Boat house on the lake at Ripponlea

Ever struggled to come up with something that’s interesting but a little different to do on a Sunday afternoon with the kids?  Of course there are playgrounds, parks, museums, playcentres and the like.  But have you ever considered the historic and heritage societies like National Trust who manage historic mansions, castles, and other properties of note in your area?  They are starting to turn on the fun for kids and families to attract a younger (in this case very) crowd.

While living in the UK I belonged to National Trust (mostly historic houses) and English Heritage (mostly castles) each for a year so I could take in these famous places.  While like any good gallery or museum these days they all have the obligatory colouring tables for kids to keep them busy while you rush around the historic site the move is towards big event days usually during holidays to attract big crowds (sometimes too big) of locals as well as tourists.   The same can be said in the USA, Europe and elsewhere where there are some many options for leisure that it important to stand out and be noticed for special activities. 

And now living in Melbourne, while there is no where near as many historic houses as in the UK the selection rests well on the impression of Melbourne as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Well kept gardens and well thought through activities are the order of the day for enjoying the outdoors with the historic house/ building a bonus if you have the time.  Places like Como House and Rippon Lea estate have beautiful gardens close to the city and are easily accessible, while National Trust has recently reopened the Polly Woodside, a famous sailing ship set outside on the Yarra River with set days of great activities for the kids.

Ripponlea House, Melbourne

Conveniently I’m living around the corner from Ripponlea Estate, which for over a century was occupied by only two families but is now owned and run by the National Trust Victoria.  Famous both for the expansive and beautiful gardens and the Ripplea Bear (based on the teddy bear of one of the girls who first lived on the estate over 140 years ago) Ripponlea is a tranquil oasis close to the city.

Today I took my three kids to Ripponlea for a “Summer Session” held every Sunday from noon-4pm until the end of March.  It was a great way to spend the afternoon as my kids tried croquet and mini tennis on the lawns in between making badges and getting their face painted and other supervised craft activities.  And all the time a band played some soothing Jazz while families and friends sat on picnic blankets relaxing.

Sunday session at Ripponlea

An afternoon very hard to beat so if in Melbourne or anywhere around the world take another look at National trust or those heritage societies near you  – they probably have some events on that are fun for you and the family! And the bonus is that you help preserve the wonderful historic buildings and gardens in your area so you can keep enjoying them for years to come.

Note: Ripponlea estate is free for National Trust members but otherwise costs for garden only ($7 Adult & $2 child) or for garden and the house ($12 Adult & $6.50 Child)

Ripponlea is open 10am – 5pm seven days a week.

A Teddy’s bear picnic is another big event popular with the kids held every year in February.  For 2011 its Sunday 27 Feb from 10am – 4pm.