Looking for free or cheap things to do with a baby this summer? Whether you're on parental leave, adjusting to life with your little one, or simply trying to make the most of the sunshine without spending a fortune, we've pulled together a list of ideas that are low-cost, low-effort and baby-friendly.
Because let's face it, entertaining a tiny human on a budget can be tough, whether you're on maternity leave, back at work part time, or just counting down to nap time. If you've been searching for free things to do with a baby, or wondering what to do with a baby when the diary's empty, you're in the right place. With a bit of creativity (and a good stash of snacks), it's totally doable.
Here are 30 free or cheap things to do with a baby this summer that don't involve soft play or spending half your day packing a changing bag...
Free baby activities for every budget
1. Visit a Garden Centre
Free entry, loads to see and plenty of colours, smells and textures for your baby to enjoy. It's basically a free sensory activity... with cake.
2. Go to a Pet Shop to Look at the Fish
Most pet shops are happy for you to browse, fish tanks, small animals and birds can be a gentle and fascinating watch for babies (and a handy rainy-day option too).
3. Feed the Ducks at the Park
Simple, wholesome and guaranteed to delight a baby or toddler. Just remember to take oats or peas instead of bread!
4. Splash in a Paddling Pool in the Garden
A paddling pool can keep your little one entertained for ages on a warm day. Add some bath toys or cups and it's a win.
5. Visit IKEA's Free Play Area
If you need to do a bit of shopping (or just fancy meatballs), IKEA's free play zones are a handy bonus. And don't forget: cubbi members can get discounts on baby essentials, furniture and storage too.
6. Bath and Sensory Play at Home
Make bathtime a fun daytime activity. Add bubbles, sponges, jugs, and a few drops of food colouring for a cheap, easy sensory experience.
7. Visit Your Local Library's Baby Corner
Libraries often have designated spaces for babies and toddlers with books, mats and toys. Many also run free baby rhyme times, check your local schedule.
8. Go on a Bug Hunt
Whether it's your garden, a park or just the pavement, little ones love watching ants, bees and butterflies.
9. Have a Picnic in the Park
Even if it's just a sandwich and a pouch, a picnic makes lunch feel like a big adventure.
10. Explore a Local Nature Trail
Look for buggy-friendly routes near you, you might be surprised how many free walking trails are baby-accessible.
11. Join a Local Walking Group for Parents
Many communities run free pram-friendly walks. It's great for fresh air and meeting other parents.
12. Look for Free Museum Days
Some museums offer free baby sessions or open days with sensory-friendly hours.
13. Create a DIY Sensory Basket
Raid the kitchen cupboards for crinkly packets, wooden spoons, soft cloths and more. It's free and perfect for supervised tummy time.
14. Set Up a Baby Obstacle Course
Use cushions, blankets and tunnels to create a mini indoor gym. Great for crawlers and newly mobile babes.
15. Attend Free Baby Classes or Taster Sessions
Many baby class providers offer free taster sessions, search local Facebook groups or community centres.
16. Visit a City Farm
Lots of city farms are donation-based or free to enter, with animals to see and plenty of outdoor space to roam.
17. Watch Planes at the Airport
Find a safe viewing spot near a local airport. The sound and sight of planes taking off can mesmerise little ones.
18. Water Play with Ice Cubes
Freeze little toys or fruit slices inside ice cubes for a fun (and cooling!) sensory activity at home.
19. Window Shop at a Shopping Centre
Air-conditioned and spacious, shopping centres are great for a change of scenery and some baby-friendly people-watching.
20. Check the cubbi App for Summer Discounts
From saving on summer wardrobes to discounts on eating out, cubbi has exclusive offers for parents on parental leave. Planning a UK staycation or even a holiday abroad? We've got you covered with discounts on travel, hotels and family-friendly activities too.
21. Head to the Beach
Even a short trip to the coast counts. Bring a paddling net, let them dig in the sand and don't overthink the rest. A beach day with a baby doesn't need to be a production, just a towel, a bucket and low expectations of how long they'll actually nap.
22. Grab a Free Coffee Date
Boston Tea Party gives a free coffee to anyone who brings along a reusable cup, so it's an easy excuse to get out of the house and sit somewhere that isn't your own kitchen table.
Cubbi Tip 💡 Check the Cubbi app for the latest Boston Tea Party offers before you go.
23. Visit a Free Baby and Toddler Show
Baby and toddler shows around the country run free ticket giveaways throughout the year, and they're a genuinely good way to spend a few hours with a baby, especially on a rainy day.
Cubbi Tip 💡 Keep an eye on the Cubbi app and socials for free ticket giveaways to upcoming shows.
24. Book Nothing. Do Nothing. Enjoy It.
Some days, getting out of your pyjamas before noon is a win. Summer doesn't have to mean packed schedules and Instagram-worthy outings. A slow morning, a garden nap and an iced coffee on the back step counts. Rest is still productive, and you're doing better than you think.
25. Sign Up for Baby Swimming Lessons
Baby swimming is one of the most joyful things you can do together in summer, and the earlier you start, the more comfortable your little one becomes in the water. Most pools run beginner sessions for babies from around twelve weeks.
Not every day needs to be jam-packed. Sometimes a walk round the block or five minutes of garden time is enough. But if you're looking for inspiration, or just want to do something that isn't another nap contest, this list of free or cheap things to do with a baby should help.
When you do want to spend a little
And on the days when the budget stretches a bit further, here's where Cubbi can help take the sting out of it.
26. Plan a Big Day Out
Sometimes the budget stretches to something a bit more exciting, and a proper day out is genuinely worth it. Theme parks and wildlife parks have come a long way in terms of baby-friendly facilities.
Cubbi Tip 💡 Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND and Twycross Zoo are all brilliant options for families with babies in tow. Check the Cubbi app for exclusive discounts on entry.
27. Book a Week Away at a UK Holiday Park
Sometimes what everyone needs is just a change of scenery for a few days. A UK holiday park ticks a lot of boxes: contained, relaxed, baby-friendly, and no airports or car seats on planes to worry about.
Cubbi Tip 💡 Parkdean Resorts offer affordable family breaks at over 50 holiday parks across the UK. Find the discount in the Cubbi app.
28. Enjoy a Meal Out (Without the Full Price Tag)
Getting out to a restaurant with a baby is one of those things that sounds stressful but often isn't, especially if you time it right. Early, quiet, before the evening crowd.
Cubbi Tip 💡 Tastecard gives you access to 2-for-1 meals and discounts at thousands of restaurants across the UK. Find it on the Cubbi app.
29. Get Cooking
Summer is a brilliant time to get curious in the kitchen. Fresh produce is at its best and the longer days make cooking feel less like a chore.
Cubbi Tip 💡 Gousto delivers recipe kits with pre-measured ingredients, and Bibado has everything you need to make mealtimes less messy as you start weaning. Find both discounts in the Cubbi app.
30. Midweek Barbecue
Easy, informal, maybe invite the grandparents if you're in the mood. Fire up the grill and make an evening of it. It's social, it's summery and it's significantly cheaper than going out for food with a baby in tow.
Which ideas suit which age?
A few of the ideas above work brilliantly whatever age your baby is, but some come into their own at a particular stage.
Under 3 months: Bath and sensory play at home, the DIY sensory basket and window shopping at an air-conditioned shopping centre are all gentle enough for the newborn stage, when you're not going far or staying out long.
3 to 12 months: This is when baby swimming lessons really open up, most pools take babies from around twelve weeks, so if you've been looking for things to do with a baby under 1, this is a natural place to start. Garden centres, city farms and the library's baby corner also suit this stage well, once your little one is a bit more alert and interested in the world.
Around 1 year: Feeding the ducks, bug hunts, nature trails and the beach come into their own once your baby is upright, mobile and curious. If you've been searching for free things to do with a 1 year old, this is where the obstacle course and walking group ideas earn their place too.
And if you haven't already, sign up to cubbi for free to unlock exclusive parental leave discounts and make those summer days out (and in) that little bit easier.
Last updated: 20 September 2026
