Finding activities suitable for two small children can seem like a daunting task. The days can become pretty monotonous unless you make an effort to get out and about, and everyone sleeps better after doing something new and interesting. Even better, keeping kids entertained can lesson boredom-induced whining – and everyone wants a little less whining, right?
When planning activities for a baby and a toddler, get creative. Many of the best ideas cost little or nothing and can easily turn a mundane morning into pure mummy magic.
Head Outdoors
Getting out of the house is necessary for everyone’s happiness. Locate your local playgrounds on the map and shortlist those within walking distance or near friend’s houses. Look out for those with sunshades, age-appropriate equipment and a fence. Even better yet, find one with a cafe on the way to pick up a coffee and muffin for yourself to enjoy whilst watching your children explore the area. Pack some chalk, and if there is concrete in the park, let your toddler go crazy with drawings on it. No-one will mind, and it will disappear pretty quickly.
Grab a friend with kids and just go walking. You’ll be amazed at how many interesting things you can find when you start looking through kid eyes. A double stroller is your best bet, but if your older child wants to walk part of the way, let her (as long as she’s not going to sprint towards the road). She can expend excess energy and you can spend more time chatting. For something a bit more structured, take a drive or a walk to the shops, or even just catch a bus somewhere new (look up in advance to find out when the stroller-friendly buses are scheduled).
Get yourself a backpack and load it up with nappies, bottles, wipes, snacks and weather appropriate clothing (hats, jumpers etc). You don’t even have to know where you’re going when you leave the house… if it’s a beautiful day, just make it up as you go along!
Near the shore? Depending on the time of year, a few hours at the beach is perfect fun for everyone. For your youngest, baby-beach tents provide ample shade and a comfortable place to lounge and play, and most have a UV filter for added protection. And sand? Endless opportunities for creative play with a simple bucket and spade. On warm mornings or afternoons, there are few things better than splashing in the surf with your children. It’s cheap, it’s easy and something everyone can enjoy together. Be sure to apply plenty of suncream, cover up well and avoid the middle of the day. Children have very delicate skin and burn much faster than adults.
Rainy Days
Take turns with friends with kids of a similar age to host play dates at your house. A trip to someone’s house is perfect way to escape for a few hours. In a comfortable environment, your toddler can play, your baby can play, and you can enjoy some much-need adult interaction.
Stay in! Grab the paper and safety scissors, make your own play-doh, cook some muffins or indulge in an age-appropriate movie. Sing songs, make up dances, read books. Make a cubbyhouse. If your youngest is too small to interact, she’s probably nonetheless interested in watching her older sibling. Baby toys and a Bumboo seat can buy you some quality time. At young ages, your children may have limited interaction, and that’s just fine. So long as everyone is getting ample attention and quality mummy time, you’re in great shape.
If another hour at home is simply out of the question, check out nearby children’s indoor playcentres. Most have a section for children under 4, and you can usually also get a coffee and read a magazine. Big shopping centres often also have a special kid area outside major supermarkets, so jump in the car and go visit these for a change of scenery. A museum excursion is also a fun and educational way to get out and about without spending a ton of money.
School holidays usually see a bunch of things being put on for older children… there’s no reason why you can’t take your younger kids along to some of them too. They will love watching the older children, and as long as it’s safe and not disruptive to others, and you’ll enjoy yourself too. If you feel a little funny about party-crashing school-aged kid events… why not just bring your own school-aged kid! Invite a niece/nephew or friends child over for the day. They will love spending time with the little kids, who will adore spending time with them too. And you’ve got an extra set of hands to help out during the day.
Make sure that you join a mothers group if you don’t have any friends with similar-aged children in your area. It’s an ideal way to meet other mothers and let your children cultivate friendships and learn social skills outside of the family unit.
Whether winter or summer, rain or shine, there are countless activities you can enjoy (and really enjoy!) with both your children. A baby is fairly easy to entertain –a few toys or books, some snacks and an older sibling to observe – and fairly easy to monitor. As long as you plan something interactive for your toddler or preschooler, everyone can enjoy an ideal afternoon.
