Freedom! Glorious Freedom!

**New-mom-to-be** · 05-31-2009, 09:57 AM

School is out and I am now home with my son for the summer.

He is 9 months old and I am trying to figure out how to keep our summer entertaining without breaking the bank.

We are taking mommy and me swim classes, but those are already paid for.

I just need to get the idea that when I get bored, we need to go to the mall or Barnes and Noble.

I think I will schedule playdates.

**Luckybustert** · 05-31-2009, 11:39 AM

Our local library has a lot of family-friendly, free events year round. They have a great selection of DVDs to borrow too.

**Debbie-cat** · 05-31-2009, 12:23 PM

Take him to a local park, they love that!

**Thevail** · 05-31-2009, 01:02 PM

Walking is free. Get a great stroller (one with the under cart basket, and just go like mad! Take a book with you, he'll have a blast crawling all over nearby while you lounge in the shade reading.

Healthy for you, and fresh air and new sights and sounds for him too.

9-12 months old (the summer period) he'll still be too little to actually DO much of anything, they just like to see new things, touch new things.. and god help us.. taste new things!

**tracyq** · 06-01-2009, 03:31 PM

We have lots of free concerts around our area in Western New York. I'm sure a lot of areas do. Parades, and picnics, and the beach! I love summer!

**MaryCarney** · 06-04-2009, 09:06 PM

Put in a garden! Little ones can park in a shaded playpen, you can get your exercise and cut your food bill. It's not too late!! Then, you can teach yourself canning and preserving!!!!!

**mandk** · 06-04-2009, 09:10 PM

See if you can find a kid's swimming pool at a garage sale, a friend's house, or on sale. Endless hours of entertainment

.

**fairydana** · 06-04-2009, 11:04 PM

OOOOHhhhhh I am almost positive you can come up with something fun for yall to do everyday! What a wonderful way to spend the summer!

**Tai** · 06-06-2009, 03:35 PM

I have a 2yo and an 11mo. Here's some of my plans for the summer:

1. Backyard "resort". I rescued an old umbrella for shade, and we've got a sprinkler and a kiddie play pool. If you don't have a play pool, you can repurpose an infant tub or even a low sided tote. I have a basket that I filled up with "toys" from the dollar store- measuring cups and spoons, buckets, pretty plastic cups, ladles, etc. If it is plasic and in the kitchen section, its fair game!

2. Family picnic- I'll be packing a lunch and taking them to the local park. Actually, I'll be doing this with DH a couple times, too! One of our favorite frugal "dates" is when we grab sandwiches and head down to the lake.

3. Rainy days= books, blocks, and forts. Ok, so 9mo might be a little young for the forts- but maybe not! Baby obstacle courses are fun, too. Bring an empty laundry basket into the play area and let baby explore in it. My DS loves to sit in the basket while I'm folding laundry (just don't do this if you have a refluxy baby!)

And take TONS of pictures!

**joyofsix** · 06-06-2009, 03:42 PM

Everyone has great ideas. Mine love the swing at that age. Park or home.
At 9 mo I just gave them a bowl of water and cups.
Blow bubbles at them to try and touch.
For mommy, definitely do the stroller and walks.
Our library has 'wee read'. Good time for mommies to connect.

**Radish4ever** · 06-06-2009, 03:49 PM

You might also see what kinds of mom groups you have locally - look online and I bet you can find one! Or some churches have them. They often plan fun outtings! I started taking my DD out on playdates at 4 months and when my son was born, it was about 8 weeks postpartum.

Anything to get out and let them experience things!