Yes, we do this at least once a week, and we have done it with many, many families. Maybe you aren't wording things correctly. Make sure you aren't calling it a playdate, which often just has one parent. Make it clear that you would like to see John, Jill, Sam and Harry. Of course, if Jill happens to be out of town, you may end up with just John, Sam and Harry, but that should be the exception.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the feedback! OP here. I ask because we have tried and usually half of the family does not show up and we have all of their children with one parent, or one parent with some children, etc. It is not a huge problem, but I was wondering if anyone was successful, as I like to plan fun (at least I hope they are fun) activities.

Maybe you're just getting part of the family because the rest of them are doing the same birthday party/sports/other activity thing you mention doing a lot of in your original post?

Thanks for the feedback! OP here. I ask because we have tried and usually half of the family does not show up and we have all of their children with one parent, or one parent with some children, etc. It is not a huge problem, but I was wondering if anyone was successful, as I like to plan fun (at least I hope they are fun) activities.

We try to schedule those activities for Saturday afternoon/ evening.

Yes, of course. Why don't you initiate an outing with another family and see where that leads?

DH and I would love to find families that would have an occasional weekend outing together. You know, two or more actual family units. For example, a cookout or hike or whatever activity - even bowling or a sport. Our weekends are often tied up with birthday parties and sports, as is everyone else's. But it would be nice to have something that is non-obligatory and fun (imagine that!). Is it possible?