How do I covert the "we must meet up in the summer" into an actual meet up for DS age 5

[stingu]

My DS has just finished reception, he didn't know anyone in his class and this school years not been the most social. I had heard of quite a few play dates happening the last few weeks of the last term. My DS didn't get any invites, although I could of invited someone for him I suppose. I'd like him to see some friends over the summer and a few mums said "we should meet up" but isn't this the equivalent of "we should catch up soon." I am happy to invite people over. I have a younger rampaging toddler too, I can contact individual via the class messenger I do make the first move ? Or I'm I being too desperate? Maybe have for the first week of the hols to relax first then attempt? It's hard to know with peoples work and childcare situ ?

This feels like dating DS seems vague about who he actually is friends with.

Just message the group and ask if anyone is free on X dates. Ask people to DM you so you don't look like no one responded.

It's a good idea and no harm in asking, someone has to make the first move. I'd ask him to choose 1or 2 from his class and then message the parent privately to ask if they'd like to meet eg. at the park or invite them round. Specifics of dates/timings can then be sorted depending on whether they're up for getting together.

Just message them, the other parents probably also wish they had arranged playdates but are equally nervous of making the first move.

If they said it, then it’s up to you to then make the move

message all the parents whose kids your son is friends with.
see what sticks

Message a few parents (especially those who said you should meet up, unless your ds can't stand their child!) and say 'ds mentioned he'd like to play with x. Are you free at all next week/a few specific dates/in the holidays? Would be lovely to get them together.' Stingu

Be prepared for working parents, or excuses because their child doesn't want to go (friendships can be quite fluid at this age!), but if you contact a few, someone is likely to take you up on it

Don't worry if it doesn't work this time round. As your dc gets older, I'm sure the play dates and parties will happen naturally, once they get going again. Maybe the play dates you heard being arranged were parents who already knew each other from having older children etc?