thanks for the ideas so far guys.
we have bought a zoo membership for this year & are looking forward to using it, but it does involve 1+ hrs travel each way.
Also, lots of those big attractions are at least an hour away for us - we are pretty much 'the end of the line' here lol...
I think the Fairfield city farm has been shut down recently but it was also a 45 min drive from here...
Still, you've given me some food for thought so will keep trying. I'm not very good at coming up with ideas & neither is DH but I think I'm going to have to, so will keep trying

I also like the suggestion to meeting them there - I was thinking that might work too.

I think I'll suggest the chn's playground at the shopping centre this weekend. That way we can grab a coffee & watch dd play without it all going on too long.

Thanks again! Any more ideas will be greatly appreciated