Castlemaine

Castlemaine Family

Borrow toys, share stories, try circus skills or follow an outdoor activity trail in Castlemaine. Families can also connect with local maternity care, inclusive programs and peer groups for particular stages or challenges.

✨ Play, stories and outdoor discovery

Castlemaine Toy Library

Families can borrow, renew and reserve toys through this local membership service at 8–12 Lyttleton Street. The library opens on Saturdays from 9.30 am to 11.30 am. Check the membership choices carefully, as some include volunteer-duty requirements.

Castlemaine Library Storytimes

School-term sessions include Baby Rhyme Time for babies up to one year on Tuesdays, Toddler Time for ages 1–3 on Mondays, and Storytime for ages 2–5 on Wednesdays. Children of any age are welcome. Castlemaine Library provides ramp access, wheelchair-friendly toilets and a breastfeeding-friendly space.

Castlemaine StoryWalk and Adventure Bingo

For an activity on foot, follow the StoryWalk from the western side of Castlemaine Train Station along Barkers Creek Trail towards Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. Castlemaine Adventure Bingo begins at Victory Park, with free booklets available from Castlemaine Library and the Visitor Information Centre.

🎪 Movement and social connection

Castlemaine Circus

Circus and movement classes at the Old High School Gym, 35 Etty Street, cater for preschoolers, school-aged children and teenagers. Options include carer-attended classes for ages 2–3.5, preschool sessions for ages 3.5–5, and classes for ages 5–8, 9–12 and teens. Term fees and concession prices are published with the timetable.

All Access Circus – Neurodivergent Kids

This separate weekly circus and parkour class welcomes neurodivergent children aged 2–12. Enrolment is capped at 10 students; parents and carers may join the space, siblings can enrol, and a chill-out area offers sensory play. The current timetable lists Wednesdays from 11.45 am to 12.45 pm.

Wavelength – A Young Neurodiverse Men’s Group

Neurodiverse young men aged 18–25 can meet for board games, snacks and conversation at Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton Street. This free social group runs on Wednesdays from 6.15 pm to 7.45 pm, and booking is requested.

🤝 Parent and carer support

School Can’t Parent and Carer Support Group

Parents and carers of young people experiencing school-attendance challenges can attend this free, confidential monthly group at Castlemaine Community House. It meets on the first Thursday of each month. Registration is preferred, walk-ins are welcome, and childcare can be requested.

Castlemaine Carers/Parents Support Group

This free peer group is for parents and carers of children living with disability. Meetings begin at 11.30 am on the first Wednesday of each month at wheelchair-accessible Castlemaine Community House. The person receiving care cannot attend the meetings.

🍼 Pregnancy, birth and early parenting

Dhelkaya Health Maternity Services

Dhelkaya Health delivers Level 2 maternity care in Castlemaine for healthy women with normal pregnancies, covering pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting. Its Midwifery Group Practice model provides midwives on call throughout pregnancy, labour and birth, as well as after the baby is born.

📌 Before you go

• Confirm current timetables, term dates and bookings with the provider.
• Check age ranges and whether a parent or carer must stay or participate.
• Ask about accessibility or sensory needs before attending a new venue.
• Review current fees, concessions, membership duties and childcare arrangements.

🌟 Do you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Castlemaine and surrounds? You’re warmly invited to add your own listing or update its practical details.

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