Winter in Tassie can be tough with small children.

Yes there’s snow on the mountain and plenty of puddles to jump in. But some days are just better suited to inside play.

Here are some of our favourite rainy-day hangouts around Hobart.

ROCKET TOTS

We’ve been going to the Hobart PCYC since the boys were very small and both boys have loved Rocket Tots. There are casual classes every day (except Sunday). Kids aged 0-4 can run, jump, dance and tumble in these free-play sessions – a great way to burn off energy when it’s wet or cold outside. Entry is $9, with discounts for multi-class passes. An annual registration fee also applies. There’s also a Mini Martians class for slightly older kids (3-5 years), and Gym Fun classes beyond that.

There are similar kinder gym classes at Kingston (Hudson loves the trampolines there) and also on Hobart’s Eastern Shore.

MEAL MACHINES

I like Meal Machines because it feels more like a cafe with a play centre attached, rather than a play centre with a mediocre cafe (because, let’s be honest, most play centres have pretty crappy food).

But here the food is healthy and tasty, the atmosphere is relaxed, the play area is clean and tables are well placed so you can easily supervise your kids while enjoying a coffee. Plus the boys love it. What’s not to like?

TEN LIVES CAT CENTRE

We had three fur children (two cats and a dog) when Hudson was born but sadly they all got old and sick and by the time he was six months old we were pet-free.

So visiting places like Ten Lives Cat Centre every now and again is a great way to get up close to some cute kitties while learning more about pets and how to care for them.

Hudson has been to the centre a few times and often talks about the cats he met and played with.

And we never arrive empty-handed – the centre gratefully accepts donations of food and other pet supplies as well as old towels and bedding.

HOBART AQUATIC CENTRE

This place is great for a welcome blast of warmth during winter.

The boys love splashing in the shallows together at Hobart Aquatic Centre and Hudson also enjoys braving the waterslide and practicing what he’s been learning during his swimming lessons.

Our other aquatic go-to is Clarence Aquatic Centre for $5 Aqua Play sessions (pictured above) in the fenced toddler pool, where the boys will happily play for hours. Instructors run sessions a couple of mornings a week or you can enjoy free play with the toys at other times.

BOUNCE

Take advantage of the weekday specials (not valid during school holidays) and toddlers and preschoolers can jump and climb at Bounce for two hours for $12. Both boys enjoy the trampolines and jumping pillows and are getting more confident at scaling the climbing walls. The multi-level jungle-themed play area is also a hit with younger kids.

Of course there are lots of other fun indoor places to explore – Libraries Tasmania, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, MONA, Putters Adventure Golf, Ten Pin Bowling, Village Cinemas, Intencity… the list goes on! We’d love to hear your favourites so please share them with us.