Family Day Trips from Brisbane That Feel Easy, Even With Kids in Tow!
Ever planned the perfect family day out… only to end up with tears, tantrums, and one parent Googling “babysitter Brisbane” from the backseat? We’ve all been there, love. You start the day with the best intentions. A packed lunch, hats, sunscreen, water bottle, heck, even spare undies, just in case. You’re ready to make memories, not just survive the weekend. But then someone’s hungry again, the toddler’s screaming about sand in her shoe, and you’re suddenly navigating more sibling squabbles than a UN peacekeeper. All you wanted was a bit of sunshine, a few smiles, and maybe, just maybe, a coffee you didn’t have to reheat three times. Let’s be honest. Family days out are amazing… but also exhausting. And as mums (and dads), we often carry the mental load of making everything run smoothly, while secretly fantasizing about a moment of peace with no one asking for a snack. That’s where we come in, not just with fun-filled trip ideas, but with a little backup plan in your pocket: a trusted, professional babysitter from Coastal Babysitters, ready if and when you need them. Because let’s face it, sometimes the most joyful memories are the ones where everyone gets to enjoy themselves , not just the kids. Why Day Trips Matter (and Why They’re Also Hard Work) Brisbane families are lucky. We’re surrounded by stunning beaches, lush hinterlands, wildlife sanctuaries, and playful parks. The options are endless! But sometimes that’s the problem. You want to make the most of the weekend, but not at the cost of your sanity. Here’s the thing: You’re allowed to want to have fun and not be “on” all the time. You’re allowed to choose an activity that doesn’t revolve solely around Peppa Pig or miniature trains. You’re allowed to plan a family outing… and still have a backup babysitter just in case. Whether you’re a solo parent juggling it all, a couple craving a mini escape, or just a mum who needs five quiet minutes without hearing “Mum!”, we see you. At Coastal Babysitters, we’re not just about evenings out or weddings. We’re about giving parents the freedom to enjoy life, day trips included, without the guilt, stress, or constant clock-watching. So we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly day trips from Brisbane, with a bonus twist: we’ll show you how having a babysitter nearby (or at your accommodation) can make the experience 10x more relaxing, fun, and flexible. The Fun Part: 8 Brilliant Family Day Trips from Brisbane (+ When a Babysitter Can Be a Lifesaver) 1. South Bank Parklands – Splash, Play, Relax Best for: Toddlers to tweens Parent sanity tip: Pair it with a flat white and a stroll through the Arbor. With its man-made beach, water play areas, playgrounds, and grassy picnic spots, South Bank is a Brisbane classic. You can easily spend the whole day here, rotating between swims, snacks, and scooter rides. When to call the sitter: If you’re keen to browse the Queensland Art Gallery or grab a cheeky drink by the river, book a few hours of babysitting in Brisbane. One of our friendly local sitters can meet you at South Bank, entertain the kids by the lagoon, or hang with them at home while you have a grown-up afternoon. 2. Daisy Hill Koala Centre – Wildly Wonderful Best for: Animal-loving little ones Parent perk: It’s educational AND free. Let the kids marvel at native wildlife while you enjoy a chilled bushwalk. There’s shaded BBQ areas and plenty of room to run wild. And honestly, who doesn’t want to see a sleepy koala? Sitter tip: If your child is more “sprint through the bush” than “slow stroll”, consider bringing a babysitter along! Coastal Babysitters can provide on-location carers who’ll help manage the chaos and keep little adventurers safe and entertained while you have a breath. 3. Mount Tamborine – Markets, Wineries, Waterfalls Best for: All ages Parent magic moment: A glass of wine with a view, uninterrupted. Mount Tamborine is the Gold Coast hinterland’s best-kept secret. Think boutique shops, wineries, treetop walks, and glow worm caves. The kids can explore Thunderbird Park or play at the Botanic Gardens, while you sneak off for a romantic cheese platter. Where we come in: Book one of our trusted babysitters to meet you at a family-friendly café or park in the area. They’ll play games, do crafts, and keep the kids smiling while you savour a little adult time. 4. Redcliffe & Settlement Cove Lagoon – Seaside Simplicity Best for: Families who love beachy vibes without the Gold Coast drive Parent tip: Ice cream bribery works every time. Redcliffe has everything: playgrounds, water play, markets, fish and chips, and a beautiful foreshore walk. It’s relaxed, uncrowded, and just a short drive from Brisbane. Sitter idea: Why not have a Coastal Babysitter mind the kids at the lagoon while you take a romantic walk along the pier or grab takeaway and enjoy it, shock horror, without needing to cut someone’s food for them? 5. Australia Zoo – Crikey, It’s a Big Day! Best for: Full-day adventure seekers Parent truth: It’s amazing, but tiring. Australia Zoo is a big hit, but it’s also a big day. Between shows, feeding stations, exhibits and bathroom breaks, you might feel like you’ve run a marathon in thongs. Why bring backup: Hiring a babysitter to come along for the day means an extra pair of hands (and eyes!). Our babysitters can take your toddler back to the pram for a nap while you watch the crocodile show with your older one, or even step in for a few hours so you can rest and recharge at a nearby café. 6. Wynnum Wading Pool & Waterpark, Easy, Breezy Fun Best for: Younger kids and laid-back mornings Parent win: Free entry, shady spots, and a gentle vibe. Wynnum’s tidal wading pool is perfect for splashing and paddling. Add a fish ‘n chip picnic on the esplanade and you’ve got a cheap, cheerful day out. Sitter solution: Use
Mums Don’t Want Perfume, They Want Time: The Mother’s Day Gift That Actually Matters
Every May, we start seeing the same old gift guides: candles, perfume, flowers, maybe a facial voucher. But ask any mum what she really wants, and you’ll hear something different, something quieter, but much more powerful. She wants time. Not a rushed brunch while still half-on-duty. Not a bath bomb she won’t get a minute to use. But real, uninterrupted, child-free time to herself. Time to rest.Time to think.Time to remember who she is, outside the role of “Mum.” Because for most of us, the greatest luxury isn’t something you can wrap, it’s a few precious hours where we’re not in charge of anyone but ourselves. When “Me Time” Feels Impossible I’ll never forget the year I was gifted three candles. They were beautiful. But all I could think was, “I don’t need another thing I just need time to light one.” It wasn’t until my partner booked a sitter through Coastal Babysitters and gave me two hours off, completely off, that I finally felt like I could breathe again. No questions.No negotiations.Just time. And it brought a happiness I hadn’t felt in weeks. The Gift Mums Won’t Ask For (But Desperately Need) We’re so used to doing it all, we often don’t ask for help. But if we could say it out loud, it might sound like this: “I need a break from being the default parent.” “I’d love to enjoy a coffee without a toddler climbing on me.” “I wish I had space to just… think.” This is what mums want for Mother’s Day. Not more stuff.They want someone to say, “I see how much you carry let me carry it for a while.” Give Her the Gift of Time Book a BabysitterIt’s the simplest, most thoughtful way to give her time back. Whether it’s three hours to nap, a long lunch with friends, or a peaceful solo walk, our Coastal Babysitters make that space possible. Every sitter is caring, experienced, and here to keep the kids happy and safe while she gets the break she deserves. Let Her Choose the Time She NeedsSome mums want to rest. Others want to reconnect. Don’t guess, ask. And then make it happen. You handle the sitter; she’ll handle the happiness. Think Beyond Just Mother’s DayWhat if time for herself wasn’t a once-a-year treat? Imagine monthly time-outs or regular solo moments built into her calendar. The gift of time doesn’t have to be rare, it can be a ritual. Because Time Is Everything At Coastal Babysitters, we believe the most powerful gift you can give a mum is her time back, time to reconnect with herself, show up as her best self, and simply be. We offer flexible, professional babysitting on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Byron Bay with a 3-hour minimum, because we know that’s just enough time to breathe deeply again. And if you want to give that experience to another mum, we also offer gift vouchers, because time is something worth sharing. So this Mother’s Day, skip the shopping centre. Give her time.Give her space.Give her herself. Because when a mum is given the gift of time, she doesn’t just rest, she remembers who she is. And that’s a happiness she’ll never forget.
What to Ask a Babysitter Before Leaving Your Kids
A guide to smooth handovers, calm hearts, and confident goodbyes You’re heading out the door—finally. Maybe it’s a long-overdue dinner date. Maybe it’s a solo trip to Woolies where no one asks for snacks, needs to pee, or shouts “Muuuum!” in every aisle. But just as your hand touches the doorknob… the doubt creeps in. Did I tell her everything? What if she can’t find the nappies? Wait—did I mention the allergy? Even the most seasoned parents feel that little flutter when leaving their little ones with someone new. And we get it. It’s your heart walking around in tiny shoes. You want to be sure they’re safe, happy, and in calm, capable hands. At Coastal Babysitters, we believe peace of mind starts before you ever leave the house. That’s why we’ve pulled together this simple, go-to checklist to help you feel prepared, confident, and calm when handing over care. So… what should you ask your babysitter before leaving? Here are 10 must-ask questions to make sure everyone’s set up for a great (and safe) experience: Have you cared for children this age before? Every age comes with its own rhythm, quirks, and needs—whether it’s a newborn nap schedule or tween-level sass. Do you know where the emergency contacts and first aid kit are? Even if it’s written down, show them. Twice is better than not at all. Are there any allergies or medical needs I should remind you about? A quick repeat never hurts—especially when it comes to health. Are you comfortable with tonight’s bedtime routine? Walk them through your flow—bottle, bath, book, blankie—and let them know what works (and what really doesn’t). How do you usually handle tricky behaviour or tantrums? This gives you insight into their style and whether it aligns with yours. Can I show you around quickly? Where are the wipes? The nightlight? The hidden stash of emergency crackers? A two-minute tour = less stress later. Is your phone charged and do you have signal here? It sounds obvious, but double-check if you’re in a spotty reception area. Do you feel comfortable calling me if anything comes up? Reassure them—nothing’s too small. Open communication builds trust on both sides. What do you like to do with kids to keep them entertained? This gives you a glimpse of their energy, creativity, and how well they’ll connect. Any questions before I go? Give them space to ask anything they might be unsure about. Bonus Tip: Write it once—use it always We recommend creating a simple “Sitter Info Sheet” you can pop on the fridge with things like: Emergency contacts Bedtime routines Allergy info Favourite snacks House quirks (like that bathroom door that never closes right) It’s a small effort that brings big calm—for you and your babysitter. Not sure where to begin? At Coastal Babysitters, our sitters come prepared with everything they need—plus a warm, professional presence that makes handovers feel easy for parents and fun for kids. You deserve to walk out the door with confidence—and come home to smiling kids, a calm sitter, and maybe even a folded load of washing. With love, Orly x
Why Family-Friendly Corporate Events Are the Future – And How Coastal Babysitters Makes Them Happen
As corporate culture continues to evolve, many companies are looking for ways to ensure that their events cater to the needs of all attendees, including parents. Enter the rise of family-friendly corporate events – a trend that not only boosts attendance but also enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. At Coastal Babysitters, we understand the importance of creating inclusive, family-friendly corporate events. Our professional babysitting services, complete with fun and engaging kids clubs, allow parents to focus on their business responsibilities while their children enjoy a day filled with laughter, learning, and adventure. Based in the Gold Coast and Brisbane, we’ve worked with over 80 companies, including Cricket Australia, Domino’s, and Sheraton Mirage Resort, to provide high-quality childcare at corporate events. Here’s why offering a family-friendly environment at your next event could make all the difference. 1. Boost Attendance and Engagement One of the primary benefits of offering family-friendly corporate events is that it increases overall attendance. Many working parents may shy away from attending conferences or corporate retreats if they can’t find reliable childcare. By offering on-site kids clubs, you eliminate this barrier and allow parents to bring their children along, ensuring they can fully participate in the event without any distractions. At Coastal Babysitters, our fully supervised kids clubs allow children to enjoy a fun and safe environment, leaving parents free to network, attend meetings, and engage in the event’s activities. Whether it’s a large conference or a team-building retreat, knowing their children are in good hands enables parents to focus entirely on the task at hand. 2. Create Lasting Memories for Families Events that cater to families create memorable experiences not just for attendees, but for their children as well. Instead of leaving the kids behind, corporate events become opportunities for families to spend time together in a new and exciting environment. Children can engage in age-appropriate activities while making new friends, and parents can enjoy the event knowing their kids are having just as much fun as they are. At Coastal Babysitters, we tailor our kids clubs to suit the theme of your event. From arts and crafts to games and educational activities, our experienced babysitters ensure that the children are entertained, engaged, and well cared for. Parents can attend keynote speeches or breakout sessions without any concerns, knowing their kids are making lasting memories of their own. 3. Build a Positive Company Image Offering family-friendly corporate events can significantly enhance your company’s reputation as an inclusive and forward-thinking organisation. By providing professional childcare services, you demonstrate that your company values work-life balance and the well-being of employees with children. This not only boosts employee morale but also helps attract talent that prioritises family-friendly workplaces. Partnering with Coastal Babysitters ensures that you provide a high-quality, trusted childcare service at your event. Our experienced team has worked with leading Australian brands to provide seamless and safe childcare solutions, reinforcing your commitment to family inclusivity. 4. Seamless Integration and Customised Experiences At Coastal Babysitters, we know that every corporate event is unique. That’s why we offer customised kids clubs to align with your event’s theme and goals. Whether you’re hosting a conference, product launch, or corporate retreat, we provide tailored childcare experiences that integrate smoothly into your event’s schedule. Our team works closely with event organisers to ensure that the kids’ activities run seamlessly alongside the event, allowing parents to drop their kids off and get back to the business at hand. From craft stations to fun games, we take care of the details so you can focus on what matters most. 5. Ensure a Stress-Free Event for Parents Attending a corporate event can be stressful for parents if they’re constantly worried about how their children are doing. By offering on-site kids clubs, you provide a stress-free solution that gives parents peace of mind. They’ll appreciate the convenience of knowing that their kids are close by and under the care of experienced professionals. At Coastal Babysitters, we create a safe, fun-filled environment where children can play, learn, and engage in activities. Parents can relax and enjoy the event, knowing their kids are in trusted hands. Partner with Coastal Babysitters for Your Next Family-Friendly Event Family-friendly corporate events are not just a trend – they’re the future. At Coastal Babysitters, we’re proud to offer professional, engaging kids clubs that transform your corporate event into a memorable experience for everyone. Whether your event is in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, or beyond, we’re here to make sure that your event is a success, not only for your attendees but for their families too. Ready to create a family-friendly event? Contact Coastal Babysitters today to learn more about how we can help.
DIY Musical Instruments for Kids: Fun and Easy Craft Ideas
We all know how much kids love to make noise – I mean, music! So why not channel that energy into something creative and fun? Making musical instruments from household items is not only a fantastic way to keep your little ones entertained, but it also sparks their creativity and love for music. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity for some quality family time. Of course theres the simple, wooden spoon on pots and pans which the little ones love! But let’s dive into some easy DIY musical instrument projects you can whip up at home and make into a fun craft activity! 1. Shaker Bottles What You’ll Need: Empty plastic bottles (water bottles work great) Rice, beans, or pasta Tape or glue Optional: stickers, paint, or markers for decoration Instructions: Clean and Dry: Make sure your plastic bottles are clean and dry. Fill It Up: Fill the bottles with rice, beans, or pasta – experiment with different materials to see how the sound changes. Seal It: Secure the cap with tape or glue to prevent any spills. Decorate: Let the kids go wild with stickers, paint, or markers to personalize their shakers. 2. Rubber Band Guitar What You’ll Need: Empty tissue box or shoe box Rubber bands of various sizes A paper towel tube (optional) Glue or tape Optional: paint or markers for decoration Instructions: Prepare the Box: Remove any plastic from the tissue box opening. If using a shoe box, cut a circular hole in the center. Stretch the Bands: Stretch rubber bands around the box, over the opening. Use different sizes to create different pitches. Add a Neck: For a guitar neck, tape or glue a paper towel tube to one end of the box. Decorate: Let the kids decorate their guitars to make them truly their own. 3. Tin Can Drums What You’ll Need: Empty tin cans (various sizes) Balloons Scissors Rubber bands Optional: markers or paint for decoration Instructions: Clean the Cans: Make sure the tin cans are clean and free of sharp edges. Make the Drum Head: Cut the end off a balloon and stretch it tightly over the top of the can. Secure It: Hold the balloon in place with a rubber band. Decorate: Let your little ones decorate the tin cans with markers or paint. Drum Away: Use your hands or wooden spoons as drumsticks and let the beat begin! 4. Paper Plate Tambourine What You’ll Need: Two paper plates Jingle bells Hole punch String or yarn Markers or paint for decoration Instructions: Decorate the Plates: Let the kids decorate the bottom sides of the plates. Punch Holes: Punch holes around the edge of the plates, about an inch apart. Add Bells: Thread the string through the holes, adding a jingle bell every few holes. Tie knots to secure the bells. Assemble: Place the plates together with the decorated sides facing out, and finish threading the string around the edge to hold them together. 5. Spoon Maracas What You’ll Need: Plastic spoons Plastic Easter eggs Rice, beans, or beads Tape Optional: markers or stickers for decoration Instructions: Fill the Eggs: Open the plastic Easter eggs and fill them with rice, beans, or beads. Secure with Spoons: Place the filled egg between two plastic spoons. Tape It Up: Use tape to secure the spoons around the egg. Decorate: Add some flair with markers or stickers. Shake Away: Your maracas are ready for some shaking fun! These DIY musical instruments are a fantastic way to get creative with your kids and make some joyful noise together. Plus, they’re perfect for a mini family concert! At Coastal Babysitters, we love seeing families bond over fun and creative activities. So gather your materials, unleash your inner musician, and have a blast making music with your little ones. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media – we’d love to see your DIY instruments in action! Happy crafting!
Best Wedding Venues For Kids on the Gold Coast
Best Wedding Venues For Kids on the Gold Coast. Here at Coastal Babysitters, we’ve had the privilege of providing wedding babysitting services on the Gold Coast to many happy brides and grooms. We’ve seen firsthand what it takes for a venue to be kid-friendly. In our experience, the best wedding venues all share one common strength. Convenience. When everything from the ceremony to the reception and even accommodation are within walking distance of one another, it takes away all the fuss. No car seats, lugging around supplies, resituating in a new space and dealing with the ‘are-we-there-yet’ boredom. Pair that with some space to play and any venue can be kid-friendly. Here are our favourite child-friendly wedding venues on the Gold Coast that will tick all your boxes. Top 5 Kid-Friendly Gold Coast Wedding Venues Summergrove Estate Let’s kick it off with our favourite Gold Coast child-friendly wedding venue, Sommergrove Estate. Sitting atop the Gold Coast hinterland, this place has it all. Say ‘I do’ while looking out over 73 acres of sprawling countryside or opt for a more traditional ceremony in their gorgeous chapel. With accommodation, ceremony locations, and the reception all within walking distance, this is the perfect spot for kids. We’ve provided wedding babysitting services for a few ceremonies here and the little ones love exploring the gardens while the adults enjoy a stress-free day. The Acre – Boomerang Farm Another Gold Coast hinterland gem is The Acre on Boomerang Farm. This farm has been hosting weddings for years, so they know how to make your big day as seamless as possible. Enjoy a private ceremony overlooking Mudgeeraba Creek, then stroll over to the hundred-year-old barn for a picturesque reception while the kids play in the large open green space. EcoStudio Fellini For anything from a small wedding followed by casual cocktails to an extravagant ceremony with a luxurious sit-down reception, check out EcoStudio Fellini. Located in the foothills of Springbrook National Park, there is accommodation available on site and plenty for the kids to explore with outdoor lounges and even a giant chess set. Pacific Beach Function Centre For those who prefer beach vibes over the hinterland, you can’t go wrong with the Pacific Beach Function Centre. Their stretch of beach is on private property, allowing you to get married in peace as the waves roll in behind you with direct access to the dunes and water. From there you can step inside to a fully licensed reception with a large balcony for those romantic sunset views. Bilinga Beach Weddings Love the beach, but don’t want sandy feet on your wedding day? Bilinga Beach Weddings has you covered. Get married on their large private deck that overlooks the ocean, then simply move inside to their function room for your private reception with a view. The kids can explore the beach with a wedding babysitter while you toast the day from the deck. Wedding Babysitting Services Need wedding babysitting services for your Gold Coast wedding? Look no further! Contact us or check out our blog for more information.
