Keep summer simple with water, sand, and sunshine play made for under fives. Try these calm, low-mess sensory ideas with safety tips, gentle movement, and easy clean-up. Plus how Bear and Cub offers a cool, low-stimulation haven when you need it.

The right play centre is more than a play space—it is a gentle hub where kids feel brave and parents feel seen. At Bear and Cub, our calm design and open-ended play help little ones explore while grown-ups find real connection.

From a brand new play structure to new friendships, coffee chats, and toddlers who finally settled into long stretches of play—this year at Bear and Cub was all about community. Here are the moments that made it special, and what we are carrying into the new year.

Looking for calm, kid-friendly things to do this summer in Bendigo? Here is a gentle guide to storytimes, parks, museums, markets, and low-key community events that typically run over the holidays, perfect for under fives. Plus, Bear and Cub’s calm sessions make the ideal cool-down base.

Open ended play is not just cute, it is brain building. Simple, child led materials boost attention, language, creativity, and self regulation while keeping sessions calm. At Bear and Cub in Bendigo, we design our 0 to 5 space to make this kind of learning feel effortless and fun.

Discover why Bear and Cub Play Centre is more than just a space for little ones to play. It is a community hub for Bendigo families. Learn about our journey, what makes us unique, and how we are making a real difference for parents and children aged 0 to 5.

If you are a parent of a little one, you have probably heard it before. Play is the work of childhood. But what does that really mean?...