Coast bound? 5 places to take the kids near the Bay this weekend

If you’re heading to the coast this weekend and have assumed most things will be closed – think again!

There’s loads on around Batemans Bay this Easter; so if you need some inspiration for things to do with the kids, have a squiz at our list below.

Blessing of the Fleet Festival in Ulladulla.

Held each year on Easter Sunday, the festival is jam-packed with live music, rides, Easter hat parades, market stalls and food vans. And you have to see the Blessing of the Fleet street parade to believe it. Let’s just say the entire town gets involved; with floats inspired by songs, movies and musicals and even local heroes.

The festival kicks off at 9am, and ends in fireworks over Ulladulla Harbour at 8pm. More information at the Blessing of the Fleet website.

Mini golf near the IGA at Tomakin.

Every single member of the family is covered at Crackajack Golf located at The Moorings (next to the IGA at Tomakin).

There’s 18 holes of mini golf for the kids, aqua golf for the teens and an actual nine hole, Par 3 course for those who know how to play.

You don’t need to book for mini or aqua golf, but you do need to book for 9 holes. Bring your own clubs or hire clubs, and kids under 16 need supervision for aqua golf.

Open Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday between 9am and 4.30pm. Located at 2152 George Bass Drive, Tomakin.

Saturday morning markets at Moruya.

From piping hot cinnamon donuts and fresh fruit and vegetables to bric-a-brac and hand-stitched clothing for the kids, it’ll take you a good couple of hours to stroll through everything at the Moruya Country Market.

The best part is you’re right on the banks of the Moruya River, with a playground and the main street within walking distance if you want to explore more of Moruya after the markets.

Saturday 30 March from 7.30am to 12.30pm on Ford Street, Moruya.

Ice cream at Mogo.

The Mogo Ice Creamery had a stunning retro makeover last year and makes for an Instagram-worthy treat in the afternoon. Ice cream flavours at HWY1 include traditionals like chocolate and strawberry, and some unusual flavours like ginger and liquorice for those a little more daring.

There’s a sandpit for the little kids and you’re right in the heart of Mogo so when you’ve finished your ice cream cone, you can head out for a little browse of the unique shops.

Open every day this weekend - Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday - from 10am to 4pm.

An arvo of swimming at Bay Pavilions.

If the ocean water’s a little too cool (although the Pacific is famously warm at Easter), the brilliant new facilities at the Bay Pavilions are the go.

The cafe has delicious muffins and coffee, and there are five different pools to swim in; including a water play park for the littlies and water slides for the tweens and teens.

Open 8am to 7pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Closed on Good Friday. Located at 12 Vesper Street, Batemans Bay.