كيفية التخطيط للقاءات اللعب الصيفية: نصائح للبقاء على اتصال مع أصدقاء ما قبل المدرسة

As summer approaches, many preschool families are looking for tips for parents to facilitate summer playdates for kids. There’s a saying that it “takes a village to raise a family,” and that is especially true during the summer months. Finding a community of other families to connect with at playgrounds, birthday parties and school events can be one of the most supportive parts of raising preschool-aged kids. That quick chat at drop-off, the check-in at pickup or the spontaneous invite to meet on a weekend for a playdate can make all the difference for busy parents or families who may be new to the area. As summer approaches, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle of pre-summer planning and forget to exchange contact information with other families to stay connected with over school break. Here are a few ways to set yourself up for a fun and social summer by leaning into your child’s preschool community. 

Summer Playdates for Kids Tips: First, Get Connected

• Start a group text or messaging app— Create a group text or download a free messaging app like WhatsApp أو Signal for easy communication and planning. These options give any family the opportunity to post at any time to set up last-minute playground invites, share local event flyers or plan a new meetup idea. 

• Request a preschool contact list or sign-up sheet — Some preschools keep a contact list by class or age group that are made available to families. If your child’s school does not have a class contact list available, consider hanging up a sign-up sheet at the pickup area or asking the school administrator to send out a Google doc link so families can sign up to be a part of a summer contact list. 

Summer Meetup Ideas for Families with Young Kids

Looking for fresh ways to get together this summer? We love these ideas from Scholastic Parent and have included a few below along with  some of our favorites:

• Start a regular meetup — While it may require a bigger commitment, try putting a regular hang out on the calendar, like the third Sunday morning of every month or a time that works well for several families to meet. Choose a convenient location and a recurring time as an anchor for the group schedule. Locations might include: local libraries, central playgrounds, movie nights, coffee shops or restaurants with space to run around. 
• Make a summer must-do list — Sync up with a few other families and make a list of the things you all really want to do during the summer. Whether it be the zoo, a museum or a new splash pad around the corner, keep a running list so you are never short on ideas. 
• Tap into local events — Sick of the same spots? We hear you! Try local newspapers, family blogs or event calendars to see what is happening around town. Summers in Denver are packed with free events across the city most weekends including live music, themed kids events, festivals, farmers markets, outdoor movies and free admission to a lot of family favorite attractions (check out our fun, family-friendly summer events in Denver blog post). Also, be sure to check out the articles and events calendar on أحد الوالدين في كولورادو، ال VisitDenver Kids and Families events lineup and the Denver Public Library early learners events calendar. 
• Bring back snail mail — Kids love getting mail, so why not make use of mellow afternoons or rainy days and decorate cards for their friends?  Using stickers, paint, crayons or whatever you have around the house, create fun and surprising cards to mail across town. 
• Use the Denver Preschool Program Newsroom — At DPP, we do our best to stay up to date on upcoming events and activities for preschool families. Tap into the newsroom archive for more ideas. Here are a few helpful articles to get you started:
  • Fun Science Experiments for Preschoolers
  • أنشطة مناسبة للحواس لعائلات دنفر
  • أفكار ربيعية وصيفية للأطفال في مرحلة ما قبل المدرسة والأطفال الصغار في دنفر 
  • The Power of Play: Top Games for Preschoolers

The summer months can be a long stretch without support from other preschool families, so setting up these systems early can save you from scrambling later. It can also help your child adjust to new routines, since preschoolers are still getting used to changes between the school year and summer. Kids are also used to seeing their friends every day, so it’s important to help them stay connected. Before the school year ends, remind your child that they’ll still see their friends – just not every day. That way, they can mentally prepare for the shift in routine (just like grown-ups!) 

For a monthly delivery of new ideas, events and activities, stay connected with us by signing up for our bilingual monthly newsletter, Family Dispatch. Wishing you a happy summer filled with connections and family-friendly activities.