FIT FOR A PRINCE
As the temperature rises and we prepare for a scorching summer, my water boy and I seem to be on an on-going quest for fun ways to keep cool. As much as we love exploring Sydney’s stunning beaches, some days I just don’t have the energy to dig a sand tunnel from here to china, mediate bucket brawls and clean out a car/mouth/butt-crack full of sand.
One of the perks from nervously trading our blissful beach life for a bigger house and backyard in Sydney’s Inner West is that we now explore all corners of our amazing city. Had we not escaped the Bondi bubble we may have missed experiencing some great beach alternatives, including the revamped Prince Alfred Park Pool.
Perfect for both play-dates and child-free chillaxing, the glistening pool, green roof and grassy knoll dotted with bright yellow umbrellas is an urban oasis in the heart of Surry Hills. The palm trees, retro lounge chairs, sunlit timber change rooms and bright splashes of turquoise create a Palm Springs vibe- well as Palm Springs as a public pool in Sydney can be- but you get the picture.
Most of our time is spent at the toddler splash deck. There is plenty of room to sit in the sunshine overlooking the babes as they splash away. Much to my cold-water-phobe Italian bod's delight, the water in both the pool and deck is slightly heated to a perfect temp. If hours of frolicking fun hasn’t run the babes ragged, the well equipped (wood-chip free) playground just outside should do the trick.
Described as a “calm, poolside oasis”- obviously by someone dining without a toddler- Meadow Cafe has indoor and outdoor seating and is easily accessible to both pool and park patrons. We prefer to grab a bite from Meadow’s Kiosk to enjoy poolside on the grass. Offering much more than the chikko roll and banana paddlepop from public pools past, the tasty selection includes healthy options such as fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, Bircher Muesli & fancy Pure Pop ice blocks. The pool also caters for birthday parties, offering entertainment packages for kids 5-12 years.
Mama Musts: Parent’s room, lockers, plenty of space for prams, shade. High chairs, kids menu, great coffee and free babycinos at cafe.
105 Chalmers St, Surry Hills
Open 7 days from 6am-8pm
Meadow Cafe open 7am-4pm
Adults $5.70, Kids $3.80, under 3 free
Image sources: Urban Society, Broadsheet, Sydney Media.