Cool spots to hang out

Kimesha Walters, Contributor

Having toddlers at home means constantly having to think of new ways to keep them occupied, entertained and cheerful. And, with the right skills and experience, you can do just that, even if you do not have extra funds to take them out.

Maurice Batchelor and his wife Althea, know exactly how to amuse Nathaniel, Natania and Nathan, ages six, four and 10 months respectively, especially on the weekend. Movies and cartoons are used regularly to keep them entertained, particularly on Saturdays after spending the day at church. On Sundays, it's a different ball game, literally when they visit a nearby park in Chapelton, Clarendon. Both parents take turns to watch baby Nathan, while playing football with the kids. When they are bored with that, Nataniel and Natania expend their energy on racing each other. And, if they are lucky, ice-cream is the special treat that completes the afternoon.

For Batchelor, it means the world to have his family with him, and to be able to watch his children play, having missed out on many of these cherished moments because he did not have his father around while growing up. "I am from an area where I have seen a lot of children growing up without a father and I too, am a person who didn't have a father figure around me, so it gives me great pleasure to be involved in their life like that," he told POSITIVE Parenting.

Generally, their daughter is very independent and will spend a lot of time dressing up and asking her parents to take her photo, or to take pictures of her stuffed toys that she carefully dresses, giggling and laughing in delight when she has her way. Nathaniel, on the other hand, is more attached to dad, but reading and watching cartoons will keep him satisfied. The easiest one to entertain is Nathan, as merely watching his two older siblings is enough to keep him going.

Extra special treat

When the Batchelor's require an extra special treat for the kids, a drive out to visit their grandmother or a trip into Kingston does the trick. Even better, is the little ones' yearning to reach KFC, so occasionally, they ask excitedly, "We reach KFC daddy?" a question that is repeated several times throughout each journey. But these little adventurers always have more than KFC on their mind, as they believe their dad's car should always be leading whenever he's taking them out. "I have to be careful because they don't want to see any vehicle pass mine, so they want me to race," Batchelor said laughing, adding that this stems from the kids watching him playing video games like Need for Speed.

Shakera Morrison, director at Happy Feet Nursery and Pre-school explains that toddlers are not fussy when it comes to having fun, but there are things that make them uneasy. "They don't like to sit still so any activity that they can do to move about will make them happy," she said. "They love painting and messing the place up, they love the sound of building blocks crashing and if you have a hose or an outside pool they will enjoy playing in the water."

Ann Martin, a teacher, also at Happy Feet Nursery and Pre-school noted that parks provide a good source of fun for toddlers, especially since they love swings and see-saws, climbing, and sliding. If you are on a low budget though, and prefer to stay at home, Martin adds that cartoons, cutting and pasting paper, and making creative items will do the trick.

Other options include taking them to the beach: whether Hellshire in Portmore or Inn on the Beach, Island Village, Ocho Rios, toddlers will love the look of the beach and the fun of playing in the sand. Furthermore, you can take them to one of several child movies that are released throughout the year, so they can experience the 'big screen' and all that the movies have to offer. There are several locations islandwide, you can choose the one which is most convenient.

Here are some cool spots to hang out:

1. Coco Jam - This is a colourful and fun location with great family entertainment in Kingston.

2. Devon House - They will go wild in the great outdoors as this location has beautiful lawns and extensive space to run and play.

3. Emancipation Park - With lawns, a track to walk, spaces to sit and a fountain that lights up in the night, your toddler will enjoy an afternoon here. Great for family fun and photos.

4. Holywell Recreational Park - this is one of the hidden natural gems of the island.

5. Hope Gardens - Admission is free and parents and children get a chance to hang out in the cool shade of the many trees. Ckeck out the Hope Gardens Zoo as well.

6. Port Royal - They will enjoy the drive past the Norman Manley International Airport, the historic buildings and the sea.

7. Sunshine Amusement Complex - This is one of the most exciting places to bring toddlers.

8. The Waterfront, downtown Kingston - It's cool and quiet, free of cost and has space for them to play, plus they can view the scenic harbour, ships and boats.

9. Milk River Bath - Milk River

10. Dolphin's Cove - Lucea

11. Brooks Park - Manchester

12. Somerset Falls - Hope Bay

13. Dolphin's Cove, Dunns River Falls, Mystic Mountain - Ocho Rios

Remember to check in advance of a visit to any of the above locations to get information such as entry costs and opening hours.