We talk a lot about children’s activity ideas, but what about activity ideas for mom between drop off and pick up? Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it is nice to just sit in the car and listen to silence, or take a nap. But other times, we want to do something fun with our time, too! So the next time you find yourself with 45 minutes between drop off and pick up, unsure of what to do with yourself… try one of these ideas! And we promise, none of them include a trip to the grocery store!
CHECK OUT A NEARBY COFFEE SHOP
There are a number of new coffee shops popping up around Stamford. And they’re situated in several neighborhoods around town so there should be a good one relatively close to your child’s activity. We have a list of coffee shops here. Our favorites are Turning Point Coffee Roasters in the Bulls Head Shopping Center and Humbled Coffeehouse on Hope Street.
GO TO HOMEGOODS
Homegoods is my happy place… seriously! It’s easy to pop in and out of and you never know what you’ll find. From kids’ toys to furniture and snacks. It’s great for everything… including new ideas for ways to decorate your house!
GO FOR A WALK OR JOG
There are several options for places to do this, too! Head to Scalzi Park and take a few laps around the field (you can also play tennis on the courts), the Stamford High or Westhill High School tracks are also good options. We love Mianus Park, which is in North Stamford and probably not convenient to most activities. But if it works, try it! Cove Park is another great place to walk or jog.
READ!
I love a good book… I just haven’t had the time to pick one up since my son was born! Take some time and head to Barnes & Noble in the Stamford Mall or to one of the Ferguson Library branches. The Main Library is convenient for downtown activities, Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch is good for activities on Hope Street and the Harry Bennett Branch for activities on High Ridge Road, The South End Branch is convenient for anything going on in Harbor Point!
GET A BEAUTY OR WELLNESS SERVICE
A 45 minute or hour long children’s activity might not be enough time for a mani/pedi or a hair cut. But there are a few beauty and wellness services that will fit into this amount of time! A chair massage can be as little as 10 minutes and will make you feel good as new! An eyebrow wax can also be 10 minutes, especially if you make an appointment ahead of time. European Wax Center is located in the front of Ridgeway. So, to avoid the parking lot, I often grab a street spot, run in and out! Super easy.
So, the next time you drop your kids off and find yourself with that awkward amount of time before pick up and unsure what to do… try one of these options! Maybe one of your girlfriends will be in the same boat and want to join you!