5 Best Playground Pick Up Lines

Most of us have put the singles scene behind us and have happily retired any and all pickup lines we may have once used such as gems like “Is that dress felt ? Would you like it to be.” or “Is there a mirror in your pants? Because I can see myself in them.” Ahh, those were the days. But for those cherishing a monogamous or happily single lifestyle, the craft of the pick up is still alive and well in the days of parent hood.

When I first became a parent, I’d look around the playground trying to make eye contact with other caregivers out there.  The bustling local park can be a eerily lonely place. Breaking the ice, just like at any party or crowded bar, is a challenge. Sometimes you just have to have a gimmick. Here’s a list of pick up lines to aid you in getting that date, that play date that is.

1. What’s Your Sign?

Then: Hey baby, what’s your sign?
Now: How old is your baby?

The “what’s your sign” line is one of the oldest, most mocked and most unoriginal of all pick up lines. But now instead of discussing what part of the year you were born, discuss what year your child was. This is one of the most common opening lines I’ve experienced as a mom. And the conversation never stops at just the age, especially when the kids are close in developmental stages.

2. Met Before?

Then:  “Have we met before, oh right, you were in my dreams last night”
Now:  “Have we met before, do you know the Smith family?"

In most parenting realms, the community is actually pretty small. With kids or babies around the same age, you can probably do the “Six Degrees of My Baby” game pretty easily. Mention a family you know that is already pretty social. If you don’t know a family in the community, just make one up!

3. The Compliment

Then: "Are you a parking ticket? 'Cause you've got fine written all over you."
Now: "Those are so cute, where did you get your kid’s shoes?"

Flattery gets you, well, everywhere. Compliment a parent on their children’s shoes, if it's applicable that is. Don’t use the shoe line if the kid’s wearing crocs, cos you can’t throw a rock without finding a pair of those. Maybe the child has on a sporty frock or a cute hairclip? Pick a item of clothing or an accessory that is a wee bit different, then the conversation may be longer than a simple “we got it at Target”.

4. Ask for Directions

Then: Do you have a map? I'm getting lost in your eyes.
Now: Do you know where that that other playground is?

Most parents have an inner Gregory’s in their DNA, so they know exactly where any and all playgrounds are in a five-kilometre radius. Then you can continue the discussion of the merits of the various play structures, micro-climates, and popularity of said park. And maybe you can make a play date to go there together.

5. Do you Have…?

Then: Do you have a BandAid? I just scraped my knee falling for you.
Now: Do you have a BandAid/Wipe/Nappy/sunscreen.

We’ve all been there, you’re at the park and you forgot a necessity for your little one. Use this forgetfulness to your advantage, ask a kind soul, and a possible new friend to help a fellow parent in need. If they don’t help you out, then you know they’re not the friend for you. Consider this part of the weeding out process.