Keep an useful box – basically, things you might otherwise throw in recycling – and let the kids use it for craft. (Bonus points if you can get hold of some Playschool DVDs to help spark their imagination.) Dancing around to music. Look for a toy library or a local playgroup.

Definitely keep an eye on library events, there have been some excellent story times and sing along events the last few months around me. Look out for markets and community events. I’ve just moved more rural/coastal and there are some markets that have petting zoos. Look up parks you might not be aware of that have fun playgrounds

It really depends where you live. Maybe find a playgroup? There’s usually Facebook pages, so maybe have a look, in summer check out where you can swim for free i.e. lagoons, etc. Maybe you could collect boxes and do some crafts? My kids used to love it- it’s amazing what you can make! Or even sheet/blanket forts at home.

Join the library’s mailing list – they have a fantastic range of activities. Look for a local playgroup (your local preschool may be able to direct you to one). Sign up for “events” newsletters in your region – for example, ask your council – so you’re aware of one off free activities.

I find word of mouth from family and friends and other networks can be a great source of finding out useful information about free events and activities. Online noticeboard pages might also have posts with free events and activities and they might also provide links to free events and activities in your local area.

Almost every supermarket brand item I but has gone up by $0.50, which isn’t a lot for one item, but when the bulk of your shopping is supermarket brand, it adds up. In some instances, it’s cheaper to buy name brand.
So I feel you on the wallet crunch.
Our local library usually has tons of activities for little kids. But one of our public schools P&C have a playgroup they run. Maybe it’s worth joining your local P&C. You get to make friends with the mums your kids will go to school with, and many of them have younger kids so you could find friends for your little one as well.

We have a local community Facebook group which alerts you to free events in the area. We’ve been to craft sessions, free kids festivals and outdoor cinema. You should be able to do a search and find one. Also Parkrun is free and something to help burn off some energy every Saturday

We have always liked nature based activities. Going for walks and collecting leaves etc to make art at home. Picnics are also good for getting outdoors with balls and playing. A picnic lunch can be whatever was going to be eaten at home. Finding out what free events and activities are on in a local area is a good idea. We do an online search for What’s on in our local area.

I’m not surecwhat State you’re in but in WA the museums are all free this summer but honestly toddlers are happy with the simplest things. They’ll go to the same park over and over and be super happy with it. Or fill some containers with water and splash about together when it’s hot. Don’t ever think it. Your toddler will be happy using their imagination playing with a stick.

I have this problem as well, rent is costing me a fortune and electricity is a killer now at $400 a month and going up. I’m struggling with groceries and doing my best to stick to a budget. I usually take my toddlers to the local park and we also have a little water feature that we call the water park and I take them down in their swimmers so they can run through it. Maybe try finding other mums close by that they toddlers can hang out and play with while you have a coffee and a chat. Invite people over who have kids that they can play with. Maybe a tarp in the backyard like we all did as kids and put some water and dish soap on it so they can slip and slide. Do
Some crafts with things around the home or go on walks and get them to find all the animals or birds that they can see and you can document them as you go.

Find a local Playgroup to attend. They are usually free and provide all the entertainment, playdough, painting, singing and activities etc. Our children and grandchildren made many friends this way and it can often lead to playdates with others that also cost nothing. Treasure hunts in parks are fun. Look for a yellow flower or a red stone etc.