How Long Do You Spend at a Playdate

Since this is a new friend and your first time at their house, I would say 2-2 1/2 hours. That should be plenty of time for lunch and playtime. You don't want to over stay your welcome, even if things are going well. I think 3-4 hours is a bit long.

It depends exactly what type of activity you are doing. Normally a playdate at someone house would be 1 1/2hr. If your meeting at a park it would be different. Also don't just expect to drop the kids off and say great I will see you later. Personally I feel better about the parent when they come for at least twenty min before leaving their children. Especially when I have never met the parents previously. Ask her point blank would you like me stay? She might not care either way. Or she might of hoped you were coming in for a cup of coffee to hang out for awhile.

Whether I am friendly with the mom or not, ALL of them have been drop off. The playdates were with girls in her class and they have been together for 3+ years, so the parents are comfortable with kids at each other's homes. We may chit-chat with other for 10 minutes but usually go on our way to clean, food shop, or just relax LOL. Playdates at my house have been 2-4 hours but it depends on the kid to be honest with you. The 8yr olds, 2 hours and the 11 yr olds 3-4 hours. There's a certain friend that invites my daughter for the day, yes, 5-7 hours and she eats over sometimes. I do that when I can or I invite her to the movies, or bowling with us. Sometimes I pick her up and her mom does the same for my daughter. It's nice to have that trust.

2 hours tops. I stayed too long at my first playdate and was never invited again.

You can tell from the way the kids are playing and the way the mom is acting if you can stay a little longer, but I would just plan on 2 hours just to be safe. It's enough time to eat and play and want them to have you and your kids over again. After you have had more playdates withh them then you can stay longer.

Have fun!!!

I'd say 2 hours or maybe 2 1/2 hours tops for the first time. I love to have friends over and go over to friend's houses, but I peter out more quickly than most people I think. I have one friend who stays too long and even though I enjoy her company I think twice before calling. And like others have said read the kids and the moms. Better to leave them wanting more than wanting you to leave!

Gosh, I would only stay about an hour to an hour and a half. They won't feel comfortable enough to tell you it's time to leave and may have other plans. Lunch will take about 30 minutes and then playing for an hour or less would be enough. So from arrival time to leaving time 2 hours tops for the first time.

3-4 hours is a long time. But take your cues from the mom and kids. You'll be able to tell when it's time to leave.

I have a friend who I spend 2 hours with tops. (Her kiddos are on a feirce schedule and you don't want to mess with it!) Another who I sometimes spend ALL day with. (seriously, like from breakfast till' dinner with hubby's!) You'll definately get some kind of hint!

2 hours.
Or, if like me, I actually SAY what time the play-date is over.... if at my house. Because, my kids nap.
Or, while in the play-date, and its been almost 2 hours, I will say to "everyone" .... "Okay kids, time to start putting away... have to go soon...."

3-4 hours is a looooonnnnng time for a play-date.

You also have to gauge the cues of the Mom... if she seems petered out already, then graciously pick up on those hints... and leave. Thanking her etc. Or bring over some snacks too.... out of hospitality and since you are the "guest." That is what we always do.... bringing some snack over to the host's house too. Even if not asked.

Usually for me, our playdates are in the morning. Because I have a "schedule" for MY kids too... and they nap as I said. So I don't veer from that.
How old is your kid? Go according to HIS nap time too, if he/you have that routine. After play-dates, it is harder to wind-down the kids... because they have been so active. So allow for that timing...

Since that play-date is at 1:00.... make sure you gauge how long you stay ALSO according to "when" she has to start making dinner for her family too. So don't over-stay in that way....

I've had a few play-dates that lasted 4-5 hours! But that was with good friends/parents that we ALL hang out at my house. But still, its tiring!

good luck,
Susan

2-3 hours. If mom starts saying stuff about needing to get ready for dinner, etc, then start packing up. Have fun!

Totally depends on the family. But first dates are usually short. ESPECIALLY since everyone is on their best behavior, and that's exhausting. For some families we regularly get together for 6+ hours, so 3-4 is a short one... but first playdates rarely last that long. I've had a few that do just because the parents and I hit it off and the kids are ridiculously happy... but that's happened a grand total of twice.

For an accompanied playdate: I usually plan on 1-2 hours (if a meal isn't involved) and 2-3 if one is (since eating typically takes about an hour).

For an unaccompanied playdate (OMG... growing up so fast!), 3-4 hours is pretty standard. For those drop off dates... I always offer low (aka if it starts at 1... I offer to pick up at 3 or 4... then they get to counter with whatever works best for them)

It really depends on how well the kids are playing (and how the moms are getting along, too, I guess!!). I have had playdates that go all day long, and some that end early, because our kids are grumpy/need a nap/are fighting too much. I would say just go and have fun, and try to leave on the earlier end for your first playdate. Offer to help clean up a bit, too. Then, after the first one, you can be more familiar and maybe stay longer. Just my suggestion, but I'm sure you'll know what to do when you're there. :) Have fun!!

We typically do something like 12-3 or there abouts. Usually I just drop off, but it sounds like you and the mom are friends- which is different than our playdates with kids from school.