We were going to write a very professional, articulate piece titled ‘The Undeniable Benefits of High-Quality Childcare Centres’ because there truly are incredible, undeniable benefits such as cognitive and educational advantages, social and emotional development, economic benefits for families and society, to name a few. However, as we were writing, we decided that sometimes, it is just good to go back to basics and hear from two Mums, that are creating warm, inviting, exciting environments to offer families as well as great places for people that love children, to work.
A high quality childcare centre, like the ones my sister in law and I have created, have people who understand early childhood development and use evidence-based practices to nurture their growth. The educators in our services, expose children to activities that promote literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills. Our centres, play a crucial role in the social and emotional development of children and they provide opportunities for them to interact with peers where they learn to share, resolve conflicts, and develop empathy. The social skills acquired in these settings are foundational for forming healthy relationships throughout life. Emotional support from our qualified educators, helps children develop resilience, self-esteem as well as a sense of security, which are all vital for overall mental health.
There is no denying that todays world is fast paced and at times, complicated and confusing! The people that can become caught up in this and most affected, are the little people, our Children.
Our children absorb so much of this world well before they are even verbal or thought to ‘understand’ the world around them and once they start to display their personality, they are well on their way to emulating the people around them. Our centres have incredible people, offering invaluable benefits that extend far beyond the immediate care of children. They are more than just places where children spend their days, they truly are places of love, warmth and care, that are foundational to the development of healthy, well-rounded and successful individuals.
Our first two services located in Aubin Grove and Baldivis are both rated exceeding and we welcome you to explore what we have created in Ardross and be able to see for yourself the huge benefits of a high quality early education and care service. We look forward to meeting you at the Family Tree, 15 Willcock Street Ardross.
Pump tracks are the latest trend in play park you might see pop up in many public spaces, and for good reason. A pump track is a loop of rollers and berms that allow bike riders to maintain momentum without having to keep pedalling. They help kids develop their bike handling skills and build confidence and, above all, it’s fun! We’ve created a list of a few local tracks to check out.
Bob Gordon Reserve (Bull Creek)
Home to Southside BMX Bull Creek, Bob Gordon Reserve has a fantastic pump track that features plenty of bumps and turns to keep the young ones (and young-at-heart) entertained.
Where: Corner of Parry Ave and Benningfield Rd, Bull Creek. Turn in at the tennis courts on Benningfield Rd.
Check out the below video by Southside BMX Bull Creek.
Cockburn BMX Track
Photo credit: cockburnbmx.com.au
This large pump track is home to Cockburn BMX but it’s also open to the wider community. The kids will love the many hills and dips this space has to offer.
Where: Malabar Park, Malabar Way, Bibra Lake
Spearwood Pump Track
Featuring an enclosed bowl with large, wide embankments and quarter pipes, this track will keep the kids entertained for hours! As a bonus, Spearwood pump track has a playground attached for those looking to keep their feet on the ground!
Where: 469 Rockingham Rd, Spearwood
Check out the below video by MTB Guidebook.
North Coogee Pump Track
Photo credit: City of Cockburn by Frank Kotai and Leela Day
This junior pump track is part of Barrow Park, which was been recognised as Australia’s best play space for 2020 by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). The track has a viewing deck and adjacent playground – another winner since celebrating the 2020 AILA play space award.
Where: Barrow Park, North Coogee
Calleya Pump Track
Photo credit: stockland.com.au
This 190-metre junior BMX track is designed to accommodate all ages and abilities, featuring a flat bike track so even the younger ones can get involved. Calleya pump track is conveniently part of the Adventure playground, with barbecues, a picnic area and toilets making it the perfect space to spend an afternoon.
Where: Adventure Park, off Sapphire Drive, Treeby
Dixon Park, Hamilton Hill
Tucked behind Wally Hagan Basketball Stadium in Hamilton Hill is a small rolling clay pump track.
Where: Dixon Park, Starling Street, Hamilton Hill
Check out the below video by MTB Guidebook.
Gourley Park Pump Track, East Fremantle
Photo credit: Town of East Fremantle
Where: Gourley Park, corner of Preston Point Road and Pier Street, East Fremantle
Yangebup Clay Pump Track
Photo credit: City of Cockburn Facebook
Ride through the trees on this 150-metre loop is a rolling clay track, suitable for riders of all levels. There’s also a streetball court and playground close by.
Where: The Perena Rocchi Reserve, corner of Osprey and Moorhen drive, Yangebup
South Lake Pump Track
South Lake pump track is a rolling clay track shaded by trees in a pretty spot next to the lake. Plus, only a stone’s throw away you’ll find a streetball court and playground.
Where: South Lake Drive, South Lake near South Lake Ottey Centre
Are you looking to get your kids outside and playing in nature? Are you happy to pack a towel, change of clothes for your kids to get dirty or wet with water play? Nature play has so many benefits including sensory stimulation and it encourages play-based investigation and discovery in nature. We’ve created a list of local nature-based playgrounds around Melville for you to visit with your little ones.
Shirley Strickland Reserve, Ardross
Where: 100 Coogee Road, Ardross
Fenced?No
Toilets?Yes
Picnic tables?Yes
BBQs? Yes
Shirley Strickland Reserve has recently been redeveloped into a naturescape playground that sits under the shade of established trees in the shady suburb of Ardross. The main tower structure holds an enclosed slide and there’s plenty of low-lying nature-inspired play equipment to choose from including stepping stones, totem poles, balance beams and rustic tee pee. There’s also a short double concrete slide for the little ones to play on. Check out our full review of Shirley Strickland Reserve here.
Len Packham Reserve, Coolbellup
Where: Cordelia Ave, Coolbellup
Fenced?No Toilets?No Picnic tables?Yes BBQs?Yes
Len Packham Reserve is a fabulous nature play space, tucked away under the big trees so there’s lots of shade. There’s plenty of opportunity for children to create their own adventure here with a great range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities including a stacked log climb, spiral ladder climb, net tunnel bridge, climbing ropes, tunnel slide and a dry creek bed with rocks, plus much more. Check out our full review of Len Packham Reserve here.
Booyeembara Park, Fremantle
Where: Stevens St & Montreal Street, Fremantle
Fenced?No Toilets?Yes Picnic tables?Yes BBQs? Yes
Booyeembara Park is tucked away amongst the suburbs and is a gorgeous parkland with plenty of open space, bushland, paths and a man-made lake. Within the park is a small playground with swings and a nature-themed play area with huge logs to climb and log stepping stones. There’s also some great musical play equipment for the kids to make plenty of noise! Aside for the children having fun in the park, this is a beautiful tranquil park to explore and relax in the sunshine with a picnic.
Russell Brown Adventure Park, Mosman Park
Where: Downey Dr, Mosman Park
Fenced?No but there is a separate fenced playground for little ones Toilets?Yes Picnic tables?Yes BBQs? Yes
This is a fantastic nature-based adventure park, nestled amongst trees by the river, near the Mosman Park Tennis Club. It is so hidden away you wouldn’t even know it was there! In fact, most people probably stumble upon it whilst they’re enjoying a walk. There are so many trees, branches, logs and rope to climb, balance on and swing on, as well as a quaint little running brook for plenty of water play fun and cubby houses for creative play. There’s a lake nearby so make sure to keep an eye on your little ones.
Bassett Reserve Nature Playground, North Lake
Source: Nature Based Play
Where: Rossetti Court, North Lake
Fenced?No Toilets?No Picnic tables?Yes BBQs? No
Situated under shady trees, Bassett Reserve has a small nature playground with climbing and balancing challenges for kids of younger ages. This one is definitely more suited to toddlers and pre schoolers.
Webber Reserve, Willagee
Source: City of Melville
Where: Hodge Street, Willagee
Fenced?No Toilets?Yes Picnic tables?Yes BBQs? Yes
Webber Reserve is a great open space with a playground in one area and a nature play in another. Children can climb over rocks, up ropes, along logs and through tyres to create their own adventure. Dogs are welcome at this park off the leash, so you may have a visit from a dog enjoying the open space too!
If you want to explore outdoor play further and learn more about the benefits, Nature Play WA Inc has some great resources that will open up your outdoor world to new adventures for you and your family.
For more park and playground inspiration, head to our articles in Parks & Playgrounds where you can find local information to keep you and your kids busy.
Whether you’re planning a “mum date” or time outdoors with your little one, a pram walk never disappoints. Below is a list of pram-friendly walks around Melville that are easily accessible. All these walks can be as long or as short as your coffee lasts because most of them are open-ended. It’s the perfect excuse to get into your favourite activewear and enjoy some exercise in the great outdoors.
Point Walter Reserve to Attadale Reserve, Bicton (Approx. 1.7km)
Point Walter Reserve is a popular spot for those mums wanting a pram-friendly walk with river views. There is adequate parking and you can stock up on supplies before you start your walk at Walter’s River Cafe.
The path is wide enough for a pram and is in good condition. As you head East out of the reserve, the path is lined with established trees providing shade for you and your little one. Continue east along the river past the Attadale Dog Beach to the large and open Attadale Reserve. This is a popular dog exercise area so you may meet a few furry friends along the path.
The views of the city are unobstructed and, on a beautiful Perth day, it’s as close to paradise as you will get (apart from a solid 8 hours sleep).
Toilet facilities – yes
Cafe – yes
Tompkins Park to Lucky Bay, Applecross (Approx. 1km)
Tompkins Park is located in Applecross with a great cafe right on the reserve next to the playground. Grab a coffee or let the kids enjoy the playground before you start this pram friendly walk. You will find a carpark outside the cafe and another to the West of the cafe. Both are not normally busy during the week and are well shaded.
As you walk East towards the city, there are two paths you can choose from. One runs right alongside the river and the other runs along Dunkley Avenue. To reach the river path, you will need to cross the grassed reserve which is flat and fairly smooth. The paths do not have a lot of shade so be sure to bring hats and sunscreen.
As you continue East you’ll find yourself at a playground that has an automated toilet (it talks to you!). This spot is called Lucky Bay and it’s the perfect place for your little ones to splash around in the river as the bay has a nice sandy entry point.
Toilets – yes
Cafe – yes
John Tonkin Reserve to the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, East Fremantle (Approx. 2km)
This pram-friendly walk takes you West along the Swan River towards the old Fremantle traffic bridge. Zephyr’s Cafe (which is located next to the John Tonkin Reserve) is a great place to start this walk as their coffee is good and they offer a lot of kid friendly snacks for your little passenger. Parking at the cafe can be tricky if you head there mid-morning but just South of Zephyr’s you will find another free car park.
As you head West along the river, you’ll notice that the river is quite lively. There are usually kayakers and boats cruising up and down the river so there are always a lot of things to point out to your little ones. This stretch of the river is a popular walk so even though the path is wide, you’re likely to meet a lot of runners and dog walkers along the way.
There is no shortage of cafes along this walk as it will take you past Dome, the Leftbank and as far as the Beach St Co cafe.
Toilets – yes
Cafe – yes
Mount Henry Bridge to Canning Bridge, Mount Pleasant (Approx. 3.5km or 7km full loop)
This pram friendly walk takes you along the beautiful foreshore in Mount Pleasant and is a popular walking and cycling trail. There is adequate free parking underneath the Mount Henry Bridge and in the carpark across the road. You can usually find a great coffee van next to the carpark if you need a take away coffee before your walk.
As you head North towards Canning Bridge, the footpath (which is in great condition) is lined with established trees for most of the way. Because of its popularity, keep you eyes out for cyclists and dog walkers.
Almost at the halfway point of this walk you can make a pitstop at the Dome. They have toilet facilities and the coffee and snacks are always good. If the kids need to get out of the pram there is a playground outside the Dome. There are also a lot of large trees giving you and your little one plenty of shade for a quick picnic.
The last section of the walk takes you through a beautiful part of the foreshore and is dotted with benches. Great places to sit for a rest or for a selfie. When you get to Canning Bridge you have the option to turn around and head back or to complete a loop around the river. This loop continues over Canning Bridge and finishes at Mount Henry Bridge where you started.
This is such a picturesque walk with so much to do along the way that you will not even realize how long you have walked for.
Toilets – yes
Cafe – yes
Park Based Pram-Friendly Walks
Piney Lakes Reserve, Winthrop (Approx. 3km)
Piney Lakes Reserve in Winthrop offers a picturesque pram-friendly walk around the lake and an interactive sensory play park for the kids. There’s also a dog exercise area if you are wanting to take your furry friend along for a walk as well.
The reserve itself is surrounded by natural bushland and has an abundance of established trees, giving you a fairly shaded pram walk. This is the perfect spot to bring along a picnic for you and your little one. Set up by the lake and watch the ducks or try to spot some tadpoles in the lake.
The lake itself is small in size so its a short 15 minutes walk around the lake. If you feel more energetic the walk through the natural bushlands surrounding the lake is approximately a 3km loop.
There is large free car park off Murdoch Drive. Unfortunately there is no cafe in the Reserve so drop by your favourite local for a takeaway coffee before this peaceful walk.
Manning Park in Hamilton Hill is a huge reserve with plenty to do, either before or after your walk. The 1.6km loop around Manning Lake is well paved and well shaded for you and your little passenger. Keep your eyes out for turtles that sometimes saunter across the path. There are signs along the walk to remind you to keep your eyes open for these leisurely strollers.
The park has four castle-themed playgrounds to offer, all of them covered by shade sails. The expansive grassed areas make this another perfect spot for a picnic. Dogs are allowed in the park but must be leashed at all times.
For some local history, you can visit The Azelia Ley Homestead Museum. The heritage listed residence was built in 1923 for Azelia Ley (nee Manning) and offers a glimpse into the life of a prosperous settler family living in the Cockburn district.
Stop on the way to Manning Park at your local cafe to pick up a coffee as there are no cafes in the park.
Toilets – yes
Cafe – no
Booyeembara Park, White Gum Valley (Approx 1km)
Booyeembara Park in White Gum Valley is a hidden gem that includes a nature playground, climbing frame, a 5-way swing, an olive grove and a stunning lake. ‘Booyeembara’ is a Noongar word meaning ‘of the limestone hills’. The park is affectionately known as “Boo Park” to locals and is located where Montreal and Stevens Streets meet in White Gum Valley.
The paved trail around the lake in the middle of the park is a perfect pram friendly walk. The trail actually forms a figure 8 as it takes you around the lake and also a small wetland area. Along the way there are several benches for you to sit on and take in the lake view or to enjoy a snack.
Next to the Nature playground there is a large grassed area perfect for your little ones to run on or for you to set a picnic rug and enjoy your coffee. There is no cafe in the park so bring along your favourite hot drink and snacks. There is a car park on Montreal Street where you can also find the public toilets.
Toilets – yes
Cafe – no
If you’ve taken any of these walks, or we’ve missed off a great pram-friendly walk in the Melville area, join the conversation in the Melville Mums Facebook group. For more playground and park reviews visit ourParks & Playgroundsblog section.
We have some great local spaces that are perfect for celebrating your little one’s birthday. We’ve created a list of some favourite local toddler party venues recommended by mums in our Facebook group.
Attadale Playgroup has a variety of age appropriate indoor and outdoor toys to suit birthday parties for every season. Their facilities are designed and furnished for children under the age of 6 and you have a 3-hour time slot to enjoy your party. Attadale Playgroup is a parent-led organisation which is open every weekend of the year.
Located in Le Souef Drive, Kardinya, Kulungah-Myah Family Centre hosts a variety of societies, clubs, playgroups, church groups and a kindergarten. It is a community facility, run by families and interested community members. The centre provides an air-conditioned/heated venue for a variety of services, including Birthday Parties, with plenty of space to run around.
Located adjacent to Kadidjiny (Dr Seuss) Park in Melville, Kadidjiny Park Hall is a great venue to hold your next event. There’s space for up to 100 people and has all the necessary amenities including kitchen, tables, chairs and toilets with baby change facilities.
The indoor playground offers a fun and safe environment that children aged up to seven years will love! There are three dedicated timeslots for exclusive access to the Gymbakids Indoor Playground.
Jungle Gym hosts the most fun and action packed birthday parties. Jungle Gym Minii is designed specifically for children aged 12 months – 7 years. Birthday Parties booked here will have exclusive use of the whole play area for the hour.
The facilities at Willetton Playgroup are designed for children under the age of 5 and with its large indoor and outdoor space, it’s the perfect venue for little one’s parties. There are 2 reverse cycle air-conditioners for your comfort and you also have access to a gazebo for some shade outdoors.
Local Parks & Playgrounds
We’re so lucky to have an abundance of parks in the local area. We’ve put together a short list of some outdoor parks as suggestions for toddler party venues.
As parents, it’s sometimes hard to find time for the two of you to enjoy each other’s company. Between work schedules, feeding schedules or after school activities, it can be tricky to both be in the same place at the same time.
At-home date nights are the easiest and most convenient way to get back some of your couple time. Try out one of these at-home date night ideas that you can try once the little ones are in bed. Have fun getting to know each other again!
Cook a meal together – Find a new recipe and decide who will cook the main course and who will try their hand at the dessert. Set the table using your best china and wine glasses and enjoy a romantic dinner for two complete with candles and the Romantic Songs Spotify playlist. Don’t forget a nice bottle of wine to complement the meal. Video yourselves cooking your meal and show your kids the next morning your first Youtube video that will air on your new cooking show.
Have a picnic in your garden/lounge – This is a simple one. Shop your favourite nibbles and choice of beverage, lay a blanket down with cushions and enjoy the evening together. Don’t forget the mozzie spray if you’re outside!
Wine tasting – Select a few bottles of wine that you have never tried before. Hide the labels, discuss how it looks, what you smell and what you taste. See if you can put them in order from cheapest to most expensive.
Art date – Get your supplies together, find something for you both to draw such as a plant or a vase of flowers (or each other) and compare both masterpieces at the end.
Games night – Pull out your old board games or head to an op shop to your look for your favorite games as a kid. If board games aren’t your thing, transform the kitchen table into a poker table. You don’t have to bet using cash, you can come up with your own currency (wink, wink). Alternatively you could borrow your kids latest Nintendo game and play the night away.
Recreate your favourite date – Down to the music and the outfits you were both wearing. Was it an intimate Italian restaurant or a picnic on the beach that lit the spark? Have fun reminiscing.
Start an online language course – Pick a language you both want to learn, find the local choice of beverage and local cuisine and go online to find a course. Add a trip to this country to your bucket list.
Turn your kitchen into a cocktail bar – Learn how to mix up some great cocktails together or if you are not into cocktails, try your hand at making your own home brew. Then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Write your bucket lists together – Write your bucket lists separately and then take turns reading each other’s out loud. It’s a fun way to start working on a couple’s bucket list.
Book club – Talk about a book you are both reading, discuss the themes, the characters, the content. This is a great way to have deep conversations and get your brain thinking in ways it doesn’t normally.
Stargaze – Go out into the garden, lay down on a blanket and look up! Enjoy the beauty of what’s beyond our world. Look for a shooting star to make a wish on.
Outdoor camping – Combine stargazing with a night out under the stars. Put up the tent in the backyard, get some cushions and some marshmallows. Snuggle up with a torch and just enjoy each other’s company.
Go through old photos – Share your photos on to the TV and flip through – enjoy your trip down memory lane. If you have photo albums and photo boxes, pull these out too. Find a selection you can share with the kids the next day. Or if your kids are into movies, create a slideshow of your best snaps to play on the TV.
Travel themed dinner – Pick a country, and theme your dinner. Italy – try making homemade pasta together or pizza. Japan – learn to make sushi together. France – this one’s easy with French cheese and wine!
Learn your Love Languages – Do you know what your love language is, or your partner’s? This is a great way to improve your relationship when you know what your partner needs to fill their cup. You can buy the book as a point of reference for the future.
Throwback night – Bring up YouTube and search different songs or movies from your childhood/teenage years! Have fun reminiscing and trying some old school dance moves together.
Craft night – Choose a craft or DIY project to do together. Perhaps you’ve been wanting to upcycle a piece of furniture or paint your leather sofa. Tie dye some t-shirts, paint some mugs, explore your creativity and get dirty.
Favourites quiz – Do you know what your partner’s favourite chocolate is? What’s their favourite meal, TV show, country or movie? Create a list of your favourite things and compare each other’s answers. You can find out how well do you know your partner?
Chocolate tasting – Grab a selection of quality chocolate boxes. Sit down to taste and rank them all! Don’t forget a nice beverage to pair the chocolate with.
Learn to foxtrot – Put on your dancing shoes and meet in the living room to “trip the light fantastic”. Find an instructional video online or watch “Just Dance” and learn some new moves together.
‘Would you rather‘ game – You will learn a lot about your partner with these questions. The aim of the game is to ask random questions such as “Would you rather go on a sight seeing trip around Europe or a relaxing holiday in the Caribbean?” or “Would you rather be able to fly or read minds?” If you need help with questions, you can try these ones here.
The thought of sending your little ones off to their first day of Kindergarten or preschool can cause some anxiety (to say the least) for most parents. Will they have a full meltdown or quite happily skip off to the Playdoh table as the bell rings for the first time?
Luckily, there are certain skills that you can start to develop with your children that will help them transition into this new phase of their life. By working on these skills together with your child, you will encourage communication between you both. It’s so important to consistently communicate with your little ones so they can make sense of how they are feeling and to know that they will be OK.
We’ve compiled a list of skills that will help your child make their first day at Kindergarten or pre-school a little less scary along with a list of things you can do on the Big Day to help them succeed.
1. Transitioning between activities
During the school day, children are constantly asked to transition between activities and free time. If you know your child is not good at turning off the iPad for dinner or stopping a Paw Patrol chase to get ready for bed then you can help them work on their transitioning skills.
A simple exercise to try next time you want to ask your little one to stop what they’re doing and move to something else, is to just go and sit next to them. Sit as close as you can, and take an interest in what they’re doing. Ask a few questions and then gently explain what you would like them to do next such as eating dinner, getting ready for bed or leaving the house. This exercise sounds too simple to work but, like anything, it takes practice and will be slightly different for each child. Remember the below tips:
Be sure your child knows you are helping them with the transition – “Let’s walk to the kitchen together”
Include your child in the new activity – “Do you think you could choose the plates for dinner tonight” or “Could you help me carry my handbag to the car”
Try to be patient with yourself and your little ones
2. Establishing new routines
Going to school in itself will be one of many new routines that your children will carry out daily. Start setting up some easy routines at home that you can practise with your little ones. This will give them confidence that they can remember the steps of a routine and also give them some security about what comes next. A feeling of confidence and security are both important emotions to help your child during their first year of school.
Set up a bedtime routine or a reading routine that you can work on every day.
When creating the routine be sure to ask them if they have any other steps they want to add. You could also ask them to draw pictures for each step of the routine.
If you create a visual “routine board” make sure its placed somewhere they can see it every day.
3. Taking turns
Even though children can still play alongside of each in Kindergarten, during free time they will start to use their socialising skills. An important one is the patience to wait and take turns.
Some fun ways to encourage this skill that involves the whole family are:
Play some easy board games
When you are in the car next, let everyone take a turn deciding on which song to listen to next.
4. Becoming independent
Part of the fear of going to school that your little ones feel is brought on by knowing mum or dad won’t be with them all day to help them. Try to build their confidence by allowing them to do things for themselves that are challenging but not too hard.
Some things to try would be:
Packing their school bag
Opening their lunchbox
Tying their shoe laces or doing up their velcro flaps
Opening and closing their drink bottles
Picking out their own school bag key chain
On the Big Day
Be prepared for butterflies of excitement and nervousness as well as a few tears for good measure (that’s just the mums and dads). Emotions will be high for everyone on the first day of Kindergarten so after you have taken a few deep breathes try to remember as many of the below tips as possible. It helps to give your little ones a cuddle after each suggestion:
Be enthusiastic.
Listen to your little one’s concerns and tell them you understand .
Remind them how brave they are .
Put something small in their back that will make them feel like you are with them. For my daughter, I used to put a little note of paper with love hearts drawn on it and spray it with my perfume so she would feel like I was hugging her. Whenever she felt sad, her teacher would let her go to bag and look for it.
Keep the goodbyes short and upbeat and remind them you will see them later on that day. If you feel your tears coming on, try to hold them back until you are in the car so your little ones don’t see you upset.
Start a first day of school tradition such as photos before school or a special treat after school.
At the end of the first day when everyone has fallen into bed in a heap, take the time to hug them and talk about how they are feeling.
Remember that this is just a phase and we will all survive it. Be sure to give your little ones extra cuddles and support during this time and takes lots of photos!
Good luck for the start of the school term, ladies!
With the summer upon us, you might be looking for some ideas on where to keep cool. Whether you want some me-time by swimming some lengths or you need somewhere for the little ones to play around, check out the below list of local pools plus some suggestions a little further afield.
LeisureFit Booragoon
Source: LeisureFit Booragoon
LeisureFit Booragoon features an indoor 50m and 25m pool, as well as an outdoor kids water spray ground. During the school holidays there is an inflatable playground suitable for kids aged 8-14 years. There are also spa, sauna and steam room facilities for an additional cost.
Fremantle Leisure Centre features an indoor 25m pool, an outdoor 50m pool and an undercover playground pool with water play equipment suitable for families with young kids. There is also a program pool available for public use for walking and rehabilitation purposes.
Cockburn ARC features an outdoor 50m pool and an indoor 25m pool. The water play area includes its own slides, climbing areas and plenty of room to splash. They also have a Wellness Area which includes a spa, sauna and steam room. For that extra bit of fun, there are three water slides for the big kids aged 7 years and over (minimum of 120cm tall) at an additional cost.
Riverton Leisureplex features an indoor 50m pool and a leisure pool, plus a 50m water slide at an additional cost (only open at weekends and school holidays). The leisure pool has a gradual entry ideal for toddlers with lots of water features, alongside a 25m lap pool.
Bicton Pool is an outdoor 33m pool overlooking the Swan River. There is also a Hydrotherapy pool for you to enjoy. Note here that the pool is only open to the general public Monday – Friday, 5.45am – 1.15pm. It’s a little difficult to find if you’re new to Bicton Pool; parking is available at Bicton Baths Reserve, corner of Blackwall Reach Parade and Braunton Street, Phipps Street Car Park and Rob Campbell Park.
Beatty Park in North Perth features an outdoor 50m and 30m pool, a 25m indoor pool as well as an indoor heated leisure pool for families with young kids and an indoor slide. There is also the hydrotherapy pool and spa, steam room and sauna facilities.
It’s a well-known conundrum in many families, these three small words sparking dread amongst households across the country.
“What’s for dinner?”
Cue the cold sweat as you madly rush to try and put together a quick yet nutritious meal (aka miracle) using what’s left in the pantry – (7 tins of chickpeas and a half-eaten box of bbq crackers in case you were wondering – which is fine sometimes by the way – no judgement here).
As a passionate home cook, with a self-confessed love for planning, South Perth local, Vicki Fitzgerald has combined her two passions to create The 2023 Dollop Planner, designed to ease your mental load, reduce decision making fatigue and help you organise your food around your life in a way that suits you. With kitchen inspiration for every week of the year, the planner is also the perfect gift for fellow meal planning strugglers.
“I’ve had so many ‘What’s for dinner?’ discussions with friends, family and colleagues over the years.’ The question of what to eat has a way of taking over our thoughts, time and mental energy” says Vicki.
What does the 2023 Dollop Planner include?
Seasonal produce and inspiration
A weekly diary so that all your planning and organising is one simple place
A meal plan template that sits next to your diary – so you can see which nights you’ll be home late and need a quick and easy dinner!
Suggested meal plans that you can adapt and modify to suit you and your crew – or just blatantly copy
Delicious and easy recipes
International Food Days (I don’t know who makes these up – but if they help make the decision of what’s for dinner a little easier – then yay)
Tips on all sorts including meal planning, lunchboxes, entertaining, how to choose wine, get your kids into the kitchen (those last two are unrelated) and more
Tips and tricks to help with the lunchbox prep (hint: Sunday night dinners make fantastic leftovers!)
Menu inspiration for special occasions – like a grand final party and Christmas, plus there’s plenty of blank space for your own notes too!
“I like the motivation it gives me to organise myself on a weekend for the week ahead. I’ve spent so much time stressing/being annoyed that no one else in my house can make any suggestions or sort what we’re having for dinner and it’s all on me. So now we all have the conversations on the weekend about what we are going to have during the week for dinners. Then hubby can start prepping stuff when he’s home from work first. And the kids actually look forward to eating the dinners they’ve suggested – rather than me telling them what they’re having and they don’t want it.” – Elizabeth, working mum of 2.
A special planner supporting an extra-special cause
The Dollop Planner has been finished to a high standard, with beautifully weighted fresh white paper (no more pens bleeding through) and you can get them fresh paper feels all the way to New Year’s Eve; nice solid binding and a durable cover too. Importantly, this book was designed, printed and created entirely in Australia.
Part proceeds from the sale of this planner will go to The Pirate Ship Foundation which raises funds to support vital world-class research into life-saving treatments for brain cancer. Following the diagnosis and treatment of her daughter with this disease, in 2016 Vicki founded the Brainchild Ball to raise funds for research into childhood brain cancer at the Telethon Kids Institute, an event that to date has raised a net total of over $2.5 million towards the cause.
How to get your copy of the 2023 Dollop Planner
Copies of the 2023 Dollop Planner, as well as everything one could possibly need to whip their meal planning game into shape (think categorised shopping lists, divider tabs, tea towels and more!) can be purchased on the Dollop by Vicki website.
SPECIAL OFFER – Order your copy of the 2023 Dollop Planner by 28th February and receive a free set of school stickers to help you get organised for the new school year.
About Dollop by Vicki
A fully unqualified yet passionate home cook, Vicki’s training is about as far from cooking as it gets (having started as an accountant). Dollop seeks to use Vicki’s passion for cooking food, reading about food, thinking and talking about food and organisational skills to help others overcome the decision making fatigue and increase their confidence in the kitchen in answer to the everyday question “What’s for dinner?”
Make sure to follow Dollop by Vicki on Facebook and Instagram to get all the latest meal planning ideas, recipes and announcements about upcoming free workshops.
If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy a meal where the kids eat for free, we’ve put together a list of local cafes and restaurants that are perfect for a family outing (and are a bit lighter on the bank balance!)
Clancy’s Fish Pub, Applecross
Source: Clancy’s Canning Bridge
Free kids meal with every main meal purchased every Saturday! Clancy’s Fish Pub Canning Bridge is a true local where you can go to feel comfortable and relaxed.
The Left Bank has a weekly Kids Night every Thursday. Let your little ones be entertained while you can enjoy dinner and drinks! Kids eat free with every full price main meal purchased from 5pm, and they can enjoy a range of activities including face-painting, colouring-in, and games!
Wednesday nights at Blend Café, Kids under 12 eat free! One kids meal free with every adult main meal purchased. Blend has become a vibrant and laidback eatery that provides fresh quality food, coffee and friendly service at a reasonable price.
Kids Eat Free every Sunday, let it be Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. Bring down the Fam and enjoy a delicious meal at Tradewinds! Live Entertainment every afternoon and Free Kids Meals!
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Does this sound familiar?
It’s a well-known conundrum in many families, these three small words sparkingdread amongst households across the country.
“What’s for dinner?”
Cue the cold...
