Let’s be honest, no mum actually likes taking their kids shopping. Most of us would prefer to meander without little ones tugging at us, wanting something and whining endlessly. But sometimes you have no choice. This is where shopping centres with play areas come in handy. They can also make for a fun, free activity if it’s raining or stinking hot. And bonus points of course if they’re next to a café! Here are some local options in the Hills.
Castle Towers
Castle Mall Shopping Centre had a pirate ship play area for kids and it moved to Castle Towers. It’s located outside the Gold Class Event Cinemas and a good pit stop for young kids.
HomeCo. Castle Hill
HomeCo. Castle Hill has a little play area to keep your kids occupied while you take a break from homewares and furniture shopping. For those not familiar with HomeCo. Castle Hill there are actually two buildings – North end and South end. You have to head outside to go from one to the other.
The play area is located in the South end just outside Toymate on level 1. It is very simple with a little slide, a wall activity station and then an area where you can pretend to captain a boat.
Kellyville Village
Located on the outside of Kellyville Village by the Local Trade cafe, this play space is fully fenced and has a shade cloth over the top. You’re bound to meet another Hills District Mum here – the place is swarming with them! Watch the kids though as the gate gets opened non-stop.
North Rocks Shopping Centre
North Rock Shopping Centre has a new outdoor play area located near the entrance to Kmart and right next to a cafe. It’s split into two play areas – one side for kids aged 2 – 5 years and the other side for kids aged 6 – 9 years.
They also have a smaller play area that sits outside Pronto Cafe. It;s an ideal size for toddlers and preschoolers.
Rouse Hill Town Centre
There are several great play areas at Rouse Hill Town Centre.
Located in the Coles quad next to Oliver Brown, The Backyard is great for age 2 and up to about 8 years of age. Fully fenced (although older kids could probably scale it) this is a great play area for kids to explore and climb.
The Play Terrace is another area for younger children to climb, explore and imagine in a safe, open air environment. This undercover playground fence and soft fall for your piece of mind. Located in the Woolworths Quad, at the back of the food terrace
There’s also the Secret Garden if you’re feeling like some sunshine, peace and open space. Located in the Woolworths Quad. Accessible via the stairs on Library Lane or via the lifts next to Hairhouse Warehouse.
Stanhope Village
Stanhope Village has two play areas. The first one is located indoors just outside The Leaf Cafe. It has a cute cubby house and other things to explore. It’s enclosed but not fully fenced. The play equipment is cushioned, padded and squishy. In technical terms the ground is soft fall with latex covered foam-padded equipment.
The is a new one outside that is better for pre-schoolers/older kids.
Grove Square – The Hills (previously Stockland Baulkham Hills)
Stockland Baulkham Hills combined with Touched by Olivia to create a play space that’s pretty cool! It’s now also fully shaded – tick! It’s great for kids with big imaginations. It’s also got a cafe on each side and you can sit down in them and still supervise your kids.
Winston Hills Mall
The Children’s play area is located in the Food Court at Winston Hills Mall and is a great place for children to have fun, whilst visiting the Centre. Conveniently located near the food outlets and bathroom amenities including the parents room. The play area has one central entry / exit point to the space plus dedicated seating to help make supervision of your children easy and comfortable. The play equipment is suitable for toddlers up to primary school age children.
