7 Cheap Places to Take Babies for Fun
When you have a newborn, the days blend together and you begin to feel isolated. After my second daughter was born, I lost count of how many days I spent indoors (the fact that she was born during the pandemic, did not help either).
One day, I couldn’t take it anymore. I grabbed my girls and drove to a mommy cafe some friends told me about. After a few minutes of wailing, it became one of the most enjoyable outings I’ve had in a long time.
I realized that I desperately needed things to do with my baby, in order to survive the newborn phase.
How about you? Do you feel cooped up all day? Are you ready to make new memories and help your baby experience new things? Believe it or not, there tons of places to take babies that are safe, fun, and totally affordable.
Below are just a few of my absolute faves!
Love this list of places to take babies? Check out these posts for more inspiration!
- Best Developmental Toys for Babies
- How to Bond With Your Baby
- 20 Best Books to Read to Your Baby in the First Year
7 Free & Cheap Places to Go With a Baby
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. I only recommend what I trust. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions.
Mom and Tot Gymnastics Class
My little one just started attending gymnastics and it has been the best investment I’ve made in motherhood so far! I love our tumbling class because it allows my kiddo to be just as rowdy as her little heart desires and it improves motor skills.
Not to mention, she is nice and tired by naptime.
If your little one is too young to attend gymnastics alone, many “mommy and me” tumbling classes start around 15-18 months. Bring your phone though, usually these classes are filled with picture-perfect moments!
Indoor Play Areas
In our area, many free indoor play areas (like McDonalds) have shut down because of COVID-19, but there are some independent indoor arenas still open.
Indoor play areas usually have sections for many age-groups, including babies and toddlers. Even if your baby can’t play, it’s a great place to walk around and expose him to colorful new objects and sounds.
You might also look into kid-friendly cafes (sometimes called mommy cafes). This is kind of a new concept, so they’re a little harder to find. Kid-friendly cades allow moms to chill out, have a cup of coffee, and let their kids go wild in a designated play area.
If your location has something like this, you need to check it out! Many of these venues follow strict cleaning schedules in order to stay open.
Aquarium
The zoo is my go-to during warm seasons. However, if you’re looking for things to do with a baby in the winter, the aquarium is a very fun substitute.
Typically, aquariums feature learning displays (with plenty of knobs, handles, lights, and buttons to push), as well opportunities to touch some sea creatures.
You might have a little trouble getting to the hands-on displays right now (at the least the activity centers in our area were closed), but it’s still a great place to walk around and introduce your little one to new aquatic creatures.
Aquariums can be on the more expensive side, so check their website or the chamber of commerce to see if they offer a resident discount or coupons.
Mommy and Me Swim Class
Your local athletics center is one of the cheapest places to take babies. Some athletics centers feature yoga, stroller exercise groups, and swim classes. Mommy and me swim classes gently introduce your baby to water and can offer a satisfying workout for you.
Community pools or community centers also offers these classes too. It wouldn’t hurt to give them a call!
Pet store
Now, if you’re looking for free places to take a baby, the pet store is my go-to. You can easily make it a learning experience. For example, while we walk around, I ask my daughter questions about the animals, “Oh, what is that? What color is he? What sound does this bird make?” etc., etc.
If your baby is very young, she’ll just be fascinated by all of the new animals and sounds (and probably smells) around her.
Storytime at the Library
Reading to your baby is so much fun and a powerful tool to help build his vocabulary. Taking your baby to an infant storytime session at your local library removes a lot of the pressure off you and exposes your baby to new sights and situations.
Don’t worry if your baby isn’t capable of sitting still or keeping quiet. That’s part of the fun!
RELATED POST: 20 Best Books to Read to Your Baby in the First Year
Music Classes
Yes, you can actually go to a music class with your baby!
For younger babies, these classes typically include holding your baby in a colorful area while the instructor plays different types of music and instruments. Toddlers get to play with different types of instruments, participate in fun games and interactive environments.
Local Mom Groups
Connecting with other moms protects you against isolation and introduces your baby to potential playmates. If you’re not sure where to connect with other moms, here’s a couple techniques I’ve tried:
- MOPS International- This is a faith-based group that connects moms of kids 5 and younger. Usually, they meet during the week at local churches. Even if you’re not a Christian, give it a try. The moms are usually very laid back and just love connecting with other women. I go to one every week and feel so encouraged talking with women that are going through the same hairy stage of life.
- Facebook Moms Groups- Facebook groups are a great way to connect with like-minded moms and find local meetups.
- Group Exercise Classes – This is a little different than going to community centers or the local gym. Search your local private studios for mom-specific groups.
- La Leche League – Breastfeeding is HARD. Nursing support groups can give you the encouragement and tips you need to make it through your challenges. Not to mention, it’s a great place to meet other moms.
Go Outside
While it’s true that babies are more susceptible to the cold than we are, fresh air and sunlight is actually good for them!
Generally, experts say it’s okay to take your baby out as long as he’s bundled up well and he’s not spending prolonged periods outside in freezing temperatures. On the next semi-warm day, grab your baby carrier, bundle baby up, and go for a walk. Sit in the backyard if you have to. Just get some Vitamin D!
Know of any great places to take babies? Let me know!
Mama, if you’re feeling stir crazy after having a baby, it’s time to get out of the house. Just do it! It’ll be an amazing experience for you and your little one.
In fact, exploring the world isn’t just helping her development, it’s creating a unique bond between the two of you.
I hope you liked this list of places to go with a baby, but keep in mind that restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and even malls can all be great places to visit during naptime. Just grab a stroller, blanket (I also like to take a portable white noise machine!), and you’re good to go!
Before you go exploring, I have a request. I love making fun freebies for my readers. Would you mind clicking on the idea or ideas that would interest you most?
Love this list of places to take babies? Check out these posts for more inspiration!
