• You love your children. And they love you. But sometimes, you’re good at testing each other’s limits.

  Here are a few ideas for those days when you realize it has been too long since you’ve both gotten a bit of fresh air:

  1. Go On A walk or To The park

• Even better — go on a walk to the park (if it’s close by). Being cooped up all day can be hard sometimes (for you and for your little ones). Fresh air will be good for everyone.

Bonus — if you take a walk, you’ll be squeezing in a workout; and if you head to the park, they’ll be getting their exercise, too.

2. Go to the library

• Local libraries often have storytimes and activities (like music or art classes) for young children and their parents. Ask about it next time you’re there to find out dates and times of the activities your library offers.

  These are often great ways for both you and your little ones to make new friends.

Before you leave, pick out some books together to read at home.

3. Visit a splash pad in the summer

• Splash pads are rising in popularity in many areas. Ask around or search online to see if there is one near you.

  4. Have a picnic

  Pack a yummy lunch, a comfy blanket and a few favorite toys, and head outside or to the park for a picnic.

  5. Have a photo shoot

  You don’t have to be a professional photographer to get cute photos of your kids. Dress them in something adorable, and snap away. You’ll be happy to have those pictures to look back on down the road.

  Tip: Don’t expect them to sit perfectly still and pose. Sometimes candid shots are the cutest ones anyway.

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  Another tip: Dollar stores sometimes have cute, cheap items — think banners or holiday decorations — to use for backgrounds or props. And fences or outside walls work wonderfully as easy backdrops.

  6. Build A Snowman In The winter

  Summer isn’t the only time of year you can get outside. When it’s cold and snowy, go out and build a snowman together.

  Just be sure to bundle up. But, don’t be surprised if your toddler gets tired of all the layers quickly and wants to head back inside; that’s totally normal. Just follow it up with a snack and some yummy hot cocoa.

  7. Have play dates

  This could be with other family members, church friends or your newfound library story time friends. Make time occasionally to get together with other moms and kids for play dates. This could include going to each other’s homes, or going to any of the places or activities mentioned above together.

  It doesn’t matter how young your child is; the social aspect of play dates is as much for you as it is for them.

  And don’t be afraid to reach out to others and invite them along. It’s likely they are looking for activities like these as well.

  Visiting a family member, like a grandparent you don’t see often enough, is also a good way to spend a day when you’re feeling lonely. Maybe they are as well.

  Days inside with nothing to do (but so much to do) don’t have to become the norm. Even if it takes stepping outside of your comfort zone, give a few of these things a try. You may just end up being really glad you did.