I found a great blog that had 20 mom & son date ideas that inspired me to make my own list of 15 fun activities for toddler boys (or girls).
1.
Get outside- boys love anything outdoors. Go for a walk, go to the park, even just the back yard!
2.
Bouncy Houses- I love bouncy houses because they get all of my little guys energy out! Its a great work out for mom too!
3.
Mall Play Areas- We are a big fan of these! They may not be the cleanest of places but they are a blast for toddlers!
4.
Painting- Painting is great for creative little minds! Cayden loves mixing the colors.
5.
Barnes and Noble- Sadly, there are not many book stores left but luckily we have a Barnes and Noble not too far from us. Mommy goes to pick out some good books for bed time stories and Cayden goes for the awesome Thomas train table!
6.
Zoo/Aquarium- We go to the zoo all the time. Since there are only a few warm, sunny months, we usually go all bundled up. Our local zoo has a year membership for $60 (The membership is the same cost for a family of 4 to go to the zoo one time) Our favorite animals are the elephants and monkeys!
7.
Build a Fort- Surprisingly, we havnt done this one yet but its next on my list! Some of my favorite memories as a child are building forts in our living room with chairs, blankets, and sheets!
8.
Childrens Museum- There is never a lack of things to do at the Childrens Museum. They have a ball area, slide, water features, art room, etc.
7.
Play Area at Mcdonals- I was never allowed to play in these when I was little so I had never thought of this until my "mommy group" suggested it as a play date. Cayden loves Mcdonalds "cluck clucks" (chicken nuggets) so whats better then eating AND playing?!
8.
Throwing rocks in water- This never gets old. There are some great parks around that have small lakes. Cayden can throw rocks in the water for hours, sometimes we even bring bread to feed the ducks. We also go to the ocean and throw rocks in the water and watch boats.
9.
Story time at the Library- We did this a lot when Cayden was younger. You read books and sing songs. This wasnt such a hit when he got older because it involves more quiet time then Cayden likes but it might be perfect for your toddler.
10.
Lowes Building Workshops- Lowes has free "Build & Grow" kids clinics where you can build wooden toys (cars, airplanes, bird houses, etc.) They are designed for older kids but younger kids can do it with help from mom or dad. If the work shops dont work for you, you can buy one of the wood toy building kits and build something at home.
11.
Floor Time- This is Caydens favorite. Sometimes you feel like having a relaxing day and not leaving the house. Its easy to catch myself turning on the TV and sitting on the couch but toddlers enjoy nothing more then one on one play time. Playing trains, crashing cars and playing with Woody and Buzz are some of Caydens favorites.
12.
Play Dates- I found a few moms with little ones close to Caydens age and we get together once a week! Playing with other kids is great, especially if your child doesnt have siblings or go to day care/preschool. Its great for us moms too!
13.
Art Projects- Pinterest is full of great toddler arts & crafts. Slime, bird feeders, handprint animals, leaf rubbing, etc.
14.
Starbucks- Sometimes just getting out of the house and getting a treat at your local coffee shop is what you need. Cayden loves the petite vanilla bean scones at Starbucks. Just sitting in a chair and talking are some of my favorite times with him.
15.
Movie Nights- We are just getting to the age where we can watch a movie. Make it a special occasion and bring out the popcorn and m&m's! Curl up with a blanket and turn on Toy Story (always Toy Story in my house).
