Carol Stovold Quality Kidz qualitykidz.co.nz

Nothing is worse than having a bevy of bored children on your hands - and running out of ideas to keep them occupied. Here are a few more low cost suggestion to keep your children entertained in the last weeks of the school holidays in the wonderful Bay of Plenty.

Tauranga marinas

The marinas at Sulphur Point and the harbour bridge are well worth a visit for children interested in boats. They are open during daylight hours to walk along the piers and see various boats, from yachts to launches. A favourite game is to make up stories about where they might travel, and then research those places either on the internet or at the library. Get the children to try their hand at building their own boats and getting them to float.

Neighbourhood reserves and playgrounds

Most urban areas have a neighbourhood reserve or playground. A great way to explore the neighbourhood is to take the children for a walk to find the ones nearest you. Most playgrounds will have climbing and swinging equipment. Taking a picnic lunch or morning tea is often a good idea as all that running around builds up an appetite. As the children get older an extension idea is to draw maps about how to get there; how many different ways can the children find? Memorial Park in Tauranga is one of the better playgrounds with climbing equipment and space for all ages. Further information on parks and reserves or walkways around Tauranga can be found at http://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council-facilities.aspx

Marshalls Farm

Situated near McLaren Falls Park, Marshalls Animal Farm, is 35 acres of friendly animals and fun. Children are able to feed and play with a host of farmyard animals and see the unusual Tibetan yaks, giant African ostriches, Texas longhorns, several breeds of sheep, deer, goats, birds, pigs, and horses from the mighty shire to cute minatures. Also fun are pony rides for children, the flying fox and playground, and bottle-feeding lambs, kids and piglets. There is an entrance fee.

McLaren Falls Park

Just 15 minutes drive from Tauranga off State Highway 29 is McLaren Falls Road. Part way up the road bordering Lake McLaren is a park land and native bush park. The park has accommodation, camping, public toilets, coin-operated gas barbecues and picnic areas. There are also a number of great walks in the park including an easy one to a waterfall. The lake is usually full of waterfowl including ducks and swans, and for a wonderful day out, take along some stale bread to feed them, have a picnic, a bush walk and cool off with a swim in the lake.

Community swimming pools

There are several pools in the Mount Maunganui area including the hot salt water pools, the indoor pool Bay Wave near Bayfair Shopping Centre, Fernland Spa in Tauranga and the Greerton community pools. More information on them and how to get there can be found at http://www.tcal.co.nz/