It’s no secret that toddlers love construction vehicles. Dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers, cranes: they love them all! This summer, my 2.5 year old has been especially enamored with all things construction so we’ve spent a lot of time downtown.
Since my newest baby was born in May, I’ve found myself in a position I never imagined. I’m now an official “Stay at Home Mom.” Life sometimes works in funny ways, so I’m trusting that this is the right decision for my family, even if I’m not entirely convinced. One of my biggest struggles as a Stay at Home Mom is that I hate to feel trapped. I don’t like to be stuck in the house day after day and walking the same paths around my neighborhood quickly gets boring.
Now that I’m in my third month at home, things have definitely become easier–we’ve mostly settled into a routine. I’ve make it a point to get out of the house/neighborhood at least a couple times a week, and that keeps me from becoming too stir-crazy. Because I know I’m not the only mom out there craving a bit of time outside the house, I’m going to let you in on one of our most favorite spots to hang. It’s the perfect place to take a toddler on extremely hot (soon to be cold) or rainy days. It’s air-conditioned (heated), there are other adults around, and there’s a coffee shop just a short jaunt away. It’s also free! What more could a mom ask for? 5 minutes of peace, you say? The chance to drink your warm beverage while it’s actually still warm?
Well, you’re in luck. This place (usually) offers that.
All summer long we’ve been hanging out in the skyway between the Public Library, Civic Center and the Shops at University Square.
Behind the Post Bulletin there is an extremely large construction project going on and the whole site is visible from the skyway and parking ramps. It’s like a real-live episode of Bob The Builder!
I’m not exactly sure what they’re building, my guess is a hotel or apartment complex, but it has sparked my toddler’s interest and he can’t get enough! He asks nearly every day to go “check out the site” and “see if the excavators are digging.” A few times a week I humor him and we go supervise. I pack snacks. I bring juice boxes. We load up on the stroller and take a quick trip to Starbucks (located in the Doubletree) so that I can have a few minutes to enjoy a hot latte while my son is completely captivated by the big rigs digging outside the windows.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy watching, too. The cranes are my favorite.
Because my son has taken such an interest, I try to make it a point to talk to him about what’s going on below. I talk to him about cement mixers and why the barrels keep churning. We count the bobcats and talk about why there are no trains on the railroad tracks–he’s always certain Thomas (the Tank Engine) will be barreling through any moment! Not only does the construction site keep his attention but he’s also learned a lot, too. We’ve checked out books at the library (right next door!) about the different vehicles. Last week my son actually chose a book on constructing the Golden Gate Bridge. A weird choice for a 2.5 year old…
From what I have been told, there are people working at the site Monday through Friday and some Saturdays. The workdays are usually completed between 3pm and 5pm. They typically will also be working during rainy weather, too. I hope you’re able to take your kids to see the site and watch the big machines work. There’s no doubt that they’ll enjoy it as much as mine does! And while they’re busy watching, stand back and enjoy that hot coffee! You deserve the 5 minutes of peace.
