Last year we got a grant from the Community Bank on Queens Parade, and with it we built a playstation - a bit different from the tiny ones on our fence - but just as fun!

This one stands by itself - and it includes doors and peep holes, and features famous art, and little bags of treasures, along with spot the difference games … and more.

We had it out for our end of year market last year, but with our backyard complete it has found a new permanent (or semi-permanent) home under our verandah.

Next time you are here with kids pop and out the back and take a look. It is super creative (thanks Lee)! And provides hours of cute fun.

We were delighted to welcome back many of our playgroup friends from last year today.

Our Wednesday playgroup runs from 10am-12pm and is suitable for parents, carers and grandparents to attend - with their littlest darlings (of course)!

We set up activities each week, have tea and coffee available (or the cafe is just next door … and you can borrow a mug from us to minimise waste) and we have staff on hand to facilitate introductions if you feel a little shy the first time you come along!

Our playgroup is primarily run outside in our front garden, but we also set up a space inside with toys if you prefer an indoor experience.

No need to book in, just bring your snacks and a hat and come along! All welcome.

Looking for a friendly venue for a play on Wednesday mornings? Come along and visit our garden (and indoor space when the weather isn’t so great!) between 10am-12pm.

You can grab a coffee from the local shops or pack your snacks and just come on in. We have a sandpit and cute cubby for imaginative play, and Lee puts out a little suitcase with changing art and craft supplies each week - so there’s always something to keep the littlies busy.

This is a free program that anyone is welcome to attend.

Did you know if we have a new weekend playgroup on at ACC - for Italian speaking families? If you are interested in coming along and joining some young families in our garden then the next one is on Saturday13 May and then on every second Saturday for the rest of the term. The cost is $20 per term to join and you can book in on our website here.

The Twilight Kindergarten Open Evenings are a fantastic opportunity for parents of future kinder aged children to visit local kinders and make a truly informed decision about which kindergarten is the best fit for their family. 16 different kinders in the City of Darebin are participating in this event this year.

As many young families already know, it useful to start looking for a kindergarten program early as enrolment processes vary across Victoria.

Local kindergartens will be open for tours between 6pm and 8pm on:

• Thursday 23 March – kindergartens north of Bell Street

• Tuesday 28 March – kindergartens south of Bell Street

To find out which kinders are part of the program and how to book in head over to the Darebin Council link here.