Cabin fever is real, and stay-at-home parents can get stir crazy. Everything is expensive, and babies don’t even…do…stuff. But taking your baby or small kiddo out with you is just as beneficial to them as they are to you.
Wear your baby and talk to them about colors, shapes, and letters you see. Basically, narrate the adventure! You can mosey, walk, and talk. It is so good to get YOUR body moving, and simply talking to your baby is an educational and enriching experience for them.
Here’s our list of free, unconventional, and fun places to walk around with your kiddo and get a change of scenery.
Grocery Story
From colorful fruit, different shapes and textures, and bright letters, the grocery store is a great place to narrate to your baby or small kiddo. Talk about your grocery list, what you could make with the food, why vegetables are good for their growing body or why a sweet treat is always important.
Antique Stores
Antique stores are perfect for mosey-ing around. Strap in, and take your time wandering through the aisles seeing things new and old to their and your eyes. Plus, antique stores can provide unique, durable, and often cheaper nursery decor, clothing, and toys, fostering creativity and conversation, and offering eco-friendly options.
Pet Stores
We all know the endless entertainment pet stores can provide. Watching the puppies cuddle, the hamsters nibble, the snakes squirm, and the fish swim can be a great way to show your baby colors and movement.
Hardware Store
Babies (and adults) love the lights and fan section. Any Home Depot, Lowe’s, or hardware store can provide a great opportunity to walk around and entertain. Kiddos love the shower and bathroom section, and bonus if there are inflatables somewhere in the store.
Art Museums
By seeing new colors, high-contrast patterns, and familiar shapes, babies can build brain connections, boost curiosity, and improve focus. Whether you want to walk around, or sit and enjoy the art, museums are a perfect place to provide enrichment.
Old Malls
We all know mall walking is a great time. You and the baby can get sensory stimulation, exposure to different sights, sounds, lights, and people, and you get a change of scenery! Plus, you can get a bit of shopping done at the same time.
Libraries
You can make a trip to the library baby-focused by attending library story times (even for newborns!), focus on sensory board books, let them explore the children’s section, utilize picture walks while talking about images, not words, pick interactive books, and make it generally fun.
