What to do with Your Toddler this Summer!

Summer can be two quick months of fun in the sun for parents of older children, but summer can be three months of LONG, hot, miserable days if you have a toddler who is bored, clingy or whiny!

I have complied a list of some fun places to go with your toddler this summer that I hope will keep you both happy and occupied!  Be sure to save the indoor ideas for rainy days or days that may get too hot.  Click the name of the venue to visit the website.

If you have some additional places to visit, please share them in the comments section below!

1.) The Lazy Five Ranch – located in Mooresville, NC.  Great for ALL ages.  It can get very hot, so pick a cooler day to visit.  For tips from my personal experience at the Lazy 5, visit my day trip blog here.

2.) Blueberry Picking – Check out the link for a fabulous list of Triad area farms that Katie put together.

3.) Hanes Mall – Located in Winston-Salem, this was one of my favorite places to go when my kids were toddlers.  First of all, they can run free, which makes them so happy!  There is a choo-choo train, which runs along the upper level of the mall.  There is also a carrousel, and plenty of ride-on toys for them to enjoy.  (Most of the time they don’t even notice if you don’t put a quarter in to start those rides!)  The Brenner Children’s area is a perfect place for toddlers to jump and slide.  And don’t forget to walk by Abercrombie and let your toddler have a little dance party in front of the store!

4.) Museums – The Triad is not at a loss for EXCELLENT museums.  Take your toddler to the Greensboro Children’s Museum or the Greensboro Science Center and you will be able to entertain them for the entire day!  A few of these museums are also offering discounted memberships for the summer season!  You can’t beat the bargain!

5.) Dan Nicholas Park – a hidden gem in Salisbury with PLENTY for your toddler to enjoy!

6.) NC Zoo – probably an obvious idea, but I wanted to be sure to include this link so you can read some excellent tips from Katie that will help your zoo trip be enjoyable for all.

7.) Swimming – For toddlers, it is great to visit a pool that has a zero-entry area where they can walk into the water themselves and stay in a shallow area.  Even if you are a member at a neighborhood club or pool, it is always fun to experience a change of scenery.  There are a few local public pools with the zero-entry option including Alex W Spears YMCA, Bur-Mil Family Aquatic Center, Gateway YWCA and Tanglewood. Find these as well as other pool ideas on our directory here.

8.) Tanglewood Park – In addition to the zero entry pool noted above, there is plenty to keep a toddler entertained at this beautiful park in Clemmons, NC.  There are horses, playgrounds and plenty of lakes to visit.  There is a small entry fee into the park.

910.) Computer Games – Did you know that even your little one can play on the computer and navigate certain games alone?  Check out my post here which lists various games for all ages and note the ones that your toddler can use!

10.) Rockin’ Jump GSO, Rockin’ Jump WS, Bumper Jumpers, Monkey Joe’s,  Safari Nation and Jump-N-Fun – five places where you kid can go NUTS!  Be sure to ask for specific play times for the younger kids so that your toddler doesn’t get steam-rolled by a ten-year-old.

11.) Kindermusik – This is so much fun for children and also a great place for moms to meet new friends as well.  Follow the link and type in your zip code to see a list of classes close to you.

12.) Burlington City Park – Much to do including a train ride, rides with planes, cars, tractors and boats. There is a great playground area, parks, and an aquatic facility.

13.) Local Parks & Playgrounds – Why not make a goal to hit all ten of our “TMoM Favorite Parks” in your city!  Follow the link to our directories page, where you will see our list of favorite parks for the High Point, Greensboro, Bulrington and Winston-Salem areas.  Maybe you will find a new one that your toddler will love!

14.) Chick-Fil-A – always an easy escape from the heat when you can find a CFA with a play area!  Many CFA’s offer preschool or toddler storytimes.  Just call the location closest to you to get their dates and times or check the calendar on their website.

15.) The movies – Is your toddler ready to sit through a flick at the theater?  Now is a great time to find out because Regal Cinemas and Grande Theatres are hosting $1 and $3 movies during the day this summer!  Give it a try!  You don’t have much to lose!  You can find dates, times and shows by using our event calendar. (Most are on T, W, or Th mornings at 10am.)

16.) Homeland Creamery -Only about 30 minutes south of Greensboro, this is a great day trip for you and your toddler!

17.) Crafts – Check out our craft section to find some fun and creative ideas for you and your little one.

18.) Vacation Bible Schools – This is great for when Momma needs a break!  Unfortunately the majority of VBS options are for 3 years and up, but you can find a select few that will take toddlers! (VBS listings are under each city.)

19.) Camps – as with VBS, most summer camps focus on age 3 and up, but you can often find preschool camps that take children as young as age two.

We hope you will be able to put this list to good use this summer!  Where do you think you’ll be taking your toddler?