I may not be a mum, but as the self-proclaimed “cool aunty” to three boys under the age of seven, I’ve learned two things:
- Kids have an astonishing amount of energy.
- You can’t just rely on the local park every single weekend unless you want to slowly lose your mind.
So, when I heard about the Maggie app – a brand-new Aussie creation designed to help you find free, fun, family-friendly activities – I was all ears. Because whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or the relative who swoops in with snacks and chaos (hi, that’s me), we could all use a little help answering the dreaded question: “What are we doing today?”
Maggie is the brainchild of Melbourne mums Eimear Colleran and Olivia Luker, who bonded over tech start-ups, a love of clever apps, and the messy reality of life with little people. Between daycare runs, nap times and day jobs, they built the app they wished existed – one that takes the mental load out of finding something fun to do. As Eimear puts it: “We kept asking ourselves … why is it so hard to find something free and fun to do with our kids? Eventually, we stopped asking and started building.”
Powered by over 40,100 data points, Maggie serves up personalised, location-based ideas for playgrounds, local classes, and activities – all in one neat little app. Translation: no more endless Googling, scrolling through Facebook events, or texting every parent you know to find out if the local splash park is open.
And, it’s not just about keeping kids busy – it’s about connection. Eimear and Olivia surveyed over 200 parents and found that over half of Aussie parents with under-fives feel lonely, and many struggle to find ways to get out and meet others. Maggie gives you that nudge to get outside, explore your community, and maybe even make a new friend or two while the kids run wild.
The survey results also revealed just how much parents (and, anyone who spends time with kids) need this:
- 98% wanted an app to find free activities.
- 93% wanted help finding casual care providers.
- 91% wanted to discover casual kids’ classes.
In this cost-of-living climate, free kids activities and outings feel like finding buried treasure. Maggie’s here to help you score those wins without spending hours hunting them down. Plus, soon, businesses, councils, and care providers will be able to share events and availability directly on the app, meaning even more chances to discover hidden gems and spontaneous adventures.
For me, the Maggie App is pure magic. No more turning up to the same old playground. No more blank stares when I ask, “What do you guys want to do today?” Now, I can whip out my phone, hit Maggie, and in seconds have a plan that doesn’t involve watching YouTube clips for the 47th time.
So, whether you’re a parent in the trenches, a grandparent wanting to keep up, or a cool aunty like me who wants to hand the kids back happy and tired, Maggie’s got you.
Download Maggie now on iOS … and prepare for your “fun relative” street cred to skyrocket.
