Activities in The Southern Highlands NSW

Below are some ideas for activities to keep your kids busy...

Dance: Neither of my kids has taken dance classes so I am going to cheat with a link here for the time being until I investigate further: http://www.thesouthernhighlands.com.au/community/schools/dance-theatre

Gymnastics: All of the clubs below offer programs for children of preschool age and onwards.

• Club gymnastics Mittagong: Mittagong Recreation Centre, Hawkins Drive, Mittagong NSW 2575 P: 02 4872 1268 E: info@clubgym.com.au  www.clubgym.com.au/
• Moss Vale Gymnastics: Moss Vale Showground Pavilion, Illawarra Highway, Moss Vale NSW  2577 www.mossvale.gymnastics.org.au
• Wollondilly Leisure Centre: 434 Argyle St, Picton NSW 2571 p: (02) 4677 1251 f: (02) 4677 0955  www.wclc.com.au 

Little Athletics Bowral: Club Nights - Training is on Friday nights  U6 -U7 4.45pm for a 5pm start U8-U17 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start at Eridge Park, Cnr Eridge Park and Moss Vale Rds, Bowral. www.bowrallittleathletics.com.au/

Music: 

• Kindermusik is no longer available but has been replaced by a program called Fundamusic www.fundamusic.net/fundamusic/Home.html
• Tuition: This is something I am currently looking into. So far, most people I have spoken through have recommended tuition through Powerpoint Music: 409 Bong Bong Street, Bowral, NSW 2576 www.powerpointmusic.com.au/schoolofmusic.html

Playgroup: Many playgroups are available in the area. To find one near you, go to the Playgroup website: https://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/nsw/ 

• Cubby Club is run by the Anglican Church in Mittagong and they offer a playgroup in the hall St Stephens church in Mittagong as well as a group in Colo Vale. For more information visit their website: http://www.mittang.com.au/childrenyouth/playgroup
• Busy Bee Uniting Playgroup meets in the hall at the rear of the Uniting Church, Albert St, Mittagong, opposite the medical centre each Friday at 10am to noon during the school term. I could not find any contact details but will try and find some.
• Play and chat: SUPPORTED Playgroup Thursdays 10am-noon. Providing an opportunity to socialise and be supported in parenting. Early Childhood staff are available for support and advice about your child's development and any parenting, or other concerns you may have. Phone Wingecarribee Family Support Service on 4862 1777.

Soccer (Indoor): The following programs offer indoor soccer from preschool upwards. The coaches are wonderful with small children and teach them soccer skills in a non-competitive environment. 

• Soccajoeys: Mittagong Recreation Centre, Hawkins Drive, Mittagong NSW 2575. Classes also run at the Wollondilly Leisure Centre in Picton e: info@soccajoeys.com p: 1300 781 735 www.soccajoeys.com.au
• Grasshopper Soccer (Picton): Bridge Street Sports Centre 54 Bridge Street, Picton, NSW, 2751 P: 0439 843 503 E:  southwestsydney@grasshoppersoccer.com.au

Swimming: There are many places that offer swimming lessons and a full listing can be found in the Yellow Pages. The ones I am familiar with: 

• Wollondilly Leisure Centre: 434 Argyle St, Picton NSW 2571 p: (02) 4677 1251 f: (02) 4677 0955  www.wclc.com.au 
• Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre: 8 Kirkham Street, Moss Vale, NSW 2577 p: (02) 4868 1967www.mvaquatic.com.au/

Southern Highlands Sport Clubs: http://www.highlandsnsw.com.au/sports/

Watch this space... more is to come!

Welcome to Kids In The Southern Highlands

Hello and welcome!

I moved to the Southern Highlands nearly 8 years ago with my husband. We now have two children aged seven and five. It has not been an easy task to find things to do with the kids, so I thought I would create a space where I can share what I have learned over the years. I also welcome input from others. 

I hope you enjoy the information on this blog!

Parks in the Southern Highlands NSW

Over the coming months I will be posting information on some of the playgrounds in the Southern Highlands. Here are three of my favourites to get us started...

Lake Alexandria Mittagong

Queen St, Mittagong NSW 2575

Playground: Yes. A lovely playground is available with shade sails and plenty for the kids to do.

Toilets: A block of clean toilets is available.
Picnic Tables: There are several picnic tables available.
Undercover Tables: Picnic tables are covered and there is also a large undercover area with several tables available.
Food Nearby: Several food options are available on the Hume Highway which is about a 5 minute walk.
Coffee Nearby: Coffee is available on the Hume Highway which is about a 5 minute walk. There are a number of places offering coffee.
Barbecue: Yes.
Parking: A parking lot is available at the park with lots of spaces available. 

Lake Alexandra is a fantastic place to take the kids. There is a great walking path that is also suitable for riding bikes, scooters and skateboards. Take along some bread to feed the many duck. Dogs on a lead are permitted.

Bowral: Bradman Oval

Glebe St, Bowral NSW 2576

Playground: Yes. A lovely playground is available with a fence surrounding it. 

Toilets: Toilets are available near the Bradman museum and are very clean.
Picnic Tables: There are several picnic tables available.
Undercover Tables: Several covered picnic tables are available.
Food Nearby: There is food available from Stumps Cafe at the oval and also from the hospital cafe and  on Mona street. These options are within 2-5 minutes walking distance.
Coffee Nearby: Coffee is also available from Stumps Cafe, the hospital cafe and on Mona street.
Barbecue: Yes.
Parking: Easy to park near the playground or on the opposite side of the oval near the Bradman Museum and Stumps Cafe.

Bradman Oval is a great spot to take the kids. The playground offers plenty of options and there is also the Bradman Museum if you are looking for something extra to do. Stumps Cafe is onsite and offers good food and beverages. It is child friendly and has a small play area set up in a corner of the cafe. The park is also home to the new Mary Poppins statue

Berrima: Market Place Playground

Market Pl, Berrima, NSW 2577

Playground: Yes. A lovely playground is available complete with a flying fox. The playground is not fenced. 

Toilets: A block of clean toilets is available. Baby change room is also available.
Picnic Tables: There are several picnic tables available.
Food Nearby: There are plenty of food options within 5 minutes walking distance.
Coffee Nearby: Coffee is available from numerous cafes within 2-5 minutes walk. 
Barbecue: Yes.
Parking: Easy to park right in front of the park.

Berrima is a wonderful place to take the kids. There are many shops close by that are fun to take the kids into, including an old fashioned lolly shop.