To ask for ideas for a 'small child/toddler' bucket list of things to do now we can?

[cindarellasbelly]

DD is 2 1/2 and I'm pregnant with number 2. Last weekend we went to a farm with a petting zoo type place and it blew her mind. The weekend before we took her to a supermarket for the first time since the pandemic, and she had a ball sitting in the trolley seat (we've been having supermarket deliveries or going solo). She has never been in a swimming pool.

I'm trying to do a list of 'new experiences' to do one a weekend with her now things are opening up. I don't imagine we'll do a far away holiday this year, but its basically started me thinking about things I'd like to do with her/her future sister while they're still small, basically under 6 or so.

So what would be on your small child/toddler bucket list?

I'd like to take her camping. I'd like to take her on a bus and a train. I'd like to take her to Peppa pig world (this may have to wait till next year). I have planted some seedlings that will hopefully become vegetables.

Do you have ideas of other things a small child would love? They can be free/cheap/aspirational, I would quite like to go on a 'proper' holiday but one she'd enjoy next year. I got so much joy seeing her on the farm, I want to do more things like that.

Paddling pool
Beach day/sand
Painting (feet in paint for a picture)
Bus
Train
Defo swimming
Live music - doesn't have to be a festival my freind found a cafe with a guitarist and her little girl absolutely loves it

Also safari (in the car), picnic in the park (take teddy bears for teddy bear picnic), chalk paintings on patio

Just want to say the thought of a 2.5 year old doing things like this for the First time because of Covid was sad/moving/thought provoking and amazing all at the same time. Her head must be spinning. yours too seeing it all.

Splash about in mud on a rainy day, have a sports day, teddy's bear picnic, a mad day with balloons, bubbles, ice cream, make a tent with sheets and just sit in it reading stories and chatting

I've been thinking the same with my girls (1 and 4) obviously the 4 year old had done lots of things but not with her grown up bar on!

We've enjoyed the things you mentioned but also a choose your toppings ice cream place, trampoline park

Will be checking in for ideas though, will definitely look for some live music

It's a bit odd to call it a bucket list. That's usually used in the context of someone being terminally ill.

What a lovely thread.
Library visit when they're finally open
Towpath walk to watch boats go through a lock
Tree or treetrunk climbing - my rule is I'll never help someone go higher than they can go by themselves, I will stand close and I will help them get down if absolutely necessary
If you have a splash park within reach they were always my favourite thing.
River 'beach' for paddling and stone stuff

Riding lesson/ lead rein session!

Although if it sticks, you're in for an expensive time

@HeronLanyon

Just want to say the thought of a 2.5 year old doing things like this for the First time because of Covid was sad/moving/thought provoking and amazing all at the same time. Her head must be spinning. yours too seeing it all.

I thought this too.

Go to a splash park, take a “nature walk” and collect things to make a collage with, paddle in the sea, have a donkey ride, go on a fairground ride, go on a “jumping pillow”, visit a farm park, play in a park, run round like a mad thing with a group of other toddlers. Have fun 😄

Yes it is from ‘before I kick the bucket’ ! I’m late 50 s and I’m still avoiding calling anything that (never will I suspect).

How lovely but also sad.

Choosing something for herself at a bakery or cafe? A children’s class / concert / show / even (whisper it) soft play?

My DD is 3.5, so had more behind her when covid began. Her biggest request throughout has been to go on a train to Tower Bridge, 10 minutes away, and eat sushi . We’ve taken her to a town on the coast this week for a change of scene and it’s amazing to see.

Lovely thread, posting for ideas as my 2.5 year old hasn't done much either (at least not that he remembers). It's going to blow his mind when he actually go on a bus, rather than waving at them.

Things I'm looking forward to are:

Soft play will be a big hit I'm sure (definitely want two jabs before that though).
Miniature railway
Horse and carriage ride at local stately home
Visiting granny and grandpa's house and big garden
Library

Oh and congratulations!!

Oh oh, and live music! We walked past a brass band practising in an open village hall yesterday and he was entranced! We used to go to loads of gigs and festivals pre-Covid, he'll love them.

@stayathomer

Splash about in mud on a rainy day, have a sports day, teddy's bear picnic, a mad day with balloons, bubbles, ice cream, make a tent with sheets and just sit in it reading stories and chatting

These are all things you can do at home. We have done all these things 😭😂

I would like to never spend another minute splashing in muddy pushes, please. The entire fucking winter was spent splashing in muddy puddles (or breaking the ice on them because it was freezing)...

Surely things like splashing in puddles, painting and building a fort haven't been missed due to covid?? Theyre the kind of thing I've spent the whole last year doing with DD2!

Weve been / planning to go this summer:
Zoo
Safari
Little paddle boat on the lake
Little fairground (she absolutely loved that)
Trampolining
Outdoor adventure/ obstacle course place
Museums (my absolute favourite)
Aquarium
Ripleys believe it or not
Debating the cinema but think I may wait ril she turns 3

Visit to an ice cream parlour. Or make your own at home.

Ride in a lift. Or on an escalator.

Visit to Build A Bear Workshop.

Walk in the rain, with lots of jumping in puddles.

Rolypolying down a steep hill.

Flying a kite.

I don't know what they are called, but visit to one of those places where streams of water suddenly stream up from the ground getting everyone wet, then they stop until the next time.

Visit to a children's theatre.

Visit to your local garden centre. There is always lots to see and do at mine for little ones.

Paddle in the sea. And make sandcastles.

Trip on a riverboat or paddle steamer. Or a rowing boat if you are brave!

Honestly, reading this thread is making me so happy. There are SO many things to do with a toddler, I really hadn't thought about it! We've spent the last year in the same few parks, with the odd day out further afield when restrictions allowed. It hadn't really occurred to me that there are so many places we can go with him once we're jabbed.

We took DS to Peppa Pig World just before his 3rd birthday. Definitely recommend it.

Term time holidays! We are now confined to school holidays and there is not only the expense but everywhere being busier.

I’d definitely recommend a children’s concert- Bach to baby do some in London and the Royal Albert Hall do some.

Children’s theatre- Tiger Who Came to Tea, Snail and the Whale, Zog are all touring at the moment. The baby show at the unicorn theatre for under 18m.

DS always liked the London Eye, and he can’t escape or break anything so I liked it.

Go crabbing! I could never have imagined how much joy that would bring :-)

And the fairground

And of course, upstairs on a double decker bus

Dinosaur museum

Steam train

Splash Park
Park
Beach
Aquarium
Zoo
Farm
Strawberry Picking
Swimming
Flip Out
Soft Play.

DS is 23 months absolutely loves all that is listed. Maybe will take him to Peppa Pig world next month.

He loved Flip Out.

DS also goes fo an outdoor toddler group for an 1/1.5hr a week.

Aquarium.
Soft play
Zoo/animal park
Funfair
Beach
Adventure playground
Castle
Boat
Santa train
Childrens theatre show
Splash park

Where are you, someone might be able to give specific recommendations

I agree with snowallspring. You may want to change the title, because “bucket list” made me think that you or your dd were dying.

Lovely idea behind the thread though which I am sure that many readers will appreciate.