Help with potential play date! AAahhh.

[CarelessWispa]

Can anyone help?

I have (vaguely) arranged for DS2 to have a friend over on Saturday. It's a child who hasn't been over before, and so is a bit of an unknown quantity. He's been a bit mean to DS2 in the past, so am slightly wary about the whole thing, but DS2 did insist.....

Anyway, my original plan was to spend a minimal amount of time at home and to go to the local park for as long as possible. DS2 isn't good at play dates. Tends to get very over excited and isn't good at suggesting games. Oh, and he's 'gone off' lego.

And fresh air's good for them, right?

Problem is rain is forecast, so park visit is out. Should I
a) Make excuse, re-schedule for non rainy day
b) Grin and bare it and hope for the best
c) Take them to see 'Smurfs 2' at the cinema

They're 7, by the way. Or has anyone else got a fail safe solution for keeping them amused for a few hours? How long do you think a weekend play date should be? Can you tell I'm dreading it?

Thanks, in advance.

I only have a 2 year old. Maybe cinema and then pizza at home? Could add own pizza toppings.

Then try something less structured next time (or time after that)

Go for playground - no matter what the weather!
Limit play date to 2 hours... anything more than that is grim for all concerned.
Let them play unlimited nintendo / watch telly.
Food is a great bonding experience (apparently) so serve food half way through.

My DD is 7 and we've had some awkward play dates so you have my sympathy.
Finally buy large bottle of gin for yourself...so you can be oblivious to any disagreements!

yup short one -and quite structured - drawning can work in this house - and if over excited I put the TV on

Thanks everyone. Was beginning to panic as I thought no-one would reply! This time tomorrow it will be over. The gin sounds like a good idea Wisteria!