A.,
How well I remember those days...here are a few ideas.
Check out your local library and see what free programs they have as they play groups, and reading groups, and play areas, and computers and it is a great place to hang out. If your area does not have a big library or a childrens section or center, look on-line and find the biggest one with the most activities near you.
Almost any mall has play areas for free and I use to meet several of my friends with their kids and we sat and talked and drank coffee and watched the kids play and the moms got a break also. Sometimes when we could afford it we would eat lunch their also. We would meet in the morning and then go home for naps.
Some movie theaters offer cheap movies on certain days of the week and some are even free. You probably have to visit the theater or call them directly to find out. Some muesuems are inexpensive or free also. They are a great place to go with a friend and the kids can run around even if they don't really understand what you are seeing.
Your library or chamber of commerce may even have activities for families and are a good place to start. My friends and I all had zoo passes as in family passes and they have some buildings that are great to go in when the weather gets cold. The Detroit zoo is open year round and my favorite time to go was the spring and the fall. The bird sanctuary and the butterfly exhibits are indoors and not far to walk too.
We got together as friends at each other's house and had lunch and the kids all played in the basement or whatever. You need to socialize and play as much as your toddler. Do you rollerskate as they are open during the week also and have lessons usually. On days like this hit the park and take advantage of the weather. I bundled my kids up and took them even when it was a little bit colder and they just ran around and found other kids to play with.
If you are going to places alone...take a book and read while your child plays as in the mall and you get the idea.
Enjoy while you can as all too soon your toddler will be turning 14 and in the 8th grade as my son is!!
M. M. (SAHM mother of three miracles...7, 9, and almost 14).