Activities for older child and toddler advice

[Cluelessfirstimer]

I have a nearly 2 year old DS and I'm a FTM so have no real experience with older children.

I'll have a 8 year old boy staying with me for a few days while a friend is in hosp having an operation. Over half term. He knows me well and has stayed over night before but to be honest it was only the evening so he did some activities on his ipad and went to bed

But this is going to be about a week.Need advice on activities I can do with both of them!?

We love getting out of the house and out and about so ive planned a picnic (weather depending) at the park but my brain has stopped there on things they both may enjoy.

At 8 he'll probably still enjoy the park (look for one with stuff for older kids) and softplay (again look for one suitable for big kids).

A good walk/scavenger hunt. Trip to the library. Trip out for hot chocolate and a cake.

At home....it depends what he likes. Baking? Drawing/craft? Lego/puzzle (that he can do at the table away from the little one)?

I'd also not be afraid to let him use his iPad/watch the TV, it's probably quite a scary time for him and if he finds comfort in that I'd let him crack on.

Do you have any other friends with kids the same age as the 8 year old? I have an 18 month old and and 8 year old, and soft play with a friend for the older one normally works, farms, parks, Easter egg hunt depending if it's the Easter hols. Crafting, if your toddler is still having two hour naps in the day, use the time when they are asleep to focus on the 8 year old either playing games or watching a movie

Could you ask his parents for some ideas?
Do you live near him? Perhaps it might be worth seeing if you could arrange for him to meet up with some friends. Either meet them in the park or see if they'd host a play date for him?

Swimming is an activity I find good for different ages. Also maybe see if he'd like to plan, buy and cook a 2 course meal for you all. Otherwise I'd be heading outdoors with a bike/skateboard/ scooter

100% agree re the ipad/tv. The first day I planned for us to just stay home and chill so he could settle in/relax a little as he is aware where his mum is going and plan in general for him to do what makes him comfortable so absolutely no strict limits from me on those things while he is here

Thanks for the great suggestions - didn't even think of the library! Both he and my DS love reading and it's free!

Unfortunately they live quite far away (an hour and a half)

Swimming is a great shout though!

What about some baking. Since my DD was 2 I have been buying the box cakes where you just add egg and water. She is 3 now and loves decorating them. No doubt the older child would also enjoy this and they are really cheap about £2 per box plus maybe some sprinkles etc.

The range has some great craft stuff that's really cheap 2 that both could do if you adapt it slightly x