Brisbane, the Gold Coast & Byron Bay Region

The Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants on the Gold Coast

There is no better feeling than sitting down for a nice meal in a restaurant. No cooking, no cleaning, just a delicious meal cooked for you instead of by you for a change. Unfortunately for us parents, this experience can be a rare occurrence – but it doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants on the Gold Coast that offer a family-friendly dining experience, allowing you to have your cake and ensure the kids are entertained long enough for you to eat it too.  Here are our favourite kid’s restaurants on the Gold Coast complete with kids menus and play areas. 5 Kid-Friendly Restaurants on the Gold Coast, Australia Graziers Steakhouse Restaurant Mermaid Waters Fancy a decent steak? Head to Graziers Steakhouse Restaurant at Lonestar Tavern for the best cuts of premium Graziers beef around. They, of course, provide a full kids menu as well as an indoor and outdoor kids playground and playroom.  The Barn Mudgeeraba When it comes to a true paddock to plate experience, The Barn takes the cake. Nestled amongst the stunning Springbrook surrounds, this is the perfect dining destination for a day of fun, education, and delicious food. While you wait for your meals in the serene beer garden, your kids will love roaming around, spotting all the farm animals and learning about where their food comes from.  Dog & Parrot Tavern Robina The next time you’re travelling through Robina, stop in at Dog & Parrot. This tavern is home to a family-style bistro, serving up share plates, pub classics, and wood-fired pizzas. Treat yourself to a long lunch or dinner as your kids wear themselves out on the covered outdoor playground or entertain themselves in the indoor playroom complete with Playstations. Club Talle Palm Beach For beachy vibes and unbelievable seafood, book a table at Club Talle. Located right on the water, this Tallebudgera Surf Club bistro serves up scrumptious seasonal menus for the adults and classic favourites for children. Just down from the beachfront deck is a covered outdoor playground, letting you take in the gorgeous view of the ocean while keeping one eye on the kids. Lot Two  Tweed Heads For more views, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh-caught seafood, make your way to Seagulls’ Lot Two restaurant. Alongside a seasonal menu of both classics and bold new flavours, you’ll find your standard and delicious kids menu. While there is no kids play area in the restaurant itself, Lot Two has joined forces with the Tabatinga Fun and Social Centre which offers drop and dine childcare on Friday and Saturday nights while you enjoy a night to yourself with great food, wine, and live music. Looking for more awesome places on the Gold Coast that your kids will love? Check out our Blog! Where to From Here? Coastal Babysitters is an Award-winning Babysitting Service throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Byron Bay.   ’Children Love Us, Parents Trust Us’ Are you in need of some time without the kids? Why not let us look after your little ones so you can enjoy yourself without worry! You can be assured the children are having just as much fun as you are! Hand-selected and interviewed by me personally, all our sitters are either mums themselves or have worked in child care for at least 3 years. We care for your children as if they were our own and make the whole experience easy and comfortable by: Our online or over the phone booking system You are emailed your babysitters profile and photo once assigned to your family. Your babysitter will phone you prior to the job, to say hello Your babysitter will bring activities for the kids Your babysitter will be engaging and have lots of fun with the kids. You will be sent photos so you can see your child is having fun. Your babysitter will leave a little note behind so you know what happened ‘while you were out’…. Have an awesome day and we look forward to meeting your family, Orly x

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Brisbane

Let’s face it, dining out with kids can be tricky. Restaurants with kids menus and high chairs are hard to come by, and with long wait times for food and loud, overcrowded spaces, an evening out with the kids can seem like way more trouble than it’s worth. Fortunately, there are some brilliant, kid-friendly restaurants in Brisbane that cater to all ages.  Here are our top four kid-friendly restaurants in Brisbane that adults will love too. We’re talking kids menus and entertainment alongside mature gourmet eats and a relaxed atmosphere for the whole family. Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Brisbane That Parents Will Love Too! Victoria Park Bistro First up we have your one-stop-shop for delicious eats, killer views, and plenty of entertainment for the kids. Victoria Park Bistro is located in the stunning Victoria Park, serving up a seasonal menu and relaxed atmosphere. Stop by during the week for breakfast and lunch or for dinner on weekends as the little ones they play their hearts out on the adjoining playground.  If you’re looking for even more fun, The Victoria Park Bistro takes being a kid-friendly restaurant in Brisbane to the next level on weekends. From 9am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays you can enjoy a delicious meal and views of the city while the kids hang out in the pop-up games area. Cream House Looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the south side? One of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Brisbane has to be Cream House in Sunnybank Hills. Perfect for anything from a nice dinner with the family to a full-blown kids party, Cream House has everything that kids love. We’re talking a full indoor playground, kid’s play kitchens, delicious meals, and decadent desserts. Make sure you reserve a table for this one as they book out fast! Sirromet Wines You may be thinking that Sirromet Wines is an odd choice to have on kid-friendly restaurants in Brisbane list, but hear us out. Dining in luxury is usually difficult to manoeuvre when you have little ones in tow, but Sirromet Wines is surprisingly family-friendly.  The Cellar Door Cafe is particularly open to families, sporting a playground next door. For dinner, head to the Tuscan Terrace for unbelievable gourmet eats and a simple kids menu. Sit back, enjoy a glass of wine, and keep an eye on the kids as they explore the expansive green in front of the picturesque terrace. Pineapple Hotel Conveniently located in the heart of kangaroo point, the Pineapple Hotel has been around for over 150 years. With so much time under their belts, they have learned to cater to patrons of all ages, supplying a playground for the kids to explore while they wait for their dinner. Speaking of dinner, their kid’s menu boasts the usual favourites plus gluten-free options to account for all little tummies.  Check out our Blog for more kid-friendly places to go in Brisbane Where to From Here? Coastal Babysitters is an Award-winning Babysitting Service throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Byron Bay. ’Children Love Us, Parents Trust Us’ Are you in need of some time without the kids? Why not let us look after your little ones so you can enjoy yourself without worry! You can be assured the children are having just as much fun as you are! Hand-selected and interviewed by me personally, all our sitters are either mums themselves or have worked in child care for at least 3 years. We care for your children as if they were our own and make the whole experience easy and comfortable by: Our online or over the phone booking system You are emailed your babysitters profile and photo once assigned to your family. Your babysitter will phone you prior to the job, to say hello Your babysitter will bring activities for the kids Your babysitter will be engaging and have lots of fun with the kids. You will be sent photos so you can see your child is having fun. Your babysitter will leave a little note behind so you know what happened ‘while you were out’…. Have an awesome day and we look forward to meeting your family, Orly x

Fun Places to Go in Brisbane for Kids

On the hunt for fun places to go in Brisbane for kids? There are plenty of awesome activities to do and places to visit in Brisbane that your kids will love. From free nature walks to complete activity centres designed for kids, here are our favourite places to visit with kids in Brisbane. Fun Places to Go in Brisbane for Kids Kid-Friendly Bushwalks Brisbane Want to spend some time with your kids amongst nature? Check out one of the many kid-friendly bushwalks around Brisbane. For a central hike, make your way from the Botanic Gardens and hike up to the Mt Cooth-tha summit. For a casual bushwalk, explore the Bellbird Grove Walking Tracks and enjoy a picnic in the gorgeous clearing. For Kids With Plenty of Energy If your kid is known for bouncing off the walls, there are plenty of places in Brisbane that will let them do just that. For literal bouncing, Bounce Trampoline Park is your best bet. If your little ones are less into bouncing and more into climbing, The Jungle Adventure Play has rock walls, high ropes, playgrounds, ninja courses and more for monkeys of all ages.  Fresh From the Farm Visiting a farm with your kids is not only a great way to educate them on where their food comes from but also a good excuse to pet and cuddle cute animals. Naughty Little Kids is a goat farm just outside of Brisbane. Feed baby goats and make sure you taste their legendary goats’ milk ice cream.  The Perfect Day Out For Bookworms Does your kid love to read? Unfortunately, bookstores have slowly begun to peter out over the last few decades. Lucky for us Brisbanites, there are still a few spots where you and your little one can explore shelves full of stories just for them. Where the Wild Things Are and The Mad Hatters Book Shop are adorable bookstores in Brisbane for kids. For more literary fun, The State Library of Queensland frequently runs workshops and activities that imaginative kids will love, making it one of the most fun places to go in Brisbane for kids. Take a Day Trip to the Beach Thinking of taking a few day trips from Brisbane with kids? There is no better way to while away a day with the kids than in the sun, surf and sand. We’re lucky enough to have so many gorgeous beaches only an hour or so drive away. Check out our blog on the Best Gold Coast Beaches for Kids and start planning the ultimate family beach trip. For a beach closer to home, you can always hit up South Bank’s man-made beach and enjoy a picnic in the surrounding parklands after your swim. Looking for more fun activities the whole family will love? Check out our Blog for more family-friendly Brisbane spots. Where to From Here? Coastal Babysitters is an Award-winning Babysitting Service throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Byron Bay. ’Children Love Us, Parents Trust Us’ Are you in need of some time without the kids? Why not let us look after your little ones so you can enjoy yourself without worry! You can be assured the children are having just as much fun as you are! Hand-selected and interviewed by me personally, all our sitters are either mums themselves or have worked in child care for at least 3 years. We care for your children as if they were our own and make the whole experience easy and comfortable by: Our online or over the phone booking system You are emailed your babysitters profile and photo once assigned to your family. Your babysitter will phone you prior to the job, to say hello Your babysitter will bring activities for the kids Your babysitter will be engaging and have lots of fun with the kids. You will be sent photos so you can see your child is having fun. Your babysitter will leave a little note behind so you know what happened ‘while you were out’…. Have an awesome day and we look forward to meeting your family, Orly x

The Best Beaches for Kids on the Gold Coast

If Queensland is known for one thing, it’s our beautiful beaches. Most of our coast consists of sprawling stretches of white sand and crystal clear waters that promise a refreshing dip and relaxing day. If you’re planning your next sunny family getaway, you may be wondering where you can find the best beach for kids on the Gold Coast. We have done some digging and found the best kids beaches on the Gold Coast that guarantee a safe swim for all ages. The 5 Best Beaches for Kids on the Gold Coast Currumbin Creek Inlet Palm Beach Parklands and Currumbin Creek Inlet are kid-central for summer fun. The creek itself is a calm and clean spot for little ones to splash around in and the fun doesn’t stop on the kid-friendly beach at this Gold Coast hotspot. A little way back from the shore, you’ll find picnic spots, a cafe, and the star attraction, an epic pirate park that all imaginative swashbucklers will love.  Kurrawa Beach Do you have older kids who are ready to take on bigger waves? Head to Kurrawa Beach. While this popular spot is probably too rough for little ones, it is also the most patrolled kids beach on the Gold Coast. This makes it the safest spot for bigger kids to dip their toes in real surf as they outgrow lagoons.  Ian Dipple Lagoon If your kids are too little to face the surf, head to Ian Dipple Lagoon. This serene spot is perfect for young kids, babies, and toddlers to enjoy a swim with no rips or dangerous currents to be seen. Play in the shallow water, watch the pelicans, and take a night time dip as the lagoon lights up after sunset. Tallebudgera Creek Inlet Another inlet that is ideal for small kids getting a feel for the water is Tallebudgera Creek Inlet. This iconic kid-friendly beach on the Gold Coast boasts crystal clear water and soft bright sand that your little one will love playing in. The spot is even patrolled during summer to keep an eye on adventurous swimmers. Sea World Drive Lastly, one of the best kids beaches on the Gold Coast is conveniently located on SeaWorld Drive. This gorgeous stretch features plenty of calm swim spots and shady beaches that are perfect for a day of play. Head straight to the beach for a day trip or stay at the resort and take a break from the marine fun at SeaWorld for a day of fishing, swimming, and dolphin watching. Looking for more fun activities the whole family will love? Check out our Blog for more family-friendly guides to fun on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. Where to From Here? Coastal Babysitters is an Award-winning Babysitting Service throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Byron Bay. ’Children Love Us, Parents Trust Us’ Are you in need of some time without the kids? Why not let us look after your little ones so you can enjoy yourself without worry! You can be assured the children are having just as much fun as you are! Hand-selected and interviewed by me personally, all our sitters are either mums themselves or have worked in child care for at least 3 years. We care for your children as if they were our own and make the whole experience easy and comfortable by: Our online or over the phone booking system You are emailed your babysitters profile and photo once assigned to your family. Your babysitter will phone you prior to the job, to say hello Your babysitter will bring activities for the kids Your babysitter will be engaging and have lots of fun with the kids. You will be sent photos so you can see your child is having fun. Your babysitter will leave a little note behind so you know what happened ‘while you were out’…. Have an awesome day and we look forward to meeting your family, Orly x

My Top 5 Baby Food Recipes by Samantha Spunner

My Top 5 Baby Food Recipes Making your own baby food is actually pretty simple and you don’t need to be a chef to do this.  I thought I’d share with you my Top 5 Baby Food Recipes in hopes that this will help you to provide healthy vitamin and nutrient dense foods for your baby that often the commercial shop bought baby foods don’t have. When your baby is just starting solids around 4-6monhts old, you want to use really simple single ingredient purees so your baby can firstly develop the taste for single flavours and also so you can identify any allergies or sensitivities to foods. These are the easiest to make – I would puree and then I would freeze the food in ice-cube trays and once frozen transfer to my Sinchies wrap bags, all labelled with some masking tape and a permanent marker. I personally started with vegetables like Avocado mashed up & put through a sieve to make it smooth.  Baked and then pureed sweet potato and pumpkin – Baking the sweet potato and pumpkin I find makes it a lot sweeter.  And things like steamed apples as well as masjed up bananas and mashed up ripe pears – but do be careful as some babies get constipated on bananas and others go the other way with pears. Poonamies here we come! Moving on from single purees – at about 7 -8 months old – I  started mixing fruit and vegetables together –  adding some grains like quinoa & brown rice. At  9 months old I started adding – fish, poultry and meats. And only at 12 months did I introduce Greek yoghurt and cheese. This was for personal reasons. So here are my all time Top 5 Baby Food Recipes  and my babies favourite ones too. Triple Berry and Pear Puree – I made a big batch up and stored it in my Sinchies 80ml reusable pouches Baby Vegetable Soup – I made this to suit the stage of my baby. So pureed it up for no chunks or kept it chunky when my little one could tolerate lumps Creamy Fruity Dessert Pasta – Such a favourite but then again I do have Pasta loving children. Baby Beef Stew Recipe – Another goody – nice and hearty and perfect for bulk cooking. Just remember to add a bit of water if it looks too thick. Avocado and Chocolate Mousse – Even adults like this. Samantha is the owner of Sinchies, the original, award-winning reusable food pouches voted #1 by Australian mums.  

The Best Kid-Friendly Hotels on the Gold Coast

There is no better spot for a family vacation than the Gold Coast. With theme parks, gorgeous beaches, world-class restaurants and bars, whale watching, golf, nightlife, and shopping districts at your fingertips, the Gold Coast is bound to have something for every member of the family. It’s also home to awesome resorts, hotels, and accommodation that specialise in family stays. Here are our favourite kid-friendly hotels on the Gold Coast that both you and your family will love. Kid-Friendly Hotels on the Gold Coast Paradise Resort When we think of kid-friendly resorts on the Gold Coast, Paradise Resort is the first place that comes to mind. This resort is every kid’s dream accommodation, with its own water park, ice skating rink, laser tag, adventure park, rock climbing walls, games room, go-karting, jungle gym, and more. While the kids wear themselves out in supervised kids club sessions, you can relax at the poolside cafe and bar, cocktail in hand. Turtle Beach Resort Overlooking gorgeous gardens is the Turtle Beach Resort, boasting self-contained apartments with up to three bedrooms. One of the most kid-friendly hotels on the Gold Coast, Turtle Beach has four separate swimming areas as well as a waterpark, playground, kids club, putt-putt, arcade, tennis courts, cinema, and BBQ areas for family fun. For the grown-ups, there is even an adults-only retreat if you’re looking for some time to yourself. Enjoy saunas, a day spa, and woodfire pizza at The Deck Restaurant & Bar. Sea World Resort If you’re excited to visit the best theme parks in Australia, why not cut your travel time and stay inside a theme park itself? Sea World Resort gives you this option, being Australia’s only theme park resort. With multiple restaurants and access to Sea World, there is plenty to do. If you go with the Theme Parks Package you can even enjoy access to Sea World, Movie World, Paradise Country, and Wet’n’Wild throughout your stay. BIG4 Holiday Park Looking for a spot with family vibes that’s a little more down to earth? Check out BIG4 Holiday Park. Here you can camp or stay in one of their gorgeous bungalows or cabins, situated amongst the gorgeous Gold Coast greenery. The holiday park is located directly across from Movie World, Wet’n’Wild, Outback Spectacular, and Topgolf, and is just down the road from Dream World and White Water World. It also sports its own water park, restaurants, and family activities. The Breakers Beachside Apartments If all you’re looking for is a central spot that’s as close to the beach as possible, you can’t go past The Breakers Beachside Apartments. Located between Surfers and Broadbeach, you couldn’t find a more convenient spot. This isn’t one of those kid-friendly hotels on the Gold Coast that has its own theme park, but it does have self-contained apartments and direct beach access for those families who want sea air and sandcastles every day.  Looking for awesome things to do with your kids on the Gold Coast? Check out our Blog! Where to From Here? Coastal Babysitters is an Award-winning Babysitting Service throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Byron Bay. ’Children Love Us, Parents Trust Us’ Are you in need of some time without the kids? Why not let us look after your little ones so you can enjoy yourself without worry! You can be assured the children are having just as much fun as you are! Hand-selected and interviewed by me personally, all our babysitters are either mums themselves or have worked in child care for at least 3 years. We care for your children as if they were our own and make the whole experience easy and comfortable by: Our online or over the phone booking system You are emailed your babysitters profile and photo once assigned to your family. Your babysitter will phone you prior to the job, to say hello Your babysitter will bring activities for the kids Your babysitter will be engaging and have lots of fun with the kids. You will be sent photos so you can see your child is having fun. Your babysitter will leave a little note behind so you know what happened ‘while you were out’…. Have an awesome day and we look forward to meeting your family, Orly x

Kid-Friendly Accommodation in Brisbane

Booking your next family holiday? Finding the right kid-friendly accommodation in Brisbane for your family can be a chore, and sometimes, despite all your research, you end up in a completely unsuitable space for you and your family. We know these feelings all too well. To make your next family holiday easier, we have collected a few recommendations to follow when looking for kid-friendly accommodation in Brisbane. How to Find Kid-Friendly Accommodation in Brisbane When you’re looking for kid-friendly accommodation in Brisbane, the three things you want to keep in mind are location, activities, and the rooms themselves. You ideally want to find accommodation that is close by to attractions so that your kids don’t get worn out from travel. Next, you need to ensure that the kid’s resort in Brisbane has some inbuilt activities like pools to occupy your kids in case of a rainy day. Lastly, and most importantly, rooms with enough space for a family can be hard to come by. We have put together a shortlist of our favourite kid-friendly hotels in Brisbane that have all of the above. Royal On The Park If you want to stay in the heart of the city with spectacular views and accommodation for the whole family, Royal on the Park is a great choice. These hotel rooms and suites are located directly in front of the City Botanic Gardens, giving you stunning views as well as easy access for a day out with the kids. They pride themselves on being family-friendly, boasting a pool and spa as well as a bed and breakfast package. Pancakes anyone? Rydges South Bank South Bank Is the perfect destination in Brisbane for families with little kids. Between the parklands and man-made beach, your little ones will have an amazing time playing all day while you enjoy river views, markets, the theatre, and an impressive dining precinct. Rydges Hotel is smack bang in the middle of all the action with its own rooftop pool and river views.  Emporium Hotel South Bank Another hotel in the centre of South Bank is the Emporium Hotel. Known for their amazing restaurant and bar, this stylish hotel also boasts an impressive rooftop infinity pool that your kids will love. While a swanky bar may not seem like the most kid-friendly option, you can always reach out to a Coastal Babysitter so that you can fully enjoy a night to yourself while the kids have their own fun. Meriton Serviced Apartments Right across from Roma Street Parkland is the towering Meriton Serviced Apartments. These sleek apartments are great for a flash weekend away. They come with a full kitchen and laundry in the apartments themselves – perfect for travelling with kids. What’s more, they are a quick walk away from the Roma Street transit hub, connecting you to pretty much everywhere in Brisbane. Oh, and they have an indoor pool. You’re welcome, kids! Airbnb Hotels are great, but there is no better place to stay than an actual home. That’s where Airbnb comes in. Airbnb makes it so easy to find kid-friendly accommodation in Brisbane in exactly the right area for an affordable price. This comes in handy if you’re visiting family in Brisbane and want to stay nearby. You can also find exactly what you’re looking for by selecting filters such as the number of beds, a pool, spa, and more.   If you’re looking for more places to go with your kids in Brisbane, check out our Blog! Where to From Here? Coastal Babysitters is an Award-winning Babysitting Service throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Byron Bay. ’Children Love Us, Parents Trust Us’ Are you in need of some time without the kids? Why not let us look after your little ones so you can enjoy yourself without worry! You can be assured the children are having just as much fun as you are! Hand-selected and interviewed by me personally, all our sitters are either mums themselves or have worked in child care for at least 3 years. We care for your children as if they were our own and make the whole experience easy and comfortable by: Our online or over the phone booking system You are emailed your babysitters profile and photo once assigned to your family. Your babysitter will phone you prior to the job, to say hello Your babysitter will bring activities for the kids Your babysitter will be engaging and have lots of fun with the kids. You will be sent photos so you can see your child is having fun. Your babysitter will leave a little note behind so you know what happened ‘while you were out’…. Have an awesome day and we look forward to meeting your family, Orly x

The Best Kids Playgrounds on the Gold Coast

Looking for an awesome kids playground on the Gold Coast to discover with your little one? We have put together the definitive list of all the best playgrounds you and your kids will love on the Gold coast. This list has something for every child, whether you’re looking for imaginative play, exciting features, or accessible equipment. Here are five kids playgrounds on the Gold Coast that make for the perfect day out. Kids Playgrounds on the Gold Coast You Have To Visit Image credit City of Gold Coast Pirate Treasure Island Playground For a day packed with swashbuckling play, head to Pirate Treasure Island Playground. Located at Palm Beach, this popular kids playground on the Gold Coast is the perfect spot for all wannabe pirates to act out their seaworthy adventures. The entire playground is pirate themed, with buried treasure, desert island caves, and circling crocodiles. There is also, of course, a pirate ship ready for your little one to step up as captain. Faerie Park If your kids love imaginative play, Faerie Park is an absolutely adorable picnic space that you need to check out. Less like your ordinary playground and more a whimsical imagination zone, Faerie Park is dotted with lush trees and magical features that make you feel like you’re in a fairytale. On top of the wishing well, troll bridge, a goblin cave, and toadstool houses, you’ll also find the usual playground fare of swings, slides, and play equipment. For extra fun at the park, download our Scavenger Hunt! Westfield Helensvale Playground When you need to get some shopping done with the kids, Westfield Helensvale Playground will add a dose of fun to their day. While shopping centre playgrounds are usually a little drab, this one has put in the effort where others are lacking. Located close to the bathrooms and food court for a conveniently supervised play, your little one can explore the giant treehouse, rope canopy, log swing, spiral slide, and more. Image Credit City of Gold Coast Broadwater Parklands For a full day of fun, make your way to Broadwater Parklands. This kids playground on the Gold Coast packs in so many activities that will put a smile on your kid’s face. Start off with a bounce on the shaded jumping pillow before you head to the playground which features all sorts of play equipment, from climbing equipment to swings, slides, and monkey bars. Move on to the pedal monorail and splash around in the shallow water park. In summer they even open a paid inflatable water park for all ages to enjoy. Kurrawa Park All Abilities Playground Lastly, we have an awesome playground that caters to all ages and all abilities, Kurrawa Park. This playground is specifically designed to be all-inclusive, incorporating all types of play for all children. Not only do they have accessible sand tables for wheelchair access and an epic sandcastle fort with ramp access, the park also highlights community artwork throughout. Looking for more activities to do with the kids? Check out our Blog! Where to From Here? Coastal Babysitters is an Award-winning Babysitting Service throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Byron Bay. ’Children Love Us, Parents Trust Us’ Are you in need of some time without the kids? Why not let us look after your little ones so you can enjoy yourself without worry! You can be assured the children are having just as much fun as you are! Hand-selected and interviewed by me personally, all our sitters are either mums themselves or have worked in child care for at least 3 years. We care for your children as if they were our own and make the whole experience easy and comfortable by: Our online or over the phone booking system You are emailed your babysitters profile and photo once assigned to your family. Your babysitter will phone you prior to the job, to say hello Your babysitter will bring activities for the kids Your babysitter will be engaging and have lots of fun with the kids. You will be sent photos so you can see your child is having fun. Your babysitter will leave a little note behind so you know what happened ‘while you were out’…. Have an awesome day and we look forward to meeting your family, Orly x

The Best Kids Playgrounds in Brisbane

Who doesn’t love a good playground? They are the perfect place to fit in some active outdoor fun with your little one while they interact with other kids and stretch their imagination. While we believe that you can create your own fun in any playground, there are a few playgrounds in Brisbane that take playing to the next level. Here are the best kids playgrounds in Brisbane. The Best Kids Playgrounds in Brisbane That Your Kids Will Love Image credit Moreton Bay Regional Council Pine Rivers Park One of the most iconic north side playgrounds in Brisbane is without a doubt in Pine Rivers Park. This park has so much for kids to explore. Not only do they have the usual fun fare of climbing structures, slides, interactive play and swings, they also offer unique play experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Brisbane. Their star features are the flying fox and a pedal-powered monorail that circles an impressive children’s maze. Darlington Parklands Looking for something fun to do with the kids on a hot day? Darlington Parklands is one of the best kids playgrounds in Brisbane that will keep the kids cool and entertained for hours. Located on the south side, Darlington Parklands is a playground, waterpark, and an ideal picnic spot all in one. With a heavy focus on the natural surrounds, your little one can literally play amongst the trees and explore the fun water structures that make this playground so unique. Frew Park Looking for a park that’s close to the city? Check out Milton’s Frew Park. Located on the old site of the Milton Tennis Centre, Frew Park boasts gorgeous walking tracks and state of the art tennis courts. The park’s most popular attraction, however, is the futuristic playground. This playground is perfect for energetic kids who love their sports. It includes rock climbs, basketball nets, a giant slide, and of course a mini tennis court. The best part is the cafe overlooking the playground. Pick up a delicious coffee and treat yourself as you keep an eye on the kids. Download our Scavenger Hunt for something extra to do with your little one at the park! Image Credit Mustdo Brisbane Calamvale District Park For playtime up high, head to Calamvale District Park. This south side playground is not for the faint of heart, boasting impressive rope-bridge tunnels hanging high above the ground, leading to one of the biggest enclosed slides we’ve ever seen. There is also a 50-metre flying fox and a kiddies rope bridge playground with interactive play stations for the younger kids. Kidspace For kids who love a good game of hide and seek, Kidspace on the north side will make their day. Surrounded by parkland and perfect picnic spots, this is one of the best kids playgrounds in Brisbane that has something that every child will love. From a maze of bridges and towers to swings that cater for all ages and abilities and interactive, musical play stations, Kidspace will spark your kid’s imagination and give them hours of fun.  For more awesome articles about raising kids in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, check out our Blog. Where to From Here? Coastal Babysitters is an Award-winning Babysitting Service throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and Byron Bay. ’Children Love Us, Parents Trust Us’ Are you in need of some time without the kids? Why not let us look after your little ones so you can enjoy yourself without worry! You can be assured the children are having just as much fun as you are! Hand-selected and interview by me personally, all our sitters are either mums themselves or have worked in child care for at least 3 years. We care for your children as if they were our own and make the whole experience easy and comfortable by: Our online or over the phone booking system You are emailed your babysitters profile and photo once assigned to your family. Your babysitter will phone you prior to the job, to say hello Your babysitter will bring activities for the kids Your babysitter will be engaging and have lots of fun with the kids. You will be sent photos so you can see your child is having fun. Your babysitter will leave a little note behind so you know what happened ‘while you were out’…. Have an awesome day and we look forward to meeting your family, Orly x

4 Tips For Surviving The School Term

Tips For Surviving The School Term Picture this…it’s the final week of term. Those familiar feels of ‘limping through’ to the holidays haven’t surfaced. You’re in control. Your kids are in good spirits. You have the energy to tackle the holiday’s head on and you’ve stopped joking about needing a holiday AFTER the holidays. Can you relate? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone! To help get you through the school term without the burn out, I’ve put together my top survival tips. Create routine and stick to it As parents we know too well how important routines are. A new school term is a great time to sit down with your kids and create a chart of their morning and after school routines. Use pictures or written words to create a visual reminder and keep it in a central area of your home so it’s always top of mind.  Also make a conscious decision to have your kids start their routines at the end of the next holidays to make the back to school transition that bit easier. Communication is key Managing people effectively, let alone little people, all boils down to communication. It’s so important to come together with your partner, sitters or caregivers to plan out who is responsible for what and when. It can be as simple as using a calendar invite on your phone to remind yourself about drop-offs, pick ups, sport days etc, giving you piece of mind. It also helps to look at the entire term holistically and give your employer the heads ups about when you might need to adjust your hours so you can plan around it together. Information sharing is another key component of communicating and planning with your kids. Set some time aside each day to specifically talk about the information you need from them.  Ask them to give you their school notices each day after dinner (for example) so you can get on top of it and action anything there and then. Don’t wait until the end of the week, deal with it now so you’re not facing last minute requests or risking notices being lost! If you’re not opposed to tech, check out the Life Sorted app to help keep your family organised. The app provides a ‘go-to’ place for the whole family, helping reduce the brain clutter and overwhelm that comes with modern life.  You can set reminders, to-dos, shopping lists, birthdays and more, it’s easy to use and you can try it for free. Most importantly, remember to spend time talking and listening to your kids specifically about how their day was.  Supporting them and showing compassion towards any issues they may be experiencing while settling back into school will show you’ve got their backs and help boost their confidence. Avoid the temptation to over commit Dear working parents, please don’t let feelings of guilt bully you into taking on more than you can handle. You are enough! While the urge to sign up to committee’s, coaching, baking, fete duties is tempting, don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ if you just don’t have time.  You’re not doing yourself or you kids any favours by spreading yourself thin and taking on extra commitments. If you really want to get involved, try to limit your responsibilities to once per year or consider an alternative like donating instead.   Help is all around Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes a lot more courage to ask for help rather than stewing in your current predicament. If you’re a working parent, think about who you can lean on to help juggle the school/work week load. Remember Coastal Babysitters have got your babysitting needs covered from Brisbane through to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Our online booking system is super simple for those busy times when you need someone to watch your kids, even if it’s just for a few hours. Last but not least don’t forget self-care! Because a household run by happy parents means happy kids (well, most of the time!). Make sure you set time aside for yourself at least once per month whether it be a spa or massage treatment, date night or a weekend away. Our experienced babysitters are available for overnight stays if you ever need time out to rest and reset, just give us a call or book online.