I live in an incredible little town. It’s family oriented with many free or inexpensive community resources. The people here look out for each other, care about each other, and put children first. We are fortunate. That being said we haven’t always lived in our current town. Anika was about a year old when we moved. Before that move I was settling into life not only as a mom, but life as a stay at home mom, a brand new career for me. This was happening at the same time we were all adjusting to life on one income. I needed to get my daughter and I out of the house during the week and get our whole family out of the house on the weekend frugally. I started googling and learned that there are community resources you will find in or nearby just about any town.
1. The Library
If you are new to the stay at home mom world, or just a new parent in general, start here. Our old library and our new library have both been wonderful. I felt welcomed and at home the minute I walked through the door.
Besides the obvious reason to go to the library (free books) there is so much more to offer. Various forms of media is one example. Our library has tons of DVD’s, music CDs, and our most recent discovery, books on CD. It also offers an app that has a huge selection of downloadable books and audiobooks. There are activities to take your child to on weekdays and family activities on the weekend. For example our library offers things such as storytimes, craft hours, even free baby yoga. Most libraries also offer passes to local museums that make admission free or drastically reduce the price.
2. Playgrounds
Playgrounds are free. Playgrounds are everywhere. There are town playgrounds, school playgrounds. Kids need to run, play and blow off steam. It’s a perfect combination.
3. Town Parks and Recreation
Check out your local Parks and Recreation department and see what their calendar has to offer. Ours offers numerous free family programming; a downtown trick or treat, a tree lighting festival, a huge easter egg hunt…the list is long.
4. Community Centers
Although our town doesn’t have its own community center there is one a couple of towns over. Anika and I discovered it when she was 3 and a half months old and we began attending a baby playgroup. I still attend some of the playgroups for older kids when we have the chance. We both look forward to the socialization. Besides playgroups this community center also offers parent education programs that are amazing and it’s all free.
5. Resources specific to your area
I live in a semi rural college town. Because of this I have the advantage of having some great free or cheap community resources offered by the college that others in different towns may not. That being said people living in more urban areas are going to have resources that I wouldn’t have. Get out there and explore your area. Ask around. Go to your town or city hall and see if they can direct you. Google stuff. I found many online resources that directed me to opportunities just by googling “stay at home mom activities” with my town name.
