All children are restless in public places, but toddlers and preschoolers are on another level entirely. It's quite tough to keep them engaged in the doctor's office, grocery store, or anywhere else in public because they're constantly moving, touching unclean, unsafe places, and bothering everyone they can see.

Experts in preschool advise against using technology to keep your child interested in public. This not only harms their vision and attention span, but the loudness and volume of the gadgets may also disturb others. Playing simple activities or engaging them with basic toys keeps them entertained while also relieving you of guilt.

Here are two fun activities to keep toddlers and preschoolers entertained in public areas.

1. Lace, lace, lace the shoe!

   "When finger dexterity meets inquisitiveness, time passes!" – Teachers at a prominent preschool in La Canada Flintridge, CA, promote this entertaining do-it-yourself (DIY) activity to help kids spend their spare time at home constructively.

   What's more, the same practice can help parents engage their children in public more effectively.

   What you'll require

   • a thick sheet of cardboard (not more than 12 x 12 cm)
   • 1 shoelace Color pencils/paints, stickers, and so on
   • a pair of shears

   What you do

   • Punch holes in the cardboard like those seen in shoes. The toddler should be able to thread a shoelace through these openings. As a result, the size should neither be excessively large nor too little.
   • Assist your youngster in decorating the cardboard with stickers, markers, or paint.
   • Allow him or her to select a favorite-colored lace to make the game more engaging.
   • Pack the cardboard and shoelace in your bag or the child's bag before leaving the house.

   What happens?

   Lacing not only takes a lot of time and effort but also increases the child's finger dexterity. After your kid has mastered lacing, you can use the same activity to teach him or her how to tie knots and tie bows with lace. Do you agree?

2. Spying

   This is a variation on the 'I Spy' game that most of us play with our kids. When toddlers and preschoolers accompany their parents outside the house, they must be occupied in a way that allows parents to perform their responsibilities. That's when this version of the game comes in handy!

   What you do

   According to experts at Childcare La Canada Flintridge CA, most toddlers, and preschoolers can identify one or two colors. Some people can even count from one to ten. You should employ these abilities to engage them.

   Ask your youngster to seek automobiles of the color he or she recognizes on the road.

   If he or she is good with numbers, have him or her count the number of automobiles as well. For instance, 5 red automobiles, 3 blue buses, and so on.

   This game works best in areas where the roadway is visible. Help your youngster out on occasion, and he or she will stay involved without screaming tantrums in public. Don't forget to compliment your youngster on a job well done, right?