The kids are out of school for Christmas break for the next two weeks. The big question is, how do I keep kids occupied and entertained for two weeks without breaking the bank? Christmas helps with a new influx of toys and games; however, you can't expect a kid to stay inside all day and be happy. I take that back my oldest would love to stay inside and play video games. He plays games with no ending (Minecraft, Fortnight) so it is easy to lose track of time. Both of my kids have very different interests so doing an activity that they both like is always tricky. One likes Pokémon and the other likes Hot wheels. One enjoys going to the library while the other one prefers the playground.
This was me the past few days. "Do y'all want to go to the playground today?" (Before you say anything, it's been 40 degrees with sun. Kids will be alright outside for at least 45min). One would say yes and the other would say no. Same with library or walking around the mall.
Then it hit me......our local gym has an indoor pool! We have had mixed results with that pool before with either the water temperature being cold or asshat lifeguards that confuse adhering to the rules to being a complete asshole. To say I was skeptical of going to the pool is an understatement. I trudged on anyway packing swimsuits, toys and towels into a bag and heading out.
We got to the gym, found the locker room, got dressed, and started heading to the pool. I remind the boys to listen to me and the lifeguards, because we will head out if necessary.
Walking in I noticed we were the only ones there.... cool! I have found out that when you have two special needs kids having no one around is perfect.
The boys and I had so much fun playing in the pool. We played monkey in the middle with a water ball, we raced, we play fought over one of the pool's toys. The lifeguard was super chill too. He walked over to the main area to fill out a report. I noticed a boombox next to him.
"Hey man, could you play music? If anyone else comes in you can turn it off"
"Yes, but I got to turn it off if anyone else comes in"
"That works!"
He played Christmas music but still a cool gesture.
The best part about the pool is that the boys are chill for the rest of the afternoon. Nothing like sacrificing an hour to hour and a half in the pool for a few hours of chill time. I would make that deal 10 times out of 10. We have enjoyed the pool so much that we have went for three straight days. It works for me. It's free (outside of a gym membership) and it's a physical activity. We call that a win win in the parenting scoreboard.
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