Am still in process of getting divorced and soon to be single dad. Have boy 7 and girl 3. Have kids on weekend and want to know what other dads have done to have fun with their young ones. I'm a little leary of some activities because my 3 year old runs off easily so I need something where I can manage them both. I can only do chuckie cheese, the merry go round, and mcdonalds play land so many times. Any other ideas would be much appreciated?

I have a million and one ideas for you! Perhaps one day, you and your two kids can go on a picnic--At naptime (I am assumming she takes nap and her older brother does not), you and big brother can prepare the food (and if you need receipes or ideas, just ask!). This will help make him feel like a 'big kid' and will also give you two some alone time so you can talk one-on-one. And when lil sis wakes up, she will be refreshed and ready to play! Go to a nearby park (or even your backyard if it is big enough) and spend lunch together! I don't know if this helps or not. My children are 3 years apart as well, and I have found that this is perfect for our family! My oldest son gets some mommie time while my three year old gets some (much needed) quiet time! And then when she wakes up, we head straight for the park and she automatically thinks I am SuperMom because I have taken her to her fave place. Plus, its cheap!

Good luck and it is great to hear that there are fathers out there who care and spend time with their children, even if it is only for the weekend!
Stephanee

Thanks for the ideas. I get to see them during the week on M and W at their house for now so that helps. I also call them one or more times a day, in in the morn, at night and throughout the day. The weekends usually consist of dinner, bath time, maybe a video, an arranged play date, ice cream and whatever else I can think of. I want it to be more than just play though but I'm still working on that. I also notice that I need to work on getting the one on one time.
I live at my folks and they don't have a kid friendly home or neighborhood. And I can't afford a house right now. Consequently, I'm trying to get my soon to be ex-wife to house share, where she goes and stays with her parents on the weekends. This is not a long term solution but I need a place for the kids where they have their own friends and toys.

Hi twintwisters,

Some things I like to do with my girls (5yr and 2yr) are: playdough, painting, coloring, movies, and going to the park. And we already carved pumpkins but we also like to draw faces and cut up yarn for hair and decorate pumpkins that way also. There is a place here in IN called pumpkin fantasy land where I plan to take my girls. They draw faces and dress up pumpkins and do lil scenes plus do hay rides. Maybe your area offers something neat like that?

Crafts is always something kids enjoy. You could do a search online for different ideas and pick up the items you need at Walmart.

Oh and library time is great. And reading books, doing puzzles, singing songs.

You could buy a bag of candy and play a game where they have to try and win to get candy.

I could think of more but I'll stop now.

Have fun!