Two-year-old's birthday with NO budget

posie

Am in desperate need of help. It's my daughter's second birthday on Wednesday, and we've got no money! Literally no money at all till next week.
My husband gets paid on Friday, so we're taking her toy shopping then (at this age, we're hoping she won't realise her present is two days late).
But we would really like to take her out of the day on her actual birthday to mark it in some way.
Due to generous Christmas presents, we've got National Trust and English Heritage membership if needed, but I wonder if anyone knows of a free day out in Kent or London suitable for a 2-year-old girl (and her parents, preferably??)
We can travel (hubby's work car comes in handy!) but can't afford admission fees etc. I know most London museums are free, but she's only two, so are any suitable for her age group? We could do an NT place, but last time I took her, she tried to climb on the very expensive and very old furniture so it wasn't a great success!

wendym

Would it upset you to give her an 'official' birthday (like the Queen) just this year, and celebrate her birthday a bit late? She really won't know. A card and a photo and an iced bun on 'the day', perhaps?

beverleyhills

As long as she knows that you love her- that is something money can't buy. A picnic in the local park.

pandora205

Many National Trust properties have gardens and grounds, so a picnic (even in the rain) may be more appropriate than visiting the property itself. In fact, if it rains you could put on wellies and go puddle jumping. Or you could go to the local woods, collect leaves and stones, pretend to be animals, play hiding games, etc. Include making the picnic in the day (helping with sandwich making or cutting up fruit).

Perhaps make a birthday cake to celebrate when you get back and let your child help with the measuring and mixing and decorate the cake. This would all be much more fun for a two year old than a traditional birthday celabration.

Threebabes

Again at 2 year old. Park, picnic, feed ducks etc, she will be happy. At 2 she won't be any the wiser. Have a lovely day.

midnightraven3

another vote for park/picnic
and if you decide on wellies& puddle jumping can i come too:o
sounds way more fun than anything else:D

even in the rain littlies have fun
and then home, bath, into jammies and watch her fave dvd with her cuddled up with mummy & daddy while eating something nice, cake/biscuits etc

a very nice day!

posie

Thanks guys - hadn't thought of something so simple, to be honest! It would be a bit of a nightmare to "move" her birthday for a few reasons, but we could easily just find a nice park and take her there on the day. And if it rains, we'll just have to get wet, won't we!

Auntie-Dolly

How about a trip to the playground in Kensington Gardens and jelly & ice cream at home? At that age I'm sure she won't notice.

Giggles_Fairy

I think a day at the park (even if its raining) sounds like a wonderful idea to me! Infact... do you think I could get away with this on my 26th in November? haha