Summer Baby Activities That Won’t Drain Your Wallet

Just because you had a baby doesn’t mean that your summer fun needs to stop! And although the cost of raising your little one is harsh, there are summer baby activities that won’t drain your wallet. Sure, your summer not look exactly the same as before, but that’s not a bad thing; it’s just different.

Gone are the days you can just wake up, head to the beach, and not need to pack anything. Summer activities may take a bit more planning with a baby, but it’s worth it – both for you and your baby!

The Age Stages for Summer Activities

Depending on the age of your baby, summer fun will look different. If they’re not crawling yet, you may think you can’t do anything with them. Wrong! This is honestly the best stage to take them out (safely). They can’t move – you can literally put them down and they’ll stay there!

Basically, whatever summer fun you were already planning to do, just bring them. Just make sure you pack everything you need, a fan included to keep them cool!

If your baby is in the moving stage or a bit older where they need entertainment, it’s fine! You just need to bring some toys or snacks that’ll hold their attention. Bottom line is – it’s doable, it just takes some more effort than you’re used to.

You can also totally opt to head to a baby-centric place for some summer fun too. Whereas I am a believer that you can bring your baby (almost) anywhere you’re going, I do understand the value at going places tailored to young kids as my own baby is getting older.

Summer Baby Activities That Won’t Drain Your Wallet

So, what are these places that are fun for you and your baby? Here are the places you are going to want to look into going this summer even when finances are tight. You will be making so many great memories together as a family!

The Local Pool

Whether dropping in for a single swim or looking for summer-long splashing, community pools offer pricing and memberships that keep families in mind. Some will allow you to bring packed foods/drinks so you don’t have to think about purchasing anything while you’re out.

Lots of pools have kiddie pools that are so much more shallow and are meant for kids. You can have your kid splash around in here without all the worries of them being in a bigger pool. Plus, lifeguards on duty will give you extra peace of mind, too.

If your baby isn’t big enough for kiddie pools, get a baby safe floaty with a canopy to block the sun. They can float right next to you as you’re enjoying the pool! If your friends or family have a pool, take advantage if you are able to; then you don’t even have to worry about other kids or people.

The Beach as a Summer Baby Activity that Won’t Drain Your Wallet

OK I know, the beach may sound absolutely daunting but it’s really doable! If you’re someone who lives near the beach or takes a summer beach trip each year anyway, this can be a surprisingly affordable choice.

Sure, it’s not the same as you just being able to lay there with a good book and tan or you swimming out chasing the waves. But, it’s still the beach! Bring a little sun tent for your baby to lay in. Then stick a portable fan there to keep them cool.

If your baby is sitting up or bigger, you can even bring a small pop up pool for them to keep them cool. Head to the beach with a group, this way you have help with the baby. You might also get a few minutes to yourself to go for a swim.

The Park

Not only do parks have swings and slides, but many offer some sort of water activity during the hotter months, too. This can range from sprinklers to splash pads. See what your local parks have, and take advantage of them!

This does tend to be more tailored to older babies, rather than smaller ones. If your baby is small, you can still go for a nice walk in the park or for a nice picnic; just remember to keep them out of the sun and cool!

The Local Library as a Summer Baby Activity that Won’t Drain Your Wallet

If the summer heat’s really getting to you, go to your local library. They typically have activities tailored to children – even as young as under 1 – throughout the year, and this is no different during the summer. I know my local library even provides lunch on some weekdays to kids.

If you haven’t already looked into your local library to see what fun events they’re having, you should. It’s a great way to stay cool during the summer heat and surround your baby with lots of books and educational learnings.

A Visit to Disney

OK this one is for the brave souls and might sound like a weird summer baby activity that won’t drain your wallet. But, when you’re taking a big trip with a baby, the number of details that are pre-arranged for you will not only reduce the stress but reduce overall costs by bundling so many needs all in one purchase.

Also, I’ve flown with a baby and I live to tell the tale! If you are a vacation/trip person, that doesn’t just have to stop because you have a baby now. Bring them with you! But why did I say Disney rather than just a vacation? Because Disney is tailored to kids; not just kids, but babies.

There are literally baby care centers throughout Disney that are meant to make traveling with a kid easier. These are cool, safe spaces where you can change a diaper, nurse, feed, or calm down without just being in a public restroom surrounded by others.

Finding a travel destination that has something like this; anything to ease the planning that comes with taking a child somewhere, is amazing and will just make your life easier! I know that Disney is expensive, but kids under 3 have free entry into the parks, so that hopefully can help a little.

Backyard Fun

If your baby is still too small or if the thought of venturing out solo with your baby is still a lot (we all feel that way – you’re not alone!), turn your backyard into a funland. You don’t need too much either. It all depends on your baby’s age, but a water table, splash pad, sprinklers, or inflatable pool are all great, and not too costly options, for you to have right in your back yard.

The plus of having backyard fun is that you don’t need to pack everything up, either, to go; you already have everything in your home. Make it a playdate – for baby or for mom – by calling some friends to come over, too.

Final Thoughts on Baby Activities That Won’t Drain Your Wallet

Although intimidating at times, taking your baby out for summer activities doesn’t have to be complicated. Keeping things simple and remembering that low cost choices are out there means the fun in the sun doesn’t have to stop!

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