On rainy days, with three kids to entertain, there is only so much craft,
cooking and colouring I can take. Sometimes all it takes to break the monotony of a couple of hours – or
days – of unrelenting rain, is a cheap and cheerful outing everyone can enjoy. Behold! Rainy day outings on the Coast
that won’t break the bank:
Gosford Regional Art Gallery
Entry fee is a gold coin donation, exhibits are updated regularly, and if you catch a break in
the rain, you can enjoy the tranquil surrounds of the co-located Edogawa Commemorative Garden. Check with gallery before you head off, occasionally it’s closed to update exhibits.
Bonus – inspired by art, your kids might go home with just enough creative spark to fuel those arts and craft
activities for a few more rainy days.
Plus, pre schoolers critiquing watercolours are just adorable!
http://www.gosfordregionalgallery.com/
Kincumber Indoor Sports/Playtime
Usually I would recommend staying far, far away from any children’s indoor play centre during wet weather. I mean really, kids fighting over ball pits, hassled parents jostling for tables, shrieks of “He hit me!”. Might as well be at home where at least you don’t have to battle a crowd and you only have to referee your own kids fights. Kincumber Indoor Sport/Playtime is worth it on a rainy day, especially for parents who need to entertain across a wide range of ages. Older kids can put themselves to the test with indoor rock climbing (my eldest LOVES this)
and while they’re busy conquering indoor Everest, the little ones are in their element over at Playtime, an indoor play
centre with everything from jumping castles to ball pits and ride on cars. With plenty of room to move and loads of play items,
everyone has a great time. I can get away with a trip to Kincumber Indoor
Sport/Playtime with my three kids for under $30 – well worth it to break their rainy day boredom and soothe my embattled nerves.
http://www.kincumberindoorsports.com.au/kincumber-indoor-sports/home.do
The Art Barn – Gosford
Most kids of the 80’s and 90’s will have at least one memory of painting a figurine at the “plaster fun house”. At the Art Barn in Gosford, kids of all ages can indulge their creative side. Suitable for a wide range of ages, even my one year old is able to participate – in between taste testing the various paints (hmmm – blue tastes good but glitter is gritty…), and each child works at their own skill level. Light snacks are available and reasonably priced. Bonus, the kids will have a work of art they can proudly display and present for show and tell.
The Art Barn – 11 Kirawee Road Gosford. Ph (02) 4324 7965
Peninsula Leisure Centre Pool
It’s great weather for ducks, so if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! The beach may not be an option during a downpour, but Peninsula Leisure Centre is! With a kids fun pool and, slide and 8 lane Olympic pool, there is something for everyone and at a very reasonable price – a casual swim for adults is $6.20 or $4.30 for a concession, and just $3.50 for kids. Call ahead or check the website for pool opening hours.
http://www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/leisure_centres/plc-main/pool
Or you could head to one of the major shopping centres, fight for parking
with the thousands of other coasties who have the same idea, lose your three old in the crowds
and fight with your tween over a pair of shoes she is most definitely NOT getting. At least everyone gets home
exhausted and ready for a nap!
coastplay 