We haven’t been hit with ‘winter’ weather in the Northern Beaches exactly, have we? Sunshine, crisp mornings, and warm afternoons - make the most of the gorgeous weather and get outdoors. Plan these almost free into your next month or so, or in the school holidays if your usual activities have a break.

1.     Check out the newly opened Fairfax Walk at North Head, Manly. Pram friendly (flat, mostly paths but some gravel) and the most STUNNING views of Sydney’s city skyline, as well as a ridiculously long horizon view out to the ocean.

2.     Whale watching – there are many points to take the kids to try and spot some wales. Long Reef headland above the golf course, North Head, Mona Vale headland, and the new walkway (mentioned above) are nice places to be anyway, and to try and spot the splashes. Look out for whale watching boats as a tip off for where the wales might be.

3.     Shhh, don’t tell everyone, but North Harbour Reserve in Balgowlah is a fab little spot with something for everyone – dog park, kid’s playground, basketball court for older kids, and you can paddleboard from there too. Plus there’s a café on the edge of the park too.

4.     Go for a summery ice cream in Manly where you’re spoilt for gourmet choice - Gelato Messina is just off the Corso on Sydney Road, and Anita Gelato is on the Corso.

5.     Grab some friends and treat yourself to an afternoon out in the sunshine at Bucketty’s Brewing Co. There’s a kid’s play area at the back for ages about 1-5yrs.

6.     Haven’t been to Barrenjoey Lighthouse in a while? Take a walk up around 3/3:30 pm so you can catch the late afternoon sun coming back down around 4pm.

7.     The Northern Beaches is lucky to have some great skate parks – grab a helmet, skateboard or scooter and head for one of these:

Kierle Park, Manly

North Curl Curl Skatepark, small and manageable for little ones

Miller Reserve Skate Park, Manly Vale

Mona Vale Skate Park

Terrey Hills Skate Park

Avalon Beach Skate Park

8.     One of the best learn-to-ride-your-bike spots is Passmore Reserve, Manly Vale. There’s a smooth and flat oval circuit around the playing fields and parking, win-win

9.     Have you got competent bike riders? Head for Narrabeen Lake, another good path to ride on, with great cafés along the way. Look out for the pelicans which often hang out on the bridge.

10.    The bush walk to Irrawong Waterfall from Garden Street, North Narrabeen, is super lovely, as is the rock expanse and waterfall at the end. It’s generally toddler friendly (maybe not pram friendly, though you can nip in via Irrawong Road), and enough of a distance to feel you’ve had a walk, but not too long that younger kids can’t cope with. One to invite the grandparents along, and teens like it too.