My kids aren’t old enough yet, but my sisters kids are older. They redid their basement to have a large, cool rec room down there with a large tv, comfy sectional, and some swings from the ceiling. It’s been great for their teenagers

Absentee parents

I don't really think of our house as "the fun" one as if only one can be fun, my son goes to friend's houses too. But yes, we have kids over most weekends. Agree on food and a lot of snacks, their own space, welcoming attitude, greet each kid and then be home but out of their way.

Friendly faces and food. Good lounging spots help.

Food and music.

Snacks, lax rules regarding video games or ball games out in the yard, and friendly mom who is nice to the kids. No one wants the house with no snacks or the house where mom keeps yelling not to hit wiffle balls near the driveway or announces video game time is over after 15 minutes.

Junk food

Having good snacks and a non-obtrusive parent nearby but not hovering goes a long way. Dh or I are always a room away.

Proximity to school- so you have that covered!

Lots of snacks/food/drinks. Parents who are present and friendly but not meddling or intrusive. Games. Puzzles. Legos. Things to do outside.

Easy going non judgemental smiling social extroverted parents with well behaving smiling kids.. That's all you need.

I was the hang out house for a long time. We have a large 6000sf basement. We have a well stocked pantry, stocked fridge full of drinks, fruit and ice cream. People often say we have good snacks, both adults and kids. I don’t think we have anything special in terms of toys.

Food and I don't meddle.

Trampoline, pool, pool table or hockey table, gaming system that’s multi-player, large tv, relaxed “help yourself” attitude about food and snacks….

My kids are older now but I love having the hang out house. I am always inviting people over, friends just swing by at this point if we’re clearly home. I think the key is to be relaxed and go with the flow. We have tons of snacks and toys and games are easy to get to. We also have food and drinks for adults on hand. I enjoy knowing the kids and parents. Helps build community.

DS will be starting late elementary next year at a school steps away from our house. Our yard is not huge. We have a basement with a drum set and a bunch of legos. Any suggestions on how to make our house a fun place to hang out? Do I want this for our house, lol?