Lennon Boulevard, Point Cook


Location:

The park is located in the middle of, what I call, a gigantic roundabout, on Lennon Boulevard. There are lots of cycle paths around it, BBQ’s, a half court basketball court, and swings and slides.  I drive past it daily, and had noticed that it appeared to be a great height for Jack. The slide is smaller than normal, with plenty of easy-to-climb things for both the little ones, and the slightly bigger ones. The only downside is the lack of parking and Lennon Boulevard has a lot of passing traffic.

 

Equipment:

  • mini slide, medium slide
  • bendy bridge
  • climbing ramp with footholds
  • window and door cubby house
  • tunnel
  • monkey bars
  • climbing balance poles
  • swings located in opposite section of park
  • half-court basketball court
  • cycle/walking paths

Jack liked:

the mini slide as he was able to climb straight up it, and felt comfortable enough to go down by himself. He also liked the ramp to climb up that had footholds and molded handholds in it. The moving, bendy bridge was a new one for him. He wasn’t too sure about walking over it unless I was holding his hand. He decided the safest way to get across it, was to slide on his tummy, do a 180 degree turn, and then crawl back up, after he got to the lowest part. Definitely one of the more toddler friendly parks that I have come across (so far).

Village Kids, Werribee Zoo playground

Location:

At the Werribee Zoo (K Road, Werribee)! Has a grassed area nearby and picnic tables to sit and watch the kids at play. Plenty of shady trees as well. The zoo has heaps of different play areas (water play at the hippo beach during summer, for example). So this will definitely be a work in progress post.

Equipment:

  • swings
  • climbing apparatus
  • tower
  • balls to slide along the poles
  • slide

Jack liked:

sliding the balls along the poles.  He liked hearing them clunk against each other as they reached the bottom. Jack climbed the stairs to the top tower. To be honest, we didn’t stay too long, as the day we were there, the bees were swarming in the trees at the back of the playground. I didn’t really feel up to finding out how Jack would go if he got stung, so decided that I’ll have to come back soon.

 

Sidney Nolan Park, Point Cook

Location:

The park is located along Bronhill Vista, between Tom Roberts Parade & Palmers Avenue. There’s plenty of parking along the edge and there’s walking/ cycling tracks through the park.  There are mature trees in the area and BBQ’s close by. Most of the park is tanbark, with a few rubber spots under the swings.

Equipment:

  • 2 x standard swings
  • 2 x baby swings
  •  smaller slide suitable for toddlers
  • larger double slide
  • lots of climbing equipment
  • monkey bars/ rings
  • springy bouncy thing
  • moving board
  • spring see saw

Jack liked:

the cubby house window- he thought peekaboo was a bit of fun. We were there with a few other kids and Jack is at the age that older kids fascinate him. He tried climbing on everything, but he is not comfortable with the ramps to get to the slides, when they have holes in them.

 

Tom Roberts Parade Point Cook

Location:

Nossal Drive & Tom Roberts Parade Point Cook. All tanbark play area, plenty of grassed area for playing. Bike/walking path through the park.

Equipment:

  • 3 choices of slide sizes
  • 2 swings (1 suited for baby/toddler)
  • 4 springy bugs (grasshopper, ladybird, bumblebee, snail)
  • easy climb ramps similar to rock climbing wall
  • metal platforms that were feeling warm to touch (it was a warm day)
  • plenty of seats to watch the kids play
  • Soccer field with metal nets

Jack liked:

Being able to climb up different platforms especially the ramp with the footholds in it. He also enjoyed chasing the magpies. I wish there was more shade over the playground, but there are at least a few trees around.

Hargrave Park, Point Cook

 

Location:

Corner Hargrave Avenue & Kingsford Drive, Point Cook (Kingsford Estate). There is another (very cool) park just up from here that I’m yet to try out.
The park has bike paths circling the equipment, and plenty of open space to kick a ball. There are BBQ facilities, with some cover as well as a water tap (drinking fountain including one for the puppies). Mostly tanbark, with a few soft, rubber areas.

Equipment:

  • New park with modern equipment
  • swings including baby/toddler safe harness
  • curly tunnel slide, medium slide, large slide
  • lots of climbing equipment (tad out of age range for poor Jack)
  • rubber climbing mound with foot/hand holds
  • springy bus (steering wheel moves)

Jack liked:

The BUS! I had to pry him away from it, and then he screamed all the way to the car! He could sit and turn the wheel, stand up and bounce, and get on the bus floor and try and clear away all the tan bark on the bottom of it. When I first got to the park, I thought Jack may have had fun on the rubber mound, until we got closer. It is steeper than I thought and I had to guide him up. Thankfully he knows how to slide his way back down safely. The smallest slide was too hard for him to reach by himself – I think there were 3 platforms that he had to climb up. This is a great park, but more suited to when Jack will be taller and able to climb.

Cherry Lake Altona

Location:
Off Millers Road, set at Cherry Lake. The lake itself provides a 3.5km walking track, with heaps of bird life to keep Jack entertained. Great paths for those that have little ones also going on bikes.

Equipment:

  • Several sets of swings, both baby ones and bigger kid ones
  • soft fall walking path
  • ramps
  • slides
  • seesaw
  • balls to push back and forth (as pictured – have no idea what they are actually called)
  • disabled swing
  • lots to climb
  • another playground section for the older kids (which I didn’t really look at)
  • beginners skate park
  • huge grassed areas
  • toilets, BBQ’s – always popular with large gatherings for catch ups and parties

Jack liked:
the soft fall surface. At this point in time, Jack had only been taking steps, so we hadn’t been putting shoes on him. The surface enabled him to wander around, without getting tanbark all over his feet. The surface was under several pieces of equipment, up the ramps, and around the park. The ramps had rails so he could hold onto them and walk along them. He was also happy to see the birds.

Apex Park Altona

Location:
On Queen Street, opposite the golf club. Close to the off lead dog area, and to the walking/cycling path through to Altona or Altona Meadows. Is also within toddler walking steps to the beach. Has BBQ’s and drinking fountains close by. If you’re not a dog lover I’d probably avoid this park, as many people walk their dogs past and they stop for a drink at the fountain. Extremely quiet when I was there though.

Park Equipment:

  • Smaller slide for the littlies, a medium size for the bigger kids.
  • baby/toddler swing with chain
  • normal swing
  • tanbark around equipment
  • numerous climbing pieces

Jack enjoyed:
watching the kite surfers (from a distance). One decided to come along the beach, and Jack wasn’t exactly thrilled with that. We also had numerous planes come over and Jack liked pointing those out.

Travelling overseas – what to pack

With the chance of another upcoming trip overseas very soon, I thought I had better  get around to writing those tips. You know,  those tips that were meant to be really helpful, just in case anyome else was planning on travelling, or for myself, to remember, just in case I needed them again? Well, a few months have now passed, we’ve had Christmas, New Years and I’ve been back at work. For the life of me, I can’t remember what I packed. but I guess I better start thinking about it!

I remember that travelling long hours on a plane is not exactly a picnic in the park, but the end result makes it all worth while. Jack was 11 months last time when we flew to the states. He wasn’t walking, but was still an active and inquisitive little guy. This time we fly, I have a funny feeling that both James and I will be walking the aisles, to not only attempt to wear him out, but to also keep our sanity. Having an energetic (will be) 17 month old could be fun, bouncing on our knees for 14 hours. Last time I packed so many toys, puppets, books and I think Jack got most of his enjoyment from the seat belt, my headphone cables, the empty plastic cups that the air hostesses gave us, and the safety card. This time, I know I’ll still pack way too much. Stacking cups were a must, the soft ball was useful, and as Jack always likes books,, a small book was great to take. I’ll have to try and find some new things to pack, to entertain Jack for all of those 10 minute blocks. Maybe a new book, a puzzle, or even some colouring things. Guess I’ll never be able to sit and watch movies after movies, to make the time fly!

I’ll have to remember to pack an overabundance of nappies and wipes. A few changes of clothes, are worthwhile, and will definitely include a spare top for me. Panadol/nurofen are other essentials to include in the nappy bag. Oh and a dummy, or 2 or 3! Last time it was easier on take off and landing as I was still breastfeeding, so hopefully Jack’s ears cause him no pain this time.

We will also take the Mountain Buggy nano stroller as it folds up to nothing. We’ll check it through to LAX, as I have my Tula baby carrier for use in the airports and on the plane. I don’t know how parents with little ones can do airport transfers without a carrier. It’s so easy to throw Jack up on my back, and then at least I have my arms and shoulders free for all the other luggage that will need to be carried.

The list so far:
Nappy bag:

  • panadol, nurofen, bonjela
  • 10 nappies (travel day) More spares in luggage
  • sudocrem
  • stacking cups, musical toy, soft cuddle toy
  • book, flash cards, sticker book/ colouring in book
  • playdough?
  • 2 x tshirts, 2 x soft comfy pants, 1x jumper (Jack)
  • change of top for me
  • change mat (nappy clutch)
  • wipes, nappy bags
  • spill cloth, sticky finger wipes
  • Snacks – Jam sandwich, banana, pre-packaged biscuits, yoghurt drops, muesli bars, anything that will fit in the trap-a-snack.

Handbag:

  • headphones, headphone jack
  • pen
  • phone charger, mobile, fitbit charger, pebble charger
  • wallet
  • passport
  • jacks water bottle
  • dummy & chain
  • band aids, lip balm
  • sunglasses

General luggage
The average temperature in Vegas is around 21-24 degrees when we are there, so it should be quite pleasant for all the walking that will be done. Clothes wise, I aim to pack light, hopefully I’ll end up visiting the outlets and shopping centres and picking up a few bits and pieces. The overnight temperature drops to around 10 degrees so will still need a jacket to take the chill off the air.

  • spare nappies and wipes (in case I don’t get the chance to go shopping on the first day)
  • swimming bathers
  • Jack’s sleeping bag
  • comfy shoes, nicer pair of shoes
  • 1 x nice outfit to head out
  • jeans
  • jumper, cardi
  • Jack’s hat
  • sunscreen
  • shorts, crops
  • singlets
  • oh and repeat for  hubby, except he won’t need the nappies 😉

I’ll edit and update this with photos when the time gets closer…