Entertaining a 15 month old

[sunnyfields25]

Hi folks

We're in the process of dropping down to one nap a day, after an early lunch, which means I need to entertain 15mo DS for the morning to stop him getting too crabby.

This is proving easier said than done! I thought that once we got towards the end of the summer hols I'd be able to find loads of fun classes I could take him to, but I'm struggling to find anything. We live in the middle of nowhere, so not much going on locally.

Can anyone suggest any places that a toddler might enjoy going? I've taken him to the shops a few times but I'm not sure he really considers that 'fun'. Any activity ideas for home would also be appreciated, although it is nice to have a change of scenery if possible some days.

Thanks

Hello, I have a 15 month old also. He's very active and I agree it can be so difficult. I go to a lot of soft play areas and swimming which he loves. Other things that you can do are walks, farms, singing groups and parks.Home activities are harder but you could try painting, play dough, drawing, get a toy kitchen, experiment with just basic things at home. My son loves banging the pots and pans or playing with the hoover😂

Do you have a local swimming baths? My little girl is 14 months and I take her swimming regularly, she loves it. I also take her to a playgroup/stay-and-play every Friday morning which is lovely, maybe see if theres anything going on near you?

Also my girl enjoys anywhere if it means she can get out her pram a bit and have a little walk round at her leisure - the park or even just the garden is great because she loves crouching down and picking up stones!
As for things at home, my little one has been getting interested in 'helping' me with the housework. This afternoon she was hanging socks and underwear on the maiden. 😂
Theres also painting, playing with water, and even little things like blasting some music and doing silly dances!

Thanks both for your great suggestions

We have a swimming pool nearby, I just wish I as brave enough to take DS there on my own! I've taken him once with DH and concluded that two hands wouldn't be enough. Although obviously plenty of people manage! I'm building up to going again.

I took DS to the park this morning to go on the swings and have a general potter round, and he seemed to really enjoy that.

I am 35 weeks pregnant and finding it difficult to entertain my 15 month old! I do soft play and playgroups still but there's also no harm in having a morning at home, playing games, toys, reading and watching a bit of c beebies (although I'm sure mumsnet would not approve 🙈)

My 12 month old loves going to the park and exploring new places.
He loves swimming, if you have a local pool to take him and just have a good old splash around
We go to a couple of play groups where there are other babies, he is the only walker, but loves going and being nosey and playing in the toy kitchen.
He is now also mummies little helper, he helps unload the dishwasher ( probably not approved on here 😕) he helps " wipe down " the tables, empties our shopping bags and brings items to me.
But it can be incredibly exhausting trying to keep them amused, so great thread, I will be checking in for more ideas.

I'm interested in new ideas as well. DS is 16mo. He's a bum shuffler atm, so it's hard to do some things as he can't run around.

I try and take him to the zoo for a couple of hours every other week (annual pass), and rotate his toys so he doesn't get bored. I've tried crayons but he just tries to eat them.

Any big green space and a ball

The playground

The garden

DD is 15m and needs a lot of fresh air and exercise so we're making the most of the nice weather.

Unfortunately the days of her being content to spend the majority of the day in the pushchair are long gone. When we go out for a walk now I always take her out of the pushchair to walk herself until she asks to go back in.

Re swimming I've found it difficult post c section climbing the ladder in/out of the pool carrying DD but I'm wondering whether now that she's walking she might manage the ladder herself if I get in first and help her.

Going for a walk in the buggy straight after breakfast sets a good tone for the day. Breakfast, walk, free play, snack, bit of CBeebies, lunch, nap. Otherwise soft play is good or garden centre, visit family or have a play date.

Could you all go swimming today to try and build up your confidence OP? Have you got a local library? Ours has a few free sessions on each week for little ones.

There’s some ideas for home here too OP

Sorry for the delayed response.

@bourbonbiccy, I'm impressed that your DS tries to help unload the dishwasher! Mine just wants to climb in there and smash everything up, so it remains tightly sealed whenever he's around.

Ha I have the same problem with crayons @Figmentofimagination, they seem to still be considered food. Zoo is a good idea, I might see if there are any little places nearby we could go and look at some animals.

@INeedNewShoes - Yes I'm so used to pushing DS everywhere in the buggy but he's becoming increasingly resistant. I think I'll need to get used to going everywhere incredibly slowly

@BuntyII - Garden centres are a great idea, thank you! I like looking at plants and the nice housey things, so we'll give that a try.

Thanks for the link @JiltedJohnsJulie, there's some great stuff on there. We missed the chance for swimming but I intend to have another practice run with DH sometime soon in the hope I'll feel more confident afterwards.

Thanks all

No problem