Three Sparkle Playdate Themes
Do your kids miss playdates with their friends? I know my kids do. Playdates were a regular thing for my eight- and ten-year-olds. We’ve been doing some thinking here at Sparkle and came up with an idea that might help: a Sparkle Stories playdate.
Of course, we can’t actually go to one another’s houses just yet, but we do have video chat so you can use that to talk with the friends you want to come to your playdate. The idea is to have the kids choose a theme, listen to the stories, have a snack from one of our Sparkle recipes, and then do a craft. The kids can talk about the stories or share what they made via pictures, messaging, or video chat.
We’ve chosen a few themes to get you started: Sparkle Outdoors, Sparkle Backyard Games, and Sparkle Art. All of the materials in the crafts and the recipe ingredients are easily found at home or out in nature. If you do have a Sparkle Playdate, please share with us on Facebook or Instagram or send us an email!
Playdate Idea 1 (Sparkle Outdoors)
Getting outside might be tougher these days — now that tablets and video game consoles have taken the front seat. But getting outside is still one of the best ways to connect with yourself, your family, and your friends. This theme encourages taking walks and maybe making a sheet tent or having a backyard campfire.
Stories
Camping Out
Martin wants to live alone in the forest in a hut he and Sylvia made, but Daddy suggests they first try tent camping…
Story Details »
Trail Art
Martin, Sylvia, and friends spend time on their Mount Mooseberry hike making “trail art” markers of their own.
Story Details »
Really Explorers
Martin & Sylvia get to lead the hike on Mount Mooseberry… what kind of secrets will the mountain have in store for them?
Story Details »
We’ve included links to one fun and easy recipe and craft as well as a round up of many more. Try this suggestion for a playdate — or choose one of your own!
Crafts and Recipes
Playdate Idea 2 (Sparkle Backyard Games)
Playing games together might seem really hard at first, but we’ve got a few fun games that are easy to do at home! Our Bingo Game is simple and great for a large range of ages. Have everyone print out the bingo card and get going doing crafts and recipes! Or make up an obstacle course for your friends to try. And best of all, you can make lemon bars, invite parents to hide them, and see if you can find them like Martin & Sylvia. We’re also including a round-up of some of our best summer games.
Stories
Backyard Water Park
Martin & Sylvia create their own backyard water park to cool off from the heat.
Story Details »
Catching Crayfish
Martin & Sylvia are sure the summer has arrived now that the crayfish have appeared in their brook. They spend the day figuring…
Story Details »
Smelling Your Way
A trail of ants inspires scent guessing games and then a grand hunt for treats using nothing but noses!
Story Details »
Crafts and Recipes
Playdate Idea 3 (Sparkle Art)
Some kids just love art. We have many art project ideas here at Sparkle and lots of them can be done with simple materials you have at home. One idea is to make the art project and deliver it to your friend’s door! Or make the peg dolls and exchange them so each kid has something new to play with. The snack idea we’ve included are really art projects too! Lastly, you can check out a round-up of natural material crafts to choose from.
Stories
Zippy the Artist
On a visit to the lake, Zippy encounters the beautiful sculptures of a woodworking beaver and is inspired.
Story Details »
Painting the In Between
Daddy’s excitement about the season changing inspires Sylvia and her friend to paint the “in-between” colors of nature.
Story Details »
Art Walk
Martin & Sylvia embrace all things artistic during the town Art Walk.
Story Details »
Crafts and Recipes
- Open Faced Sandiches
- Smoothie Bowls
- Nature Crafts Round Up
- Dress Up Peg Dolls
- Maple Watercolor Note Cards
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About the authors
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KC Pagano
ContributorKC is a full-time radical homemaker and mama to two spunky little girls. She writes about all kinds of radical goodness, from gardening and cooking with whole foods to crafting, sewing, homeschooling, and mama musings. Read more on her blog [The Nettlesome Life](http://nettlesome.life/).
