Fresh Spring Playdate Ideas for Indoor and Outdoor Play
Subscribe Search

Fresh Spring Playdate Ideas for Indoor and Outdoor Play

Fill your kids' spring calendars with fun! Check out our list of creative and enjoyable playdate ideas for you and the littles you know.

Updated July 17, 2024
Share

This article contains affiliate links. These opinions are our own. However, if you buy something, we may earn a small commission, which helps us keep our content free to our readers. ❤️

The days are getting longer, and the sun is starting to shine again, which means springtime with plenty of opportunities to get out of the house and schedule some fun, seasonal playdate ideas. As mamas and littles alike would agree, socialization is beneficial for everyone. So, who wouldn’t enjoy a playdate or two? If you need fresh ideas for the coming months, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of spring playdate ideas you’ll be glad to put on your children’s calendars.

Indoor Spring Playdate Ideas for Rainy Days

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t have a playdate! Here are three ideas you can use to encourage children to learn and use their imaginations.

Have a Dress-Up Party

Little girls dressed in theatrical costume laughing and smiling together.

Set out an assortment of clothing and accessories, or invite kiddos to bring their own, and watch the little ones keep themselves entertained with their imaginations for hours playing dress up.

Set Up Simple Science Experiments

Happy little Asian school kid studying science, making DIY Lava Lamp Science Experiment with oil, water and food coloring, Kid-friendly fun and easy science experiments at home concept

Have the kids build a catapult out of popsicle sticks, explore sinking and floating objects in your kitchen, and observe Skittles dissolve in water; the options are endless. Kids will love the opportunity to get hands-on and inquisitive with simple DIY science experiments.

Spark Creativity with an Indoor Obstacle Course

Mixed race baby girl crawling through a cardboard box in the sitting room at home, her father is holding the box up for her, her sister is holding her hands out for her to come to her and her mother is in the background.

Encourage children to utilize household items such as cushions, laundry baskets, soft play blocks, hula hoops, and more to design a challenge that will be as fun to build as it is to complete. They can even invite family members (or stuffed animals) to cheer on participating future Olympians.

Active Spring Playdate Ideas

As winter ends, the weather might not be warm enough to run outside for hours. So, here are several active playdate ideas the kids can do inside, not just in early spring but all year long.

Go Ice Skating at an Indoor Ice Rink

Having a good time at an ice skating arena.

Outdoor rinks might close for the season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the clan laced up and out on the ice at an indoor rink. If you’ve got younger skaters in tow, check to see if training carts are available for them to push.

Get Jumping at an Indoor Trampoline Park

Full length low angle portrait of happy African-American boy jumping on trampoline in colorful kids play center

Fun for all ages (adults too!), plan this playdate for the early hours of the day to guarantee solid afternoon naps to follow. Hesitant to take the tiniest tots? Many trampoline parks offer weekly toddler time, which means no big kids are allowed.

Sign Up for an Open Swim Session

Best friends, girls smiling in swimming pool wearing goggles.

If your local community center or sports complex has a pool for public use, this is another great option to burn off energy in a fun setting. Open swimming is the perfect opportunity to acclimate kiddos to the water before summer rolls around.

Take a Mommy and Me Yoga Class

Mother and daughter working out together doing exercise at home

Just the right blend of movement and Zen, experienced yogis and amateurs alike will fit in at mommy and me yoga classes. You might expand your playdate circle as you connect with other moms and babies on the mat.

Creative Spring Playdate Ideas

Inside or outside, rainy day or not, you can encourage the kids to get creative with a craft, some paint, or at an art studio.

Host an Afternoon Full of Arts and Crafts

Diverse group of kids at art and craft table on easter party for children

With the beauty of the changing seasons comes ample inspiration for children to get their creative juices flowing. Set up stations with watercolor paints, craft paper, friendship bracelet materials, and more, and watch your budding artists’ visions come to life. A little bit of prep work can go a long way here.

Paint Eggs Together

Overhead view on Childs hand painting easter eggs on old wooden table

You can’t go wrong with this treasured spring activity, even if you don’t celebrate Easter. Offer paint, stickers, and stencils for the ultimate decorating eggstravaganza. For added amusement, encourage kiddos to set up an egg hunt afterward!

Register for a DIY Class at an Art or Maker’s Studio

Two youthful classmates sitting by table and painting self-made clay items at lesson

This one is ideal if you’re hoping to get out of the house for a lowkey but structured, hands-on occasion. Depending on your child’s age, choose from pottery spinning to canvas painting and everything in between.

Laidback Spring Playdate Ideas

Give one of these a shot if you’re in the mood for a calmer, more laid-back playdate to catch up with friends.

Go Mall Walking

Shopping in baby stores with stroller. baby in stroller

Load up the stroller and head to the mall for window shopping and plenty of time for mom talk. You’ll get your steps (and gossip) in while the little ones lay low–and maybe even lay back for a nap.

Go for a Stroll at the Park

Three smiling children enjoying at the playground.

Or hit your nearest playground. A foolproof playdate idea, springtime is an excellent time to get this one on the calendar–perhaps even on repeat. Pack a picnic and an outdoor blanket with these playdate must-haves; you’re good to go.

Grab Lunch Somewhere with a Designated Play Area

A young boy on a slide playing in a ball pit

You’ll get a break from cooking and cleanup, and the kiddos will get to climb, slide, and play safely in an enclosed area while you take a breather. It’s a win-win.

Special Occasion Spring Playdate Ideas

Are you interested in changing things up a bit? You could try a special playdate at a show or for a sweet treat somewhere in the neighborhood or nearby.

Get Your Splash on at an Indoor Waterpark

Large varicolored chutes as spiral and pool in "Kva-Kva" indoor water park.

While they are often attached to hotels, you can purchase day passes to indoor waterparks as a standalone option. Many locations feature toddler pools, and some even boast onsite arcades for double the excitement.

Attend an Ice Show

Little child standing up to watch a concert

This extra-special playdate idea will create magical memories to cherish for years to come. Whether Disney On Ice, Stars On Ice, or anything else on the ice, the experience will be one to remember for everyone in the stands.

Have an Ice Cream Party

Children with colorful balloons and ice-cream in the park

Because memories are meant to be made and shared, springtime is a wonderful time to do just that, have an ice cream party just because you can. Get creative with fun toppings and let kiddos celebrate the weather warming up and the school year winding down.

Other Spring Playdate Ideas

Other playdate ideas for spring can get kids experiencing everything from baby animals to new dance moves.

Visit a Farm

"Three young children (siblings) ride in a trailer filled with hay, which is pulled by a tractor."

People often equate this outing with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and other fall activities, but the spring season is a fantastic time to take a trip to the farm. I mean, who doesn’t love baby ducklings hatching and wildflowers blooming?

Check Out the Zoo

Multi-ethnic group of children (7 to 11 years) at zoo feeding giraffe.

Planning a leisurely day at the zoo before summer hits gives you the classic animal experience without the crowds and heat.

Go to an Outdoor Theater

Adorable little girl in a vintage pink smocked dress, runs by flashing the peace sign, two fingers up to the camera. Nostalgic, retro styled image. Peace, love, and childhood. Full of energy, vitality and a cool festival feeling

Some places have outdoor theaters, outdoor movies, and outdoor concerts. Look at the shows that are coming on their calendars and pick the right one for your next spring playdate. Since the weather is warming up, you’ll enjoy getting some fresh air and entertainment. And some outdoor theaters also offer free shows!

Attend a Storytime at the Library

Beautiful Hispanic female kindergarten teacher smiles while reading a story book to a class of kindergarten students.

Youngsters enjoy structured entertainment in a group setting, while parents enjoy the presence of other adults. Plus, library storytimes are typically free.

Try Out a Gymnastics or Dance Cass

Three preschool kids are indoors in their school. They are having fun during gym class. They are leaning on a gymnastics mat and smiling together.

Many baby gyms and dance studios offer complimentary trial classes. If you’ve never participated in one before, prepare to become hooked. Make a (play)date to test it out before signups for the fall season start.

However busy your family’s schedule might be in the months ahead, you’ll want to make room for crowd-pleasing playdates to keep everyone entertained and happy. We hope this list comes in handy and inspires you this spring. Let the good times bloom!

Share
Was this article helpful?
  • Author

Katie is a proud mom of two young children with an extensive background in childhood education and social-emotional development. She holds her Master's in Education from University at Buffalo and keeps her diverse teaching experience close to her heart, having taught a wide variety of age levels in numerous settings. Her current focus is on raising her son and daughter to be happy, curious, and confident individuals whose childhood years are full of wonder, love, and joy. When she's not spending time with her family, Katie enjoys writing, being outside, and connecting with other moms. She hopes to encourage moms everywhere to savor the journey of motherhood - magical moments, messiness, and everything in between.

See all from Katie LeFevre
You might also like
Subscribe to our newsletter