Spring has sprung, and we all know what that means — the scent of freshly-cut grass, salt water and barbecues.
But it doesn’t have to send panic through you if you’re a parent as you start to think about all the ways you’re going to entertain your school-aged kids through the school holidays.
In fact, some of the best adventures happen in our back gardens.
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The secret ingredient for your kids to play happily and healthily isn’t fancy destinations or elaborate plans.
It’s as simple as making sure their precious little peepers are properly protected so that they can see every magical moment clearly.
Enter Babiators (from $44.95).
Virtually indestructible, fun, colourful and designed specifically for children’s eyes rather than just being adult glasses that have been shrunken down, Babiators are kids sunglasses that are the perfect gift for any parent in your life.
With 80 per cent of UV-related eye damage occurring before the age of 18, kids’ eyes are like tiny sponges for UV radiation.
Because their eye lenses are still developing, this means more harmful rays can reach their retina than other eyes do.
Alongside wearing a hat each day and regularly applying SPF, kids should also wear sunglasses whenever the UV index hits 3 or above — which is almost every day from September to April.
Babiators are the best choice in the market.
Why? With flexible frames that bend without breaking, the glasses will survive everything from toddler tantrums to big kid adventures.
Not only this, but you can rest assured that they offer 100 per cent UV protection, meeting Australian standards for kids’ eye safety.
Because Babiators as a brand know kids, they say if they break their glasses in the first 12 months, they will replace them for free.
Finally, the glasses have been designed specifically for kids’ faces, not just shrunk-down adult versions.
Three sizes (0-2, 3-5, and 6+) mean a comfortable fit that won’t slide down their nose or pinch their temples.
I own two pairs of babiators for my one and three-year-old daughters, and wouldn’t be without them — they really are that good.
Right now, Babiators is offering 10 per cent off when you buy any pair of sunglasses, sunglass strap and travel case.
You simply need to head to the website to start shopping.
There are many different choices of glasses online for different types of children.
Whether you’ve got a Little Explorer who would like a pair of Navigator Glasses in Classic Black or Tortoiseshell, or a a little Beach Baby who would benefit from the Hearts in bright pink or Sunflowers in sunny yellow, there is something for everyone.
Below, Best Picks shares the ideal pair of sunnies for each kid.
For more information and to browse the Babiators website, head here now.
Best sunglasses for different children
The Little Explorer
A nature-loving, dirt-don’t-hurt, always-asking-questions adventurer. They’re happiest with a magnifying glass in one hand and a stick in the other, discovering the wilderness that is your local park.
Perfect adventure: Bush walks, beach rock pool exploring, backyard nature hunts, or a trip to the botanical gardens.
Babiators match: The Navigators in Classic Black or Tortoiseshell – these wraparound beauties stay put during all the climbing, crawling, and general adventure-seeking. Plus, they look absolutely cool when your little one is pretending to be a wildlife photographer. Pop them in the Travel Case when it’s time for a snack break!
The Beach Baby
“Can we go to the beach? Can we build sandcastles? Can we swim with the fishies?” Water is their happy place. They’re drawn to pools, beaches, rivers – anywhere they can splash, dig, and pretend to be a mermaid (or shark, depending on the day).
Perfect adventure: Beach days, pool parties, water balloon fights, or visiting the local splash pad.
Babiators match: The polarised Hearts in Bright Pink, Sunflowers in Sunny Yellow, or Navigators for extra coverage – because nothing says “I’m ready for beach fun” quite like adorable shapes that make everyone go “awww!”
The polarised lenses are a game-changer for water adventures, cutting through that harsh glare bouncing off the water so they can spot every shell and fish clearly.
The Little Fashionista
“Does this hat match my dress? Can I wear my special shoes? I need to look beautiful for the adventure!”
Style matters to this one. They’ve got opinions about colours, patterns, and looking “just right” for every occasion.
Their adventures need to be Instagram-worthy (even if they don’t know what Instagram is yet).
Perfect adventure: Outdoor markets, garden picnics with a proper picnic blanket, visiting pretty places like lavender farms, or a stylish café with good outdoor seating.
Babiators match: The Cat Eyes in Tortoiseshell for that vintage glamour feel, or Keyholes in Sleek Black for timeless cool.
These shapes are fashion-forward enough to satisfy their style sensibilities whilst keeping those eyes protected.
The Action Hero
“Watch me jump! Can I go faster? Let’s race to that tree!”
This kid doesn’t walk anywhere – they run, skip, hop, or cartwheel.
They’re always in motion, always ready for the next physical challenge.
Perfect adventure: Bike rides, backyard obstacle courses, or trips to adventure parks.
Babiators match: The Navigators – specifically designed to stay put during all the action.
Available in fun colours like bright blue or coral, they’re as energetic as your little athlete.
The Playground Champion
“Can I go on the big slide? Watch me on the monkey bars! Let’s play tag!”
The playground is their kingdom. Swings, slides, climbing frames – they want to conquer it all.
Social and active, they’re happiest when they’re playing with friends and testing their physical limits in a safe space.
Perfect adventure: Local playgrounds, adventure playgrounds, outdoor play centres, or park meetups with friends.
Babiators match: The Navigators in bright, fun colours that won’t get lost in the playground chaos. The wraparound design means they’ll stay put during upside-down monkey bar sessions, and the flexible frames can handle the inevitable tumbles.
The Happy Camper
“Can we sleep outside? Can we make a campfire? Are there animals in the forest?”
This little one dreams of sleeping under the stars and waking up to bird songs. They love the idea of “roughing it” (even if roughing it means a cabin with proper toilets). Adventure and nature combined with just a hint of challenge.
Perfect adventure: Family camping trips, backyard camping, glamping, or bush walks that feel like proper expeditions.
Babiators match: The Navigators in Classic Black or Earthy Tortoiseshell – perfect for that outdoor adventure aesthetic.
These tough frames can handle everything from morning bush walks to afternoon campfire smoke, and they pack perfectly in the Travel Case for the journey home.
For more information, head to Babiators’ website now.
