Arrowtown is an autumnal wonderland for families with many events, outdoor adventures, and indoor activities to satisfy the young and young at heart.
Autumn in Arrowtown is a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the vibrant colours that adorn the hillside. Here are some of the best family-friendly activities in this colourful season (with a few indoor options too).
1. Explore Arrowtown’s history
Arrowtown is steeped in gold-mining history and a great way to explore this with your children is to visit the highly-regarded Lakes District Museum. The museum displays information about Arrowtown and the wider district, with interactive displays that delight all ages. If you want to give your kids a laugh and a small fright, ask them to open the infamous outhouse door! A walk through the Police Hut and Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is another activity where children can witness the harsh realities of life as a miner in Arrowtown. The derelict cottages have been partially restored and can be walked through, and there are also informative panels which you can read with your little ones.
2. Enjoy an autumn event
The Arrowtown Market is a popular spot to take the family on a lazy Sunday morning. The market is set under the trees on Library Green and offers a range of local vendors as well as live music. The market runs until late April from 10am – 2pm. The Arrowtown Autumn Festival also takes place in late April and is immensely popular with families. There are many kid-friendly activities and events including the parade, arts & crafts workshops, treasure hunts and walks, a duck race and outdoor movie. This festival typically coincides with ANZAC Day and the day itself is recognised by locals with a parade and memorial service at the cenotaph on the top of Durham Street (and visitors are welcome to join in and mark their respects too).
3. Get a sugar rush
Step into Remarkable Sweet Shop and be in awe of their wide range of confectionery and chocolates from New Zealand and international brands. They also are famous for their fudge which is made locally in Arrowtown. With whimsical fudge flavours like Biscoff Cheesecake and Hokey Pokey, you’ll be like a ‘kid in a candy store’. Patagonia Chocolates is another spot not to miss. It’s around the corner on Ramshaw Lane and has freshly made chocolates crafted by hand using traditional artisan techniques. Their chocolate range includes 70 flavours shaped into hand-cut chocolate bars, truffles and more. Their menu also includes a wide range of award-winning ice cream and sorbet, desserts and coffee.
4. Cosy up indoors
Head up the narrow laneway beside the Pharmacy which is also a treasure trove for gifts and up the stairs to Dorothy Browns and cosy up in their spacious armchairs to watch a movie with your family. The cinema offers a bit of old-world charm with an intermission during the movie, giving you time to stock up on freshly made popcorn, treats, a wine or beer for the parents, or even a book or two from their bookstore. Another popular spot for families is the Arrowtown Library which often has activities on for children during the week (excluding school holidays). Check out their noticeboard for the schedule for the week.
5. Refuel at a local eatery
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly spot to dine, don’t worry, nearly every place is family-friendly. But if you have little ones who need to let off some steam before the food arrives, Provisions of Arrowtown, Mora or the Fork & Tap are great options as they have playhouses and toys. If you are after dinner, Ben Bayly’s Little Aosta offers family-style wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes while Slow Cuts offers burgers, slow roasted meats and fresh salads.
6. Go shopping
Several stores stock clothing and gifts for children in Arrowtown. One of these is Francis Patterson which has a beautiful range of dress-ups, merino clothing, as well as gifts and accessories. GOALS offers clothing, sneakers and shoes for children, while The WoolPress stocks woollen clothes and thermal layers as well as a range of toys and gifts. For an extensive range of child treasures, head to Rainbow Doorways, Ogle, Arrowtown Pharmacy or the Arrowtown Post Office.
7. Burn some energy
The trail network surrounding Arrowtown is a great way to burn off energy, get some Vitamin D and acquaint yourself with the sights and scenery of the area. If you need to hire a bike or e-bike or a kid’s trailer attachment, head to Better By Bike or Arrowtown Bike Hire and they can set you up. Popular family-friendly tracks for walking or biking are the Arrowtown Millennium Walk, Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, Bush Creek, and the Lake Hayes Loop. Millbrook Resort is another great option for kids, as not only is there golf for the grown-ups but kids golf clubs can be hired too. Let them give golf a try on the putting green by Hole-in-One and afterwards, you can grab a kid’s lunch box or hot chocolate.
8. Explore some hidden gems
Did you know there is a petting farm near Arrowtown? Well, it’s the well-loved pet animals at Remarkable Vets on Malaghans Road. There you can buy a bag of animal feed for a few dollars and get to meet and pet Brian the Deer, Titi the Pig, and a range of other animals including goats, sheep, ducks and chickens! There are also a lot of playgrounds and outdoor spaces around Arrowtown, if you know where to look. These include the Rose Douglas playground on Wiltshire Street, the playground at Jack Reid Park beside Arrowtown Holiday Park, the skate park in central Arrowtown, and the playground and giant wooden animals at Ayrburn.
Author: APBA
