15 Winter Activities With Baby To Get Out of the House
I remember how I was severly struck with cabin fever I was in our tiny 1 bedroom apartment with my new baby! The days were long and I felt like I was just watching TV and breastfeeding all day. Which, in hindsight, sounds amazing but can get old!!
Over time and after lots of Googling and ideas from Reddit posts,I found my favorite different activities to do to get me out of the house when I had the energy every once and awhile. Depending on where you live, you might not have all of the below options, but get creative! Sometimes all you need to do is go downstairs to your apartment lobby and grab a free cup of coffee. It feels like a victory!
Check out my absoloute favorite list of things to do with your baby to get you out of the house during the winter season.
1. Visit an Art Museum
There’s so many affordable or free museums that you can take your infant or newborn baby to! If you live near a larger city, you most likely have plenty of art, history, military, science, or children’s museums to check out in the suburbs or downtown. Some bigger museums that typically charge for entry may have discounted or free tickets available on certain days, so make sure to check out their website or social media to find out. One of the most popular museums in my area actually has free admission every first Sunday of the month!
2. Explore an Indoor Mall
During the week when you’re going stir crazy at home, walking around an indoor, local mall is a fantastic option. It’s inside, which means you don’t have to brave the cold temperatures, there’s plenty to see and so many stores to check out, it’s great exercise, and you don’t have to spend a dime if you don’t want to! One of the great things about indoor malls on weekdays is how empty they usually are, especially in the mornings. Plus, they typically have great bathrooms for families and plenty of food options so you could practically stay there all day! It’s a great idea to beat winter weather.
3. Go Thrifting
I highly recommend going thrifting with your new baby! Every week, check out a new place in your area to see which thrift store you like best. A second-hand shop is a fun way to look for new, inexpensive items and it’s a great place for your baby to experience new sights and sounds. I know not everyone is into thrifting, but I promise you if you find a good store you’ll be addicted!
4. Visit Coffee Shops
Sneak in some self-care and visit a local coffee shop! And no, I don’t mean Starbucks!! Explore small businesses in your area and sip coffee or hot cocoa while your baby naps or even enjoys a little snack from the cafe. A coffee shop could also be one of the best ideas if you need to do work on your computer. Keep baby entertained with a few toys in her car seat while you get (maybe) 30 minutes of free time to pay bills, check emails, or work on your small side project.
5. Local Library Storytime
It’s funny to remember how intimidated I was to go to my first baby storytime, but now I’m obsessed! There are at least 4 baby storytimes within 30 minutes of where I live, and the closest is literally less than a 5 minute drive. You’d be surprised to find out that your local libraries may have a free infant story time. It’s one of my favorite ways to meet other moms (and babies!) and sometimes the library will have additional free events like sensory activities or pictures with Santa.
6. Check Out the Zoo/Aquarium
The Zoo has indoor and outdoor exhibits where your baby will love to see different animals. In my area the zoo and aquarium is a little pricey, but again, check out the website for deals that they may have during the week or month! I love this idea because it’s so fun for not only the baby but you’ll have a great time too. If you have family living near you, this can also be a perfect activity to do together.
7. Farmers Markets
Indoor farmers markets are full of new things to explore and fun objects and colors, perfect for your adventurous little one! Many farmers markets during the wintertime are indoors, so no need to be worried about your baby getting too cold. Check off your grocery list and support local farmers and small businesses while also keeping your baby entertained. It’s a win-win!
8. Explore Indoor Playgrounds in Churches
For older babies, many churches and community centers offer indoor playgrounds for young children which are great during the winter months. Some even have coffee bars or cafes nearby in the building, so you can sip a warm drink while playing with your baby! To be honest, if your baby is too small to play on the playground, you might even just find a new mom friend to chat with.
9. Go to the Gym
Sorry not sorry! Haha. Lot’s of gyms have inexpensive memberships (I’m talking $10/month) that includes free childcare for babies 6 months and up for 2 hours. I know of some mom’s that don’t even workout for 2 hours, they actually just hang out in the gym working on their laptops or reading a book, just getting so “me time” while their baby is in a safe place. Personally, I workout at my apartment gym and I just bring my baby with me in her carseat or a umbrella stroller! Half the time it’s empty and if she starts getting fussy, I just go home.
10. Head to a Local Park
Bundle up and head to a nearby park for some fresh air to get you out of the house. The best time of day is when the sun is the brighest, around the afternoon. Everyone needs to enjoy nature, it’s so good for your mental and physical health and winter hikes or walks are a great way to introduce your baby to the outdoors. If you’re extra worried about newborns or younger infants in the cold, I would use a baby carrier to warm them with your body heat.
11. Visit a Bookstore
Bookstores like Half-Price Books or Barnes & Noble are warm and cozy places to explore on cold winter days. If you’re a breasfeeding mama, bookstores typically have plenty of chairs for you to use and be comfortable. Browse for yourself or for your baby, and let your baby touch and feel different objects for a sensory activity. You could probably even just sit on the floor and read baby books to your little one for a while!
12. Try a Mommy & Me Fitness Class
If you’re looking for physical activity during cold months, Mommy & Me fitness classes are a perfect way to meet other moms and to also maintain your health. Just a simple Google search will give you plenty of options in your area. While I haven’t tried a mommy and me class yet, I think it looks like so much fun and should be on your winter bucket list.
13. Take a Walk in a Local Downtown Area
Small downtown areas in or near the suburbs are charming and perfect for a winter outing with your baby. Avoid big downtown areas in the city and instead opt for historic downtown districts full of small businesses. These areas are often walkable with minimal traffic, especially during weekdays. You will be walking in and out of stores, however, so definitely bundle up with extra layers for cold weather.
14. Check Out Local Events on Facebook
Set your location on Facebook Events and you’ll get amazing recommendations for events near you. There are so many baby winter activities that you will find, like holiday festivals, community parades, pictures with Santa, or tree lighting ceremonies.
15. Visit a Local Indoor Nature Center
Nature centers are very kid-friendly, and are also interesting to adults! A lot of them have indoor exhibits with live animals, sensory play areas, nature trails, and indoor activities for little kids. Nature centers often have memberships too that you can join if you know you’ll be heading there a lot.
