Babies' Section: Baby-Friendly Venues

No doubt you have really appreciated the help and support of going to a Mothers' Group each week - even though it is really hard to get out of the house sometimes with a young baby in tow! Once the official Mothers Group sessions finish, it is really nice to keep the group going. It can often be surprising how close you can become when sharing your parenting experiences, both good and bad!

While the babies are still young, meeting at each other's houses can be an inexpensive option if people have a big enough room to accommodate everyone. However, it is nice to get out and about too, so below are some suggestions for some local venues that seem to welcome Mothers' groups and families and can cope with 10-12 prams.

• Ettamogah pub
  • Located at the corner of Windsor and Merriville Rds, Kellyville Ridge
  • Mon-Thurs kids eat free with a main meal purchased;
  • Family Fun day every Sunday from 12 noon with free kids activities and play areas inc toddler play area. Entertainment from 12 noon.
  • Ettamogah.Hotel@alhgroup.com.au Tel 9629 1130
  
  
• Mean Fiddler
  • Corner commercial and Windsor Road, Rouse Hill Tel 9629 4811
  • Fridays at 11am - fun for kids
  • Wednesday 5-8pm in the Courtyard. Includes face painting, singing & dancing.
  
  
• Quakers Inn
  • 7, Nirimba Drive, Quakers Hill Ph: 9626 6711
  • Email: info@quakersinn.com.au
  • Useful when babies are in prams and also has a play area outside for older children, but not such a good venue for eating inside once babies become mobile.


• Playcentres- eg Lollipops , Wiggly World (see for more details of venues)
  


• Castle Hill RSL
  • 72, Castle Street, Castle Hill.
  • Kids Day Tuesday, 11am-2pm The Atrium Courtyard. Kids playground and clown & face painter entertainment.Tel 8858 4800


• Castle Hill Tavern (The Tav)
  • 25 Victoria Avenue, Castle Hill. Ph: 9634 5300
  • General Enquiries: castlehill.tavern@alhgroup.com.au . Regular entertainment , nightclub, family bistro, family beer garden , gourmet pizzas, sports bar, TAB, bottle shop, function room, childrens playground.
  • FREE Courtesy Bus, 7 days pick up & drop off service available. Ph: 9634 5300 to organise pick up

As the babies become mobile starting to crawl and then as toddlers it can prove difficult to hold Mothers Groups at peoples houses and many other venues. At this point it is worth looking for a Playgroup to join, or to start one up yourself. Setting up or finding a Playgroup in your area can be achieved by contacting Playgroup Australia www.playgroupaustralia.com.au.

Alternatively, meeting for a picnic at a local park or reserve with a playground area suitable for little ones and some shade is always a good option when the weather is nice. Don't forget the sunscreen and hats! See Childrens & General sections 'Parks and Reserves' for more details.