We chat with influencer and small business owner @life_of_a_binge_eater_, Claire Burt about her favourite child-friendly spots in Timaru.
Claire Burt, the inspiring mum behind @life_of_a_binge_eater_ and small biz, Lulubelle Digital Studio, knows how to balance motherhood and mental health advocacy with authenticity. Sharing her journey with binge eating disorder, Claire has created a safe space for open conversations while raising her two adorable kids in Timaru. From raw, relatable moments to playful family adventures, Claire’s account offers a glimpse into her life while championing connection, resilience, and joy. Now, she’s spilling her top spots for kid-friendly fun in Timaru!
Hi Claire! Tell us a bit about yourself…
How many kids do you have? Two! Lulu and Kingston.
What age are they? Lulu is 16 months and Kingston is 10 weeks old
How many years have you lived in Timaru: My whole life!
Tell us a bit about what you do for work: I am currently a stay-at-home mumma and loving every second of it. Before I was a mum I was working as a digital designer, a content creator and also did some singing on the side.
There are some great eateries in Timaru, and even better when they cater for kids! Tell us, what is your favourite…
Child-friendly cafe in Timaru (bonus points for a play area): With Lulu on the move, it’s great to visit cafes with playgrounds. Cafe At The Complex (that’s the name) is a lovely spot with an outdoor playground. Chipmunks also has a cafe and a play area for little ones.
Child-friendly pub/beer garden: The Timaru Speights Ale House has a fantastic outdoor area with beanbags and plenty of space for kids to run around and play.
Place for a fluffy: Most cafes in Timaru serve excellent fluffies, but our go-to is Mrs M’s.
Ice cream spot: The Bay now features an incredible new playground, and there’s a permanent ice cream stand on-site, especially popular during summer.
Farmers market for families: We’ve taken Lulu to the Saturday market in Timaru a few times. The island food sold there is always a highlight!
We’re always on the hunt for cool, child-friendly spots and things to do, tell us, what is your favourite…
Shopping mall to take the kids to in Timaru: There aren’t any malls, but there are plenty of shops along the Main Street in town. Alternatively, the Showgrounds, located just as you enter Timaru, is worth a visit.
Free activity for kids: The beach and bay now offer so much variety for children, including a playground, bike park, beach, carnival rides, and even the sound shell when there are performances.
Attraction for little ones: The birds at the bay are always a hit, or you can feed the ducks at the Timaru Gardens.
Best spot to feed the ducks: Timaru Gardens or the Scenic Reserve.
Family picnic spot: The Scenic Reserve or the bay make great options.
Child-friendly hike or walking trail: We love the trails at the Scenic Reserve.
Destination for a day trip: You could easily spend hours at the bay with all the activities available, especially around Christmas time.
Pool or splash pad for summer: CBay is fantastic for all ages, with its variety of pools, children’s playground, slides, and even a spa area.
Community garden to explore: The Timaru Gardens are stunning and expansive, offering plenty to see and do.
Creating relatable content is a big part of your growing community, so we’d love to know some of the best places that you have found and top play spots in Timaru. Shout out your favourite…
Playground to take the kids to in Timaru: The new playground at the bay is a must-visit!
Place to go on a rainy day: Chipmunks or a cosy café are great options.
Nature play area or walk: The Scenic Reserve is perfect for nature-filled adventures.
Place to play in the snow near Timaru: Tekapo is the go-to spot for snowy fun.
Local toy shop: The Warehouse is a popular choice (though we’d love a Kmart too!).
NZ small businesses for kids: KidsStuff Timaru is a fantastic local option.
Venue to hire or book for birthday parties: Chipmunks is a top pick for birthday celebrations.
Pump or scooter track: Check out the track down at the bay.
Beach for making sandcastles: CBay is ideal for sandy creations.
Place to go when you don’t know where to go: The Showgrounds are always a good option.
And of course, we parents need some TLC. Shout out your fave…
Date night activity/restaurant: A movie followed by dinner at the Bullock Bar is our go-to.
Place to go for a night out with the girls: You can’t go wrong with Street Food Kitchen!
Place to go for some ‘me’ time: Getting my nails done at Cutting Edge Mini Spa or Pampered to Perfection is the ultimate treat.
Spa in Timaru: CBay has a large spa and sauna, perfect for relaxation.
Instagram accounts for some mindless scrolling: My top four are:
Parenting hack: I don’t know many hacks, but sticking to a routine has been key for us. Since day one, we’ve prioritised Lulu’s sleep schedule, even if it means missing out on things. It’s not forever, and in the long run, everything—socialising, events—falls into place. That’s why we’re confident about having another baby so close together!
You can follow Claire on Instagram here.
Images courtesy of Claire Burt
