Our favorite things to do

I am not a fan of days with no plans and struggle when we are stuck at home.  Sometimes I wonder if this attributes to Addilyn's inability to be entertained for long when we're at home or her lack of ability to independently play for more than five minutes.  I hope that this gets better the older she gets, and maybe I should work harder to not always rush from one thing to the next.  But as long as the weather is nice and there's things to do, we're going to keep staying busy!  Most days we get out of the house in the morning around 9, come home by 11:30 for lunch and nap at 12.  Then usually we get out of the house again around 3.  

Here are some of our favorite things to do: 

Parks.  By far the thing we do the most is go to parks.  There are tons around us, but probably two that we frequent a lot.  One of the parks by us has this bridge with a rocky path next to it and Addilyn easily spends 30 minutes picking up rocks, running to toss them over the bridge and back and forth. It is wonderful.

  

The library.  The town next to us has the best library.  They recently redid their children's section and it is so nice.  There's a huge slide and pretend plane/flying structure, a lego table, craft station, pretend grocery store and this awesome huge Lite Bright thing.  Addilyn loves it, it's closet to us and it's free! 

Dunkin donuts.  We've officially started making friends with the worker at Dunkin Donuts, as she recognizes us and even knows which donut Addi likes the best.  I get a coffee, Addi gets a donut and we can easily kill 45 minutes sitting inside.  She'll say hi to people as they walk in, jump around on the seat next to me, and make lots of strangers smile. 

Beach.  We braved the beach last week with my sister and three kids, and while it was tiring and so sandy, it was a lot of fun.  Addi loved being in the water, and as long as the weather is nice I think we'll be going at least once a week.  

Our deck.  We spent tons of time outside and lots on our deck.  We usually eat lunch out there, and spend time watering the flowers, playing in the water table, and Addilyn climbs all over our chairs and is so much happier outside! 

Bakeries.  There are two bakeries that we've been to quite often.  One has the best cake pops and another these fun smiley face cookies.  (And coffee for me!)  The little bakery in our town has couches and a few kids games which on good days Addilyn can run around, and be content for close to an hour.  We usually go to these on days when it's rainy or crappy weather.  

Storytime.  Barnes and Nobles has storytime every Wednesday at 10:00 and we've gone a few times.  I figured it'd be great when it's a rainy day this summer.  They read a story then do a little craft, which means I do a little craft but I know some day Addilyn will like that part.  Right now she just likes collecting the crayons and running on the little stage.  

Forest Preserve.  We have a forest preserve a few miles away and Chris and Addilyn usually go there once on the weekend, and I've started taking Addi there during the week.  She loves throwing rocks in the water, and I think she could spend hours just wondering around.  
Children's Museum.  We haven't been for awhile but there is this little museum about 15 minutes from us.  It's $5 and one big space that is perfect for young kids.  There's a little store and grocery carts, fire truck, stage and costumes, fishing pond, library, gas station and cars, legos, and a little slide/jungle gym.  Addilyn loves it and we need to go back!
Pet Store.  When we're really bored we've ventured to the pet store and Addi loves looking at the animals. I'm tempted to just tell her we're going to the zoo and keep our standards for entertainment nice and low.  
What are you favorite things to do with your toddler to get you out of the house?