My daughter is 2 1/2 years old and I am looking for some fun and enriching things to do with her during the day. We are in North Dallas, between Richardson and Addison (closer to Richardson). Any fun ideas for arts & crafts or learning activities to do at home would be great. Also any ideas for outings for a 2 year old would be great. A little background info - my daughter had a heart transplant in March, so hasn't been able to be around a lot of children this year. It is important that the outings/activities are mostly inside, because she is on medications that make her very sensitive to heat. Also, I would like her to be able to be around some other children, but nothing that is to crowded - she isn't supposed to be in any kind of crowd situation or school type situation yet because of her suppressed immune system. Aside from those 2 things, she has lots of energy and is ready to have some fun this summer, so any ideas would be incredibly appreciated! We were in the hospital so long I just don't know how to keep her entertained now - I'm afraid she's gotten too hooked on Sesame Street - Help!
The city of Richardson library on Arapaho is awesome! They have a family storytime on Monday nights at 6:45. It would give her a chance to be around other kids plus it's free! Also on Tues. and Wed. mornings at 10:00 UA Keystone theater at Spring Valley & 75 has free kids movies.
Jumptown!! plano- 15th and indepence. $7 to play for 2 1/2 hours. http://thejumptown.com/locations/tx-plano/index.php
Check out when open jump is and see if she would like that type of thing. It is inside, great AC, it's not that busy and they have little bouncers for the little kids!
My son first went when he was two- he's turning 4 next month and we're having his 4th b-day there.
Good luck,
Val
For home check out the book called "Before 5 in a Row" it has a bunch of favorite books for her age and the idea is you read the same book every day for 5 days, but each day you focus on something different- like the art work or talking about feelings etc.
For an outing try The Science Place at Fair Park http://www.natureandscience.org/ They have lots of hands on activities downstairs- a HUGE sand box, a room full of water tables, another room that is like being outside--- I would call ahead and find a time when there is NOT a preschool or summer camp scheduled to be there.
All of the Dallas libraries have great story times and Library Live Events. You can look up the branch closest to you and see what is coming up.
Have fun! I'm glad your daughter is a survivor!
D.
My 3 year old will sit for hours making collages. You can use any hard board - matte board, foam board or even wood - and a bottle of craft glue from Michaels ($1.29). You can do this after a nature walk where you gather natural objects for the collage or after a trip to the dollar store. Here are some photos: http://2002music.com/collage.html
It's even more fun when you throw an old vinyl tablecloth on the floor and invite friends to make collages for an "art contest". Prizes are for "tallest" (must be able to be turned upside down though), most creative, creepiest, etc.
I often like to do this one in the kitchen where I can float in and out of the area, cleaning up and cooking dinner...
