How to Plan an Outing for Your Toddler

Co-authored by Catherine Valadez Lopez

Updated: March 29, 2019

Toddlerhood can be a challenging but exciting time. If you have a toddler, you know how curious they can be, which can make outings memorable. Since toddlers are still developing vital communication and motor skills, you'll need to prepare for an outing regardless of whether you're taking them to a fun event or just going to the grocery store. If you're taking your toddler to an activity or event, plan ahead so you know what to expect. Prepare your toddler and set yourself up for having a great time. If you learn how to involve your toddler, your outing will go much more smoothly.

Method One of Three:
Choosing an Activity or Event

  1. 1
    Look for something to do near your home. Read local newspapers or join parenting groups to find out about activities or events that are happening in your area. Doing things in the area means that you won't have to travel far with your toddler, which can make an event stressful. If you have to return home, you're only a short trip away.
    • Planning an event nearby also means that you have more flexibility. If your child is sick or the weather is poor, you have more control over rescheduling than if you had planned on driving out of town and staying somewhere.
    • Joining local parent groups on sites like Facebook and Meetup can be a great way to find out about fun events and kid-friendly places in your area. You can also arrange meetups or get tips from other parents at your toddler’s school, your pediatrician’s office, or your local library.
  2. 2
    Take your toddler to something they're interested in. Consider what your toddler is curious about and try to foster that interest. For example, if your toddler is really active, think about taking them to an entry-level gymnastics class. Or if your toddler really loves animals, you could take them to the zoo for a few hours.
    • Ask your toddler if there's something they've always wanted to do. Your toddler may have some helpful suggestions, even if they just want to run around at the mall's kiddie area.
  3. 3
    Find an activity or event that's kid friendly. You don't have to feel limited on where you take your toddler, but you should ask yourself if toddlers would be welcome. For example, while you could take your toddler to a large art festival, the crowds, lack of space for your toddler to walk around, and potential to break things might make you reconsider.
    • Similarly, if you want to take your child out to eat, think about if the restaurant usually accommodates children. You'll all be happier if you choose somewhere that's welcoming to families.[1]
  4. 4
    Pick something that's interactive. You might find a place that's kid friendly, but if it isn't interactive, your toddler may tire of it easily. For example, your child might enjoy reading stories in the kids' section of the library, but may soon want to run around and play. Consider taking your child to a museum or exhibit that lets your toddler build or create things.[2]
    • Kids love to touch things, so be prepared to spend time monitoring your child regardless of where you go.

Method Two of Three:
Sorting out the Details of Your Outing

  1. 1
    Pick a good time of day. If you can, plan to go out when your toddler isn't hungry, tired or overstimulated. Feeling this way can make your toddler cranky or temperamental during your outing. You might plan on taking your toddler out after they've woken from a nap and had a snack.[3]
    • If you can't avoid taking your toddler out when they're hungry or tired, bring along a few snacks and try to let them rest on the way to the event or activity.
    • Try to schedule your outing so that you can return home at a time that works well with your toddler’s schedule, too. For example, you might aim to get home before your toddler’s naptime, bedtime, or their next mealtime.
  2. 2
    Pack everything your toddler needs. You never know when your toddler might become ill, you'll have to wait in line, or the weather will change. Be prepared to handle challenges by packing things like snacks, extra diapers and wipes (if your toddler uses them), and distractions to keep your toddler occupied.[4]
    • Small books, puzzles, entertainment, or toys are good distractions for toddlers. Keep a few of these in your bag or car and pull them out just during outings. This will keep your toddler interested in them.
    • Remember to bring seasonal clothing and other items like extra jackets, sunscreen, or mittens.
  3. 3
    Limit the number of outings you do in one day. Some toddlers handle a lot of activity well, while others become overwhelmed by doing too many things. Think about how much activity your toddler can handle and avoid planning too much for one outing. This can prevent meltdowns.[5]
    • For example, if your toddler easily tires, avoid taking them to the store, the library, and clothes shopping. Instead, break the errands into several different trips so your toddler can nap in between them.
  4. 4
    Research the outing. If you'll be taking your child to an activity or event, try to find out the least crowded time to go and learn about any event rules or policies. Research the cost of the outing too, so you can be fully prepared. Try to get a sense of how appropriate the place or event is for your child.
    • For instance, you might find that there's a discount for taking your toddler to an art class one morning, but you should realize that it may be busier because of the discounted rate.
    • Consider how the outing fits with your child’s personality and limits. For example, do you think your child will enjoy the outing? Are the event’s length and activity level something that your child can handle?
    • Think about how easy it will be for you to supervise your child. For example, will the place be so crowded that you will have a hard time keeping an eye on your child? Will there be a safe place for your toddler to play within sight? Is any play equipment at your destination appropriate for your child to use?
  5. 5
    Have a backup plan. While planning for your outing can prevent a number of problems, it's also a good idea to have a backup plan if the outing doesn't turn out the way you wanted. Bring along a change of clothes for your toddler and have a different outing idea in case your original one doesn't work out.
    • You might find that a change in the weather means you can't take your toddler to an outdoor event. Have an indoor activity in mind when you take your toddler out.

Method Three of Three:
Involving Your Toddler

  1. 1
    Keep your toddler informed. Toddlers enjoy routines, so it's important to talk with them about where you're going on your outing ahead of time. This will give you a chance to discuss rules and expectations you have for their behavior. It will also get your toddler excited about the outing.[6]
    • For example, you could say, "We'll be going to the grocery store this afternoon to get things for dinner. I want you to sit in the cart while we're there and if you behave, you can pick out a snack."
  2. 2
    Discuss your behavior expectations. Talk with your toddler about the behavior you expect from them during the outing. Don't wait until you're already at the event or activity since your child will probably be paying more attention to their new surroundings instead of you. Let them know any consequences that bad behavior would have and encourage them to behave.[7]
    • You might say something like, "While we're birthday shopping, I expect you to not whine for toys of your own. If you do, we'll have to leave the store. If you behave, we can have a snack once we've finished."
    • Follow through with any consequences you have established for bad behavior. For example, if you tell the toddler that you will leave the toy store if they whine, make sure you actually leave if they do whine.
  3. 3
    Ask for your toddler's help. It's also a good idea to ask for your toddler's assistance and opinion. This can make them more cooperative during your outing since they feel like they have some say in what's happening. Try giving your child a few options and letting them pick one.[8]
    • For example, if you're out shopping for new toddler clothes, ask your child which shirt they prefer. Giving your toddler a couple of choices will prevent them from feeling overwhelmed.
  4. 4
    Reward good behavior. Avoid only responding to poor behavior. Instead, catch your toddler being good. If you see your child following your directions or not getting upset during a challenging situation, tell them they're being really well behaved. You could also give them a small reward for their behavior.[9]
    • For example, you could say, "I know we had to wait a while to get a table at the restaurant. Thank you for playing and being so patient."

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About this article

Childcare Center Director
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: March 29, 2019
Views: 1,372

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