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Step 1
Contact or visit your local library. They usually have story times for small children. This is a good chance to teach your child to follow instructions from another adult and to sit and listen when told so that everyone can see and hear. In addition, hopefully, it will help your child along the path of learning to love to read.
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Step 2
Find your local playgrounds. Sometimes these can be hard to find. You may try asking other parents you meet at the library or around your neighborhood. Some cities have special playgrounds with particularly interesting attractions, ask around for those also.
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Step 3
Check your county and state website for a list of parks in driving distance from your house. They often sponsor educational walks through the park and talks on various subjects pertaining to nature. Even if you don't visit during an organized event, just being at the park will allow your child plenty of opportunity to explore new things in nature.
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Step 4
If you like to exercise, consider joining a gym with a reputable child care facility. Many gyms will negotiate with you on the membership fees, so you might be able to get an affordable monthly rate. Most gyms will watch your child for you for up to 2 hours at a time. When you consider the hours of free babysitting, it may seem like a better deal to you. Don't feel guilty for leaving your kids there, they are learning valuable social skills by being around the other children.
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Step 5
Check museums in your area. Some of them have free admission and offer educational programs for children.
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Step 6
Set up play dates with other families. Visiting a friend's home is a great chance to teach your kids how to behave in that situation before they get old enough to visit on their own.
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Step 7
If you attend a church, look out for classes and social groups for children. Church is another great social learning environment for kids.
