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I've done both. Play dates for the kids and play dates for the adults. It just depends what you want to do.

@SugarplumsMom: for something like that I would think the parents would be more engaged with the kids. So an activity for everyone to do together would be fun.

Playdates for us aren't really structured around activities or food - it's more casual than that. It'd be like inviting someone over to your house, letting the kids play with the toys that are there while the parents stay nearby. One of the parents will initiate at daycare pick-up/drop-off, or via FB message, most often. Most of the conversation at the actual play date seems to be kid-centric - talking about products you like, challenges you're having, crazy things your kids do. They last for a couple hours until someone starts to get cranky. Usually, if I'm hosting a playdate, I'll make sure I have goldfish or cheese sticks on hand for the kids, but most moms will bring a snack of their own for their kid. I have one mom-friend who always brings Munchkins from Dunkin Donuts, but otherwise, there's not really food for the adults.

@SugarplumsMom: Did you ever go to someone's house to play, or have a school friend come over to your house as a kid?

Now, kids do things in addition to that, they might meet at a common place, like a playground, museum, etc.

@Boogs: I think kids are more scheduled these days. When I was growing up, I didn't do any afterschool activities. I did play an instrument, but that was through the school and I did dance, but that was for a short period (like 4th-5th grade). I played with the kids that lived near us and didn't really do any playdates ever.

I think it changes as kids get older. When LO was a baby and small toddler, playdates were more for me to get socialization with other moms. Now that's she's turning 3, she expresses who she wants to play with (from school or other friends) and I will set it up.

We go to a park, an indoor play place, a restaurant with a playscape, or one of our houses. Usually lasts 1-2 hours. I have provided snacks at our house but usually each parent brings snacks/lunch for their own kid.