Help! I have to get the kid out of the house (Cleveland: live, cost)

[NEOhioBound]

So, seriously, where on earth can I take my 1.5 year old son to just have some fun around the canton/akron area? The McKinley museum just isn't entertaining enough for 7.00 with enough stuff for his age and the Akron Fossil and Science center stated it would be better to bring him there when it is warmer and he can go to the outdoor playground

He has been cooped up most of the winter and there HAS to be somewhere I can take him to entertain him. PA has some good places for kids his age, but it would be nice to actually spend money in my own area

[HuskerDu]

You could probably take a one year old anywhere (the next room?) and it would seem like disney to them. On the other hand, if it is you that feels cooped up, just take the both of yas down to the mall or a local park for a wander round. It doesn't cost anything.

[JR_C]

What do you have in mind? What do these places in PA have? I can't think of anything, but if I had a better idea of what you're looking for, it might help me remember something.

[1watertiger]

the most stupid question ive heard in along time... why did you have kids if you cant even think of a way to occupy a toddler.?. building blocks, coloring books, etc... or is everything an xbox today ?

[NEOhioBound]

Of course he has blocks, toys, cars, coloring books ect. But you also have to get your children out of the house every once in awhile to to expand their horizons. Do you like sitting in your house all day? Jeesh people.. keep the snarky comments to yourself

For anyone who cares- called the Cleveland Children's Museum and will be checking it out- Looks like it may be fun for the little guy who will throughly enjoy the sand room and water tables

[NEOhioBound]

Originally Posted by 1watertiger

the most stupid question ive heard in along time... why did you have kids if you cant even think of a way to occupy a toddler.?. building blocks, coloring books, etc... or is everything an xbox today ?

An Xbox? Wow! Talk about turning this whole thread around. The kid is 1.5 years old and hasn't even ever seen a video game. Hence the desire to get him out of the house to let him use his imagination

[CortlandGirl79]

Not sure if you want to make the 45 minute to an hour drive, but Youngstown has a children's museum too. Children's Museum of the Valley | Welcome!

[htlong]

at 1.5 yrs old........give him a cardboard box....it sounds like you are suffering from cabin fever not the child. get grandma to babysit him and go out and do what you would like to do and dont feel guilty about it.
I am the father of four and the grand father of six.
between the weather,motherhood you need some you time.....dont feel guilty just do it!

[davidafan]

Wow, that was really snarky! She didn't say she didn't know how to keep her toddler occupied. If that was the problem, don't you think she would have taken it to another forum for moms of toddlers or something? Being a mother of two who are in their teens now, I can totally relate to what she is saying. It's tough being cooped up in the house with a young child for weeks on end, and kids get cranky when every day is the same old, same old. And with a 1 1/2 yo, it's not like you can take them to a movie or sign them up for dance class. When our kids were toddlers, I used to absolutely live for spring so that we could get outside without freezing our tushies off. Lighten up a little bit, please!!!

NEOhioBound,

I can certainly sympathize, because I have btdt. I used to take our kids to the Toledo Zoo if the temp was above 40 and it wasn't raining or snowing and just bundle them up and stay inside the buildings a lot. A lot of zoos have discount rates in the winter. Does Akron have a zoo? I know the Cleveland Zoo is great, but it's also probably quite a drive for you. Good luck, and enjoy your little one. : )

[htlong]

snarky??? the kids 1 and a half years old???? OK why not go to chucky cheese? I hear the band is the best!!! all in all I dont think its the kid who needs to be entertained, 1.5 would be happy just about anywhere,
mom find something you enjoy, it could be it wondering around beldon village. fun is what you make it, I always challanged my kids when they would tell me they were bored....hey if I get bored I look into a mirror! thats always good for a few yuks!!!.......but what do I know?....... Im usually wrong!