Welcoming a baby into your life is a joyous occasion filled with new experiences and milestones, especially during your maternity leave. As a new mum in the Hornsby Shire, you have a wealth of opportunities to bond with your baby while exploring the local community. Here are some enriching activities or things you can do with your 0 to 12 months old baby that not only support your baby’s development but also nurture your well-being during this special time:
1. Storytime at the Library
Libraries in the Hornsby Shire host free and engaging Bubs and Books sessions designed to introduce your baby to the world of books and music. These sessions incorporate nursery rhymes, songs, and gentle activities that stimulate early language skills and provide a chance for you and your baby to enjoy time together in a supportive environment. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to meet and connect with other mums in the area. Hornsby Library is close to Westfield Hornsby and Pennant Hills Library is close to Pennant Hills Market Place. You can grab lunch there after the sessions. The sessions are free, held every week during the school term, and no booking is required. Refer to the Hornsby Shire Council website for more details.
| Session | Library | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bubs & Books – 0 to 18 months | Hornsby Library | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 11am |
| Bubs & Books – 0 to 18 months | Pennant Hills Library | Wednesdays | 11am |
| Toddler Tales – 18 months to 3 years | Hornsby Library | Mondays | 10am |
| Storytime for Preschoolers – 3 to 5 years | Hornsby Library | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10am |
| Storytime for Preschoolers – 3 to 5 years | Pennant Hills Library | Wednesdays & Fridays | 10am |
| Storytime for Preschoolers – 3 to 5 years | Berowra Library | Fridays | 10.30am |
2. Strolling in the Neighbourhood, Park or Playground
Take leisurely walks with your baby through the picturesque parks and neighborhoods of Hornsby Shire. Fresh air and gentle exercise benefit both of you, offering relaxation and opportunities for your baby to experience new sights and sounds.
| Park or Playground | Suburb | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Ruddock Park Playground | Westleigh | Pram friendly walking paths, kids cycling track, adult exercise equipment, basketball court, near to Westleigh Village (cafes, IGA, ALDI) |
| Wollundry Park Playground | Pennant Hills | Next to Pennant Hills Library (Storytime) and Community Centre, near to Pennant Hills Market Place (cafes, IGA, Harris Farm, Chemist Warehouse, BB Chi), Lilian Fraser Garden (15 mins’ walk away) |
| Cumberland State Forest | Pennant Hills | Pram friendly walking paths, cafe within the forest Cafe Saligna, nursery within the forest Plants Plus |
| Beecroft Village Green | Beecroft | Basketball court, adult exercise equipment, near to Beecroft Station, cafes and Beecroft Place (Woolworths, C9 Ice Cream) and Beecroft Village (Yogurberry) |
| Beecroft Railway Station Gardens Playground | Beecroft | Next to Beecroft Station, cafes, Beecroft Place (Woolworths, C9 Ice Cream) and Beecroft Village (Yogurberry) |
| Berowra Waters Playground | Berowra | Next to the waters and cafe Water Vista Cafe |
| Fagan Park | Galston | Pram friendly walking paths, kids cycling track, 2 playgrounds, children’s forest, 11 themed gardens, lake and kiosk within the park |
| Storey Park Playground | Asquith | Cafe nearby The Dining and Co Hornsby |
| Appletree Park Playground | Cherrybrook | Cafe nearby The Burrow Cherrybrook |
| Lakes of Cherrybrook Playground | Cherrybrook | Opposite Cherrybrook Village (cafes, Woolworths, C9 Ice Cream, Sharetea) |
| James Park | Hornsby | Cafe nearby The Team Coffee |
3. Joining a Mums’ Group or Playgroup
Joining a local playgroup is a wonderful way to engage your baby in structured play activities while also connecting with other parents in Hornsby Shire. Playgroups offer a nurturing environment where babies can learn and explore, and they provide a valuable opportunity for you to build friendships with fellow mums. For more information on finding the right playgroups and mums’ groups, check out our detailed guide here: Mother’s Groups in or around Hornsby.
4. Participating in Baby Friendly Class
Explore Baby Sensory classes where your baby can discover new textures, sounds, and movements. These classes are crafted to enhance sensory development and foster early learning through interactive play sessions. It’s a wonderful opportunity for your baby to explore while you connect with other parents who share similar interests.
Join a GymbaROO class at Pennant Hills Community Centre tailored to support your baby’s physical development through fun and structured activities. These classes promote coordination, strength, and motor skills in a playful setting, providing valuable bonding moments between you and your little one.
For a creative and hands-on experience, check out the Messy Makers sessions at Magpies Waitara. These classes allow your little one to dive into a world of sensory play with paint, textures, and crafts. It’s a fantastic way for your baby to engage their senses and creativity while you enjoy a relaxed, supportive environment with other parents. Messy Makers sessions offer a fun, no-fuss way to let your baby explore and get a little messy!
Consider enrolling in Ready Steady Go Kids program available at PCYC Hornsby Ku-ring-gai, which offer a variety of engaging activities designed to develop your baby’s motor skills and encourage physical activity through structured play. These sessions are perfect for introducing your baby to sports and active play in a fun and supportive environment.
Additionally, My Gym Hornsby in Westfield Hornsby provides a fantastic Baby Sensory program, where babies aged 6 weeks to 6 months can embark on an exciting sensory journey. These classes feature an incredible array of sounds, smells, sights, and textures, all carefully designed to enhance your child’s sensory development while offering parents a chance to connect and share experiences. Plus, the Tiny Tykes class for non-walking babies invites you and your little one to enjoy beginner stretches, songs, and playful activities, promoting physical and cognitive growth. These engaging classes not only nurture your baby’s development but also create a community of supportive parents ready to share in the joys and challenges of raising little ones.
5. Mum and Bub Exercise
Participate in mum and bub classes offered in the Hornsby Shire, where you can focus on postnatal fitness while bonding with your baby. These classes provide a supportive environment for physical activity and offer a chance to meet other mums who are also prioritizing their well-being.
| Fitness Centre | Suburb | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Love Pilates | Beecroft | Mums and bubs (postnatal) barre, pilates reformer and tower classes |
| Fernwood Hornsby | Hornsby | Women’s only gym with childcare facility available within the club |
| Millennium Health Club | Waitara | Gym with childcare facility called Mini Mills |
| Phoenix Fitness For Women | Waitara | Mums and bubs fitness specialist/personal training |
| Moving Bodies Centre | Mount Ku-ring-gai | Adult fitness classes with creche provided on site |
Introduce your baby to the water through baby swimming lessons available in many swimming centres in the Hornsby Shire. These classes (with one parent in the water) focus on water safety and early swimming skills, providing enjoyable bonding experiences between you and your baby in a safe and supervised environment.
| Swimming Centre | Suburb | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Carlile Swimming Cherrybrook | Cherrybrook | Waterbabies classes for babies from 3 months old |
| Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre – Aquafun Swim School | Hornsby | Parent and Bub (Periwinkles) classes for babies from 6 months old |
| Swimtastic | Hornsby | Water Introduction classes for babies from 4 months old |
| Hornsby Learn to Swim | Hornsby | Silly Seaweeds classes for babies from 6 months old |
6. Shopping Centre Outings
Visit local shopping centres in the Hornsby Shire such as Westfield Hornsby and Castle Towers. These outings are perfect for rainy days and offer undercover convenience. Shopping centres often provide parent-friendly amenities like change rooms for nappy changes, breastfeeding areas, and clean toilets. It’s a practical way to shop for essentials, enjoy a coffee break, and expose your baby to new surroundings, all while having easy access to essential facilities. There is also a baby friendly play area in Westfield Hornsby.
7. Peanut App for Social Connections
Find mum friends and stay connected with other mums in the Hornsby Shire through the Peanut app. This platform facilitates friendships and playdate arrangements, allowing you to share experiences and support with like-minded parents in your community.
Conclusion
Embrace the opportunities available in the Hornsby Shire to enrich your maternity leave experience and nurture your baby’s growth and development. Whether you’re exploring local libraries, joining classes, or connecting with other mums through social platforms, each activity contributes to a fulfilling journey of parenthood. Cherish these moments of bonding and exploration, knowing that you’re creating lasting memories and fostering a strong foundation for your baby’s future.