How to Keep Your Toddler Entertained On a Budget

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By jbechtold
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Toddlers have a great imagination so it is not hard to entertain them. But if you have gotten into a rut and just need some ideas to get out of the house for cheep here are some ideas.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Get a membership to the zoo and use it. It cost me $65 a year and it is a tax write off. If you go to the zoo just one time a month that is less than $6 a visit for a family of four. Plus you can pack your own lunch.
Step 2

I found out that the mall has a kids club that is free and puts on a show once a month. There are characters and music. They give out cookies and treats. It is great fun for a toddler. I also bring my son to the mall to play on the playground. This is great when the weather is bad.
Step 3

In Phoenix we have parks that have water fountains for kids to play with in the summer. Just go to the city parks web sites to find out information on what parks near you have.
Step 4

The libraries and bookstores usually have free story times one time a week. Call the library and bookstores in you area for information on times and places.
Step 5

Arts and crafts are great. I try to think outside the box and help my kid learn and develop a vocabulary. I make my own play dough and give my son cookie cutters in different shapes to cut out shapes with. I also save magazines and pictures from the zoo to make themed books with. We can practice body parts, animals and shapes by reading a book we made ourselves.
Step 6

Make up games. We take a basket and walk around the house and pick up things that are the same shape or color. We build forts in the living room. It is just important that you be creative and try to remember that if you have a good imagination you can help teach your kid to have a good imagination.