Playgrounds are often a kid’s happy place, right? Well, I think I have to come to terms with it as my happy place, too or maybe I’ll just call it my *top* secret tool in this parenthood game. I’ve accepted the reality that I spend more time there than I spend in the shower these days so might as well make the playground fun.
Our 3-year-old toddler is a bundle of energy and his little tot brother is too. One of the ways I save my sanity is taking them somewhere to expend energy otherwise I spend a lot of time disciplining indoors as they run, jump, crash, and bump into everything.
Especially, since we don’t have a backyard, a playground is a safe way for the boys to get exercise and often times it provides social experiences since they meet new friends as well.
Let me give some examples of how we cope with the limitless energy, this just might make me seem crazy but here it goes…
When we find ourselves on mini road trips (let’s be honest, anything over 20 minutes feels like a road trip) or even more recently, house hunting, as the boys get a bit restless in the car we bribe entice them with the promise of stopping at a playground (yes, yes, we actually follow through).
Or when we need to go to xyz event and we hope for the kiddos to be semi-calm, let’s go to a playground first.
Oh, you’re inviting my two boys to your daughter’s sweet princess tea party? How sweet. Whelp, guess we need to stop at the playground first.
You get the point, right? We are frequent playground go-ers and I’m sharing some of my tips to keep it fun. :)
Toddler-Approved Playground Fun Tips:
- Some equipment is developmentally appropriate for different age kids. Try to find playgrounds that have the “right size” equipment.
- I try to follow playground rules that they are expected to follow in preschool. I totally learned this from experience since Eli coaxed me into letting him slide on the “BIG” slide and then I found out his teachers don’t let little kids on that slide. Of course, his response, “but mommy lets me do that!” …he’s a little trickster, I tell ya. ;)
- Check the temperature of the equipment. The equipment gets hot, ouch! We try to go in the morning or evenings.
- Be vigilant. Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s tricky but accidents happen quickly. I felt like a ping pong ball last summer helping my toddler while baby-wearing little brother. This summer is FAR more manageable since my toddler is fairly independent and although my little one needs help, big brother is eager to “help”.
- Bring water. After playing, the kiddos get thirsty so I always try to remember to bring drinks (for mama, too).
- Pack snacks. The boys are crazy about their snacks! I love to pack snacks that are packaged for convenience since it’s easy to just toss them in a bag and head out the door. I grab a few of our faves like Gerber® Lil’ Beanies(TM) and then it’s a picnic wherever we go!
- Keep an inexpensive, plastic tablecloth in the trunk that makes impromptu picnics possible and clean-up easy-peasy.
Gerber® Lil’ Beanies(TM) is a nutritious snack that has 2 grams of protein (9% Daily Value) and 1 gram of fiber per serving. So I feel good about giving it to both of my little ones. Lil’ Beanies(TM) are available in White Cheddar and Broccoli (which we purchased) and original!
Lil’ Beanies(TM) are made from navy beans and naturally flavored with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Lil’ Beanies(TM) are baked, not made with genetically engineered ingredients and have a taste that both my boys love!
We found our Gerber® Lil’ Beanies(TM) at our favorite store….Target!
So what’s your best tip for playground fun and what’s your favorite snack to pack?
These are such great ideas! I love the idea of having a tablecloth for an impromptu picnic. They don’t take up much space, and it’s great to have on hand
Thanks, Stephanie! You’re so right, doesn’t take up much space, inexpensive and we actually find lots of uses for it whether picnics or even creative play.
We just tried Lil Beanies and my kids love them! I really appreciate that they are baked.
Such a healthy, convenient snack, right? I was thrilled that both of my boys enjoyed them since I usually have to pack separate snacks! Have a great weekend, Aileen!
Ooooh so much yes in this post. First, yes to anything over 20 minutes feeling like a road trip. Yes to having water and easy snacks at the park. And a huge yes to Lil Beanies!! Ginny’s favorite : )
Aren’t they just the perfect snack? I even tried a few of the cheddar and broccoli flavored ones and they were pretty tasty! ;) Have a lovely weekend, Lindsay!
Your boys are adorable. The one of them feeding each other is too cute! Great tips for the playground. I have three boys, and it’s a great place to get out energy. Snacks are a must for us too. I’m going to check out these Lil Beanies. I’m sure my twins would love them!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Shann! Yes, playgrounds save my sanity many days! I sure hope your twins like them – I even tried a few and they didn’t disappoint!
I will need to pick these up at the store and have on hand for when the grand-babies come to visit. Thanks for the informative posting!
Yes, you’ll have to give them a try! The boys loved them – broccoli and cheddar flavored were their fave! :)
This post is so great (I love that cheeky grin!) what a great way to entice and de-silly your kids!
These are all such great tips! I tend to forget about checking the temperature of the slide and when my buys immediately jump up I feel awful. I will have to remember the tablecloth trick!
Thank you, Dominique! I’ve noticed our slides being very hot lately and actually our school playgrounds started putting little warning stickers so I’m assuming they’ve had some complaints.