8 and 11 yr old, what do I do with them?

[JammyK]

I know it's a bit off topic but my friend is ill and can't look after her neice and nephew next week so I've said that I'll do it. The girl is 11 and the boy is 8. I've met them briefly once but have no idea what they like or what they like to do. I have 2 boys myself (3yr old and 1 yr old). Any suggestions of places I can take them or even what I can talk to them about!! I'm so used to baby language that I'm panicking I won't know what to say to them, lol!!! Thanks

[Poppychick]

Computer with internet access
Sky
Could they bring their bikes & PS or whatever with them?
Still like baking and craft stuff I would think esp. kits where the product will look good and could be a get well pressie for mum.

[KbearAndHerSweetBippy]

They may well love playing and helping with your little ones, maybe a table full of arts and crafts stuff and paints would amuse them. Save some boxes and plastic bits from the easter eggs and let them create!

Have you got a garden? Making a camp is always good, a few chairs, a few rugs and cushions and a packed lunch out there! If it's raining, under the dining table!!

[winnie76winnie]

I was going to suggest the cinema until I read the ages of your own children!

Do they have anything they could bring with them Nintendo ds etc?

Is there anywhere local to you thats outdoors - I'm thinking big playpark type place with a section for older children - we have one locally that has an under twos, under fives, under 11s and under 16s section with different levels for them to play on - its fab!

[collision]

Do some baking with them?

I have never known children not like making chocolate brownies!

[JammyK]

There is a large play centre in my town but I wasn't sure if the 11yr old girl would like it there or if that would be a bit young for her. Maybe I'll ask her. I would've liked it at her age but children grow up a lot faster these days don't they? Thanks for all the suggestions.

[posieflump]

do you know thier parents? couldn't you ask them?

[UniversallyChallenged]

Walk to park, then onto shop to get some microwave popcorn. Take it back - my dcs love making it - and get DVD or film off sky, snuggle down and enjoy!

[Fullmoonfiend]

how long have you got them for? Can you all fit in one car? Most museums are good for all ages - little ones just like toddling around and big ones can actually interact with stuff.
At that age, they can also go swimming without adult 'supervision' (assuming they can swim) ie. You can take your littlies to general swimming session (or even better a fun session with rafts etc)

Don't talk about school or girls Oh just seen the 11-yr-old is a girl. That's good, she will talk about anything!

My 2 boys are 10 and 8 and will happily still get down and play Brio with little kids and still love sandpits, given half a chance!

A walk into town, and half an hour with a fiver each to squander on comics/sweets etc or a £5 to spend on videos in charity shops and then a cafe is a good option.

If you have a garden, my two have spent a fabulous morning digging for worms, makng mud puddles etc while I did 'proper' digging.

Also, collect loads of rubbish (plastic bottles, cartons, yog pots etc and set them to making a junk model)

[Fullmoonfiend]

Most 11-yr-old girls I know still love soft play places, especially of they can fuss after littlies