How do you entertain an active 18 month old

[PickledInAJar]

Especially when you are indoors, either in a public building like a pub or restaurant/cafe, or in someone else's house.

Oh and did I mention the DC is very very 'busy', favourite activities at home are clambering up and jumping all over people and furniture, throwing a ball, posting anything in random bins or toilets.

Over this winter period I either need to try to persuade everyone I know to come to my house (boring!), get soaked out in the local park, or expect everyone to put up with me being frazzled as I try to stop my DC trashing the joint and can't really have a proper conversation.

Everyone else's children this age seemed happy to sit quietly and play with exciting new toys, and read a few books, but mine just clambers over toys to reach something forbidden. Usually breakable. Unless I am just picking the wrong toys?- sob!

Any inspiration out there?

[PickledInAJar]

Oh I should say I usually try to have snacks as part of my ammo, but if he's not in the mood then they get flung as far as possible. In other words, more mess!

[Azquilith]

Nope, if you find the answer let me know.
I find it easier to have people round to ours as I know it's toddler proof. And we've been to our local cafe so many times that the staff will take him off our hands for a bit and spoil him!

[PickledInAJar]

To be honest it can be even worse at home because at least being out elsewhere has a novelty value. The problem with being somewhere other than home is the risk of spoiling everyone else's time by way of noise or risk of damage - if I can't find a way to amuse DC somehow!