Travelling is brilliant – but some days you just don’t feel like being a tourist. Our favourite thing to do is to discover a new playpark or bushwalk, but when the weather is a bit rubbish and this isn’t an option – here are some family favourites that keep the kids happy (and not cost the earth!)
Playgroup
There are thousands of playgroups all around Australia offering a chance for you to meet other families and let the kids make new friends wherever you go. Playgroups are designed for kids aged 0-5 and often have lots of different activities from singing and dancing to craft and imaginative play. The cost is normally just a few dollars or free depending on the group and location – you can find more info on their website and search for a group near you – Playgroup Australia
Playgroup – letting you do all the things you don’t want to mess up your home with
Mainly Music
Similar to a playgroup – this is a beautiful and well organised music session run by local churches. Again the cost is only a few dollars and they provide organised singing and dancing and morning tea as well as a chance to play afterwards. There are always LOADS of toys (brilliant for when you are travelling with just a few) and they are always friendly and welcoming. It’s also a great way to meet other local families and get the inside knowledge of what to do with kids in the area. You can find more info on their website here – Mainly Music.
Imaginative snap-snap fun at Mainly Music
Fire Station
Did you know that you can pop in to your local fire station to say hello when they are open? They are always really welcoming and let the kids have a look at the engines – plus they give you a really cool activity kit you can take home to spend the afternoon on.
Soft Play
There are loads of soft play venues around the country and if you google the town you are in + soft play you’ll find your nearest centre. The last one we went to was a rainy day in Bundaberg – we recently visited an incredible play centre in Sydney and the boys burned off so much energy climbing, sliding, chasing and jumping around and we stayed for about 4 hours. They served great value lunch and had free wifi too so we could catch up on our social media and emails while they played. Going on a school day also meant it was cheaper and it wasn’t packed.
Ball pools – one of the best things about being a kid
DIY
We popped in to Bunnings before our trip and ended up having a great time – they have those adorable mini kids trolleys (note to self – do not use these if you have actual shopping to do or any place to be in the next 8 hours) and loads more to keep little ones amused.
Balloons sit at the end of each aisle ready for little hands to grab – they have a kids’ play area and a great cafe where you can get coffee or lunch. You can walk around the garden centre spotting gnomes and smelling all the different herbs and flowers, and they have cubby houses on display that the kids can explore. There are often free kids’ activities on – especially in school holidays. We picked up some really great stuff to continue our DIY at home – we bought some seed pots and garden tool sets for under $10.
Contrary to everything I’ve told you try and knock everything down
We’d love to hear of any more rainy day ideas – please comment below!
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