Mum finds plenty of free activities for kids

A SINGLE mother of two boys, Zoe Shimmin works two jobs to allow herself and her boys to have a happy life.

BIG DAY OUT: Roman Day, 2, Zoe Shimmin and Kruz Day, 3, enjoy the Bikes and Bulls Rodeo. Picture: Paul Braven

A SINGLE mother of two boys, Zoe Shimmin works two jobs to allow herself and her boys to have a happy life.

Her boys, Kruz, 3, and Roman, 2, go to kindergarten four days a week, so the time they spend as a family needs to be memorable.

Since moving to Tannum Sands from the Gold Coast 11 months ago to be closer to Zoe's mum, they have found many things to do without breaking the bank.

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"I can't keep (the boys) in the house or I would go crazy and so would they. They love the parks and feeding the ducks," she said, as Kruz nodded in agreement.

"Tannum Sands has a duck pond, the botanic garden has ducks and turtles and Riverstone Rise has a big park with a basketball court that they like.

"When it was warmer we were always down at the beach and we could stay there all day."

Last weekend the three of them went to Bulls and Bikes at the Gladstone Showgrounds.

It wasn't a cheap day out, but it could have been more expensive if Zoe wasn't prepared.

"We didn't buy any food because we took our own food and snacks," she said.

Kruz was lucky enough to own a supercharged tricycle, which has come in handy for constant entertainment, and it will be passed down to Roman when he is old enough to ride.

"He has a dirt bike with training wheels. We take that to the rugby fields and he rides around and loves that," she said.

"There's so much to do to keep them entertained that doesn't cost much money."

When it comes to spending some money out with the boys, a new local café has been a hit.

The trendy young family goes to Say in Tannum Sands and the boys tuck into what they think is a coffee.

"They love going there because they get two marshmallows in their babycinos," she said.

"It's just a little bit of frothy milk, but they think it's a coffee and we sit down and enjoy it."

The boys were even lucky enough to get a tour of the Gladstone Fire Station.

"I asked them if I could bring the boys in to look at the trucks and they said yes," Zoe said.

Originally published as Mum finds plenty of free activities for kids