Fun places to take my two year old on rainy days?

Question

I'm a stay at home mom with a two year old daughter. Most days her and I either go to the local park or if it's too hot we go to a little water park. Where can we go on rainy days that's fun for her age and also FREE?

Answer 1

the library... it is free and during the summer they sometimes have things planned for the young kids.

Answer 2

There aren't that many absolutely free places that a two-year-old might enjoy, but here's some ideas:
1. yea, as some others already said, the library. Sometimes there's activities there for children like puppet shows or other activities.
2. Why not enroll in a gym? that way, both of you could go: swimming, rock climbing, dancing, anything! the YMCA is a great place for families. This is kind of costly but you both would enjoy it!
3. Go to Plaster Fun Time, once again, not fully free, but its less than 10 bucks and she could paint something to give as a gift or just for fun.
4. Here's a great idea: since you are a stay at home mom, then why not just stay at home? You could teach your daughter a new craft, do finger painting, play dress-up, the possibilities are endless. You could also paint her room, or move the furniture around. Or you could sew some doll clothes together or read a storybook.You could dye a plain white t-shirt with some very inexpensive dyes from any craft store. I mean, rainy days dont come every day, so there's no need to go out of your way and to find some special activity. Just take a day off and spend some quality time with your daughter at home! hope this helps!
ps. i almost forgot (how could i!) why not just go jump about in the rain puddles and then give her a bubble bath? :-)

Answer 3

Next time you are at the library take out a cd/dvd of clap along songs. The actions will be a big hit and wear off some of that energy. (Good for Mom's exercise too)

Often libraries or bookstores have free preschool storytime or entertainers - this can be a big hit for a kid with imagination. And it is nice for the grown ups to see other grown ups. Some libraries even have quiet play areas for the littler ones (the downtown libraries often have this).

Some cities have indoor playgrounds and they range in price. Depending how crasy you are feeling it may be worth the $5 for her to wear off some energy. One mall here has a free play structure for the kids.

And cars (girls like cars too). A couple of cheap tonka cars bought at some garage sale (soaked in a bit of bleach first) and you can race the cars up and down her legs, or make tracks in the living room rug.

Put some music on and dance. You'll laugh, she'll laugh and it is just great fun.

Another easy thing is to have a few toys that are only rainy day toy. Then bring out one at a time, maybe let her choose.

The local indoor pool is usually pretty cheap, and the kids swim diapers are so much better than they used to be. Outdoor pools are also fun on rainy days - and are open except in lightning storms. The warmth of the pool keeps you warm even in a rain storm.

On those sunny days find leaves and twigs she likes, put them in a box and on rainy days bring out the glue and paper. Let her make a creation with her leaves and twigs for the fridge. (she may be a bit young for this - depends how close she is to three)

As well there are many online playdough recipes. Never met a kid who didn't like play doh. Homemade is nice because then you don't have to worry when they taste it. And if it is a recipe with a lot of salt - the face they make is rather amusing.

Keep it simple. A box or a card board tube can be an afternoon of fun when you are two.

Boredom is okay as it will teach her how to entertain herself. I've nannied many under age 5 kids and the worst thing a parent does is entertain their kid all the time. Then the kids don't learn how to play. Even at two she should be able to spend time alone (not TV time) amusing herself. Haul out the baby monitor to ensure she is okay - then leave her alone to figure out what she wants to do.

And she is two - let her get into some mischief. Load the bottom cupboards with things she can pull out, bang on, and see what cool sounds she can make.

And always remember in the end she will not remember what she did, but she certainly will remember how she felt. If you enjoy yourself - so will she. If you are uptight - you just may get the two year old mega tantrum.

And cut yourself some slack - no one expects the parent of a two year old to have a clean house (heck they are amazed if you look like you got a shower that morning). Enjoy the slack while you can use the excuse "I have a todler" and every mother nods in understanding. That excuse unfortunately is time limited - once they are in school expectations rise again!

Answer 4

YES!YES!STAY HOME...THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
Put together a special RAINY DAY TREASURE BOX to open only on rainy days. Be sure to include a camera and a box to hold the precious pics you will be taking. Throw in a few old family photos...remember this is her time so only use photos you have copies of...because these will get crumpled, etc. Find music from different countries and old clothes for simple costumes. Like a sombrero for Mexico...headband and a feather for Native American. Add a few toy instruments or just use a pan and a spoon. Then the two of you can sing{make up your own words},dance,play music
and laugh. Also, you can pretend to be different animals...Waddle like a duck, moo,bark or meow and you will be her best friend. The tea party idea is a great one...you can get an unbreakable tea set for your box. Serve tea to her and a few friends{her favorite stuffed animals and dolls} dressed for the party. Let her wash the dishes after the tea party...you can help of course. Get some non-toxic finger paints, a b-i-g sheet of paper, put her in old clothes and let her paint with her feet and hands...Then you can walk in the rain puddles before you jump in a warm shower! There are many things the two of you can do, but the most important ingredient is YOU...REMEMBER THE CHILD WITHIN YOU...IT IS ALRIGHT TO MAKE A MESS..IT IS ALRIGHT TO MAKE MISTAKES...THAT'S HOW WE ALL LEARN!!

Answer 5

Some libraries have great sections for kids....also some have story telling programs and other activities for young children

Indoor playgrounds at McDonalds, Burger King, etc ...not free but as you can spend almost nothing on a soda, etc

You can apply for a "scholarship" at the YMCA or local recreation center.

Mall walking ...or a big indoor farmers market...can be fun with a strolloer.

At home your talking dancing, singing and playing musical instruments along with music, reading books with fun pictures that you can talk about, coloring and crafty work, and the ever popular...it's raining and the floor is the lake and the sofa is the boat......and what is that shoe...is that a fish...and the table...is that an island...and daddy is a whale (maybe a shark depending on how much "scary" appeals to your child)

Or the ever popular caving adventures...throw blankets over chairs, etc and make tents and caves...go crawling around looking for the lost puppy...etc...

Dads are also good for horse rides

Answer 6

So what if it's raining! Go to the park anyway, make the rainy day an adventure for her! It's good to get out and feel the rain on your skin every now and then. And when you're done at the park, you can come home and pop in a movie and have a nice cup of soup or hot chocolate to warm you both up after a fun puddle-hopping day.

Answer 7

I don't know what state or city you live in, but the first thing I would do is check the local parks and recreation schedules, the local library schedule, and any museums and/or cultural centers in your area.

Next, I would find a hang out. I bake for a local coffee shop that has many parents and children who come into the shop to hang out, get something to drink, and chat. As long as you take something for your child to do, that could be fun.

I would also check with other parents. Maybe there is a group of mommies and their toddlers who get together for a play circle. You may meet other parents who need a playmate for their children - so you can go to each other's homes on rainy days. You would have another adult to chat with while the kids played. Added bonus.

Churches, temples, YMCA, YWCA, any place people gather - programs abound. Don't be shy. By going to other group things, you will be showing your daughter how to make friends and provide you both with a bigger circle of friends.

Just some thoughts......

Answer 8

My son and I are home a lot on the weekends together while my husband is working, so we try to find "fun" and "free" things to do too. Trying to keep a toddler entertained is never easy - here are some things we've tried:

The local Barnes & Noble will sometimes have book readings, which are free.

The Pet Store to visit the animals

McDonald's Playland - our's is inside. I take my bills to pay or a magazine that I haven't read, etc., and do my "work" while he's playing.

We've also had a picnic on the living room floor. Made a tent out of old blankets and went "camping". Visited the local hobby store that has trains on display.

Good luck. Just remember to have fun!

Answer 9

Check with your local library,they have special programs for toddlers, also check the art museum some times you can catch a great preschool class. You may even want to start a local group for other mom's looking for the same thing. You could call it the Rainy Day club take turns hosting activities like puppet shows, cookie decorating, seed planting and toddler exercises this will guarantee that you will always have some place to go and something fun that's in your budget.

Answer 10

Who says you have to go somewhere? Maybe break up the day w/ a little walk when there is a break in the rain, but you could find a lot to do at home!

When I was young, we had what we called the "Rainy Day Set". It was mainly toys - a box that contained a fort set (it was fun for me AND my brother) that we could set up, move pieces around, play w/ the little soldier and Indian guys, etc....but the thing about it was, we kept the box in the attic and were ONLY allowed to bring it out to play with if it was one of those rainy days where we just couldn't do anything outside. Not playing with it all the time made it so much more fun when we were allowed to bring it out, and we got very creative in setting up armies, fort walls, cannons, guys on horseback, etc..

Maybe you could put together a set of toys that you can bring out for your daughter only on those yucky days!

Also, you could find other things to do at home: make cookies (She could probably at least throw some sprinkles on them!), read, watch movies, or get her involved in other tasks that she might enjoy helping with (and learning in the process).

Libraries are also good, free fun! Many libraries or bookstores have daytime story hours for kids. Check websites that list events for your local area, or look on message boards at those businesses. Also, many parks have pavilions that could shelter you from the rain while still allowing you to be outside - bring some crafts or toys along that you can play with under the shelter.

Have fun!

Answer 11

My little boy is 4 now, so on cold and rainy days we go bowling and he LOVES it - however, that may not be suited for a 2 year old.

When my son was 2 we used to go to the library on cold and rainy days. He LOVES to be read to and most libraries have a kids section with beanbags and stuff. We would plop down and read nearly every Dr. Suess book in the building.

It would also depend on where you live and what is around. My son also loves museums. He has loved the art museum since he was about 2.

Hope this helps! Have fun! These are the fun years, got to get it while you can!