Need Activities for Mother-in-law to Do with 2-Year Old

Hi A.! I live in Euless, and we have several free indoor play areas around here located in churches. There is one called The Cube, at Compass Christian Church in Colleyville, that's open, I think, every afternoon at 2:30. Paradise Pond, at First Baptist Grapevine, is open each Thurs. and Fri. from 9 to 11 (though it does cost $1). The Treehouse at Glenview Baptist, which is in Ft. Worth (off of 820, near Haltom City) is open the first, third and fifth Monday of each month from 10 to 12. Kidztown Treehouse, at Church on the Cross in Grapevine, is open every Friday from 10 to 11:30. And Irving Bible Church also has an indoor play area (can't remember the name of it) which is open basically all day, every day.

Other than that, I'm sure there are some other play areas near you. We have a place called Leapin' Lizards (in NRH), and in Colleyville there's a place called Going Bonkers. Those both cost $5 or $6, I think. I'm sure there are similar places closer to Arlington, though.

Hope that helps!

N.

barnes and noble also has story times during the week so you may want to check that out. i don't know what mall is near you but at hulen mall they have a huge playcenter where it's nice and cool. oh there's always pump it up or something similar, they have a special tot time. good luck.

Do-a-Dots are a lot of fun. These are easy, washable paints. They come in a tube, and the child holds the tube like a marker and colors the picture with dots. You can get them at Mardel (and maybe other places). Maybe they could make cookies? I know my kids enjoy helping with that. Also, if your son likes being read to, maybe you could get him some new books (or get some from the library) that Grandma could read to him. Maybe build a fort out of blankets stretched over chairs and they could crawl in there and play? Also, if you allow videos, maybe they could watch some together. I know my 2yo loves pointing out things in her favorite videos. Hope these ideas help.

Meg

Pump it up in South Arlington has open jump time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $6 plus tax for kids 2 and over. Parents/caregivers are free.

Every Wednesday at the Barnes and Noble at the Parks Mall in Arlington they have storytime at 11:30 a.m. It always features a story and a craft. You can pair that with a trip to the toddler play area (bottom level next to the ice rink), or a ride on the carousel (upper floor next to the food court - $2 for one ride or $5 for an all day arm band).

My 2 year old loves to visit the pet store. During the week, the Pets Mart at the Highland Village has certain times during the day when their doggie daycare brings the dogs to the clear glass room to play. My daughter can watch them forever. Plus they have fish, cats, birds and other small animals. There is another great pet store in Lincoln Square that has snakes, hermit crabs, rabbits, etc. You can ask to touch just about anything, too.

We also like to go feed the ducks at Veterans Park (Arkansas and Spanish Trail - west of Bowen intersection) It's great there. They have a lot of shade and room to run around. The pond has both ducks and turtles. You can bring a fishing rod and sit in the grass and cast away for a long time.

Also, Don Misenhimer Park in South Arlington has a cute little splash park area in addition to the other playground equipment. It's a great thing to do on a weekday morning. The splash part starts at 10 a.m. and is a great way to cool off on the hot summer mornings. Plus, it makes for a nice long nap.

Hope some of those suggestions work. I love finding activities to do with my daughter that are low cost and interactive, so I'm always searching for more ideas.

Hi A.,

if your mother-in-law just includes your 2 year old in your house hold chores, it would be great fun. They love to "WASH DISHES" standing on a chair by the sink and play in the bubbles with plastic bowls and cups or measuring spoons and cups. They love to fold clothes, especially napkins or socks, making puppets when them for a while, of course!

My two boys learned to be a big help and had great fun! You do not always have to go somewhere to have fun!

the parks mall also has an indoor play place and also the carousel. also what about putt putt they have bowlingo...its miniature bowling .

What about Chuck E. Cheese or one of those indoor bounce house places they have open jump sessions for like $5-$10 bucks. Have you tried other libraries to see if they have story time this month? If you mother in law is willing to drive I bet there is one that offers it. Also The great Wolf Lodge has an indoor water park i'm not sure how much or how they are with the general public but almost positive you don't have to stay there to go to the water park. They can also play imagination games indoors. Like setting up a campsite or a safari with animals they made from cardboard and other crafts like that. Maybe even making up a play or puppet show. They will be fine and have lots of fun regardless. Let us know how it goes.

Hi A., try www.familyfun.com . Look for activities by age. They have lots of ideas. Good Luck!