13 Perfect Playdate Ideas for Mom Friends (That are Kid-Friendly!)
7 minute read
You’ve heard that it takes a village to raise children — and we couldn’t agree more!
Because when you’re struggling through a seemingly endless string of sleepless nights or you’re in the throes of the terrible twos, trying threes, or frightful fours, our friends can get us through the thick of it and help us come out stronger on the other side.
But even if you desperately want to spend quality time with your mom friends, get-togethers with little ones can be a tad more challenging.
We know first-hand how hard it can be to find activities that are fun and easy for both moms and kiddos, that’s why we put together a list of 13 of our favorite activities to do with your besties — that won’t leave you exhausted at the end of your time together!
- Brunch at a Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop or Restaurant
You don’t have to give up Saturday brunch with the gals just because you have a tiny tot in tow!
Beyond high-chairs and coloring books, there are tons of kid-friendly establishments out there that have pulled out all the stops to keep your littles entertained while you enjoy a tasty treat with your besties.
Look for coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants that feature creative children’s play areas with fun toys like child-sized tables, mini-kitchens, and train tracks. Many places also offer simple crafts, board games, and little libraries.
Your kids will have a blast and you can treat yourself to a delicious breakfast, coffee, or pastry while you catch up on the latest with your friends.
- Storytime at Your Local Library
Have you tried meeting up with your mom friends for your library’s weekly storytime? If you like having a schedule — this is a great weekly activity to help you get your active kiddos out of the house (and we love that it’s free!).
Sit next to your friends and take part with your kiddos in the activity… or slip away to a couple comfy chairs to chat kids-free for a few minutes!
Not only will your little ones love the actual story time, they can pick out a few books to check out and enjoy throughout the rest of the week. You might even pick up a fun new read too!
- Parktime Play
When the sun is shining, head outdoors to one of your area’s local parks!
Playdates with friends are a great opportunity to explore the many different parks that your city has to offer. Maybe start out with the park in your neighborhood and then try out the one near your friend’s home. Then, pick out a new park you’ve both been wanting to try!
There are so many amazing parks out there that have creative play structures and fun splash pads, along with nature walks, gardens, and sports fields that will keep your kiddos entertained while you catch up with your friend.
Exploring new parts of your city will be a fun activity for both you and your little ones. Plus, parks are great meeting places — with parking, paved sidewalks, and restrooms if you need them.
- Playful Picnic
There’s nothing better than a relaxing picnic in the warm sunshine… Especially when you’ve been cooped up in the house chasing little ones around all day!
Whether you’re in your backyard or a grassy field at your local park — a picnic is an easy way to get some fresh air while you spend quality time with your friend. And, your kiddos can run, jump, and play to their heart’s content!
A picnic doesn’t have to be anything fancy or elaborate (although if you have the time and energy to put together a fun, Parisian-inspired picnic, then by all means!). Simply grab a picnic blanket — or even a few beach towels if you’re in a pinch — and maybe a few fun picnic snacks like refreshing sparkling waters, trail mix, or cookies…and you’ll be good to go!
- Urban Walk
Grab your kids’ stroller, scooters, or bikes and head out for a fun morning stroll! If you want to stick close to home, look no further than your neighborhood — especially if you have paved sidewalks or wide streets — both are perfect for walking with friends.
It’s also fun to mix things up by heading downtown to soak in the culture of your city… and maybe window shop a bit! Or you can explore different neighborhoods — looking at the fun homes and even trying out their local establishments!
- Nature Walk
If you’re more of a nature-loving kind of gal, try going for a nature walk with friends!
Maybe you’ve been wanting a change of scenery… Explore a new trail together somewhere outside the city. Having a friend willing to go with you may be just the push you need to pull out your hiking boots and go on a new adventure.
But as a busy mom, you may not be able to venture too far away from home. And that’s ok! Most likely, your local area already has beautiful natural elements for you and your kiddos to enjoy.
A great place to start? Wherever there’s water!
Walk around the lake in your neighborhood. Head down to the beach for a stroll. Meander along the path that follows the river, stream, or reservoir closest to your home.
Chances are, you don’t have to go too far from home to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature… And experiencing this with friends is a wonderful memory to share together.
- Go for a Swim
Did you know that swimming can decrease anxiety and depression and help improve your mood? Plus, it’s a fun activity that moms and kids of all ages can enjoy. Swim with your littles or lounge on a couple beach chairs as your kiddos splash and play.
If you or one of your mom friends has a pool, this activity is a no brainer! But you can also get your toes wet at your favorite beach, aquatic center, or even a water park if you’re up for an adventure.
We also love the new trend of renting swimming pools using the app, Swimply. This can be a fun option if you’re getting a group of friends together.
- Visit Your Local Children’s Museum
Making a trip to one of your local museums is a great activity to do with little ones and friends. Whether it’s a natural science museum, a history museum, modern art, or even a train museum… There’s bound to be a children’s museum that will match your children’s interests.
Many museums offer free days throughout the month. Plus, museums rotate exhibits which means there’s always something new and exciting to see!
And the best part? Museums are open throughout the year! So you won’t have to cancel your playdate if it’s rainy, cold, or even a little snowy outside.
- Indoor Play Gym
Taking a field trip to an indoor play gym is a great way to let your little ones burn off some energy, while enjoying a few precious minutes to sit, relax, and connect with your friends.
And there are so many creative play gyms out there these days!
We love a traditional play gym full of foam pits, swings, and trampolines. But it’s also fun to explore indoor sand pits, trampoline parks, and Montessori-inspired indoor playgrounds. Older kids will love a trip to an escape room, mini golf, bowling, or even laser tag.
- Stop by the Farmer’s Market
So many communities have amazing farmer’s markets these days. We love this as an option to meet up with friends and get out of the house during the warmer months of the year.
It’s fun to meet up with your bestie to browse your favorite stalls, meet new farmers, and check off some of the items on your grocery list — with beautifully fresh, organic produce!
From hunting down ingredients..to talking with vendors, and purchasing items… A farmer’s market is a great place for young children to practice their social skills, budgeting, and home economics.
- Attend a Class Together
Whether it’s toddler storytime yoga, music, art, or dance… Attending a class with your little one is a beautiful way to introduce your children to activities that you love.
And it’s all the more fun with people you know! Invite your friends to join and plan a little time to hang out before or after the class.
Not only will you have a blast, so will your littles, and your friends! It’s a win-win-win!
- Coffee & Chill at Home
When you’re not sure what activity to do with your mom friends — that’s ok! Sometimes we can feel pressured by our culture or social media to constantly be doing interesting activities with our family and friends.
But remember, sometimes, just being together with dear friends is all you need. Nothing fancy, just gathering at one of your homes to connect — kids in pj’s, mom buns, leggings and all.
Maybe you go through the drive-through at your favorite coffee shop. Or you simply brew a pot yourself or pour a cup of tea… Put on a movie for the kiddos, give them a selection of art supplies, or bust out a tried-and-true collection of toys. Keep it simple!
The truth is, just being together, even if there’s no agenda, can be so life-giving and refreshing — not to mention a great example for our little ones.
- Meet at Babies in Bloom!
Looking for a new stroller? Need to get some gifts off a friend’s registry? Interested in taking a CPR & First Aid class for little ones?
Have your friends meet you at the Babies in Bloom Boutique!
Stop by BabyFest in the spring, pop into the Lactation Lounge, or sign up for an educational class together.
Or just meet here to shop! You’ll find a curated collection of parent-tested products you can trust – while enjoying a safe, warm and welcoming environment for moms and littles.
We’d love to be a part of your journey!
Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/
Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday.)
