Childers Historical Complex
Childers Historical Complex
I took my Wide Bay Kids and road tested the Childers Historical Complex this week........what can I say, this place is awesome for kids. The complex has 4 main buildings, a school house, cottage, general store, post office and 2 great trains that you can climb all over and explore. Each of the buildings house loads of artifacts according to a theme. I have to say the thing that really stood out for me was how interactive each themed area was....with lots of opportunities for the kids to get hands on experience of what living in the 'olden days' was all about.
Trains
There are 2 great trains within the complex that can be accessed at any time......my two climbed aboard and became instant train drivers, pulling leavers, opening gates and shoveling fuel. Kids of all ages will love exploring these trains and their carriages.
If the complex is closed you can access the trains, a beautifully restored rotunda and picnic tables.....a perfect place for a quite play.
School House
The School house contains lots of school equipment and memorabilia from the 'olden days'. There are school desks, chairs, slates for writing on, a blackboard and lots of other school related things. My two absolutely loved sitting at the desks and writing on the slates. They were surprised to learn this was how their Grandparents classrooms looked.
You will also find aboriginal artifacts as well as local rocks, gems, newspapers and clothing inside the school house. Underneath is a room packed with items including a tractor, some horse drawn buggies and lots of other tid bits of interest to adults but not so much to kids. My two loved sitting on the tractor and in the buggies.
Mill Cottage
Mill cottage consists of 4 rooms. a reception room, bedroom, kitchen and nursery. Each room is set up just as a cottage would have been back in the 'olden days' and is jam packed with artifacts. My two loved the bedroom and the kitchen. I have to say I enjoyed this area the most.
General Store
The general store is a great set up with scales, brown paper and string, and lots of examples of products that would have been found in a store like this. My two particularly loved the old cash register and typewriter and could not wait to have go on them. I think they would have loved me to have left them there so they could play shops.
Post Office
The post office is an old slab hut. I think our guide told me it was the original Childers post office. This building has been removed piece by piece and restored to its present position. Inside are lots of horse related equipment such as saddles, bridles, and shoes as well as other general farm and hand tools.
What's there:
2 great trains that you can climb all over and access at anytime. Picnic tables, rotunda and toilets. 4 great buildings to explore packed with memorabilia.
What's missing:
Toilets can only be accessed during operating hours. The buildings are not wheelchair friendly, though the Rotunda is accessible. Eftpos is not available
Verdict:
The buildings are great for kids around 5 and over who have an understanding of what the 'olden days' is all about. The trains will be loved by all kids and what a bonus they are accessible even when the complex is closed. This is a great affordable way to keep the kids entertained.
Details:
Name: Childers Historical Complex
Where: Taylor Street, Childers
Open: 9am to 12noon Wednesday to Friday or by arrangement
Cost: Adults $5 | Kids free with a paying adult or $1
To find inspiration for other things to do with kids in Childers read our Things to do in Childers with Kids blog or check out our What’s on calendar to see a range of local events, festivals and activities that are on right now across our region.