To not take DD for a big day out

[Melonicecream]

DD is 2 and does loads of activities plus nursery. I do always try to take her out and keep busy - park, shops, playdates etc. Weather is looking great for next few days and I feel guilt not booking the zoo or something similar for a day out - but I feel everywhere will be absolutely full of people given the weather and bank holiday. I'm not particularly worried about Covid in general, but I don't want to be in an area that is unusually busy. I'm pregnant and just concerned about places bursting at the seams with crowds. AIBU or overcautious? I would take her to local park/ quieter areas but feel I could be letting her miss out on a lovely day out for silly reasons. I have had one dose of vaccine. How are most people feeling about these kinds of activities?

Some times the best days are those just spent pootling around in your own garden.
Just get out the bubbles, do a bug hunt or some messy play in the garden. If it gets too warm then you can easily go inside and it's easy to have drinks and ice creams.

She's 2. I don't think she notice if you go to to the local park and not the zoo.

She's 2. Make the most of being able to take her places without crowds when all the older kids are back at school. I don't go anywhere on bank holidays. Cannot be bothered with the hassle of other people.

She won't know or remember.
2 year olds enjoy time with you, time running around. Maybe a balloon or some bubbles as added excitement.

She's 2 - enjoy going to the park being enough excitement for her! Time and attention is plenty.

It's half term week where I am and everywhere like the zoo will be rammed. You probably won't be able to book now anyway. Use your advantage of being able to go outside school holidays and do it then.

What you want is as important.

DH is out doing an activity with my DSC all day so so far DD who is two has watched me mow the lawn, we read books in the garden, baked some biscuits, she played with some toys, watched the birds eating birdseed, listened to music. Quiet pottering. It’s brilliant. We’re seeing friends tomorrow and no plans at all Monday.

Just spend time with her. She won’t care about what makes an official day out.

For my 2 year old, the park is as fun as the zoo, seeing a bus go by is as exciting as seeing a rocket launch, seeing a bug is as cool as seeing a unicorn. So I'd say your plan sounds fine.

Is there someone else who could take her? If you weren’t pregnant I’d say no big deal but then that would mean she may not get any special days, or go to the zoo, until she’s 4. You need to lean on others in your support system if you have them.

She is 2. Give her a cardboard box to play with. She will love it.

IMO modern parents arrange far too many organised outings and activities for their children. What children need, is some down time at home to do their own thing. No need for a friend, or a screen. or a new toy. Just to mess around by themselves. To experience organising their own play, in their own time, in their own company, at their own speed, with no timetable and no adult input.

@Ilovemaisie

She is 2. Give her a cardboard box to play with. She will love it.

This!

We live near a zoo. We are actually going today (we have season tickets) but only because it's a family birthday. Our favourite time is weekday afternoons, not in school holidays as it's quiet and you can see animals not crowds.