After weeks in lockdown, many of you spent much of your maternity leave at home "hanging out" with baby. Mostly lounging in bed watching Netflix. And while isolating with your baby is the best thing ever, some of us also missed being out.

Here are some places you can go to and share new experiences with your little one. Sensibly of course. 

1. Picnic 

Pack your basket and head to picturesque spots for a well-deserved park session. From 1 June, there is a limit of 10 or 20 people gathering outside depending on your state. 

If you're up for a challenge and want to avoid the crowd, put in the leg work and visit idyllic picnic spots located in national parks. Strap baby onto a baby carrier, take a walk in the park and it'll be a bonus when you spot some kangaroos and wombats. A family picnic is a low-budget way to keep the baby entertained while you take a breather.

2.  Drive-in Cinema 

Indoor cinemas remain closed in some states, but some drive-in cinemas are operating and will get you out of the house and keep you a safe social distance from everyone else. This way, you can relax and enjoy the movie, feed your baby, and not worry about unexpected hissy-fits. 

3.  Coffee date: baby edition

When we think about maternity leave, we think about the coffee catch-ups with all our friends and colleagues. In reality, with the Covid-19 situation, we've become our own barista in the comfort of our own home. Now that cafes and restaurants are open with limited capacity, a coffee date with baby is very much on the cards.

There are some simple (and familiar) things you can do to protect yourself as cafes reopen. Wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly. Avoid touching your face and baby's face. Sit outside if you can. The air-conditioning indoor could help the virus travel through the air. 

4. Zoo

Zoos are allowed to re-open in WA, VIC, NSW, ACT, and NT with reduced capacity. No date has yet been set for the reopening of zoos in SA and Tasmania. Zoos in Queensland can reopen from 10 July. 

If you're planning to go to the zoo, make sure you book online. There will be a limited number of visitors allowed each day. 

Enjoy and have fun! xx