When you are a stay at home mom to young children, the days can feel both very full and very long at the same time. It feels like you’re somehow both doing a thousand things but also always looking for something to do to keep those littles occupied. So I decided to compile a list of our favorite ways to pass the time and fill our days with fun. I’ve got my top ten things to do for staying in as well as our top ten things to do when we go out. Hopefully it sparks an idea for you as well!
Top 10 Ideas for Staying In
Obviously plenty of our day is filled with the usual playing with our toys and reading books but sometimes you need to switch it up! We don’t do these things every day but I sure do love to keep them in my back pocket for when we need a reset or a boost to make it to bedtime.
- Dance Party
- Indoor approved sensory bins
- Building a blanket fort
- Baking together (our favorite is muffins)
- Sensory Paint– put them in the tub for a blank canvas and easy cleanup!
- Seasonal Play-Doh- making your own playdoh using a seasonal color or scent can switch up a more familiar activity. Here’s a fall recipe!
- Snuggle and watch a movie or show
- Make an obstacle course (hop on this pillow, jump on that blanket, walk on this masking tape line etc)
- Exercise together- I put on a workout video and he follows along with me, it’s a good laugh for everyone.
- FaceTime our faraway family and friends (ok this one we do everyday but it’s a good one!)
Top 10 Ideas for Getting Out and About
We all know we can’t stay in the house all day every day so I’m also sharing some of our favorite things to do outside or away from the house.
- Puddle jumping (during or after a storm)
- Heading to the local park- try finding a new one to keep things interesting
- Aquarium/Zoo/Children’s Museum
- Scavenger Hunt (could do this in the back yard, your neighborhood or at a park)
- Have a picnic
- Local cafe for a fun treat together (coffee for mom chocolate milk for my little man)
- Have a “car wash” for toy trucks, or a “toy wash” if your kiddo doesn’t own a thousand trucks like mine
- Visit Petco/Petsmart (it’s basically the zoo to a toddler)
- Visit the plant nursery- it often has water features (ours even has fish!), holiday decorations etc.
- Check out a local farmers market (we have one that is available weekdays which is great!)
How does that saying go? “The days are long but the years are short?” Well it definitely rings true around here when I find myself simultaneously counting down to bedtime while also wishing I could freeze time. These activities help bring extra joy to the everyday mundane, helping me make the best of the long days that turn into short years. If you have some things to add I’d love to hear them!