wanting some ideas :) hanging out with family but not involving food ;)

hi, I haven't been on belly belly for a while, but have been thinking I'd love some of your fabulous ideas :)

We've been watching biggest loser (seriously addicted) and really enjoying the masterclass on Fri nights. An issue was raised on fri night about how we have family traditions/patterns that can contribute to our weight issues.

dh & I are currently trying to eat better & get some exercise, and the weight is slowly coming off. Yay!

What I need ideas for is for when the in-laws want to see us. What they like to do is hang around at home (their place or our place) around a cup of tea and bad food for a couple of hours.

I want to start changing this & arranging to meet them 'out' somewhere or providing healthy food instead. I did lo-fat muffins & fruit this past weekend :).

I also want dd (2) to have a different model for how she spends time with people. Also, cos she's the only grandchild in the country, I want us to get out so there's less focus on her. I'm also thinking that if it's 'out' (not at home) it'll be a bit more self-limiting timewise and won't drag on so much.

I'd love some ideas for you all on things we can easily do, to get out for an hour or so.
The beach is great but is an hour away (actually, I love it when they come cos dh hates swimming, so I get a swim & they hang out with dd :)).

We're in the macarthur area, so am happy for ideas as specific as you like.

I hope this is a helpful post for others too, cos I thought that the psych on the masterclass didn't actually give any strategies, just pointed out the problem....

Thanks!
Jus

oh, and they don't actually like going out much, so any helpful suggestions on strategies of how to orchestrate all this would also be awesome.;)

My DF is a bit the same, he doesn't like going walking and I practically have to beg him to come out with us. makes me feel a bit sad sometimes when on the weekends while I'm out with DD walking the dog that there are mums and dads out and about with their kids.

Are there any nice parks or walking tracks in your area? Or just nice spots for sightseeing? What are the tourist attractions like in your area (i.e. any museums)? Do they have any hobbies you could all do together, or if not find one. Maybe gently coax them into playing with a ball with your DD at a park instead?

As for getting them out there, maybe suggest to meet at a place, rather than either of your houses so you dont have a battle trying to get them out of the house. Say something like 'we were thinking/wanting to do such and such this weekend, why dont we all go together'. Much better than sitting at home, and good for you to get out and experience some different things! I hope you have better luck than i do motivating Df ;)

Just a few ideas..

I'm in a different city, but I assume Sydney has a version of these...

zoo
collingwood children's farm
museum
eltham railway
etc...

say you are doing it for DD, then they can't argue - everyone needs fresh air (museum for wet weather). Take a stroller pram so you walk around a lot (the IL's can sit for a bit in places like this while you keep walking).

Meet them there so there is no backing out at the last minute.

Pack a picnic lunch as a treat for them but make it as healthy as you like.

I have a few memberships to places above, and go to at least one of them every week for an hour or two with a packed lunch. I often say to someone who wants to catch up "let's meet here instead, I've already promised DS". If money is possibly tight, I would suggest a great park that you travel to and like eg your version of Hay's Paddock.

Sometimes we even just take a train to the end of the line for a picnic and then come back. A great day out for the cost of a train ticket.

thanks for the ideas so far guys.
we have bought a zoo membership for this year & are looking forward to using it, but it does involve 1+ hrs travel each way.
Also, lots of those big attractions are at least an hour away for us - we are pretty much 'the end of the line' here lol...
I think the Fairfield city farm has been shut down recently :( but it was also a 45 min drive from here...
Still, you've given me some food for thought so will keep trying. I'm not very good at coming up with ideas & neither is DH but I think I'm going to have to, so will keep trying :)

I also like the suggestion to meeting them there - I was thinking that might work too.

I think I'll suggest the chn's playground at the shopping centre this weekend. That way we can grab a coffee & watch dd play without it all going on too long.

Thanks again! Any more ideas will be greatly appreciated :)

Find out the days of all the local primary school fetes, and go to them on the pretext (or truth) of wanting to get a look at the school. Walk there as you need to know how far it is, how busy the roads etc. There is always a healthy option available for lunch and you will walk home as well.

Look up your council website for upcoming festivals etc. and go to them as well.

HI hun,

its tough isn't it? I've been thinking of this lately. But my mum has agorophobia and anxiety issues, so going out isn't really an option for us! But just making healthy foods for the times you are at home with them is a good option, so veggie sticks with dip, healthier slices, fruit platter, fruit kebabs.....maybe with a picnic out the back yard. Then your DD could run around, and maybe they will get in on the active action!

Some out and about ideas:

Fairfield city farm is still open and running (for now!). Lots of fun for little kids.
Mount Annan Botanic gardens, they have a nice park for kids which is fenced in!
Mowbray park is out your way too, it's supposed to be good for young ones.
There are museums all over the place!!
Maybe a bit far, but Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush is great, there is an aquatic centre, parks for picnics, bike tracks....
What about outdoor cinemas, there are a few around Sydney and surrounds.
Bowling, tennis, cycling/skating at a park

There's tonnes of stuff to do out there, it will just take some searching and organising, and trying to convince everyone it's a good idea!

Hey I noticed tonight's masterclass is about healthy/fitness family activities :) (ie *puts on a stage voice* Your wish is granted!!!)

Perhaps you could meet the ILs out in a park - and WALK somewhere to get your coffee. Something local is a good idea, because if the excursion is a success then that's a good excuse to go there again.

As to how to get them there - tell them your doctor said you have a Vit D deficiency and you have to spend more time out doors. ;)

thank you thank you thank you

Thank you all so much for your suggestions - I've been meaning to thank you all & am so sorry it's taken so long.

I've LOVED the biggest loser masterclass ideas - we've got a whole stack of ideas to do now, and am researching all your suggestions - loved the mowbray park idea. will go there soon hopefully.

Also, am picking up all the tourist magazine type things I can & writing any interesting events on the calendar so we know what's on each weekend if we want to do something.

Thanks again everyone! Hope you're enjoying the lovely weather this weekend.

If the IL are into gardening, then going to local open gardens / botanical parks is a good walk, and they often have coffee shops as well. Or going on "discovery" of your local area - local landmarks, obscure markers by the side of the road - make a day trip of it ... with the lure of a coffee shop at the end. Even some of the larger garden centres have coffee shops in them, if you're wanting landscaping ideas they are great to browse ...