We booked 3 nights in Healesville with our toddler and it hasn't stopped raining (and looks like it will until we leave Thursday!)
We were hoping to go to Warburton, do some walks, few wineries (sit on the grass outside and have a few wines), maybe the Redwood Forest etc.
Any ideas of what we can do with a toddler up this way?
Booked! Thankyou
Thanks. Doesn't look too good with a toddler under 2 unfortunately. Thanks
TBH, the list of planned activities aren't really focussed on your toddler.
Wineries are actually pretty good with toddlers. My kids love the outdoor areas, and chomping on crackers and fruit while mum and dad have a glass of wine. Much less stressful than being in doors tbh, and everyone has a good time
I've taken my kids bushwalking since they were tiny, kids love to be out in nature, plenty of flora and fauna to see. Also lots of colours, textures, sounds etc, great for kids. The winery also allows them to just run around on the grass, which is great fun when you are little, also a good time to try different foods.
Indoor activities like the ones at home (bring your own toys).
Yeah, the weather forecast isn't too promising. Hope it will only have a shower or two.
What to do in Yarra Valley with a toddler when it's wet?
Just change their nappy.
Any holiday with a child under 2 is just the same shit different location.
So just do what you would normally do at home but you are in a different location.
Source: both of my kids were under 2 at one stage.
Put on your rain jacket, gumboots, and go outside for a walk. Kid would love it
Then go get a hot chocolate at the chocolaterie
I second this!!! what toddler doesn't love muddy puddles? Also, don't be a grinch.. get in there slashing with them. You will both have a messy blast, then a hot shower and hot chocolate all around!!
I assume splashing, “slashing” is a whole different family dynamic. :)
My toddler isn’t a big fan of getting wet and messy - I think my fault as I tend to avoid it because the clean up is a pain. Jumping in puddles is definitely better for kids, probably should have made more of an effort with this.
I'm not a toddler but this sounds like a damn fun day.
If you're looking for somewhere to eat this place has a great kids corner right up the back. Games and busy boards to keep the little one occupied.
https://matildabay.com/
If the weather clears up this winery has a courtyard with games and activities for kids too (big chess, balls, etc.).
https://www.oakridgewines.com.au/
Discovered this one on our last visit. This winery does seated tastings with spots outside and a huge grassy area adjacent. You can sit have a tasting whilst the little one runs around.
https://puntroadwines.com.au/
Zoo is also great for little ones, big playground in there but no good in the wet. Not a lot of indoor areas.
Redwood would still be nice even for a few minutes
Yep just got back from there, really nice!
You dry the toddler off and go and do whatever you like once you have dried it.
Go for a walk at the Rainforest Gallery just outside of Warburton. It's fantastic in the rain walking on the catwalk in the tree tops. It even has a small stream which would be flowing quite well with all the rain.
No indoor areas in the sanctuary? (its been a long time since I last went!)
There might be a public library open with some age appropriate activities and/or toys.
Yarra Valley Chocalaterie is lovely. They have really good ice creams and light meals and the views are gorgeous.
I know with my toddlers, a pair of gumboots and puddles is about 10 hrs worth of free entertainment. Just watch they dont get too cold, kids dont feel it till its too late but they burn energy and keep warm if its not too cold as well as wet.
There is an old saying
“Sweater, n. Garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly.
― Ambrose Bierce, The Unabridged Devil's Dictionary
http://www.yvr.org.au/timetable/
Could do this tomorrow (only open Wed). My toddler loves trains!