by Rebecca Formston (follow)

Useful Lists (19)     

The Central Mums Useful Lists are a quick reference to some of the most helpful, fun and important places in Central Coast. Our lists are continually updated and cover the best places for kids and parents across Central Coast.

When you're a mum to little ones, it's a good idea to get everyone out of the house to go to an activity and socialise with other kids (and other mums). Joining activities and clubs are a great idea, but often can be a bit pricey. Playgroups are a great weekly activity to do with your child/ren without it involving too much cost, yet still gaining plenty of benefits for you and your little ones.

Playgroups are weekly groups for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and usually run throughout term time. There is sometimes a small weekly cost for the whole family or just a piece of fruit as a contribution to the morning tea and some playgroups have a "chores" roster to ensure it runs efficiently. During the few hours you spend at Playgroup, you and your child/ren can expect to join in with a number of exciting activities, such as arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor play, singing, story time and morning tea.

Central Mums asked our mums in our Facebook discussion group about their experiences and recommendations for playgroups and we've compiled a list below of everyone's favourites.

In regards to the benefits of playgroup, one of our mums said "I think so much of finding the right playgroup for you and your kids is about knowing the options, knowing your kids and what you want them to get out of it/be exposed to and then finding other mums and kids that you have a connection with. I feel so grateful to have found a few playgroups like this, it can be an opportunity to build a great support network as well."

Noah's Ark Playgroup, Erina

Day: Wednesday and Thursday
Time: 9.30am-11.30am
Where: The Salvation Army, 120-140 The Entrance Road, Erina
Cost: $55 per term per family

Noah's Ark Playgroup in Erina is definitely a popular choice amongst local mums. It's run twice a week and has lots of activities for the kids to get involved in.

"It's amazing! There's a different theme each week with loads of games and crafts etc" - Central Mums Member

The Entrance Community Centre Playgroup, The Entrance

Day: Wednesday
Time: 10am-12pm
Where: The Entrance Community Centre, 15 Battley Avenue, The Entrance
Cost: Free

At The Entrance Community Centre Playgroup, you'll find plenty to keep the kids entertained. There's a variety of activities on offer, plus a fully fenced playground and a cafe. Cost to join is free in exchange for helping to set up and pack away and morning tea is provided for the children. This Playgroup comes highly recommended by one of our group members.

"It's fabulous. Lots of people with kids all ages, different areas set up which I love (gross motor play area, fine motor/cognitive/ arts crafts in another area, a fenced playground and story/music time.) It's great!" - Central Mums Member

Bateau Bay Montessori Playgroup, Bateau Bay

Day: Wednesday
Time: 10am-12pm
Where: Bateau Bay Community Hall, Bateau Bay Road, Bateau Bay
Cost: $5 (plus annual Playgroup NSW $39 annual insurance fee)

This Montessori Playgroup meets regularly at the Bateau Bay Community Hall and by arrangement at BUPA Aged Care in Bateau Bay once a month.

"The playgroup holds some of it's sessions at an aged care facility, which allows the children and elderly to integrate and both parties gain a lot from this." - Central Mums Member

Terrigal Uniting Church Playgroup, Terrigal

Day: Wednesday
Time: 10am-12pm
Where: Terrigal Uniting Church, Terrigal Drive, Terrigal
Cost: $4 per person

Suited for children aged 0-6, playgroup runs for two hours with lots of fun happening: toys, craft, story and singing time plus an outdoor area to play in.

"It's a real welcoming environment and the range of activities and things to play with are great!" - Central Mums Member



Gosford Seventh-Day Adventist Church Playgroup, Narara

Day: Wednesday
Time: 9am
Where: Gosford Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 71-73 Deane Street, Narara
Cost: $3 per child or $4 per family per week

Playgroup at Narara offers a huge indoor and outdoor space with plenty of activities and toys to choose from. Your little ones will be kept busy and you'll get to meet lots other local mums too.

"It has a great group of mums and kids- a fun weekly craft, morning tea, circle time and lots of free play." - Central Mums Member

PEG Nature Playgroup

Day: Thursday
Time: Varies
Where: Varies (Woy Woy, Umina, Ettalong)
Cost: Free

Peninsula Environmental Group runs a Nature Playgroup for under 5s and their parents at various locations for picnics, bush walks, park visits and rockpool rambles. A perfect way to get your kids outdoors and exploring nature. Meeting dates and places are arranged on their Facebook page.

"A great group of mums and kids who meet at different areas on the coast to explore, bush walk, connect- its amazing!" - Central Mums Member

Central Coast Rudolf Steiner School Playgroup

Day: Friday
Time: Morning
Where: Central Coast Rudolf Steiner School, 10 Catamaran Road, Fountaindale
Cost: $20 per week

A playgroup set within the beautiful Central Coast Steiner school is a wonderful way to introduce your child (and maybe yourself) to the Steiner education, especially if you are considering sending your child to the school.

"It has a strong rhythm and is beautiful- it's my three year old's favourite activity." - Central Mums Member

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