Fun on a Budget (aka "Fudge-It")

Is your summer in a lull?  Can't afford day care?  Don't live by Sea World or Lego Land? 

Well, don't worry parents!  Here are some ways you can enjoy lots of fun this summer with your family and small ones, without breaking the bank. 

(Disclosure: I said not breaking the bank, but that's not to say other stuff won't get broken)

These are just a few of the ways we kick boredom to the curb around here.  (Yes, you may feel sorry for us.  Mostly me.)



Traditional swings still do the trick!

Blanket Swing
While two people hold the corners of a blanket, place the "rider" in the center.  Pick him up with a heave ho!, and on the count of 3, sway back and forth.  We use "one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to go!" but the possibilities are endless. 
Cost: one blanket, a few huffs and puffs, and your failing arm muscles


Spin the Bottle
When you've finished the Simply Lemonade and you have that empty bottle in hand, don't go to the recycling bin just yet.  There are at LEAST 15 minutes of fun ahead of you in Spin the Bottle with your baby.  My sole motivation to play this game?  Baby Kisses.
Cost: $2.50 for the bottle, but reimbursed with slobbery smooches


Golf Ball Giggles
All you need for this fun activity is a large plastic bowl and a golf ball, any color.  Place the golf ball in the bowl and commence rolling it around.  Have your little one try to grab it.  This one is good for a few minutes of belly laughs. 
Cost: free, provided you can find a golf ball (like a needle in a haystack at our house...)


Trash Can Taquito
Using a metal trash can circa 1985, empty it of all beer cans, fruit roll-up wrappers, and other debris.  Then roll it on the floor up and down hallways and watch as babies go bananas trying to chase it down. 
Cost: free, any round canister shaped object will work


Ribbon Race
Got some extra ribbon lying around?  Who needs it?  You've got 6 months til Christmas and you can always replenish it later.  Unspooling the ribbon as fast as possible is much more fun than keeping it safely tucked away in a drawer.  Cause, try it. 
Cost: $1.49 or whatever ribbon costs at a store near you


Hide and Squeak
All you need for this is a rubber ducky.  Hide him in different places around your house, and take your little one on a never-ending scavenger hunt.  Once you find ducky, (and moms, this can take just as long as you need) have lots of celebration and applause, a few squeaks, and start all over again.
Cost: one rubber ducky and quite a bit of your sanity if you're not good with repetitive activity


Dishwasher Duplex
Did you know your dishwasher can also be a hotel for small plush animals, chunky books, and a medley of other toddler treasures?  Throw a few of them in there, lower the door, and your little one will love arranging and rearranging them.  He or she will also fancy removing the utensil holder to make room for a new seating area.
Cost: free, as long as you have a dishwasher.  Note: dishwasher need not be functional


Hall Ball
Using a plastic beach ball, place your baby on one end of the hallway.  Position yourself on the other side, within reach of your phone and glass of cold beverage.  Cause refreshment breaks are always nice while playing Hall Ball.  Roll the ball back and forth with your wee one and enjoy the few moments you can spend sitting down.  Because you'll soon be back to chasing the ball (and the baby).
Cost: one beach ball, and a few pops and creaks of your bones

Now that he's 1, Jackson has been very busy tackling his very own summer anti-boredom list.  He has successfully knocked the first 5 things off with no trouble at all.