolls. From Be A Fun Mum.
17. Jelly Bean Jewelry
Besides being so fun to make, this jelly bean jewelry idea doubles as a sensory play and sorting activity. Crafting with candy is so fun! From Messes To Memories.
18. Throw A Lovely Art Party!
Here is a super fun and creative outlet for your kids. What child doesn’t love to color?! It’s a great end of a playdate. From B. Lovely Events.
19. Create a Box City. Cutting practice and creativity for kids with Free Printable Doors and Windows
Let’s use recycled materials to make a box city. This activity helps develop cutting skills, creativity, and imagination. From Learn With Play At Home.
20. Crayon Art Sculpture
Here is an easy art project for kids. All you need is a box of crayons (paper wrapper must remain on) and a glue gun. From Meri Cherry.
21. Woodland Creature Cup Crafts
These adorable, budget-friendly woodland creature cup crafts are so fun to make and can be used for anything from classroom parties to decorations for your Thanksgiving table. From Simple As That blog.
22. diy: Washi Tape Wooden Bracelets
These bracelets take some days to make, but the result is worth it. Perfect for a sleepover playdate with kids. And they are so beautiful! From Mama Miss.
23. Painting With Feet
Simple feet paintings are so much fun, and you end up with gorgeous paintings that we often turn into homemade wrapping paper. From Homegrown Friends.
24. How To Make Dancing Ribbon Rings
Dancing ribbon rings promote physical exercise and ignite imagination and play. It’s so easy to learn how to make them and you only need a couple of materials! From Laughing Kids Learn.
Want more fun activities for preschoolers? Try these:
Which of the playdate activities for 5 year olds are you going to try first? Which activity is your favorite?
