Recommendations - Places to Take a Toddler During Lockdown

Tommy_Dickfingers

Tommy_Dickfingers

Well-known member
We have a very active 3 year old that likes nothing better than tearing around a Soft Play or playing outside in a playground or the mud.
In fact he reminds me of the little boy off the Incredibles !!

With the Soft Plays being out of the equation at the moment, can anyone recommend anywhere.

We've already done the likes of Guisborough Woods, Stewart Park, Albert Park, Ropner Park etc
 
I was walking along my local beach the other day and saw some kids digging channels / sandcastles etc.
Wrap up well but hours of free fun to be had at the beach and they end up very tired!
 
Yeah beach is the obvious answer, dunes near the South Gare are great for tiring out ankle biters.

One question that springs to mind though. There was a limit on travel for "exercise" in the last lockdown, does that still apply?
 
The Beach ( Staithes, port mulgrave , Robinhoods bay), Captain Cooks Monument from Little Ayton carpark.
A view of the river ( teesaurus park, the " mound" up river of smiths dock, Eston jetty or as near to the mouth ( for big ships) as possible, high force, think of " things that will wow his mind, not just occupy it.
No limit for exercise , yours, or childcare ,his.
Not wanting to be dramatic but doesn't the landward side of the South Gare have patches of quicksand??
 
Ps you used to be able to get on the North gare sands a( safely) from hartlepool, phone the Tees Harbour master and ask for the approx time of the next Super Tanker into the port , watching the Tugs swing it will entertain you both
 
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If you want to avoid crowds avoid Roseberry Topping.

Captain Cooks Monument is a decent walk. As is the walk up to lord stones from clay bank car park.
 
South Gare has quicksand how did we not know this growing up? Hours of fun with a little brother or sister.
 
Brings back memories this thread. Remember taking my 2 to Port Mulgrave fossil hunting. Eventually left via the cliff to the north of the harbour where there was a long (boulder clay :rolleyes:) slope down to beach level. As we got to the top it got very chewy, there seemed to be large cracks in the ground and loads of brambles. Eventually I managed to hoist both of them on to the path at the top (Cleveland Way) and pulled myself out using a post bearing a sign. When I got on the path the sign said "Danger Cliff Slip - Keep Away". Eedgit!!:rolleyes:
 
Have you got any binoculars? Take him to RAF Leeming and watch the jets taking off and landing., Theres lots of visiting helicopters at the mo also. Chinooks, Osprey, Wildcats etc. Theres also the old Leeming bar heritage railway there which has some old engines parked up. It might be closed but you can look round. If the Simply Dutch store is open its well worth a look around inside, and a good little café. They also sell local gins and beers. Only 40 mins away!
 
The best day me and my 3 year old boy had the last lockdown was chucking some sandwiches in a bag and going for a walk in the woods. Bit rubbish now with the weather but watching him run through puddles and him trying to splash me was brilliant for him and probably what I needed at the time too. My favourite photo of the year 🥰1F405FDE-09C2-4E8C-BC67-32983D6B978D.jpeg
 
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Hamsterley Forest, Hardwick Park, Flatts Lane, Preston Park, Saltburn, Seaton Carew. All keep my little lad and myself entertained, although wrap up warm!
 
joeydiaz said:
Hamsterley Forest, Hardwick Park, Flatts Lane, Preston Park, Saltburn, Seaton Carew. All keep my little lad and myself entertained, although wrap up warm!
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Done some of them but not all so thanks for the suggestions.

I love taking him out this time of year, colours from the Autumn are unreal and the cold has never bothered me !!
 
UKLL1981 said:
The best day me and my 3 year old boy had the last lockdown was chucking some sandwiches in a bag and going for a walk in the woods. Bit rubbish now with the weather but watching him run through puddles and him trying to splash me was brilliant for him and probably what I needed at the time too. My favourite photo of the year 🥰View attachment 8739
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Yeah my young 'un can go from nice & clean to pitted in 2.3 seconds when out on walks but it's great seeing themselves enjoying themselves which doesn't involve any technology.
 
Sammysmiths said:
Have you got any binoculars? Take him to RAF Leeming and watch the jets taking off and landing., Theres lots of visiting helicopters at the mo also. Chinooks, Osprey, Wildcats etc. Theres also the old Leeming bar heritage railway there which has some old engines parked up. It might be closed but you can look round. If the Simply Dutch store is open its well worth a look around inside, and a good little café. They also sell local gins and beers. Only 40 mins away!
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Thanks but h might be a bit too hyper to sit and watch helicopters :D
 
Muttley said:
Yeah beach is the obvious answer, dunes near the South Gare are great for tiring out ankle biters.

One question that springs to mind though. There was a limit on travel for "exercise" in the last lockdown, does that still apply?
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Classed as essential travel as you're going to exercise ?

Who knows with the mish mash of rules & regs.

I just look at it that it is good for my, my wife & son's mental health, we're not putting anyone in danger as we're outdoors so why wouldn't I ?
 
Tommy_Dickfingers said:
Yeah my young 'un can go from nice & clean to pitted in 2.3 seconds when out on walks but it's great seeing themselves enjoying themselves which doesn't involve any technology.
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At least I get to give him back to his mum afterwards. It’s hard to entertain a toddler atm when you are a part time dad and the weather is crap. My new partner is brilliant but I dare not switch off for a second if he’s stuck in her flat all day. That day in the woods was the happiest he was all summer though, shows you don’t need tech or money. Took him to Legoland and stayed in the hotel a few months ago and he wasn’t half as happy, didn’t want to go on the rides etc. Worth it to see my girlfriend end up in the kiddies pirate bunk bed when he woke up in the night though and wanted to get in with us.

Kids are meant to get dirty, it’s good for their immune system. Used to build camps, fish, play sport and explore as a child, kids don’t seem to do that these days which is sad.
 
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The Saltburn Valley Gardens is a nice walk, park at the top and work your way down to the stream at the bottom and along to the seafront.
 
Tommy_Dickfingers said:
We have a very active 3 year old that likes nothing better than tearing around a Soft Play or playing outside in a playground or the mud.
In fact he reminds me of the little boy off the Incredibles !!

With the Soft Plays being out of the equation at the moment, can anyone recommend anywhere.

We've already done the likes of Guisborough Woods, Stewart Park, Albert Park, Ropner Park etc
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Love this, it brings back memories. My eldest used to love soft play. Within minutes he'd be stripped down to nowt but a sleeveless body suit and by the end would be pouring with sweat. He's 31 now and still a fecking lunatic.
 
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