Not sure what to do with him

[Wotsits22]

Hello! I look after my 2.5 year old nephew once a month for my sister and always struggle to know how to spend our day together. I take him to the park but end up sort of following him around on the playground, same with soft play. I have taken him to playgroups but struggling to find ones now that are running during term time. I live in a very small flat with no garden or outside space. I want to make sure he enjoys his time with me, does anyone have any ideas please? I live in a UK city.

I take him to the park but end up sort of following him around on the playground, same with soft play.

...that's how spending time with a toddler works?

Try the library - libraries often have programming / activities for all ages.

Zoo, farm park, swimming, music and movement class, visit gardens, do some water play/toddler crafts/nature activities, finger painting, sand play, simple games. I think following toddlers around playgrounds is how it works at that age.

zoos, museums, feeding the ducks ( peas not bread!) riding on a bus or train, swimming, craft, bread making, growing seeds in pots, music performances, dance, paddling at the seaside, city farm, see what's on at the sports centre, (might be toddler football, or music and movement, etc), making play dough, making bubble mix, finger painting on the back of cheap wall paper, singing and music making together, den making, walking in the wood, the possibilities are endless!

Arts and crafts, playing with water (fill the bath and supervise, obviously), age appropriate board games. as well as what you're currently doing. Learn a second language, children learn it easier when young. I guess he does need a first language before you start though, so maybe he's a tad young right now. Get a second hand college book on child development if you're feeling totally lost and want to understand more about his needs. Potato stamping was the biggest treat as a kid. Cut potato in half, cut out pattern on the flat surface, dip in paint and use to make patterns/pics, clean with water and paper towels between colours. Mix flour and water to form a paste that's basically glue (it'll ruin the brush so keep one specific for that), for collage pics made of twigs, feathers etc from the park. Use blunt scissors to cut folded paper to make different snowflakes patterns when it's opened out. Imaginative play with toys. There's loads of cheap and easy stuff you can do that doesn't require any skills or much supplies.

https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/