Ideas for mommy and me weekend with 2 year old

[Anonymous]

Op your ideas are lame. Go on a weekend trip to Philadelphia y or NYC or something like that. I live in Philadelphia and go to nyc a lot with my toddler.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op your ideas are lame. Go on a weekend trip to Philadelphia y or NYC or something like that. I live in Philadelphia and go to nyc a lot with my toddler.

What a mean and unhelpful comment.

1. Not all toddlers travel well.
2. Not all people like to travel.
3. Not all people like to travel with toddlers.
4. Not all people want to go to super busy urban areas.
5. Not all people want to take a 3 hr train ride or 6 hour car ride for a weekend trip.
6. Not all toddlers sleep well away from home.

You didnt need to include the underlined. Just say: I live in Philadelphia and go to nyc a lot with my toddler. Maybe think about going on a weekend trip to Philadelphia y or NYC or something like that. If thats something you are interested in, I can reply back with some specific suggestions for fun places in Philly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op your ideas are lame. Go on a weekend trip to Philadelphia y or NYC or something like that. I live in Philadelphia and go to nyc a lot with my toddler.

What a mean and unhelpful comment.

1. Not all toddlers travel well.
2. Not all people like to travel.
3. Not all people like to travel with toddlers.
4. Not all people want to go to super busy urban areas.
5. Not all people want to take a 3 hr train ride or 6 hour car ride for a weekend trip.
6. Not all toddlers sleep well away from home.

You didnt need to include the underlined. Just say: I live in Philadelphia and go to nyc a lot with my toddler. Maybe think about going on a weekend trip to Philadelphia y or NYC or something like that. If thats something you are interested in, I can reply back with some specific suggestions for fun places in Philly.

+1. Unnecessary. I love weekend trips and very much try to be the "I can live my regular life but drag my kid along for it!" travel mom type, but no way would I take my 2yo on a weekend trip without my spouse if I didn't have to. She is very easy but even so, nope.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op your ideas are lame. Go on a weekend trip to Philadelphia y or NYC or something like that. I live in Philadelphia and go to nyc a lot with my toddler.

The lame comment is mean and unnecessary. However, I agree that a trip to a city can be fun.
If you aren't up- for it on your own, do you have family nearby you can visit? Or someone who can tag along? I took my then 15 month old to the beach by myself a few years ago, and that was so much fun, for both of us.

Also, do things that you also like to do. I much rather make a trip to the aquarium than visit yet another playground.

Where do you live? Here are some things I like to do with my kids that I do on my own without a partner.
National Zoo
Baltimore zoo
Catoctin Nature Reserve (pretty much another zoo)
Go to playground and Carousel at RIO, go for a stroller ride around pond, get shaved ice.
Pack a picnic and go watch airplanes at Reagan Airport (Gravelly point)
Go to National Mall, walk around, visit Lincoln Memorial and other monuments, get ice cream from an ice cream truck.
Sculpture Gardens
Stroll Brookside Gardens
Visit Lake Needwood
Walk around Bethesda, get yourself a special coffee, cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes, stroller ride on trail.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op your ideas are lame. Go on a weekend trip to Philadelphia y or NYC or something like that. I live in Philadelphia and go to nyc a lot with my toddler.

The lame comment is mean and unnecessary. However, I agree that a trip to a city can be fun.
If you aren't up- for it on your own, do you have family nearby you can visit? Or someone who can tag along? I took my then 15 month old to the beach by myself a few years ago, and that was so much fun, for both of us.

Also, do things that you also like to do. I much rather make a trip to the aquarium than visit yet another playground.

Where do you live? Here are some things I like to do with my kids that I do on my own without a partner.
National Zoo
Baltimore zoo
Catoctin Nature Reserve (pretty much another zoo)
Go to playground and Carousel at RIO, go for a stroller ride around pond, get shaved ice.
Pack a picnic and go watch airplanes at Reagan Airport (Gravelly point)
Go to National Mall, walk around, visit Lincoln Memorial and other monuments, get ice cream from an ice cream truck.
Sculpture Gardens
Stroll Brookside Gardens
Visit Lake Needwood
Walk around Bethesda, get yourself a special coffee, cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes, stroller ride on trail.

You guys are sensitive. OP should go big or don’t go at all.

[Anonymous]

OP here! Thank you ALL for the ideas! This is amazing and we will have so much fun, building in plenty of flexibility and chill time (though haha I’d rather go home than go big, but man I hope my kid makes friends with the Philly/NYC parent so you can take them both later on!

[Anonymous]

For our child's first birthday we did a day trip to Baltimore, which mostly was to go to Storyville, which is a fun free playspace for young kids through the Baltimore library. Was special but just right.

[Anonymous]

Depending on where you live, Clifton is having Clifton Day on Sunday. You can take the VRE into Clifton from Burke or Manassas for free and then a 5 dollar return trip. They will have art vendors and food out. There is a really cute playground there and a great ice cream shop!

My DD is about the same age and my favorite thing to do with her is get coffee. She just kind of sits there eating her treat and I can drink coffee for a minute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op your ideas are lame. Go on a weekend trip to Philadelphia y or NYC or something like that. I live in Philadelphia and go to nyc a lot with my toddler.

Why? Your toddler doesn’t care about NY. OP’s 2 yr old will have more fun at the zoo than sitting in a car for hours.

[Anonymous]

Go to the wharf and ride the jitney (it's like a 5-minute ride; you can bring a stroller) then go to the playground at Hains Point. Come back on the boat and split an ice cream or doughnut or something while looking at the boats, people, airplanes, dogs, etc.

Yes to zoo or farm--you can do a hayride, choose a little pumpkin, maybe there's a petting zoo.

Maybe do a special bath--get her a can of shaving cream and let her go to town. Throw some clean plastic containers in there and let her play for a long time. You could even play some music or something.

Maybe go to the grocery store, not to do all your shopping but to buy one or two things and let her push a little cart or ride in one of the special carts?

You could also do a very simple cooking project (I mean like get one of the cookie or brownie mixes where you just add water and oil, or maybe instant pudding? mashed potato flakes? REALLY simple stuff) or make a simple fruit salad where you give her a peeled banana and a plastic knife to cut it, and then mix it in with a few things you cut and some berries you rinse together.

Maybe get some sidewalk chalk, or some finger paints and a big pad of paper, and do an art project outside?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here! Thank you ALL for the ideas! This is amazing and we will have so much fun, building in plenty of flexibility and chill time (though haha I’d rather go home than go big, but man I hope my kid makes friends with the Philly/NYC parent so you can take them both later on!

I am the Philly parent. I love weekend hotel trips because it means no housework or cooking. I can truly relax. Be a little selfish and do something you want to do! Your daughter will have fun regardless. One of my favorite trips was when I visited my sister when my eldest son was 2. We all drank wine and watched sex in the city reruns. I drank mommy juice and ds had apple juice. Do something crazy and have fun with it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'm an outlier here, but I really wouldn't go overboard with a "girls weekend" for a toddler. I think it will backfire to do too many fun special things, especially if she's already a little confused about where daddy is.

What do you usually do on the weekends with her? If you go to the playground Saturday mornings, I can see switching that up for something extra fun like the aquarium. But I wouldn't do the aqarium in the morning, folllowed by lunch out, followed by the zoo, followed by nail painting, followed by a movie, etc. etc.

Also, I would want to ration my patience/energy if I'm alone with a two year old all weekend. A go-to trip the playground that I know my 2 yr old likes would probably be easier for me than a trip to the aquarium that might end up taking up too much energy considering I have to do the entire rest of the weekend by myself.

I definitely say go for the TV though. When my husband is gone, I like to do "TV dinners" with my kids where we eat meals in the living room with the TV on. Everybody likes it, and again, it helps me save some of my patience/energy.

Yes, I realize my post is going to get me a lot of replies talking about how "lazy" I am haha.

+1

I have three kids (10, 8, 5) and wouldn't do much beyond a slightly more exciting version of what you already do. She's (almost) two. Now, if you want to make some memories, OP, or have cute photo ops, fine, but then think about what will be easy and fun for you. Two year olds thrive on structure and routine. Pick one special outing and stick to that. You're already having a big celebration when your husband is back, right?

+2
Yep another seasoned mom chiming in agreeing.

With naps and staying w/in the usual weekend routine, I wouldn't go overboard with planning too much over the top with a toddler & me weekend.

Sure switch out your go-to playground with something like Clemyjontri. Have donut for breakfast.. Or visit any of the gazillion Fall Festival-type places after nastiness, but other than that, no need to plan more than that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here! Thank you ALL for the ideas! This is amazing and we will have so much fun, building in plenty of flexibility and chill time (though haha I’d rather go home than go big, but man I hope my kid makes friends with the Philly/NYC parent so you can take them both later on!

I am the Philly parent. I love weekend hotel trips because it means no housework or cooking. I can truly relax. Be a little selfish and do something you want to do! Your daughter will have fun regardless. One of my favorite trips was when I visited my sister when my eldest son was 2. We all drank wine and watched sex in the city reruns. I drank mommy juice and ds had apple juice. Do something crazy and have fun with it!

You made your 2 yo son sit in a hotel room all day while you watched sex and the city and drank wine? What....? I don't see how that was at all fun or healthy for your toddler, despite the apple juice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'm an outlier here, but I really wouldn't go overboard with a "girls weekend" for a toddler. I think it will backfire to do too many fun special things, especially if she's already a little confused about where daddy is.

What do you usually do on the weekends with her? If you go to the playground Saturday mornings, I can see switching that up for something extra fun like the aquarium. But I wouldn't do the aqarium in the morning, folllowed by lunch out, followed by the zoo, followed by nail painting, followed by a movie, etc. etc.

Also, I would want to ration my patience/energy if I'm alone with a two year old all weekend. A go-to trip the playground that I know my 2 yr old likes would probably be easier for me than a trip to the aquarium that might end up taking up too much energy considering I have to do the entire rest of the weekend by myself.

I definitely say go for the TV though. When my husband is gone, I like to do "TV dinners" with my kids where we eat meals in the living room with the TV on. Everybody likes it, and again, it helps me save some of my patience/energy.

Yes, I realize my post is going to get me a lot of replies talking about how "lazy" I am haha.

+1

I have three kids (10, 8, 5) and wouldn't do much beyond a slightly more exciting version of what you already do. She's (almost) two. Now, if you want to make some memories, OP, or have cute photo ops, fine, but then think about what will be easy and fun for you. Two year olds thrive on structure and routine. Pick one special outing and stick to that. You're already having a big celebration when your husband is back, right?

+2
Yep another seasoned mom chiming in agreeing.

With naps and staying w/in the usual weekend routine, I wouldn't go overboard with planning too much over the top with a toddler & me weekend.

Sure switch out your go-to playground with something like Clemyjontri. Have donut for breakfast.. Or visit any of the gazillion Fall Festival-type places after nastiness, but other than that, no need to plan more than that.

OP here. These PPs seem like my people . I definitely think you guys are right in that she's 2, and simple is totally fine. For Saturday, I forgot I signed her (and as it turns out, also myself) up for baby ballet so we'll have that Saturday morning, will probably go out to a coffee shop for breakfast and that will pretty much kill the first part of our day. For Saturday afternoon, I'm thinking PENNY TOSS!!!!! What a fantastic idea! She's going to think this is the best thing ever, and I am not even going to regret the tantrum that happens when we run out of pennies. Also the PP who suggested TV dinners - I guess I'm lazy too, because we are doing that both nights. I'm sure by dinnertime I'm going to be fried.

Sunday we will stick to our routine - farmer's market downtown TP, breakfast in the square, hit the playground and listen to whatever music is going on. We are for sure doing a special bath with shaving cream (although I might do whipped cream? I think she's going to taste it for sure). I've been doing a sourdough starter with her and she likes helping bake (and eating bread) so we'll do that in the afternoon. Finally, my husband booked a flight leaving super early Sunday morning, so he'll be back home by 5:30, so I'll let him plan the rest of that day haha

Thank you all again! A ton of great ideas, though I'll pass on her watching me watch tv and drink wine in a hotel room. The best weekend for me is the weekend that results in the least tantrums!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I'm an outlier here, but I really wouldn't go overboard with a "girls weekend" for a toddler. I think it will backfire to do too many fun special things, especially if she's already a little confused about where daddy is.

What do you usually do on the weekends with her? If you go to the playground Saturday mornings, I can see switching that up for something extra fun like the aquarium. But I wouldn't do the aqarium in the morning, folllowed by lunch out, followed by the zoo, followed by nail painting, followed by a movie, etc. etc.

Also, I would want to ration my patience/energy if I'm alone with a two year old all weekend. A go-to trip the playground that I know my 2 yr old likes would probably be easier for me than a trip to the aquarium that might end up taking up too much energy considering I have to do the entire rest of the weekend by myself.

I definitely say go for the TV though. When my husband is gone, I like to do "TV dinners" with my kids where we eat meals in the living room with the TV on. Everybody likes it, and again, it helps me save some of my patience/energy.

Yes, I realize my post is going to get me a lot of replies talking about how "lazy" I am haha.

+1

I have three kids (10, 8, 5) and wouldn't do much beyond a slightly more exciting version of what you already do. She's (almost) two. Now, if you want to make some memories, OP, or have cute photo ops, fine, but then think about what will be easy and fun for you. Two year olds thrive on structure and routine. Pick one special outing and stick to that. You're already having a big celebration when your husband is back, right?

+2
Yep another seasoned mom chiming in agreeing.

With naps and staying w/in the usual weekend routine, I wouldn't go overboard with planning too much over the top with a toddler & me weekend.

Sure switch out your go-to playground with something like Clemyjontri. Have donut for breakfast.. Or visit any of the gazillion Fall Festival-type places after nastiness, but other than that, no need to plan more than that.

OP here. These PPs seem like my people . I definitely think you guys are right in that she's 2, and simple is totally fine. For Saturday, I forgot I signed her (and as it turns out, also myself) up for baby ballet so we'll have that Saturday morning, will probably go out to a coffee shop for breakfast and that will pretty much kill the first part of our day. For Saturday afternoon, I'm thinking PENNY TOSS!!!!! What a fantastic idea! She's going to think this is the best thing ever, and I am not even going to regret the tantrum that happens when we run out of pennies. Also the PP who suggested TV dinners - I guess I'm lazy too, because we are doing that both nights. I'm sure by dinnertime I'm going to be fried.

Sunday we will stick to our routine - farmer's market downtown TP, breakfast in the square, hit the playground and listen to whatever music is going on. We are for sure doing a special bath with shaving cream (although I might do whipped cream? I think she's going to taste it for sure). I've been doing a sourdough starter with her and she likes helping bake (and eating bread) so we'll do that in the afternoon. Finally, my husband booked a flight leaving super early Sunday morning, so he'll be back home by 5:30, so I'll let him plan the rest of that day haha

Thank you all again! A ton of great ideas, though I'll pass on her watching me watch tv and drink wine in a hotel room. The best weekend for me is the weekend that results in the least tantrums!

I’m the PP here with three kids, and I think you have a splendid weekend planned, OP! The penny toss idea is really great. Heck, even my older kids would have fun with it, so thanks to the PP who suggested it!

Special bath toys are a great idea at that age. Happy birthday to your DD! I hope you get some good relaxing in when your DH takes over.