Budget-Friendly Activities – Free Things To Do With Your Toddler
Although toddlers have endless energy… wallets do not. That’s why I’m sharing my favorite totally free ways to keep your little one busy, happy, and exploring – without spending.
4 Free Things To Do With Your Toddler in Happy Valley
Keeping a toddler busy doesn’t have to mean spending money. Luckily, Happy Valley and the nearby area have plenty of free spots where you can avoid going stir-crazy. Here are some of our favorite toddler-friendly activities that are fun, easy, and totally free.
1. Happy Valley Nature Park & Playground
Our go-to park. There’s 3 playgrounds, a splash pad, paved paths for stroller walks, and so much more. It makes this park an absolute must when trying to entertain your children for free. You can check out pictures, parking details, park hours and more in our detailed blog Happy Valley Park: The Ultimate Family Guide for Toddlers, Trails, and Outdoor Fun.
2. Library Storytime
Clackamas County Libraries host free toddler Storytime every week. They’re a mix of songs, books, and playtime – plus it’s a great way to meet other families. If you’re in need of a variety of Storytime slots, check out the Multnomah County Libraries – more of a journey if you’re a Happy Valley native, but worth the drive. Libraries may feel like a daunting task with loud, rowdy toddlers (opposite vibe of a library), but trust me when I say that continuing to expose your child to the library pays off. And helps local libraries stay running – yay! For the ultimate guide to a stress-free library visit, check out my blog Making Library Visits Easy (and Fun) with Toddlers.
3. DIY Nature Scavenger Hunt or Nature Walk
Head to one of the many parks in Happy Valley with a simple list – pinecone, yellow lead, smooth rock, ant. Toddlers love collecting “treasures” on a walk. Skip the park and head to Mount Talbert or Hidden Falls for a short adventure with plenty of trees, birds, and even a small waterfall. This is a great option for curious explorers.
4. Clackamas Town Center
Let your toddler ride the elevator, wave at the train, or enjoy the play area without buying a thing. Rainy day boredom solved with the ultimate window shopping! My son loves to walk around, sometimes being in a climate-controlled space where he can move his legs is good enough for me!
Simple, fun, and free – all in Happy Valley
There are plenty of ways to make memories in Happy Valley with your toddler without spending money. These outings aren’t just about helping out the bank account; they’re about connection, fresh air, keeping your toddler busy, and building routines your child will look forward to. Pack a snack, keep it simple, and try out some free Happy Valley activities!
Pro Tip – Check out the events section at pdxparent – not everything you see will be free or in Happy Valley; sometimes free events are posted and this is a great resource!
