As the weather becomes cooler, and more to the point, as rainy days are more frequent, we are on the look out for fun, dry options to keep the kids occupied without a huge price tag. We have put together ten ideas for wet weather excursions in the Macedon Ranges and surrounds. Our opinions are our own, we are not paid to mention places. If you know of a great local wet weather excursion that we have missed, please let us know.
- Pop Gaming: This gaming centre in the Gisborne Village Shopping Centre has plenty of games for little and big kids (read: adults) to try. It is all in the one room and is not too noisy or overwhelming for little ears. Buy a few tokens and the kids can choose a prize at the end with the tickets they receive after playing on the machines.
2. Play Centres: Play centres are not for everyone but they might suit your family, depending on the age of your child, and how confident they are. I have had to retrieve a stuck child from the top of some play centre equipment when I was heavily pregnant, so just be aware of what it may involve. On the other hand, it can be a great way to occupy the kids while you supervise and have a coffee with a friend. We discovered the following close to the Macedon Ranges: MacDougall Playcentre in Sunbury; Bugalugs Indoor play centre in Kyneton; and Jungle Kids indoor play centre in Wallan. A little further is: Bounce at Essendon Fields (which has play days for $10 when booked online from 9 am to 12 noon on weekdays), Crocs Play Centre in Keilor Park, and Jump ‘n’ Jiggle Play Centre in Tullamarine.
3. Kid friendly Cafes: It is not feasible to cafe every day but we love that 3 Little Pigs in Gisborne, the Cosy Corner Cafe, and Milko in Woodend all have a special indoor corner or play area to keep the kids occupied while you enjoy a well deserved coffee.
4. Dromkeen Homestead: This beautiful estate in Riddells Creek has a tearoom, bookshop, gallery and gardens. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, it is a lovely place for a bite and a wander with your wee one. Follow their Facebook page for updates on their monthly Saturday storytime.
5. Libraries: When Covid isn’t rearing its ugly head, storytime at the local libraries give the kids a change to sing, dance, have books read to them, and perhaps undertake a craft activity. We list the storytimes at the start of the week in our What’s On Facebook and Instagram posts. You could always head to the Gisborne, Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey libraries anytime they are open to chill with a few books and maybe borrow some to take home.
6. Aquatic Centres: Gisborne and Kyneton have amazing indoor swim centres if your little ones enjoy the water. It could be tricky with multiple kids if you are by yourself but a nice way to relax with one. Alternatively, you may like to enrol your children in swimming lessons over the cooler months to fill a day of the week.
7. Bookstores: I am a bit biased myself, but a beautiful bookstore is a lovely place to visit with your child. Whether you are buying a present or treating them to a story, it is an excellent way to spark a love of reading. The Macedon Ranges is blessed with many amazing bookshops. There is New Leaves in Woodend, Aesop’s Attic and Squishy Minnie in Kyneton, and Paradise Bookshop in Daylesford. Squishy Minnie also does occasional storytime with book readings and music.
8. Lessons: Enrol in some lessons to fill up your week. Mini Maestros is ideal for kids who are into music, whilst Lovaball and Active Kidz will help the kids burn some energy and work on their gross motor skills. This is also dependent on your budget.
9. Your local op shop or Foodbank: Do something good for your local community and have your child join in. Why not purchase a few extra grocery items to drop to your local foodbank or gather old books, toys and clothes to drop to the op shop? You might even find a bargain to buy while you are there too.
10. Playgroups: There are many playgoups around but for new people to the area, it may be a case of finding them. We know of: New Gisborne Playgroup, Kyneton Playgroup, Romsey Playgroup, Lancefield Playgroup, and St Paul’s (Lorna’s) Playgroup in Gisborne. Click on the links for more infomation. Macedon Ranges Mumma Meet Ups will also go ahead when the pandemic permits, and we are planning some indoor catch ups over the winter season.
Have we missed any of your favourite wet weather excursion ideas? Get in contact and we will add it in.
If you are after some fresh air, despite the cold, don’t forget to check out our favourite playgrounds and fresh air fun destinations.
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