Six Of The Best Destination Stores For Kids when it❜s Hot Or Cold

By: Serina Hajje, ellaslist

It’s So Hot
Now what?
How about taking them shopping?
WHAT! Aren’t kids and shops a tornado just waiting to happen?

Well, here are a couple of stores that are perfect for a hot weather day activity with the kids. From in-store events and gardening to playgrounds and toys, these shops are truly kid-friendly! Check out our picks for the best big stores for kids.

1. IKEA

 This mammoth store has everything a house and kid wants! Roam around the children’s section and see all the cool and inspiring designs that are sure to capture your child’s imagination. From bookshelf castles to cupboard houses, IKEA doesn’t just suggest designs but encourages kids to participate in making them! There are also toys scattered around and a lovely gardening section for the little ones that have a passion for nature! When ‘playing house’ loses its shine, head to IKEA’s cafe where a range of meals for kids and parents are available at great prices.
And if you want to shop in peace, don’t forget about Småland, Ikea’s free supervised play area. Available for kids aged 3-10 for supervised 1-hour sessions.

Where?
Stores in Tempe, Marsden Park and Rhodes

When?
Weekdays: 10am – 9pm
Weekends: 9am – 7pm

2. Bunnings Warehouse

 Bunnings is a hot-day favourite. Head straight to the garden section to pick a flower or herb to plant. Or unleash your kids on the outdoor furniture area where they can clamber over the chairs or try out the cubby houses that are often set up. Some Bunnings offer indoor playgrounds and a number of stores also hold free Kids D.I.Y. Workshops where they’ll make fun, creative projects like toolboxes, toy trucks, planter boxes and painting projects. On weekends, there are free balloons, face-painting and sausage sizzles on offer.

 

3. Big W

Ignore the clothes section and let the kids sprint to the toys and books! Most toys are wrapped safely in boxes but there are plenty of balls left around and toys with plenty of buttons to press. And of course, there’s a book section dedicated to kids of all ages, so let them take down a few books and enter the magical world of reading.

4. Pubs

This may not technically be classified as a destination store, it’s certainly a place that can shelter some bored kids on a hot day. We’ve listed the best kid friendly pubs in Sydney, all of them offering not just kid menus but entertainment, playgrounds, arts and crafts, jumping castles, face painting and more! Check out Sydney Most Family Friendly Pubs.

5. Toys R Us

This needs very little explanation. It’s Sydney’s mega-toy store that beats all toy stores. From baby toys to cubby houses, there’s a toy for everyone here. There’s also a wheels section where kids of all ages can try out some of the bikes on display. Toys R Us also hosts in-store events like the Lalaloopsy Show or Peppa Pig Meet ’n Greet. Be sure to check out what events are happening at your store.

 

6. Shopping Malls

Nothing beats a shopping mall in the rain! Most of the big malls offer an indoor playground, conveniently placed near chairs and a cafe. We usually have a hot-day mall trail consisting of a visit to the pet shop, ABC shop (only if you’re feeling strong enough to resist the ‘please mummy, can I have this Banana/Emma Wiggle/Peppa Pig’), lunch at the food court and then as many rides you can afford on those $2 mechanical ride-on’s. Many of the shopping centres also run free or super-cheap activities during the spring school holidays.
Check out the Best Indoor Playgrounds in Shopping Malls.

Where?
Various malls throughout Sydney.