0Ne Year Olds

What about taking her to Zoomars in San Juan Capistrano? My daughter loved it since the have a little enclosed area filled with bunnies and guinea pigs that the can pet and feed. Also, given the soon to be change of seasons you could take her somewhere to go apple/berry picking. I took my daughter (at the time 18 mos) to Oak Glen and picked apples and berries with a friend. The main village has a petting zoo and really quaint places for them to run around and explore. She loved it and all she could talk about for weeks were apples!

A few ideas...

If you live near the Mission Viejo mall...there are three key things my son loves there...
-The little playground area
-A walk through the pet store
-Just sitting there looking at the fountain.

All those things are totally FREE!

Plus, the Pottery Barn Kids has story times...he may be a little young for those and other activities that they do there. Those are normally free.

I haven't done this yet, but I know the libraries have storytimes too...

Have fun!

-M

When I started feeling like this about my son, I started taking him to the park. It got him around some other kids and the like and filled up a good chunk of time. He always comes home happy and tired. It's great, and free!!

Check out your local library. Some of them have toddler reading times before the library opens. Mine has a story being read and then play time with the other children. I mainly started to go for my 2 year old however my one year old loves it too.

Hi K.,
I would definately recommend joining renohavingfun playgroup (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RenoHavingFunPlaygroup/).
They always have local events posted and they gear towards free activities. You can even post activity yourself like going to the park and most time other moms will join you, so your son will have other kids to play with and you'll enjoy adult conversation. I have a 15 month old boy myself and we both enjoy getting out of the house once in a while.

I found that alot of moms go to the local indoor mall to walk in the morning. I met up with a lot of moms and children there. Not only did I meet the moms, I was getting exercise also. We would also meet up at other times for the children to play.

You can walk on the seawall in Carlsbad, put your feet in the water, build sand castles. Go to any park and pack a lunch, feed the ducks at the duck pond on Shadowridge in Vista, they love everything at that age!

we have been doing a meet up group for moms and kids in our area.
They have activities almost every day twice a day.
Also check out Java Mama in la mesa there is always kids and moms there and they have groups you can be part of.

Go to the park and, if you are so inclined, pack and picnic lunch to take with you. I have yet to hear a kid say "No" when asked if they want to go to the park. Also, Chuck E. Cheese has a great toddler play area. Most of them open up early (9 a.m.?), and kids love it. If you go there early, you can leave before the lunchtime crowd arrives and it can actually be quite lovely. And you can always join a Mommy & Me or Mom's Club and get assigned to one of their playgroups.

Check out yahoo groups, metup.com groups and rookiemoms.com!

there is a great source to find places to go with kid, local family events, etc..

check it out

http://kidzlist.com/

I think they are in 30 or so cities from what I can tell.

We have been going to My Gym and my son loves it!

Join a meetup group on meetup.com. There are many mom and child groups in your area. It's a great way to interact with moms and kids, and do free or inexpensive outings such as scheduled walks, trips to the park, a museum, pot-lucks, etc...I belong to a few and it's been great to get out of the house and meet other women and their children:) Good luck...

Hi, K..

The Page Museum and the California Natural History Museum are free on the first Tuesday of every month.

I took my daughter to the Page Museum when she was 9-months-old and she seemed to be really into the large Mammoth and a lot of the exhibits. While, I'm sure she really didn't understand a thing in the place, I think she was fascinated by all the new things she hadn't ever seen, so it kept her alert and she would "oooh" a lot. I'm actually thinking about taking her to the Page Museum again, now that she's actually saying a few words, walking and gets super excited when she sees something that interests her.

Hope that helps!

E.

Dear K.,

I used to take my gr grandchildren to a local park that had a lot of good play equipment and a sand area and sidewalks and some room to run, for when they were older. Lots of moms came there late if the morning, just before lunch and they gathered and their children played together and everyone disappears toward home about 11:30 for lunch and naps.

Also, of course, there are plays groups. But maybe the group should be one or two others of the same age. ....and it shouldn't last too long, lunch and naps are of primary importance. Babies get tired very easily.
Good Luck, C. N.

I have this book called "Unplugged Play: No Batteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun." by Bobbi Conner. This book as all centered around things you can do with your child that don't cost money or very little money if that. I only have an 8 month old, so I haven't tried a lot of the activities, but it is for ages 12 months to 10 years.
The county library might have this book so you don't have to go out and buy it before you know how it works for you.
Hope this helps!

Join a playgroup - there are tons of them in all different locations throughout San Diego, and if you're not from San Diego, I'm sure there are some in your area. In San Diego, google Parent Connection San Diego and there are so many playgroups to choose from. My kids are teens now and we still keep in touch with some of them. They meet every week and do cheap stuff, like parks, etc. Then they have a Moms night out once a month. It was wonderful.

See if your local library has a story time for your son's age range. My son loves story time and we look forward to it every week! I've also met some great moms just by going to our local parks.

Hi K.,
Have you heard of The Parent Connection? It is an awesome resource for parents and kids in San Diego. It does cost $20/year to join, but that gives you access to playgroups which often meet weekly for no cost at all, many free or low cost activities throughout the year, and discounts on other activities. The website is http://www.sandiegoparent.com/ for more information!

Where do you live? There are adult schools that offer "parenting classes" that the kids attend with you. It is actually really just a play time where they also discuss topics. I live in Woodland Hills. The Hughes adult school is around shoup/burbank. These classes only cost about $20/quarter. I did these with my first born from the time she was 1-3. There is a "Parenting the infant, parenting the toddler,...and a music class" Not sure what else as my daughter is now 8. I know there is also one in Granada Hills. Probably more.

good luck, J.

When I had young children, I used "The Toddler's Busy Book" by T. Kuffner (as well as the next "level" Preschooler's Busy Book). There are tons of activities in there that you can use with just stuff around your house or yard, and it's just such a magical time to creatively play with your baby. I guarantee you'll love to go through this book together! As for socializing him, don't worry too much as his age...mostly what he needs is YOU. He won't even really be able to play with other one-year olds yet, although "side-by-side" play is valuable. He'll get there, definitely because kids seek out other kids and you'll begin meeting more and more moms, and connecting with the ones you like. Believe me, the opportunities practically find YOU, esp. if you keep your ears open and go to community events, festivals, Halloween carnivals, etc. Just be the one to ask the other mom, "hey, let's get the kids together!"
Have fun.
M.

Kids always need socialization. Check out meetup.com and find a moms group in your area. Good luck!!

I found myself in a similar situation a few years back. I discovered that we could make a big deal of planning a "mommy day". We picked things from our cupboard to pack as a picnic and went to the park. We then had a special day where my son got to spend quality time with me and he got to meet other kids on the playground. As an added bonus I got to meet other inventive moms that I got along with and had some really good ideas on other things to do with him. Hope this helps you!!

Hi K., At one years old their attention spand is so short at this age. What i would do is get on mamasource and see if there are any playgroups in your area, and if not you can always start one in your area, and that will give your child onther kids and moms to interact with. You can do little crafts with items around your house, my daycare kids have made boats out of milk cartons, so did my daughter when she was little, you can make clocks, baskets, faces, with yarn and paper plates, I save all kids of cups lids trays, straws, all kinds of stuff that people throw away on a weekly basis, I just keep, glue, glitter, markers, sequins, all the art supplies, it saves me a lot of money. Hoped this helped. J. L.

I take my 1 year old to the mall a lot- they have a little play area (Arcadia mall) and also the big bookstores like Borders and Barnes&Nobles have large kid sections usually with other kids wandering around. I too am always on the lookout for free fun and little trips to break up the day. My one year old likes the library too because the kid section has little tot-size tables and chairs. Usually another kid or two in there for them to interact with too. And of course you can always find other kids at the park.

Storytime at your library is a good way to interact with other kids & moms, and you could look into your local MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) - they have a registration fee, but often times they will waive it on request, and that's a wonderful way to really get connected and find support, while your child builds relationships too. I would also suggest getting an aquarium pass, or someother type of yearly pass - they're fun, and work around your schedule! Go have fun!

library has books to look at for your concerns. I borrow alot and boys seem to like it.

Try looking at meetup.com great website that has play groups that meet on varying days and weekends. Parents get together at the park or where ever and talk and the kids get to play. Its a free website and most playgroups are free or like to have a small donation of a few dollars.

I am a part of a couple of groups and love it my sone is now 3 but I have been in the groups since he was 18 monthes and he loves it and now has friends.

Not sure where you live, but if you live anywhere near downtown, here are few ideas:
Childrens Museum (downtown) is a great place, even for a 1 year old. An annual family membership is really a good deal, but paying for one visit seems expensive.
San Diego Zoo.. again, I'd go w/ an annual membership. Lots of little areas to let the little one out to explore and walk around. Mine loves to watch the flamingos.
Story time at library. Free.
Our community center offers really cheap Parent/Tot classes. "almost" free.
Sea World is expensive, but again, the annual pass is a pretty good deal and they have a really great toddler area.
Park. Free! The main park at Mission Bay is great for toddlers.
Playgroup... one of the best ways to allow your little one to make friends and see the same faces.
Good luck!

JUST GET OUT!!!! Go the the playground and when you see other families, talk to them and find out what they do. The mom network is a very strong one and other moms are always forthcoming about cool programs that they have done or classes that you can take at your local community center. I live on Maui and there are sooooo many really good free things to do here that are of very high quality. The story times are another good place to start. Go to the library and find out the times for story hour and talk to some other moms there (after the stories, of course!!) I know it is hard to chat with moms while you are running around, but just be prepared with a little notepad to write some things down. Most moms of young kids are very efficient!! Have fun!!

I just came across this fun indoor play park for children. They accommadate any age. The website is www.kidzrule.com I'm taking my 13 month old and 3 year old Saturday! They have daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly passes. I was told by the manager that even with the daily pass you can leave; give your child a nap then come back. Not many places will let you do that.

What area are you located in?

get yourself the BUSY BOOK by kuffner. AWESOME educational but simple things to do with a toddler using common household items.

Hi
Check out your local moms club. They do lots of park outings and playdates.
http://www.momsclub.org/links.html
Also, the Aliso Viejo Librar has a free book called "Kid Builders" about activities for babies and kids. It is behind the front dest, just ask the librarian for a copy
Good luck

You should join a local mom's club. They usually do low or no cost playdates, like meeting at the park.

Here is a great group that I'm joined to:

http://www.orangecountymommies.com/

I take my son to the park. He loves it. There are usually other Mom's there as well.

Moms groups are great ! Some can be expensive, so look into as many as possible and see what can fit your budget, and your schedule around work. I found one in my area that they put play dates, activities, ect . on a calender and you can go to the ones you can make it to. You are not required to attend everyone. Also, we have an indoor place called Childs Play. It is a place where your son can play on all different kinds of slides, toy houses, ect. and it is a great place to meet other moms with children your sons age. I did the monthly debit (they automatically take it out from your checking) and it is only $15.00 a month and I can take my son as often as I like. My son has a BLAST there ! Best of luck !!

Hi K.,

Try Gymboree, toddler parks and any type of "kids museum" in your area! You might also search the website for Mommy groups in your area. Also story time at the library.

......Swimming is a great thing for you and your son and he is not getting old enough to take to a public pool.

Time reading, singing and playing in the sand are all great too!

Hang in there,
H.

Hi K.: There are many mother's groups that provide inexpensive opportunities for you and your son to socialize with others -- some are stroller groups, which is great exercise, others get together at places like gymboree -- where you would normally have to join as a member, the mother's group is able to get you in for a discount and NO membership. I recommend, picking up a copy of your local parent magazine or searching the web for parent groups in your area. This was a big help to me when my children were that age -- it's easy to feel isolated.

Also, you might look into finding books that are area specific and provide insite into things to do in your area. The LA area has a book called Babies Day Out -- it's great for quick, easy and cheap ideas to do with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Good luck! and good for you, for wanting to expose your son to some new activities.

Check out books from the library to read to him. Take him to the park where you might get to know other moms. Go on walks & teach him about his environment - leaves, bugs, birds, sky, clouds, colors, etc. Put sing along childrens music on & dance & sing! Do wooden puzzles & teach him from the pictures as you put them together. As he gets older you can do some fun crafty things at home.

Most of all he just needs your lovin' & togetherness! Day care is not what he needs, he needs you! One year old babies don't need much interaction with other children, so don't think that you are depriving him of anything!

You could call your local library to see when their toddler storytime is. It's free and fun and there are a lot of other kids to look at and maybe even play with. :)

Hi Kritian,
Check out gocitykids.com. You can look up events in your area. Many of them are free and for children of all ages. Also, investing in a family membership to the local zoo is always good. You can go there any day - kids always love the zoo and you can always learn something new there. Many times they have special events for children. Also, story time at the local library is a great way to get your son interested in books and a great way to meet other families.

Good luck!

Does you city (or a city nearby) have a parks and recreation department? We are able to do very affordable classes with out kids through ours. The best for this age has been music!

If you are at all religeously inclined, the Sunday shcools for children are like gymboree class only its free! I plan on taking my daughter when she is old enough to drop her morning nap. My nephew goes wild over his Sabath school class (which is the same as Sunday school only on Saturdays). They sing, play instuments, plus you can sit with them and they aslo interact with the other children.

K.,

A lot of the colleges (Glendale Community, Pasadena College, Burbank Adult School) offer Parent Education classes. Most are free, some have minimal costs but are absolutely wonderful programs for you and your child and you can continue until he goes to Kindergarden if you wanted to. In addition, I found a wonderful playgroup on Yahoo Groups where I've made a lot of really good friends for myself as well as my daughter. Good luck!

Have you tried "Story Time" at your local library or bookstores? They are free and give you the chance to meet other parents and set up playdates :)

J.

Try MOMS Club, try MOPS, try Mom to Mom.
Good luck!

I love taking my son to the outdoor fountains. He runs through them and gets all wet and has a blast.I wind up chasing him all around so I get a good workout as well. Plus there are lots of other kids and parents playing there too.

yoy can go to the museums in san diego on tuesdays for free. the science center has an exhibit called kid city that is great to go to. also, the children's museum downtown would be another great option.

hope this helps!

you should go to www.cafemom.com and join the temecula/murrieta/menifee mom group. they do a lot of free activities like park days or swim days that your son might enjoy. and you might be able to meet other people in the same situation as you.

Try taking him to the park to meet other kids or try to enroll him into a daycare for a few hours a day so that you can make play dates with other kids!

N. B.

Not sure where you live, but the Encinitas YMCA has a gymnastics/tumbling location in Carlsbad, on the road running between Poinsettia & Palomar Airport Rd. For $5 your little one can run, jump, & tumble for an hour in the mornings. Check the website for Magdelena Ecke YMCA for days and times. Its a great way for your little one to burn some energy and you might just meet other moms!
Good luck.