Marie131 Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 We have to go to my ILs this weekend. There is nothing for the kids to do there. The house is very kid unfriendly and the yard has been converted into a water feature, so there is literally no where to play inside or out. With my boys, it is very much like bringing a bull to a china shop. So, I am wondering what in the world I can bring to occupy these kids for the few hours that we have to be there (do I sound as excited as I am :glare:). Anything that can potentially damage floors or walls is out, so no crayons, cars etc...I am coming up with nothing. Ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeaganS Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 You know, in that situation for that short of time, I would suggest television or video games. I know it is looked down on, but if I have to keep my girls confined for a few hours, this is the easiest (and happiest for them) way to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Could you just keep leaving to take them to a park?? :D "I'd love to stay & visit but the boys need to run around..." :lol: Otherwise, I agree with Meagan - tv and/or computer... Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Ukeleles, harmonicas and kazoos :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyJoy Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Could you bring a rug or blanket that they could sit on to use cars, crayons, or building toys so the toys would stay confined? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly1730 Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Ukeleles, harmonicas and kazoos :lol: :lol::lol::lol: I also would permit some dvd's/videos under these circumstances. How about Lego's, drawing paper and colored pencils (potentially not as messy as crayons) books (of course;) Maybe you could make a trip to library ahead of time and pick up some new to them items? Is there possibly a park nearby that you could escape to? Or some long walks around the neighborhood? And play-dough is always a possibility:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 (edited) Could you just keep leaving to take them to a park?? :D "I'd love to stay & visit but the boys need to run around..." :lol: Otherwise, I agree with Meagan - tv and/or computer... Anne :iagree: When ds was that age and Grandma's home was not kid-friendly, we'd bring board games for everyone. One for Grandma & grandchild like Chutes & Ladders and a family group game like Chicken Foot (Dominoes) or Crazy Eights with a deck of cards. She always had a puzzle out. We'd walk around the neighborhood once a day. She would do a cooking lesson like baking cookies. Many times, grandson just had to adjust hanging out with the old folks and make do. Which is why I invested in a Nintendo DS for those times boredom set in -- it does work as an incentive!! LOL When son got older, he would read books when boredom set in. You learn to adjust with older folk and learn their ways. Grandma passed on a year ago and now ds is 17. He misses those times with his Grandma. Edited June 6, 2012 by tex-mex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 A backpack with coloring books, a small box of crayons, some jigsaw puzzles, some books that have multiple stories. Maybe granny can give them some of her paper to write on and ask them to draw a nice, complicated picture. If you have DSs or the like, that would probably be good too if the goal is keeping them uninvolved in their surroundings. I agree with leaving to take them for a walk rather than forcing them to sit still against their inner nature. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 My granny used to keep a lego set under her couch. It was the only thing there to play with and it worked very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marie131 Posted June 6, 2012 Author Share Posted June 6, 2012 Good ideas about the park and computer! I think I will check the library to see if there are any movies we could borrow that they have not seen :) I am quite sure we will not be missed if we leave for a walk. Sadly, my ILs usually ignore the kids unless they are getting too close to the tiffany lamps or the curio room :glare: Ukeleles, harmonicas and kazoos....tempting!!! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marie131 Posted June 6, 2012 Author Share Posted June 6, 2012 I also have to be very careful about what I bring because a 'senior might trip'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Ukeleles, harmonicas and kazoos :lol: :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 A Nerf ball to play with in the driveway/parking lot? DVDs/video games foamie pattern blocks/puzzles? http://www.enasco.com/product/TB17722T Glitter? Huge tubs of it. Vacuums right up, LOL! :thumbup1: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Good ideas about the park and computer! I think I will check the library to see if there are any movies we could borrow that they have not seen :) I am quite sure we will not be missed if we leave for a walk. Sadly, my ILs usually ignore the kids unless they are getting too close to the tiffany lamps or the curio room :glare: Ukeleles, harmonicas and kazoos....tempting!!! :lol: Excellent! Then they should definitely stay home. And, of course, you will need to stay home with them...;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 If the inlaws ignore them anyway I'd do videos or the park for sure. My boys are too active to sit still drawing or similar long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeidiKC Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 I have a tub of special legos I only bring out for grandma's house, so they think it's exciting. So maybe some and different box of manipulatives. Also - highly recommend the "Stomp Rocket"!!! Check it out. Get the bigger version for heavier kids. About $15-19, and so much fun! It's an outdoor toy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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