As we head into chillier weather in the Ranges, many parents and carers may despair thinking, “What am I going to do with my stir-crazy children when the weather is bitterly cold, windy or wet?”. I hear you! When my kids were in pre-school I would try to get them out of the house and moving at least once a day and it definitely wasn’t as easy in the cooler months.
Here are a few ideas of places in the Ranges and surrounds to visit which are either free, affordable or nice for a occasional treat.
Dromkeen, Riddells Creek: This beautiful homestead has a cafe, bookshop and sunroom with kids’ corners and gorgeous gardens. They also offer free storytimes on the first Saturday of each month.
Top of the Range Tearooms: At the top of Mount Macedon you will find this delightful cafe with a gorgeous view (of course!). If you are brave and dressed for the cold weather, you could start with a walk to the Memorial Cross and then head back to the cafe for a warm drink.
Local libraries: Our libraries are more than just places to borrow books from these days, they are a hub of activity. We have the Romsey, Kyneton, Woodend and Gisborne Libraries in our Shire. Check out the storytimes for some reading, singing and activity fun, or visit any time to borrow books and enjoy the resources provided.
Local neighbourhood houses: Similarly our neighbourhood houses, (Riddells Creek, Woodend, Romsey, Lancefield, Kyneton Caring Community, Macedon & Mount Macedon) offer many wonderful activities at low or no cost. Follow your local neighbourhood house and make note of the family and kid friendly activities and meet ups. Some activities are free and others require a small monetary donation.
Playgroups: We have a list of local playgroups: some have open times when anyone can attend and for others you may want to create your own group or ask to be added to one. Playgroups are a great way to connect with other parents and have a minimal fee to join.
Toy Libraries: We have a few toy libraries in the region. Make an excursion of the day you go to choose something to borrow and then have a double win when the kids are preoccupied at home with the new toys they have chosen. Like playgroups, there may be a small annual fee involved or in some cases you can volunteer your services to receive a discount.
Kyneton Museum: For an indoor excursion, you could head to the Kyneton Museum. Learn about the local history of early European settlers in Kyneton and view historical collectibles and agricultural equipment. The next exhibition begins on 7 June and looks at Nurses, Caring and Medicine in the Macedon Ranges with a focus on local stories.
Play centres: There are a few playcentres in and around the Ranges. These can be an investment, depending on how long you go for. If you can go with a friend and their children you may be able to divide and conquer more successfully if children get stuck somewhere high they don’t want to be, or any other shenanigans happen. Check out Joey’s Jump and Play in Gisborne, MacDougall Playhouse in Sunbury. Sunbury Indoor Sports Centre also offers a similar style to playcentres, particularly for children 6 years and under. There is also Absolute Kaos and Mick’s Jump and Play in Melton.
Enrol in some lessons: Whether for the kids, or maybe mum and dad as well, you might like to look into Jets Gymnastics, Gisborne Dance Academy, Gisborne Golf Club (the driving range is undercoer), mums and bubs sessions at BodyFit by Holly May or Ranges Personal Training.
Cafes or restaurants which cater for kids: We’ve mentioned a couple already above (Top of the Range Tearooms and Dromkeen). We also recommend 3 Little Pigs in Gisborne, Social Foundry and Angie’s Cafe & Bakeshop in Kyneton. We’d love to hear of your favourite kid-friendly cafes in Woodend, Trentham, Malmsbury, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Lancefield.
Chocolate Mill in Daylesford: Brave the cold weather and head to Trentham Falls, Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, or Lake Daylesford for a walk or a scoot and then finish at the Chocolate Mill for a cup of hot chocolate before returning home.
Local Aquatic Centres: Depending on your child (or how many children you have!), this may be tricky but sometimes an excursion to a heated indoor pool can be a lovely – local public pools include Gisborne Aquatic Centre and the Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre. Be prepared with snuggly dressing gowns, ugg boots and beanies for the ride home.
Go for a train ride: Have you ever taken your train enthusiast for a ride on the local train? I took my kids from Gisborne to Riddells Creek. In the time between catching the next train back, we went to the park, and had a snack and a drink at a local cafe. Check the schedules ahead of time, and what is close to the station of the town you’re headed to before you commit.
What are your other favourite places to go when it is wet and cold outside with your kids? Let us know and we’ll add them to the list.
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