What to do with 2yo and 10yo

rach13

I'm going to visit my brother this coming weekend - Friday mid-morning until Sunday mid-afternoon. They have 2 girls, 2.5year old and a 10 year old (10 year old is not particularly well behaved so better to keep her entertained!)

They live north of Inverness in the middle of nowhere and the last couple of times I've gone it's been a struggle to find stuff to do outside of the house! I don't know the area at all so find it hard to suggest things. They have very little money to speak of also. We have done country walks, day into Inverness, local pub etc but really wanted to find something fun for the kids even just to treat them for the day on Saturday. Just to add I usually bring books/crafty stuff to do in the mornings but like to get out for at least part of the day.

I am not a mother myself and don't know the area so firstly what is even a good activity for a 2.5year old and 10year old. I was looking up some local horse stables - they seem to have good activities for kids (the 10 year old) but is a 2.5 year old a bit young? Would there be anything for her there?

Any suggestions of fun things to do would be great. I don't mind spending a bit of money cause I don't go over that often.

sweetsheep84

Have a look on dayoutwiththekids website. They have few places listed there. not sure of what you prefer doing so i think its better if you check on there.

rach13

That website is fab sweetsheep84 have already seen a few potentials

bride2be2012

Hi, how far north of Inverness are you talking, and do you have access to a car?

Funky_Bold_Ribena

Do you have to go out? When I visit the nieces we rarely leave the house, we play, they particularly love dressing up and painting. Just chilling round the house.

365days

http://www.geocaching.com/

Have you ever tried this? We have lots hidden in our area but you can look on the map and see if there are any near you.

rach13

bride2be2012 about 40mins out of Inverness - on the Black Isle. And yes I will have a hire car.

Don't have to go out, but will probably be in the house from Mid-morning Friday for the rest of the day then all morning Sunday until around 2pm when I leave so would be nice to go out on the Saturday. The girls tend to get up at around 6am so it's a long day if we don't get out and do something if you know what I mean. PLus it's the end of half term (little one goes to creche during term time) so it might be the end of a long week of being inside.

365days I will check out that website now, thanks!

bizzybee

Can you get to the beach and get them to collect pebbles and write their names in the sand, then fly a kite, a scavenger hunt and then a bit of welly wagging!

365days

I was thinking more of this.

Are you actually babysitting or just visiting. If just visiting I would suggest that maybe you take them out seperately. Then maybe you could take 10yr old for a grown up meal out (if that would be a real treat for her) You may find her behaviour is better when she isn't having to compete with younger one.

How about suggesting hosting a tea party for parents....send parents out for the day and bake and make for their return. Youngster can have some salt dough to muck about with, whilst eldest helps. Dig out some 'posh' china. Maybe 10 yr old can dress up a waitress, cucumber sandwiches, sugar lumps all that!! Littly can even invite her teddies.

cootuk

Dolphin/seal spotting by the lighthouse opposite Fort George, combined with skimming stones and looking for flotsam etc.
Make a picnic etc

katglasgow

Its difficult with the big age gap. With it being so cold and dry weather not guaranteed I would suggest swimming and a bit to eat or if budget allows bowling is greatfun my daughter loved pushing the ball down the toddler frame whenshe was 2.