Child free and clueless - help please!

[Axlcat]

We have some friends coming to visit next week for a couple of days with a 5 year old and a 3 year old from London (we live in a small northern town on the edge of the countryside) I want to make their trip as memorable and fun as possible and wondered what little things I can do to prepare for their arrival? They won’t be staying with us but have a holiday let around the corner.

Any little gifts / games / things that I can plan / suggestions to make it nice for them? Would really welcome any suggestions or tips from use of you with children.Thank you!

Whatever you do they’re not going to remember exactly what you want them to remember, so let go of that hope!

You could (taking the most appropriate advice, ie from their parents) have a soft toy waiting for each of them, that they can take back to their holiday accommodation. (They’ll almost certainly bring their own, but might appreciate your effort to please.)

Maybe have things to eat that you’ve been told they particularly like?

Listen to them if they’re inclined to be communicative. Be ready and willing to join in if they’re open to that.

But really, you’ll be introducing them to your world. That’s the best you can do, and they’ll look back on it fondly even if they find everything strange at the time.

But really, you’ll be introducing them to your world.

That's right, show them the beautiful north. Must be some Museums nearby, national trust stuff etc they often have events on for kids in the holidays.

Ah I was just about to say balloons and bubbles! Playgrounds definitely. Anywhere with water they can splash in if its warm

I don't know if you'll mostly be out and about, but if you're going to be spending a chunk of time in your house then I'd be tempted to have a quick look on Facebook for some cheap toys (which you can sell/donate once they're gone!)

Anything with a TV character tends to go down well, especially if there are figures and vehicles etc (I'm thinking paw patrol, peppa, bluey etc). Or chalks for the garden (less mess and fewer tears than bubbles!). Something to buy you a good couple of hours to have a proper cuppa and catch up with your friend.