Your kid has a last-minute playdate and you need to keep them busy - here’s what to do

There’s nothing quite like managing a last-minute playdate when you have zero ideas, time, or - to be frank - energy.

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And yet, it’s a situation any parent finds themselves in far too often. Your kid skips over, brimming with energy, and somehow convinces you that a playdate would just make everything better. 

Fast-forward to D-Day and you haven’t got a clue what to do.

Here are a few ways to get them so carried away with play – you’ll barely need to lift a finger.

Two words: Sticker sheets

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Every family has a craft drawer. You might have to wiggle it open, sure, but once you do – it’s a marvellous thing to behold. 

Half-finished sticky tape rolls, torn paper with patterns and colours, loose markers flying around, and endless pages of stickers. From whimsical fairies to seaside dolphins and scuffed soccerballs, there’s a sticker for every interest your child has ever had. 

So, give your kid and their bestie some sheets of stickers and paper to create their sticker art. 

It’s easy, mess-free, and means they’ll have less stickers to plaster all over their dresser.

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Get out a speaker and have a dance party

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Good news – dancing is free! All you need is a rhythm, some space, and kids with restless energy. 

Both Spotify and Apple Music are filled with age-appropriate dance playlists across the childhood years. Or, just chuck on Taylor Swift and they’ll be up on their feet in no time.

Clear a dance floor, and let those kids move and groove. If they’re a bigger group, set them up so that they can play musical statues or have a dance showcase.

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Have a dollhouse at the ready

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When kids get lost in another world, it’s like time doesn’t exist. Before they (or you) know it, the clock has ticked away and it’s time to wrap things up. 

Hence why you will never regret having a decked-out dollhouse that’s ready for any occasion. 

One that your child and their friends will spend hours discovering, designing, and telling stories with. 

Our top choice is Gabby’s Celebration Dollhouse. Four storeys of brightly-coloured fun await, with 6 rooms of playful accessories and furniture pieces.

The kitchen has a buffet table for tasty meals, the bathroom has the cutest cat-themed sink you’ve ever seen, and there’s even a piano that doubles as a DJ table.

When they’ve worked their way up the dollhouse, you can add the Rooftop Roller Party Playset onto the roof! From the skate rink to the ramp and stage, the hours will slip away as your child and their bestie have the best day.

Treasure hunt time

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Going on a wild goose chase isn’t always a bad thing. It teaches patience, inspires the thrill of adventure, and keeps kids nice and busy for those last-minute playdates. 

Create a little treasure hunt using things from around your house. Granted, maybe don’t hide your favourite pair of earrings. But things like stuffed animals, toy blocks, balls, books, or hats can all make for a rewarding find.

This one is a tad more hands-on, as you’ll need to keep an eye on them and give them hints as they go.

Lights, camera, action!

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Got some random costumes in a box? This is the time to whip them out. 

Set up your kid and their bestie with some props (even if said ‘prop’ is a pillow) and give them the following task: 

“You have three hours to come up with a show. It can be anything – a play, a musical, a dance concert.”

Check-in on them now and again to see how they’re doing, and then when they’re ready, you can relax, grab a snack, and enjoy a show!

Wrapping it up

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Last-minute playdates are quite the way to warm up your improvisation skills.

But the beauty of kids is that they don’t need much to have fun. They’ll run with any loosely devised idea you propose (as long as you make it sound like the best thing ever). 

So however you end up busying them, chances are they’ll love it.

This is a paid partnership between Kiindred and Gabby’s Dollhouse.