I have a 1 year old and i'm looking of ways to keep her and me entertained throughout the summer. animal parks, castles, gardens any suggestions? would be nice if they we're free! and in the south of england.
2006-06-16 03:11:05 · 15 answers · asked by DONNA D 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
1. Play in the garden - get a (clean!) household paintbrush and a bucket of water - if you have a patio or similar she can paint non-messy patterns with the water, no mess to clear up other than some wet clothes!
2. Look around for local small parks - swings, slides etc that some modern developments have put in - they may not be much to you, but it's a day out for a toddler. Pack a picnic to prolong the outing (NB it may be worth just checking out the area without your child first - sad to say, some parks are used by drop-outs and you should just check the floor area for glass or worse)
3. Join the National Childbirth Trust and try their coffee mornings - I did this with both my girls, only once have I been to one group that was a bit "intense" ie into banging on about serious "issues" but the group i go to now is just coffee and chatting whilst the kids play - all sorts of mums, younger and older, part-time workers and stay-at-home, biggish houses and smaller terraced.
4. If you are in walking distance of shops, even this can be an outing - my daughter at 2 would find it exciting enough to go to Sainsbury's and choose her own roll from the bakery counter and what to put in it for lunch as a treat, particularly if she had her own shopping bag with her.
5. Remember that at 1 she doesn't have any idea of whether a day out costs nothing or a fortune - try looking at your local library for inspiration - they often have leaflets on local attractions - we have been to a local National Trust property where the gardens were either free or cheap, I can't remember which - we didn't bother with the house, but she had a great time looking for fir cones and feeding ducks in the gardens.
6. If you are in the Bracknell area, the Lookout near Coral Reef has an outdoor adventure play area that is free (you only pay to go indoors to the science bit for older kids) and has loos and a cafe. If in Basingstoke, there is Eastrop Park with a boating lake and cafe, some play equipment too.
7. Farm Parks are often good value - Finkley Down near Andover is great, Action Farm near Newbury quite good, also Odds Farm near Bourne End (haven't been for a few years as too far away now but I hear it's still good). They all have plenty of handwashing facilities but to be on the safeside I take some hand cleansing gel to use as well - get it from Boots, Asda etc near the liquid hand washes - it's a safe for kids disinfectant gel that you just rub in to your hands.
2006-06-17 02:20:00 · answer #1 · answered by jools 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You could take her to a local park to play and swing. Look for a sandbox, this will keep her busy for hours. Arboretums are usually free and fun for small children. Take her to a butterfly house if any are around you.
Things you can do if you stay home are color, get color wonder markers and finger paints from crayola and let her have fun. You have to get the special paper but these makers and finger paints will not stain or make a mark on anything but the special color wonder paper.....they are great. You can even take them in the car on trips.
2006-06-16 17:19:22 · answer #2 · answered by mhlmawom4e 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chuckie Cheese! Or other resteraunts w/ playhuts. Also kid's can have lots of fun at toy stores that have little displays set up and video games to test out. Community centers sometimes offer short sessions set up for different age groups/or the YMCA occasionally. Outdoors: Parks, zoos, watch for carnivals & concerts. Or just go for a stroll.
2006-06-16 17:28:54 · answer #3 · answered by Ann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a Gulliver's World down South. They are great for the young ones and I find, not too expensive. Most of the rides they have there are for toddlers and kids up to about 8. I think they even have a few animals there too. Search it on Google. I do know there are 2 in the country, I hope one is where you are!!
2006-06-20 03:26:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
try going to your local park, pubs with a kids play area so you can both chillout, or if it is a nice day put a paddling pool in te garden or one of those mini boucny castle things
2006-06-18 07:32:22 · answer #5 · answered by Cutie_92 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The beach or the park. Try petting zoos
2006-06-16 10:50:05 · answer #6 · answered by Supertwirly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The malls around my house have indoor play areas that are free. Check there. My daughter loves them and I love that it's in the AC!
2006-06-16 20:55:31 · answer #7 · answered by hannahandme2006 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could go somewhere to feed ducks or play with a ball,swimming doesnt cost a lot,or even just a ride on a bus or train,kids love something new.good luck hun.x
2006-06-17 07:37:43 · answer #8 · answered by sanders_sammy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to a local park with a play yard.. great activity and so much fun... take a camera, and make some memories!
2006-06-16 10:15:24 · answer #9 · answered by already a mother 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a pond and feed the ducks, or have her go on a mini hike on a trail (it's a guarantee she'll nap)
2006-06-16 10:19:34 · answer #10 · answered by Marge Simpson 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋