Engaging children right through holidays is not an easy task  for a urban mom in Bangalore.

I know for sure that many want to skip the television box in their homes from getting glued by children and find alternate time -consuming and meaningful activities ; but are lost on what to do.

I have been browsing since morning on what to do this weekend with a child and not really spend too much time (money and time) at the malls.

I thought of listing a few to remind me once in a while to do them and hopefully they will be of use to some other mom too.

1) Leave home early and plan to stick to  half-a-day trip at  Cubbon Park or Lalbagh

2) Travel by select option of public transport (Volvo bus ) to other part of the city just for a long bus journey. I have found this fun sometimes and engaging enough to keep my little one quiet for quite some time during the journey.

3) Go to a book store and try to accumulate a few things to be done activity sheets beforehand and use them in holidays.

4) Again travel using another select public transport -Metro Train to and fro -again just for fun.

5) If you are game, go to Mysore or Ranganthittu bird sanctuary on a day-trip( the first one can be done with a bus or train -the latter one -it’s advisable  to have your own transport).

6) Likewise if you have a car then drive down to Nandi Hills

7) If you are a single mother then go for more home bound options like trying to get your kid to a activity centre that particular weekend . There are enough activity centres in Bangalore and indoor play areas in many locations in Bangalore that are conducting activities to engage children. If you are lucky you may find something age appropriate the weekend you are in a dilemma.

8) Spend time with your child in a bookstore in the kid’s section. In the age of mobiles, ipads and more it is even now valuable to teach kids the value of reading from a hand held paper story book. Buy something that suits your budget and your kid’s interest.

9) This one was my favourite as a kid- My dad would take me often to see the lit Vidhana Soudha in the night but now it stays as a concrete structure and away from people. Maybe just to show where the Vidhana Soudha is and the High Court is, kids can be taken as a single trip.