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Toddler Approved Playground Fun

26 Jun
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TODDLER APPROVED PLAYGROUND

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.
Toddler Approved Playground Fun_2

Toddler Approved Playground Fun_4

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_1

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.

Toddler Approved Playground Fun_6

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!

Toddler Approved Playground Fun_5

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!

Toddler Approved Playground Fun

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?

Comments:
13 Comments
Categories:
Kids
Tags:
kids, play, toddler

About Erin @ Love Peace Beauty

Hi there! It's Erin here. I'm a 30-something wife & momma living near Washington, D.C. Elementary teacher. M.Ed in ESL. Mom & lifestyle blogger. Here you will find stories of motherhood & life - sometimes just appreciating the significance of those insignificant moments. Love, peace, and beauty make the world go round!

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Comments

  1. Stephanie Tadlock says

    June 27, 2016 at 6:07 PM

    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

    Reply
    • Erin says

      June 27, 2016 at 8:55 PM

      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.

      Reply
  2. Aileen (Aileen Cooks) says

    June 27, 2016 at 8:58 PM

    We just tried Lil Beanies and my kids love them! I really appreciate that they are baked.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 2, 2016 at 5:21 PM

      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!

      Reply
  3. Lindsay Katherine says

    June 28, 2016 at 8:53 AM

    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 : )

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 2, 2016 at 5:23 PM

      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!

      Reply
  4. Shann Eva says

    June 28, 2016 at 9:49 PM

    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!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 2, 2016 at 5:24 PM

      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!

      Reply
  5. Linda Marie Hoekel Montavon says

    July 2, 2016 at 8:16 AM

    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!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 2, 2016 at 5:25 PM

      Yes, you’ll have to give them a try! The boys loved them – broccoli and cheddar flavored were their fave! :)

      Reply
  6. Laura says

    July 3, 2016 at 7:45 PM

    This post is so great (I love that cheeky grin!) what a great way to entice and de-silly your kids!

    Reply
  7. Dominique Garcia says

    July 14, 2016 at 1:55 AM

    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!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 24, 2016 at 5:32 AM

      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.

      Reply

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A Little About Me

Hey there! I’m Erin. Wife & mama. Elementary teacher turned SAHM. M.Ed in ESL. Here you will find stories of motherhood & life – sharing the beauty amidst the chaos. LPB is more than just a blog, it’s a judgement-free community for friendship (I won’t judge if you skipped folding laundry to come hang out with me)! Meet Erin here

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