You’ve set a date and hand-picked the perfect crew. All that’s left is to find something to do! Whether you’ve invited besties only or planned a new faces get-together, these creative play date pick-me-ups will help you go beyond the everyday gather and gab.

1. Be crafty. Need a reason to finally start in on those adorable kid-friendly crafts filling up your Pinterest board? Make one (or more) the focus of your next play date gathering. Click here for ideas for awesome autumn leaf crafts. Set up materials ahead of time to keep things on track. Then cut the kids loose. 

2. Happy hour. Invite the play group to belly up to the neighborhood bar (i.e.: your place) for a pre-nap happy hour of the virgin variety. Grab a mocktail recipe and shake up some fun. Bonus points if you serve with mini drink umbrellas!

3. Toy swap. One tot’s trash is another tot’s treasure, right? Have the little ones bring an unused toy to swap for something new to them. Let parents join the fun; they can bring accessories like jewelry, scarves or ties to trade out, too.

4. Paint the town. Transform this parents’-night-out favorite into an at-home activity for petit Picassos. Grab some smocks or old t-shirts and set up a few finger painting stations around the kitchen table for invitees. Get the grownups in the action by offering them small canvases to paint on with acrylics. Plan for a mess and then let it go!

5. Animal house. No one parties like toddlers with their stuffed toys. Transform your living room into an animal sanctuary complete with an animal hospital, dog park and petting station. Then let the little ones and their furry friends explore the animal kingdom.

6. Do it like the Dowager. Indulge your Downton obsession and play Countess Grantham by hosting an afternoon tea for little lords and ladies. Dressing up is part of the deal in this play date twist, with fancy hats, formal ties and white gloves topping the countess-approved dress list. Be sure to whip up some tea and PB&J finger sandwiches for this grand occasion. Pinkies up!

7. Time for a field trip. Is there a new museum, restaurant, or play space you’ve been dying to explore? Invite everyone to join you at the newest, hottest off-site location. Exploring unchartered waters is always better with friends!

8. Sprinkles on top. With the wintertime just around the corner, it’s a great time to host a cookie decorating play group. We suggest rolling, cutting and baking sugar cookies ahead of time for this one. Then set out sprinkles, jimmies and an array of colorful icings in prep bowls for the mini baking crew. Clean kitchen? Probably not. Delicious cookies? For sure!

9. Throw a leftover party. Every parent has them packed away somewhere. Those odds and ends leftover from years of birthday bashes where more than eight but less than 16 (or 24 or 32 …) kids were invited. Dig through the cupboards and clear out your closet stash to find old themed party plates, hats, favors and more. Then send out an invite and use the unearthed hodgepodge of goodies to throw one sweet play date. Less mess and more friends is always a reason to celebrate!

10. Walk on the wild side. Plan your meet-up at a local park or forest preserve with stroller-friendly trails. It’s a chance for the kids to get their run on, collect colorful leaves or play hide and seek among the trees. For parents, it’s a chance to enjoy some fresh air and outdoor fun.

11. If you build it…They will come. Set up construction stations for budding builders with LEGOs, Duplos, wooden blocks and more on the family room floor. Then let them construct while parents catch up on the latest neighborhood news.

12. Nail it. Get out the polish for a mini-mani party. Have friends bring their favorite color. You set out manicure tools, lotions and some sparkly embellishments. Parents can paint alongside the kids or play manicurist for the group.

13. Planes, Trains and Automobiles. It’s the time of year when cardboard boxes start arriving on doorsteps. Start stockpiling them now for this play date activity that allows adults to enjoy some uninterrupted conversation, while the wee ones let imaginations run wild with their blank cardboard canvases. You supply markers, glue, stickers and doodads, and let the little inventors take care of the rest.

14. Host a book club. Hosting a book club for little literatis is one more way to gather the gang with a purpose. Check out this article on how to host a kids’ book club.

15. Have a snowball fight. You don’t need snow for this indoor, year-round activity. Use cotton balls, marshmallows or even crumpled paper for this playful twist on a winter fave. Older kids can incorporate forts and hiding spots into their play, while toddlers will giggle by just tossing soft “snow” balls at each other. Turn down the heat–coats and mittens required!

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