Get Out of the House

Being a parent is challenging and at times it can be isolating. Coming up with fun activities outside the house can help on days when you’re feeling lonely, restless or bored. If you live in a big city like Los Angeles there are books and magazines devoted to possible outings. Doing this research on your own takes some work, but it is well worth the effort.

To make this task less daunting, here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Check your local library for story times.

2. Check with your local community center for activities like Tot Time or Arts and Crafts. If there isn’t something organized yet, ask them to start something new.

3. Find a yoga studio with Mommy and Me classes, which are usually open to fathers, too.

4. Organize a weekly play date with other parents and children.

5. Look into swim lessons at your local pool, or visit the pool on your own.

6. Visit different parks. We go to a park almost every day.

7. Go for walks. Get to know new neighborhoods or go on hikes by putting your little one in a baby backpack or wrap.

8. Do an Internet search with your city’s name and terms like “mommy and me” or “baby classes.” Also, check out www.gocitykids.com.

9. Look for music classes, or invite other parents and children over to dance and share a snack.

10. My favorite activity has been parenting classes through the Center for Nonviolent Education and Parenting in Los Angeles. We also attend a weekly playgroup at the center. Search for similar nonprofits in your area.

11. Some parks have amphitheaters with free music and shows.

12. Join a mommy support group. Today you can find many listed on Myspace.com.

13. Go to a museum during the weekday when it’s not as busy and talk to your baby about what you see. Many museums have rooms just for children and many, like Natural History Museums, are designed for kids to enjoy.

14. Go to an aquarium.

15. Go to the zoo.

16. Collect leaves during the fall.

17. Look at and smell flowers during the spring.

18. Visit a pet store.

19. Visit a toy store and play with the display toys. Make sure you explain to your child that you’re just visiting the toys and not taking any home.

20. On really hot summer days when we had no air conditioning, I would take my baby to the mall and sit in the furniture section reading to her. The employees understood and didn’t mind one bit.

21. On hot days you can also go to an air-conditioned bookstore and read.

22. Visit a public garden, or ask a neighbor to visit their garden.

23. Go outside and blow bubbles, play ball, wrestle, play in the grass, sing and explore.

24. Visit a firehouse and have them show you the trucks.

25. Visit a farm or a petting zoo.

26. If it’s a rainy day and you’ve already explored the rain outside, search online for toddler activities that you can do around the house.

Whether you’re meeting up with other parents or just going out by yourselves, you and your baby will appreciate getting out of the house and getting active.

Remember your baby backpack, wrap, or stroller and a bag with:

1. Sunblock for baby and for you.

2. A hat for baby and one for you.

3. Sunglasses.

4. Snacks or lunch for you and your little one.

5. Water for you and your little one.

6. A change of clothes in case your child has LOTS of fun and gets wet or dirty.

7. A few sand toys, a ball, bubbles, et cetera.

Enjoy exploring!

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