15 Cheap and Free Things to Do With a Baby This Summer

Summer with a baby sounds dreamy in theory: long days, warm evenings, endless picnics in the park. In practice, it can also mean a hot, overtired baby, a changing bag that weighs more than you do, and the nagging feeling that you should be doing more with your mat leave.

The good news? You really don't need to. Some of the best summer days with a baby cost nothing at all. And the ones that do cost a little? Cubbi can help with that. Here are 15 free and cheap things to do with a baby this summer, whether you're having a quiet one at home or going all out.

1. Picnic in the Park

It doesn't need to be elaborate. A blanket, a few sandwiches, a pouch or two, and you're good. A change of scenery makes even a normal lunch feel like a bit of an occasion, and babies are genuinely delighted by grass, wind and the general chaos of being outside.

2. Splash Around in a Paddling Pool

A paddling pool in the garden is one of summer's great bargains. Fill it up, throw in a few bath toys and some cups, and you've got an activity that'll last most of the morning. Add ice cubes or floating fruit slices to keep things interesting on the warmer days.

Cubbi tip 💡 Don't forget the SPF. iHerb stock a great range of baby-safe sunscreens at brilliant prices. Check the Cubbi app for your exclusive discount before stocking up for the season.

3. Explore a Local Nature Trail

Search for buggy-friendly walking routes near you and you might be surprised how many are on your doorstep. Bug hunts, leaf collecting and watching the world go by from the pram all count as enriching experiences, and take up a surprising amount of the morning. British summer means being prepared for all weather too, and honestly, a misty walk through the woods with a baby strapped to your chest is one of life's underrated pleasures.

Cubbi tip 💡 If you're going to brave the great British outdoors, you may as well do it in proper kit. Berghaus and Spotty Otter both offer excellent outdoor clothing for parents and little ones, including waterproof layers and footwear built for unpredictable summer weather. Find your Cubbi discount in the app.

4. 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 the added bonus of cake. Babies are genuinely transfixed by flowers, water features and the general busyness of it all, and it makes for an easy, unhurried morning out.

5. Visit a City Farm

Many city farms are free or donation-based, and babies are completely transfixed by animals, especially ones that moo, oink or cluck unexpectedly. It's a brilliant low-cost morning out, and most have plenty of open space and buggy-friendly paths.

6. 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, and little ones are often more mesmerised than you'd expect.

Cubbi tip 💡 Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND and Twycross Zoo are all brilliant options for families with babies in tow, with plenty to see even before your little one is old enough for the rides. Check the Cubbi app for exclusive discounts on entry so the day out doesn't break the bank.

7. Visit Your Local Library's Baby Rhyme Time

Libraries are free, calm and genuinely brilliant for babies. Many run free weekly baby rhyme time or story sessions, and even without a class, browsing the picture books together is a purposeful, easy outing that doesn't cost a thing.

8. 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.

Cubbi tip 💡 Stock up on the good stuff without overspending. Campbell's Meat and Iceland both offer great quality at honest prices. Look for your Cubbi discount in the app.

9. Get Cooking

Summer is a brilliant time to get curious in the kitchen. Fresh produce is at its best, the longer days make cooking feel less like a chore, and as your little one grows, you can start experimenting with weaning and introducing new flavours. When they're a bit older and you've got some kid-safe knives to hand, getting them involved in the prep is a genuinely lovely thing to do together.

Cubbi tip 💡 Gousto delivers recipe kits with pre-measured ingredients and easy instructions, taking the planning out of summer cooking entirely. And if you're starting your weaning journey, Bibado has everything you need to make mealtimes less messy and more enjoyable, from their iconic coverall bibs to feeding accessories designed to grow with your baby. Find discounts on both in the Cubbi app.

10. Get Crafty at Home

Babies love textures, colours and things that make noise, all of which you can deliver with a basic craft session. Cardboard, paint, stickers and crinkly paper are more than enough. And handprint or footprint art makes a lovely keepsake for the season.

Cubbi tip 💡 Hobbycraft and London Graphic Centre are both great for stocking up on quality craft supplies. Cubbi members can access exclusive discounts, perfect for keeping costs down while keeping the creativity flowing.

11. 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: it's contained, relaxed, baby-friendly, and you don't have to worry about airports or car seats on planes.

Cubbi tip 💡 Parkdean Resorts offer affordable family breaks at over 50 holiday parks across the UK, with facilities that make life with a baby genuinely easier. Cubbi members can access exclusive deals, ideal for a first family holiday without the first family holiday price tag.

12. 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. It's a proper treat, and babies are often surprisingly well-behaved when given something new to look at.

Cubbi tip 💡 Tastecard gives you access to 2-for-1 meals and discounts at thousands of restaurants across the UK. It's one of those memberships that pays for itself quickly, especially over a long summer. Find it on the Cubbi app.

13. Set Up a Sensory Play Area at Home

No need to buy anything. Household items like wooden spoons, fabric offcuts, crinkly packets and measuring cups make brilliant sensory toys for babies. Rotate a few items at a time to keep things fresh and lay it all out on a play mat for easy supervision.

14. 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 12 weeks.

Cubbi tip 💡 Speedo is the go-to for quality swimwear for both you and your baby. Cubbi members can access an exclusive discount on their range, from swim nappies and UV suits to your own swimsuit for getting in the pool together.

15. 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.

Not every summer day needs a plan. But when you want one, Cubbi is here to help you make the most of it, with exclusive discounts from all the brands above and hundreds more. Sign up free and start saving today.