What to do with a 2yr old & 8yr old for birthday, in the evening?

podperson

I appreciate you said going out but could you plan something in that's just different to the norm? For example, you were thinking about the cinema so could maybe arrange cinema night at home - get some movies in, make popcorn (I remember when I was little it was so exciting watching it 'pop'!), maybe make them movie themed goodie bags or something. Then if your 2 year old is losing attention can pause it, or he can play with his new bday toys etc.

Spendless

Chain restaurant eg pizza hut or frankie and bennys, or if they are adventurous eaters taking them to an Indian/Chinese restaurant? We found an Indian restaurant that actually sold kids meals including chicken nuggets. Frequently quiet in the early evening and often welcome kids dining.

Any shopping centres open late due to it being not far from Christmas and events running for that you could incorporate?

No child shows on at a local theatre or venue? One they interact with rather than just watch.

MoneySavingMamma

Spendless wrote: »

No child shows on at a local theatre or venue? One they interact with rather than just watch.

Ahh! You just made me think - Christmas Panto! There must be one, even if amature dramatics, I think that is a fab plan!!

:j :j :j:j

Lunar_Eclipse

Picnic tea in the lounge, on a picnic blanket with all your favourite finger foods? Because Christmas is coming up, there are a lot of delicious party food options available.

My memories of 5.30pm onwards with a 2 year old and a baby, were simply that is wasn't a good time to venture out. Everyone had already had enough of the day by then, but perhaps your children are different. 'Party' in the bathroom with a huge bath, some new toys and lots of bubbles?

If you really do want to go out, do you have some friends or relatives that could host you, for a party tea? Grandparents? That way, the baby could be put to bed in their pram and the 2 year old has space to run around if/when necessary. All you really need is a decorated party table, a cake, a few gifts and lots of happy faces!

couponqueen123

someone mentioned swimming and i think this is a great idear my kids both do swimming lessons and i take them in the week if i can as well , and i can tell you i enjoy it as much as them and they are ready for bed then all that swimming playing is fun but tiring

our local pool is split in two pools a small one that parents n kids go in and a normal pool for swimmers , in the small pool they let you take floats and swimming aids in so we have our own that i got in argos and we have fun with
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3164101.htm

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9355969.htm

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9355969.htm

all of these things i find good and kids find fun too and our pool lets you take them in but if u decided this is what you do please check as some pools dont allow it

Mojisola

What time does your nearly 2 year old normally go to bed?

I'd do something that can be done at home for the children - several good suggestions above.

Moggins_2

I think it's a great idea to go out in the evening, life doesn't stop at 5pm just because you have young children! I have a 19 month old and we still manage to do things in the evening, hubby works all day and plays sports at weekends, I don't drive so if we didn't go out in evening we wouldn't go out! Panto is a great idea, there's also other Christmas things going on at the moment like lights switch ons, Christmas markets, winter wonderlands

PasturesNew

Why not just pack a picnic, with a rug, clear the furniture to the sides, get a lamp - and have a lamplit picnic on the living room floor/on the rug. Then use a torch/flashlight to pull faces and play "hand shadows" on the walls.

At 2 he won't know about birthdays. At 8 it'll be a lot of fun.

twigpig

Personally, I's just do something at home but something you wouldn't normally do. Maybe something kitchen related - make home-made pizzas and watch a movie, or bake some cakes or biscuits making lots of mess along the way. Spread out paper in the garden and paint your feet and hands and make a big mess. Dress up like cowboys and indians and play hide and seek......

The dark nights won't help with anything too outdoors like walking in the woods collecting leaves etc, so you're kind of stuck to indoors but away from home and it's tough with a 2 year old. Have you asked the 8 year old, they might have some ideas on what could be fun.

Hope you can find something suitable

lilypad_rider

I see someone suggested a pottery party. Kids of all ages love this and we went to one recently that would come out to you!

I have children the same age, so wish you well and hope they have a fab birthday x