This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Quaker Oats. All opinions are 100% mine.
Over the past 5 years I’ve been the organizer of a large local playgroup. With over 250 members, we meet weekly at various locations and events around town.
As the organizer I’ve found it easier for new members to meet at someone’s home instead of meeting at a public space for their first event so I host a playdate at my house once a month. Needless to say we’ve gotten really good at hosting playdates.
I’ve put together a few tips on hosting playdates so that the next time you decide to invite a new friend over you’ll be prepared to sit back, relax, and enjoy some adult time while the kids play and entertain each other. 
Tips for Hosting A Playdate
1. Keep it simple
Playdates do not need to be complicated. Simplicity is key. As is prepping ahead of time so you don’t have to run around the whole time. Don’t overdo the toys and games. Keep a handful of things out but close the bedrooms and keep certain areas off limit.
Or keep everyone outside in the backyard so the adults can keep an eye on everyone easier. My friends and I like to grab some chairs, sit back with our smoothies, and chat while the kids run around and burn off some energy.
2. Have snacks on hand
If you want to make something for the kids to enjoy, do it ahead of time so you can serve when everyone gets there. I like to have one homemade goody on hand, like smoothies, oatmeal squares, or this delicious apple crisp.
Then we add some Quaker® Chewy® Granola Bars and some fruit and veggies that we have stored on hand for snacktime in between playtime. Quaker Chewy Granola Bars contain 8 grams of whole grains in every bar and come in delectably fun flavors like Chocolate Chip, S’mores and Oatmeal Raisin.
3. Bust out the bubbles
One thing that seems to bring all of the kids together for a fun time are bubbles. Something about the joy of spinning, jumping, and twirling around to catch them just brings out the best in kids. So stock up on the sales and keep some on hand for playdates.
I prefer to have a bubble machine going instead of blowing them myself because they machines blow bubbles a lot faster AND we don’t have little ones trying to blow bubbles themself and getting bubble liquid all over the place.
4. Fun for all ages
Have a few toys or activities on hand for all ages. I like to keep a small box of soft toys on hand in case any of the moms bring their babies along with the older kids. It makes everyone feel welcome and encourages the moms to relax a bit knowing there are toys for the little ones to play with.
And on the other side of the spectrum, grab a few Nerf balls and let the older kids play and have fun without worrying about hurting the younger ones. Or bust out the sidewalk chalk and let the kids use their imagination and creativity to make a beautiful picture or create another play area. A few simple things will go a long way!
at my next playdate i would serve greek yogurt, fruit and quaker oatmeal raisin cookies
All of my kids friends like it when I make homemade pizza rolls so that is probably what I will make next time.
The next playdate I will serve Chewy Granola Bars, we love granola bars.
Tropical Lime Oat Bars made with Quaker oats would be good!
It is getting warm here, so if it is nice out we’ll serve make your own sundaes with fro-yo, granola and a variety of fruits.
I would serve QUAKER® CHEWY DIPPS GRANOLA BARS.
I will serve Chewy Granola Bars.
I will serve chewy dipps granola bars.
On my next playdate, I would serve some Chewy Granola Bars, Fruit and Yogurt.
I do make oatmeal cookies for play parties. They’re easy to make gluten free and it seems like half the kids in the neighborhood are on GF diets these days.
I would serve the chocolate chip granola bars, fresh fruit and lemonade.
The chewy chocolate strawberries bars looks super yummy!
I would serve Chewy Choc-Oat Chip Bars.
I would serve a tray of brightly colored fruits/veggies cut into fun shapes/etc.! (:
I would serve some yummy Quaker Chewy Granola Bars!
I would give out some Chewy Granola Bars
I’d serve Quaker granola bars, raisins, watermelon slices, and fruit cups. Thanks.
partymix25(at)Hotmail(dot)com
I’d Serve The Quaker Chewy Dipps Chocolate Chip Bars.
I would serve the Chewy yogurt blueberry bars.
I would like to give some Chewy Granola Bars.
Their Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are always a HUGE hit!
I would serve the chewy dipps granola bars! They would go great with some yogurt and fresh fruit! My son would love it for sure.
I will serve Chewy Granola Bars as my kids love them.
chocolate chip granola bars
I WOULD SERVE Double Cherry Oatmeal Cookie Bars 🙂
I would serve Chewy chocolate chip granola bars, apple slices, and sandwiches.
I would serve the chocolate chewy bars along with avengers drink mix and fruits with dips to try
I would serve granola bars,frozen grapes,sweet potato chips and juice boxes.
At our next play date I would serve chocolate chip chewy granola bars. My kids love them and I do too!
I would serve the S’Mores Chewy Granola bars and juice.
QUAKER® 25% LESS SUGAR CHEWY GRANOLA BARS
These granola bars look yummy and would be a hit at our next play date!!
I would serve Quaker granola bars, fresh fruit, and sparkling water.
I would serve s’mores.
Colossal Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
I would serve some fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, grapes, and melon along with a variety of cheese and cracker and a couple kinds of cookies. Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway!
furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net
I would serve the Chocolate Chip Quakers Chewy Dipps Granola Bars, water bottles, and some fresh fruit.
I would serve smores chewy granola bars.
Lots of summer fruits and veggies
The smores bars 🙂
Oh I would love to serve the QUAKER® CHEWY GRANOLA BARS CARAMEL APPLE at our next playdate!
Burgers and hotdogs on the BBQ.
I would serve the Tic-Tac-Toe Treats using Quaker® oats
I would serve! Quaker’s granola bars, fresh fruit & lots of cold drinks!
I would serve some Quaker Granola Bars, juice and some ice cold watermelon.
I would serve the Strawberry QUAKER® CHEWY® YOGURT GRANOLA BARS and low fat milk or water for my next playdate.
I would serve their Quaker Popped in Apple Cinnamon.
I’d serve granola bars and fresh cut up fruit
I’d serve the S’mores Chewy Granola Bars.
My next playdate I am serving the Chewy Dipps granola bars.
I would serve the chewy granola bars.
I would serve watermelon and Quaker chocolate chip granola bars.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Chewy Granola Bars
I would serve pizza, salad and for dessert the chewy oatmeal bars.