Ideas wanted - socially distanced meet up that isn’t a walk

[BalconiWaferAddict]

Looking for ideas on what to do - my MIL is desperate to see my son for his first birthday as she hasn’t seen him in a v long time. Does anyone have any ideas on how to meet them within T2 guidelines (they aren’t our bubble)?

We had organised a walk for Sunday but looks like it will be raining and her DH does not cope well with walks in the rain due to a health condition and Id be worried about him hurting himself. My son will be a tiny tyrant if he’s made to stay in his buggy for a couple of hours for a rainy walk (not walking yet but has ants in his pants and loves to be moving constantly).

Obvs no cuddles and socially distanced, we have a short zoom party planned for his actual birthday but shed really like to give him his present in person. If at all possible I’d love to make this happen for her as she’s a lovely person and adores my son.

There's really not much you can do.

Park?
Gazebo picnic?
Feed ducks?

I'm not sure on tier 2 rules but could you both book separate tables at a cafe or restaurant?

In T2 you are allowed to meet for a drink/meal n an outside area - could you find a restaurant/coffee shop with a heated outdoor area to have a quick coffee and cake?

Or set up your own heated area in your garden?

I'd meet them outside at a park that your son enjoys going to. That way he'll be busy doing something he enjoys, so she'll see him at his 'best' rather than being grumpy and irritable if you try and keep him still. Could then go for a coffee at an outdoor cafe if you're in tier 2.

Sorry thought it was third birthday, not first, and missed the bit about him not walking yet. But a park with some baby swings would probably still work

We’ve done a few things.
Fish and chips in a park car park, sitting in the rear of our cars with boot hatch as rain cover.
Not for granny probably but swimming in the sea. You could paddle and have hot chocolate afterwards.
Lots of places are putting up gazebos, sheds, other outdoor structures to make it more comfortable.

aren't there any indoor places you can book in separately? eg i'm going ice skating and indoor skiing this week with my sister and her kids - both venues in tier 3

lots of farms near me are outdoors and still have santa activities on - trains to see santa etc

Is there anything Christmassy going on in any garden centres near you you could meet up there? Your baby might be more happy to be in the pram if he's distracted by the lights and sounds around him

@Ginogineli

aren't there any indoor places you can book in separately? eg i'm going ice skating and indoor skiing this week with my sister and her kids - both venues in tier 3

Also known as "just break the rules" and help keep your area in tier 3 for longer

Park with a gazebo/bandstand, blankets to sit on, hot water bottles for anyone who might need them, thermos full of hot chocolate and a thermos food flask full of cooked sausages. Anyone who wants one can make a hot dog to eat as a warm picnic on the park.

We have a lovely cycle route/walk with a big coffee shop at the car park and outdoor picnic tables, everyone can park up, get a hot drink and sit outside to chat. No heaters but with the right clothes it's doable.

Farmpark, there's a few near me, and they're all set up so there's an outdoor seating area near enough to animals or play equipment that you can let toddlers have a run around while you sit and drink a coffee and chat.

@Ginogineli

aren't there any indoor places you can book in separately? eg i'm going ice skating and indoor skiing this week with my sister and her kids - both venues in tier 3

But you're not allowed to socialise with another household in an indoor location, so either it's a deliberate plan to break the rules, increase household transmission and maintain the spread. Or you plan to just occasionally wave at your sister and her family from a distance and will then talk about your separate visits later.

Ahhh thank you all so much! I didn’t even twig that we could sit outside at a coffee shop or something after a trip to the park. Off to find somewhere with heaters now.

@Ginogineli with LO and SFIL I don’t think there are any activities which would be socially distanced and suitable.

Borrow a gazebo and set up in your garden with seats 2 m apart. Get them to bring their own food/drinks to reduce contamination. (Assuming that's allowed where you are - where I am private gardens are permitted for outdoor mixing)

Lunch outside in a heated area at a cafe/pub is allowed