Memorable day with a 3 year old

time2deal

My friends are moving to Australia and are (as you would expect!) taking their three year old daughter with them. She is my goddaughter and we get on very well so I'll miss her terribly.

We may be moving over next year, but there is a good chance I won't see her for at least a year, which is a very long time in a child's life.

So I want to plan a fun day or even just a morning with her. I'm not very experienced with kids but I know doing something specific can help to make them remember you. I made muffins with her last time and she still mentions it all the time. I'd like to do something like craft, or go to somewhere we can make something together at. There are lots of play places, but it's not a very 'together' activity as she will just run off and play.

Anyone got any good ideas? I'm happy to diy or go out somewhere. I'm in London.

Thanks!

notanewuser

time2deal wrote: »

My friends are moving to Australia and are (as you would expect!) taking their three year old daughter with them. She is my goddaughter and we get on very well so I'll miss her terribly.

We may be moving over next year, but there is a good chance I won't see her for at least a year, which is a very long time in a child's life.

So I want to plan a fun day or even just a morning with her. I'm not very experienced with kids but I know doing something specific can help to make them remember you. I made muffins with her last time and she still mentions it all the time. I'd like to do something like craft, or go to somewhere we can make something together at. There are lots of play places, but it's not a very 'together' activity as she will just run off and play.

Anyone got any good ideas? I'm happy to diy or go out somewhere. I'm in London.

Thanks!

Bridgewater cafe on Fulham Road. Not cheap, but she'll love it, and you'll love it. You could maybe get her to do a small cup for her and a larger one for you so that you have a lasting memory as well as something useful.

https://www.facebook.com/PotteryCafeFulham?fref=ts


(Took my daughter when she was about 17 months old and printed her hands and feet on various things. My handprint cake plate is one of my most treasured things, and there's a photo of us making it on the fridge. Must go again sometime.)

con1888

Not sure what's in your area but they have a 'chocolate factory' near me and you go and make your own chocolate bars, most kids I know love it and you would be involved too.

Errata

Does it have to be something you do together? The most memorable days out to them I gave all my nieces was a trip to London Zoo when they were around 3 - 4 years old. They still talk about it now they're in their thirties.

DigForVictory

Depending on if either of you is a chatty soul, & if you enjoy each others stories, then a visit to an art gallery (Check they've landscapes & portraits & so forth first) and telling each other tales based on the pictures & then going home with a handful of postcards of the pictures that inspired the funniest stories might be fun?

Or half an hour at a photo studio, playing who can wear the most dressing up costumes & again telling stories? (She's already an Explorer - Pith helmet optional, but who else is she?)

It doesn't have to take long to leave strong, clear memories! (Says she, remembering a walk, a slip & a squelchy landing in mud. My goddaughter laughs at *that* memory every time....)

kingfisherblue

I agree that the zoo is a memorable day out. You could take lots of photos and have them made into a photo book for her - and one for you as well. Then, for the plane journey, give a small bag of things to do, and include a sticker book about the zoo, maybe a small colouring book and crayons, and a few zoo animals. They needn't take up much space. You could put them in a backpack styled like a zoo animal, but check with her parents first.

My children, although older now, love the zoo and safari park. One of my sons has Down's Syndrome and loves talking about when he has been to the zoo or safari park. He loves choosing a book from the shop when we go, so you might want to budget for your god daughter to be able to choose herself a gift as well.

Nicki

I'm taking my four year old here the week after next. Friends who have already been with children the same kind of age said it was fantastic for that age group particularly the ice kingdom.

http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/

The zoo is a nice idea but if they also live in London, she may have been before more than once. London zoo do a season ticket which is less than the price of two visits so lots of families with young children have this and take them regularly, particularly if the little one isn't at pre-school. During the week IME its a bit of a regular hang out for mums with toddlers, especially as parking is free during the week with a season ticket. But if you know that this isn't the case with your goddaughter, it is a fantastic day out too, particularly the butterfly tent for that age group.

go_cat

Take her to see Santa somewhere at 3 they start to become aware of Christmas

Counting_Pennies_2

Sorry have not had a chance to read the other replies


I would make something with her that is memorable, then take a photo of the two of you with the item.


Give her the item and the photo in a frame to take with her. Then she can see the item you made and look at you both in the photo and remember you that way.

notanewuser

go_cat wrote: »

Take her to see Santa somewhere at 3 they start to become aware of Christmas

My DD won't be going anywhere near the big red fat one!!!!

Guest101

Drayton manor Thomas land is great for youngsters. Bit of a drive though