How to hold a playdate in a small house

[Ella19902]

My 5 year old daughter has been to a few play dates at a few friends houses recently. I’d really like to return the favour but we have a much smaller house in comparison & therefore a lot fewer toys. Does anyone have any tips of activities I could do when hosting a play date? We don’t have space to run around inside & a very small garden. TIA

Our house is also very small with a small garden. I've never given it any thought. Our kitchen has French doors that open out onto the garden so I would sit at our table there with other mum and have a cup of tea while the kids play. But at this time of year the weather is dire. Constant rain.

Instead we would just have our play date in the living room. I warn 3 year old beforehand that play dates mean sharing so any particularly precious toys that he doesn't want to share need to be put away. He puts them in a basket in our bedroom and we put toys in the living room that are easy for kids to share- magnetic tiles, train track and trains, duplo etc. Drinks and snacks out for the kids and leave them to it. We have a small play park across the road so sometimes I arrange to meet other parent there first and the kids run about a bit and get fresh air, then walk to our house for a play at home. That always works really well.

Another tip: dens! Get out blankets, sheets, and pegs/clips. Ask playdate friend to bring a torch and let them go bonkers making dens and taking cushions and snacks in. That always gives the adults a lot of peace and quiet.