For toddler parents with active and curious children, there are free or affordable activities you can find in your local Aussie neighbourhood to exercise their imagination and boost their confidence.

D.I.Y. Fun for Kids at Bunnings

Bunnings is a great spot for kids with its indoor playgrounds and kids’ meals, but did you know that it hosts workshops for children as well?

In February, Bunnings ran over 2000 free D.I.Y. workshops at more than 300 stores across Australia, including crafting a clay creature and planting a “magical garden”. Participation came with a free D.I.Y. starter kit, including a kids’ apron, collectable badge, and magnet (while stocks last). Bunnings also provides a free passport, whereby you can collect stamps at workshops throughout the year.

I didn’t see the Facebook ad until the first three workshops had passed, so I was a tad cheesed off that we had missed them – but, better late than never!

Creative Applications

There is a space for one stamp per month for the rest of the year, but I noticed that our local Bunnings has workshops every weekend. So far, we have created magical gardens and built “robots” with blocks of wood, screws, nails and colourful keys.

There was also a Bunnings Easter party on a Thursday evening at all stores, where we folded and decorated Easter baskets and went on a mini egg hunt, while greeting the Easter Bunny.

As 99.9 LiveFM noted, “D.I.Y. is a great way to get kids off screens and into hands-on learning, encourages creativity and helps kids develop practical life skills.”

So if you’re looking for a fun and memorable free activity with your little ones, head over to your nearest Bunnings this weekend and enjoy up to an hour of happy tactile immersion. Sign up here.

PS: Your kids may enjoy a $5.50 kids’ meal at the Bunnings café, too!

Mainly Music and Mainly Play

Our neighbour invited us to a weekly sing-along session at a church hall in our neighbourhood. These sessions are run by Mainly Music, which explains:

“We provide a time and place where young children and their carers find delight in shared experiences through music and play, are accepted for who they are, and grow educationally.

We recognise the importance of attachment theory, which contributes to children’s security and well-being. Each session provides education and development outcomes, an opportunity for children to enjoy an enhanced attachment experience with their family, and for carers to receive parenting tuition by example.

There is a strong sense of ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. With guidance by volunteers from local churches, families are given the chance to think about the God-part of life in a loving, sharing environment that welcomes everyone.”

My children were shy and hung back watching as the other children danced and sang with their parents, but they really enjoyed the plentiful toys and books scattered around the church hall, and we all had a lovely morning tea. It costs only $5 per session or $40 for a term.

What activities have you found in your local area for your little ones?

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Image courtesy of Pexels.