Top 10 Winter Activities for Kids in the Macedon Ranges

School holidays have rolled around again and organising fun, non-screen time activities for your children is no mean feat. This is especially true when the temperature outside resembles that of Finland’s frosty landscape. Luckily, we have shortlisted the top ten winter activities for kids in our shire for you in one spot. Some involve fun in the fresh air, and others are held in the toasty warm indoors.

We have tried to include activities from as many towns in the Macedon Ranges Shire as possible. We hope you can capitalise on ones that are closest to you or plan a field trip if you feel like adventuring further out. Simply click on the bold text to open the relevant links to more information. Happy holidays!

1. Library Holiday Sessions: The Goldfields Library runs free programs throughout the school holidays. The Romsey, Gisborne, Kyneton and Woodend libraries have a variety of activities to choose from including a performance by Pete the Plumber, musical instrument making, clay crafting and joke sharing. Be sure to book to secure your place.
2. Gisborne Village Shopping Centre: The Village Shopping Centre is running free craft activities between 10 am and 1 pm from Tuesdays to Fridays around the theme When I Grow Up. Whether your child loves music, dressing up, inventing or gardening, there will be something to please them after the weekly grocery shop.
3. Squishy Minnie Bookstore: Who doesn’t love curling up with a good book when it’s chilly outside? This gorgeous bookstore in Kyneton is aimed at children and young adults. Walk through for a peruse or attend the weekly storytime sessions on Thursdays from 10.30 until 11 am.
4. Chocolate Mill, Daylesford: This quaint chocolaterie is just out of the Macedon Ranges and is a must see for chocolate lovers. What could be better on a cold winter’s day than watching chocolates being made and then tucking into a piping hot cocoa? Purchase some sweets to try and then take some favourites home with you.
5. Dromkeen: Nestled on a hill in Riddells Creek is this beautiful, historic homestead which features a gallery of original Australian picture book illustrations, a children’s bookshop and a cosy tearoom. It is a lovely place for a wander any day of the week but is well worth the visit on the first Saturday of every month. This is when they host storytime and run a craft activity for little ones.
6. Lancefield Romsey Small Change Project: The Small Change Project is running free hour-long classes for children out of St Mary’s Hall in Lancefield. From box training and acrobatics to painting and hip hop, leave your child for some sporty or creative fun while you run your errands.
7. Mount Macedon: On the days when temperatures hit sub zero, what could be more fun than heading to the mountain for a frolic in the snow? Rug up with jackets, gloves, scarves and thick socks so you can stay warm whilst you play in the magical Winterland. When you start to get cold head to the Top of the Range Tearooms to defrost with a cup of hot chocolate and a toastie.
8. Trentham Falls: The cooler weather generally brings with it more rain. Consequently, Trentham Falls comes into its own in the winter. Choose a sunny day for this short, easy walk down to the view the falls. Pack a picnic to eat in the Falls carpark or drive on to Trentham for lunch at the bakery or one of the many cafes. 
9. Gisborne Aquatic Centre Inflatable Fun: Get the kids exercising whilst having fun at the swimming pool these holidays. There’s plenty of sessions to choose from, so it’s easy to slide it into your schedule. (See what I did there?).
10. Kyneton Toyota Sports and Acquatic Centre: The Kyneton pool also has inflatable fun on the holidays as well as day-long programs which involve sport, craft and swimming activities. Click the link to view the cost per child per day.

We hope we have provided you with some fun ideas to get out and about in our shire these school holidays. We would love to hear any feedback on these activities or if you have found any other great places to visit.