What do you do with your toddler when groups stop in summer?

[sourpatchkid]

I take DS (16 months) to one to two toddler groups every day. I've no idea what we will do when they stop for school holidays?

He gets bored in the house, he's quite social and likes to at least watch other children.

Anyone share ideas with me? (He doesn't like his pram)

Thanks

Bump

Any local parks near you - the bigger ones will be busy in the summer.

Any friends with similar aged children - arrange play dates.

Look up your local children's centre for classes or they may have information on groups nearby that stay open. The local leisure centre may have some toddler classes.

Is there a local visitors farm to you that is cheap to visit (I'm thinking if you want to go frequently cost of entry can make a difference!), especially if it's a venue with children play and picnic area - great for the summer!

I’d ask what the others do at the Toddler Group. You might find a couple of Mum’s who are similarly stuck and would like some company.

We tend to go camping so that take some care of a couple of weeks. We visit family, have play dates, day trips to the seaside and picnics in the park. If it’s raining the local cinema has a kids club in the morning and there’s always swimming. Is there a local paddling pool near to you? A couple of Mums I know have an annual pass to the local zoo so go there about once or twice a month?

Our local library is still running rhymetime and storytime - my 14 month old enjoys these. It depends where you live but our local leisure centres and museums run free events during summer.

I know how you feel though: a bit daunring filling the time, especially if it rains...

daunting

Never use toddler groups anyway - I know some love them but I don’t. I’d feel very stressed at going to even a couple a week never mind two a day (I know everyone is different, that is not a criticism!)

Park, walks, local petting farm, hanging out at home, building lego, painting, reading books, helping round the house and garden and just letting them bimble around and play - it is important for them to learn to amuse themselves and be bored some times.
This morning ds spent half an hour studiously seeing which small bits of plastic tat fitted through his duplo house door. Car!? No.,, tooooooo big. Star? Yes! Perfect!

Loads of simple play and craft ideas on the web, check out museums and activities near you if you live close to a city (we don’t..)

There is a lot to be said for just hanging out though. Not every moment has to be scheduled or filled.

Get contact details of people you meet at toddler/baby groups.
Arrange play dates at yours or in the park etc.
If you can get a facebook/WhatsApp group going, then it's easy to say...I'm thinking of going to the park/garden centre/beach/soft play today, does anyone want to join me?
Be prepared for some school age children to come too though.

To be honest, when I was at that stage I found the time went quickly. I would often disappear to my mum's house or my sister's for a week or two. Leaving my DH to work. Maybe a trip to a friend's for a couple of nights.
Then a holiday with DH.
Add in packing and unpacking from all these, and the time flew by.

Meet up with the other people who go to the groups at other venues - soft play, Park, swimming etc

Thanks everyone 😊