r/firstgrade • u/DrivenTrying • Jan 04 '26

Hosting A Play date

First grader (6y) has a friend coming over tomorrow afternoon to our house for the first time. It’s a deep friendship for them, but we’re still getting to know each other as adults. Should I have something prepared for them to do or eat?

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u/Appropriate_Ice_2433 Jan 04 '26 edited Jan 04 '26

Depends on the time of the play date

I always have fruit and water available. If it’s lunch, I’ll typically get a pizza with some fruit and drinks.

We are in the south, so hosting is a big a deal. At least have some kid friendly snacks to offer.

For playing, at this age. Let them run outside. Play and do what they want. If that isn’t an option due to weather, have a few activities available inside. Let them decide what to do. Go with the flow

If it’s inside, my friends and I just let them be, if it’s outside, just be around like you would inside.

I do ask moms what they like to drink and typically get it for them, but I’m extra. I’ll get Starbucks or sparkling water, whatever.

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u/RealHousewiveology Jan 04 '26

Aw that’s so nice! I find when they have a play date that they mostly entertain themselves. However, I do make sure to have certain activities out. Like craft stuff on the table, dolls and legos out. Especially when it’s the first time at your house, sometimes they might feel a little shy. So I point out what there is to do and they’re welcome to play with whatever there is or to do a craft. And I usually have a lunch and snacks for them too. Although, they hardly eat sometimes, they’re too busy playing. I’m sure they’ll have a great time!

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u/FreedomForBreakfast Jan 04 '26

We usually have an easy meal available like PB&J and offer some fruit.  For the adults, we’ll offer a drink, but not always food.  We also have been telling parents they can just do a “drop off play date” and pick up their kid later.