A Single Dad’s Guide to 4 Creative Playdate Ideas Your Kids Will Love

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Making time to play with your kids is one of the most important things you can do, especially as a single dad. Coming home after a hard day’s work and hanging out with your children is something you only get to do for a certain period of time, and it needs to be cherished.

Yet, it’s not always easy to know what exactly you should do with your kids. You don’t have to have all the answers right away, particularly when it comes to raising kids.

That’s what we’re here for, anyway. Keep reading below to get four creative playdate ideas that your kids will love you for.

1. Shadow Puppet Shows

Everybody loves a good puppet show, and this playdate idea can work for many different ages. Switch up your old puppets with shadow puppets, and watch your kids get thrilled with the different shapes you can make.

Make it super special and wait until nighttime, using flashlights to make shadow puppets in the backyard. Or, turn off the lights inside and get creative.

Inspire your kids to use their imagination to come up with new shapes and funny creatures, or ask them to tell a story using only their hands.

2. Bowling

Bowling is a classic, making it one of the best playdate ideas. Gather a couple of friends, reserve a few lanes, order the bumpers and ramps, and you’ve got yourself an exciting playdate your kids will have a blast at.

Make sure to research bowling alleys before going, as some are more kid-friendly than others.

3. Game Night

If you’re looking for creative playdates, look no further than having an exciting game night. You can mix this up however you want, allowing you to tailor it to you and your kids.

Choose kid-specific card games and board games. Set up a competition or marathon to see who can win the most games. Or, just have fun with it and make everyone a winner.

If you have kids of multiple ages, set up different times to play other age-appropriate games. The most important thing is to have everyone included and make sure everyone has fun.

4. Movie Marathon

There is never a wrong time for a movie marathon. When wondering how to plan a playdate, you must first learn that you don’t necessarily need to go anywhere to make it fun.

If there are a few new family-friendly movies out, consider gathering your kids and their friends for a fun movie marathon. Purchase movie-related snacks, consider setting up a few decorations, and you’ve created a night to remember.

If you’d like more tips and tricks on being a single dad, check out DSO.

Ready to Try These New Playdate Ideas?

Creating a playdate may seem intimidating at first, especially if you aren’t sure where to start. Yet, there are so many different playdate ideas out there; you just have to choose what you think your kids will enjoy the most.

It doesn’t hurt to ask them, either. They may be able to give you all the ideas you need!

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Jeff Campbell
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