Did you know National Friendship Day is the first Sunday in August every year? Whether you are figuring out how to help your child make friends or just want to help them celebrate on August 4th, these epic playdates for kids and their friends are sure to be a hit!
1. Make Your Own Playdough (or Other Sensory Keepsake)
Instead of regular arts and crafts, let your kids’ friends create something they can play with and take home to remember the day. Playdough is a great option! This DIY playdough recipe only requires a few basic kitchen ingredients for an afternoon of fun! This gives kids a mix of art and science for an epic day to remember with friends. Baking, of course, is another great sensory experience for a playdate, and any of our Baketivity baking kits can deliver an epic afternoon of fun for little ones and their pals.
2. Playground Photo Scavenger Hunt
In the best friendships, kids get to go wild together. This playground photo scavenger hunt is the perfect playdate idea for kids who have lots of energy and love to explore. First, create a list of items to find and actions to do at a playground such as, “a pinecone” for an item” and “go down the slide” for an action. Then give your child some type of camera (or be the cameraperson for them) and have them take turns with a friend capturing photos of every item on the list. When they’ve completed the list, give them a special snack as a reward!
3. Backyard Drive-In
What’s better than a movie night? A drive-in movie night right in the backyard. This playdate requires a little bit of work but it’s still relatively easy, and so worth it. First, scavenge a couple of cardboard boxes and color or paint on black wheels to turn them into cars for all your kids’ friends. For your screen, either plug a TV in outside or set up a sheet and use a projector to play the movie. Lastly, use leftover cardboard to make snack boxes stuffed with baggies of popcorn, candy, and a drink! These memories make for the kinds of friendships kids will never forget.
4. Board Game Bonanza
If you’re having more than one friend over, make it a party! Inviting a few extra kids to a playdate and making it a party is a great idea if you’re looking for how to help your child make friends. So what kind of party is perfect as a playdate? A game board part, of course! First, select a few games that the kids will play. Then invite each child to dress up like a character from one of the board games such as the Monopoly man, King Kandy of Candyland, Miss Scarlett from Clue, or even a Hungry, Hungry Hippo. Don’t forget to stop by a dollar store and pick up a few prizes for the game winners and costume contest prizes.
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