Entertaining Baby on a Budget

Entertaining a 6-month old has become more challenging. And, doing it on a budget can sometimes be even more challenging. Face it, there are times when feeding, toys, spit up, explosive diaper, tummy time, nap, toys, diaper, tummy time, assisted sitting time, diaper, spit up, feed, nap, repeat repeat repeat wears out even the best of mommas. It's always nice to get out of the house and do something -- for not only your own sanity, but to help stimulate baby's developing body & brain with something different. Especially when baby's a social butterfly like E.

But, it's not always easy to do that when you want to save money -- a daily outing can add up quickly. So, here's a few of the ways baby and I like to spend the day... without spending a dime (except, of course, for gas):

1. Feed ducks at the park, using whatever stale bread or crackers you have at home
2. Hang out at the library and let baby stare at the other kids... or beat books against the table.
3. Set up a play date with friends who have babies similar in age.
4. Go to Cabelas and visit the fish tank -- baby will be mesmerized for hours... and it's free!
5. Dress baby up super cute (and I mean SUPER cute), take him into any store, and let him squeal & smile at every person that stops to talk to him. After the 20th person, he'll be worn out and ready to nap all the way home.
6. Walk the mall, provided you can skip the good sales and bypass the uber-good smelling pretzels. Combine this and #5, and you've got a winner!
7. Go to a dog park and watch the pups from outside the fence. Granted, if your baby doesn't like dogs, this might not be the best idea...
8. Take a walk around the neighborhood. Or, load up the stroller and take a walk around a new neighborhood. Never know when you'll discover a new park.
9. And, if all else fails, lay out a blanket in the backyard. When he gets bored looking at the trees, lay down a magazine for him to rip up. Holy moly, he'll stay so entertained, he'll forget about his dirty diaper.

Of course, I'm sure there are a million ideas on Pinterest that I have yet to explore. What are / were some of your favorites?