Getting ‘Out of the Nest’ is often easier said than done right?
My heart is to make it easier for you. So, I have created some Day trip guides for some of the suburbs in the Blue Mountains.
I have based these guides loosely on:
Places to PLAY, EAT, WALK, SHOP and any additional extra activities. I’ll also give a brief of a day trip plan that I particularly like. Based on my family of 4 (11,8,6 and 3).
I will link to as much as I can and as many helpful insights as I know of.
If you have additional insight/ideas, please do let me know. I can add them in for the benefit of everyone.
Lets look at….
SPRINGWOOD
EAT:
Oriental Hotel- I often choose the ‘Ori’ a they have kids menu, kids colouring and an outdoor beer garden that my kids feel quite comfortable in.
Bunker- Another great option for their kids menu, colouring and they also have iPads available with kids games if you are wanting that extra level of facilitation to have a conversation 🙂
Springwood Country Club– is probably the best option if you are happy to drive a little further down Hawkesbury Rd. They have an outdoor play area (featured above) and lot of tables, so a great destination for dinner.
PLAY:
Buttenshaw Park– is the larger park in Springwood. It features 2 playgrounds, one more geared to older children and a lot of space to play.
Macquarie Rd playground- Located in Springwood Village amoungst the shops, it is a simple but effective stop point for play.
There are a few other playground in Springwood, Faulconbridge, Winmalee and Valley Heights which can be searched on the website here.
WALK:
Fairy Dell Located Behind Springwood Village, popular walk for families
Deanei Forest Reserve– Walking distance from Springwood Village but on the other side of the highway.
Birdwood Gully– You would need to drive here and its a slightly more difficult walk I would suggest.
SHOP:
If you are looking for places for kids to shop.
Colour Art Is an art and craft store that also has lots of fun toys and gifts.
Springwood also has Salvos and Vinnes thrift stores at either end of the mall. A few dollars can go a long way in there.
Hot Spot Discounts is a 2 dollar shop that has lots of craft, toys, costumes, homewares and gifts.
Turning Pages bookstore is a gorgeous book shop with lovely kids section- be warned though, they WILL want a book, as will you 🙂
EXTRAS:
Springwood Library is newly renovated with a very cute kids corner. They offer Storytime and Toddler time during the week also.
Turning Pages Book store offers Story time first Monday of the month 0830 for 1-3yr olds, 9-9.30 3-6yr olds
Springwood Aquatic Centre– with our big yellow slide (available on weekends) located just behind buttenshaw playgrounds.
Playgroup in the Park is also run by MOCS- see here for updates.
(other playgroups can also be located on the website)
My Favourite Plan:
I couldn’t choose between these 2, both are great depending on what children I have with me.
1/For a weekday day trip with my little ones, if I was feeling up to it we might plan a train trip into Springwood Village Train Timetable Here. We might change up the order of things listed here, but we love visiting Springwood library, so we would potentially start there (preferably on a Thursday for Storytime first). There are lots of retaining walls outside the Library/Hub and I guarantee your little one will want to spend a few more minutes walking along these walls- such simple fun. We generally like to follow this up with milkshakes/coffee at Cassiopeia or a bakery stop at Bakers Delight to grab a croissant and then play at Macquarie park across the road. If we were feeling particularly motivated for a bushwalk we might then walk around the back of the shops to Fairy Dell walk. Then catch the train home. Do remember to check the train timetable as they don’t always come frequently.
2/Particularly if I have the older children with me too. A trip to Springwood Aquatic Centre. Potentially a bus trip, as there is a stop on the highway near to the pool, if we are feeling game 🙂 Then a picnic at buttenshaw park before heading home. (If you are driving, you could always pop up the Faulconbridge shops, just across the highway, for some hot chips)
Let me know how you go.
For More Day Trip Inspiration CLICK HERE.
Blessings,
Rachel xo
