I once had someone hosting excuse themselves to the kitchen and start serving their kid food (right at the 2 hr mark) It was pretty clear the playdate was over.

I understand, OP. I’m also like this and it stinks. Need to just nicely let people know your time limits.

For play dates with kids that young it’s super easy to blame it on the kid!

“We’d love to see you from 10-noon. Larlo needs a little time to wind down before nap.”

If while they’re at the play date it’s 12:05 and they’ve made no move to leave, you say:

“It was so nice to have you guys over, let’s do this again soon!” And you start cleaning up. “We need to get started with lunch and a little quiet time before naps.” Smile and that’s it. Or if it’s an afternoon play date, you have to start dinner at 5pm (invite the at 3pm.)

PPs are being harsh, but this really is one instance where you just have to speak up. I always start to get ready to leave a play date after 2-2.5 hours worried about overstaying our welcome. One of my mom friends finally asked me why I was always rushing off even when I said we had no plans. Turns out she expects play dates to last 3-4 hours. Different people just have different expectations. I couldn’t care less unless we actually have plans, so I usually just ask new mom friends now.

I don't get what you don't get about this.

"Today's not a good day for a play date."

"We had it here the last three times; can you host this one?"

"We'd love to see you today from 3-5. Then, I need to get going on dinner."