The scene: the interior of someone else’s home

The star: you, the childless adult babysitter, doing a favor for your brother or sister or good friend

The co-stars: a couple of rambunctious kids that seem to have the speed of Usain Bolt combined with the camouflaging abilities of leaf butterflies

The situation: The parents have left and you’re about to take the kids out of the house. But is it possible to amuse them and not lose them? Do you dare leave the coloring books and the TV for the great unknown of a bowling alley or an indoor play center?

You got this! To help you out, we talked to some parents to get babysitting tips for a successful outing away from the house. These parents, Groupon coworkers and one friend, are accustomed to juggling multiple children at once (one is even responsible for five kids). Here’s what these kid-handling pros they think babysitters should know before whisking their tiny charges away to a kids' activity.

First, do the parents even want you to leave the house?

The majority of the parents we spoke with were in favor of their babysitting activities including an outing away from the house, albeit an outing that wasn’t too long or didn’t involve too many kids.

Tricia Higgins, who has a young son, stressed the importance of timing, stating, “usually planning something out of the house for 1–2 hours is perfect because the kid doesn't get overwhelmed and will be ready for a break.” Emily Rose, a mother to three youngsters, said yes to leaving the house with one or two of them. “Three, probably not, just because that sounds like a lot of work,” she shares, adding, “I wouldn't even do that on my own.”

You’re leaving the house! Where should you go?

Though keeping track of the kids once you’re out of the house is your responsibility, deciding on a destination will most likely be the parents’ call. Natasha Hesser is the mother of a 2-year-old, a 4-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 13-year-old, in addition to a 15-year-old exchange student. She’s all for an adult babysitter heading to, say, a bowling alley, but draws the line when it comes to the mall. “I have a hard enough time keeping track of my five kids. I cannot imagine someone else making sure they don't open candy packages in the checkout, hide in clothes, or take off running through the parking lot.”

When it comes to a destination for Higgins, social interaction and learning were motivating factors. She likes when her son “has a chance to be around other kids and try new things, especially if they are enriching, like going to the zoo to learn about animals or visit[ing] a children's museum.”

Pro Tip: Take the kids to do an activity in a contained place, such as a laser-tag arena or trampoline park. That way, they’re easy to track.

Read more advice from parents about how to have a great day at an indoor playground.

You have a destination! What should you bring?

As the best babysitting advice goes, it depends. In some cases, it depends on the age of the children. Father of two Juan Robles says, “If the child is an infant, make sure you have everything for that child to be occupied with. If the child is a toddler, bring their favorite toy, blanket, or book.”

No matter the age, Hesser and Sandy Kofler, the mother of one daughter, highlight the importance of snacks, with Kofler suggesting that the babysitter “ask parents for a bag to be prepped ahead of time with necessities (snacks, water bottle, must-have toy, etc.).” Rose’s succinct what-to-bring advice? “Extra underwear.”

Pro Tip: Do as the Boy Scouts do and be prepared: pack snacks, a favorite toy, and extra underwear.

You’ve packed the snacks and the toys! Is there anything else you need to know?

For John Flaherty, who has two kids, the key to being successful with kids in general is using your imagination. “Frame everything as an adventure or a challenge,” he suggests. “They will always remember to hold your hand when crossing the street if they believe the street to be full of burning lava.”

Robles believes adults need to go with the flow if they want to bond with their young charges. “If they wanna dance, you dance. If they want to paint your nails, pick a color,” he says. And Hesser thinks the most important thing adults need when minding children is patience. “Keep calm, have fun, and reach out for your inner child while keeping the authority aura,” she advises.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to be silly or as mother of four Natasha Hesser says, “Reach out for your inner child while keeping the authority aura.”

For more ideas about what to do with kids, read 5 activities that will get them outside.