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

We're into the last few weeks of summer, which usually means one of two things. Either you've got the whole season down to a fine art, or you're staring at the calendar wondering how you're going to fill the days before routines kick back in.

In the spirit of 'what on earth do we do now?', we're bringing back one of our fan favourites: our roundup of free and cheap things to do with a baby this summer. We've dusted it off and added a few new ideas to see you through to September, because even the best picnic plans need a refresh eventually. Here are 15 things to do with your little one before the summer clock runs out (without spending a fortune).

1. Picnic in the Park (With Mum Friends)

It doesn't need to be elaborate. A blanket, a few sandwiches, a pouch or two, and you're good. Bring the mum friends along and it doubles as your social life, or swap the blanket for trainers and turn it into a mum walk instead. Either way, a change of scenery makes even a normal lunch or lap of the park feel like a bit of an occasion, and babies are genuinely delighted by grass, wind and the general chaos of being outside.

2. 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.

3. Head to the Beach

If you're anywhere near the coast, a beach day with a baby is simpler than it sounds. You don't need buckets of gear, just somewhere shaded, something for them to sit on that isn't sand, and a lot of patience for the inevitable fistful of it ending up in their mouth. Go early or late in the day when it's cooler and quieter, and you've got yourself a proper summer memory for next to nothing.

Cubbi Tip 💡 Shop rash guards and UV tents from Mamas & Papas on Cubbi and keep your little one shaded and covered with a little extra discount.

4. Pop Into a Pet Shop

An underrated freebie: most pet shops are more than happy for you to wander round and let your little one gawp at the fish tanks, the birds and the hamsters running on their wheels. It costs nothing, takes the edge off a rainy afternoon just as well as a sunny one, and buys you a solid twenty minutes of wide-eyed staring at goldfish.

Cubbi Tip 💡 Shop 10% off at Pets at Home on Cubbi. While you're there, it's only fair the fur baby gets something out of the trip too.

5. Splash Around in a Paddling Pool

A splash park or 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.

6. 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.

7. Pop Along to a Free Baby and Toddler Show

Keep an eye on the Cubbi app for free tickets to baby and toddler shows near you. They're a proper day out without the proper day out price tag, and a good way to fill a rainy pocket of the school holidays with something other than another lap of the living room.

8. 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.

9. 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 offers great quality at honest prices. Look for your Cubbi discount in the app.

10. 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 💡 Things to Do, 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.

11. Free Coffee Date with the Little One

A small one, but a good one. Boston Tea Party gives away a free coffee to anyone who brings in a reusable cup, which makes it an easy, guilt-free stop on a buggy walk. Grab a babyccino for the little one while you're at it and call it a morning out.

12. 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.

13. 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. Shop your Cubbi discount on their range, from UV suits to your own swimsuit for getting in the pool together.

14. Get Crafty and Sensory at Home

Babies love textures, colours and things that make noise, and you can put together a full sensory session without buying a thing. Cardboard, wooden spoons, fabric offcuts, crinkly packets and measuring cups all count. Lay a few items out on a play mat and rotate them to keep things fresh, and if you fancy something with a keepsake at the end, handprint or footprint art is a lovely one for the season.

Cubbi Tip 💡 For the bits you do want to buy, Hobbycraft and London Graphic Centre are both great for stocking up on quality craft supplies. Shop your Cubbi discount on both, perfect for keeping costs down while keeping the creativity flowing.

15. Join a Mum Walking Club

You'll find plenty in your local area on socials, just search for your town or postcode plus mum walk or buggy walk and you'll usually turn up a group. Free, sociable, gets the steps in and gets you out of the house on the days you need a nudge to leave.

Cubbi Tip 💡 If you're on the hunt for parasols and pram accessories to hold your iced coffee and phone while you get your steps in, check out Cubbi discounts on all the fan favourites, including Silver Cross, iCandy, Cosatto and so many more!

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.

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