Fun, inexpensive activities for mom and baby
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Let’s face it: many child-centered activities and destinations can be very pricey. When my kids were toddlers, some of my favorite things to do with them were either free or very inexpensive. I know I’ll be looking for similar things to do with my new little guy who’s due to arrive this spring. Honestly, I think many of the activities for moms of young ones are just as-if not more-important for moms as they are for their babies.
The best thing about Mom ‘n Me type classes which cost an arm and leg seemed to always be the activities which evolved from them. A gym/music class I attended with my oldest child, beginning when he was about nine months old, proved to be a meeting place for moms who were tired of diapers and feedings, and were desperate for adult interaction. We all loved our babies more than anything but we were also lonely. The playgroup which formed through this class lasted beyond our commitments to the ten-week class schedule. About four other moms and I looked forward to meeting up each week to let our babies socialize while we did the same. The only cost was that of a pot of coffee and some snacks to share when each of us played hostess.
After my son’s first year, I got better at finding things to do on a tight budget. He and I made friends in the park, who told us about the International Mom’s Club. I joined this wonderful group, which has multiple chapters nationally, as well as internationally. I think my annual membership cost $20, which included a bi-monthly newsletter, listing activities planned for those months, as well as other information about members looking to form playgroups and wanting to connect with other moms and caregivers. There was a much-needed “Mom’s Night Out” each month, which deepened friendships between moms.
Some of my favorite Mom’s Club activities included an amazing Halloween party held by one member, which featured crafts, hayrides on her husband’s tractor and cookie-decorating. The kids, of course, loved seeing each other’s costumes. Another great event was the annual Christmas cookie exchange, where we tasted each other’s favorites and exchanged recipes.
Together, we attended pay-as-you-go nature classes at a local nature center and picked apples at a nearby orchard. I continued to visit these places with my kids when not with the rest of the group, sometimes just hooking up with one of my son’s friends and his mom.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), is another popular, inexpensive group to join when your little one is a bit older. This group usually meets at least once a month (though not religious, it often takes place in a church) and also has many chapters nationwide. It features scheduled activities, classes, and lectures for moms, while caregivers watch and occupy the kids, who are broken into different age-groups with age-appropriate activities.
Another favorite of ours was weekly story time at the library. Besides being free, I liked that this was one of those activities which did not require pre-registration. It was nice to just be able to “drop in”.
So there’s no need to spend a fortune when you’re looking to have some fun with your little one. Keep your eyes and ears open; I can assure you that other moms in your shoes are looking for fun and friendship, too.
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