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November 11, 2011

U Pick Berries in Silvan







Blue Hills Berries and Cherries
27 Parker Road, Silvan (melways ref 121 F11)


This is a great activity to do with young kids before the weather gets too hot. The fields of Silvan are abundant with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries & cherries at the moment and blackberries will be arriving in the coming weeks. The kids will absolutely love finding the ripe fruit to pick and put in their container, or put straight in their mouths as is often the case. My two year old ended up with an empty container but a very berry grin. The older kids, on the other hand, loved building their stash to take home - and man do we have a lot of berries to eat!

I'd suggest that weekends would get crazy busy during November and December, so if you can go midweek this would be ideal - today we basically had the fields to ourselves. Whilst it is a steep site, it is manageable with a pram if you have the energy. My 1 year old was asleep in our double stroller so because it was so quiet I was able to leave him parked at the bottom of the rows whilst we picked.

Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for kids over 3 and under 3's are free. The berries you pick to take home are $10 per kilo and $15 per kilo for blueberries. There are also containers of pre-picked berries to buy.

Silvan is about 10 minutes drive from Monbulk at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. Visit the Blue Hills website for further information.

October 7, 2011

Caribbean Gardens


1280 Ferntree Gulley Road, Scoresby

This place has to be seen to be believed. Firstly, its amazing that 100 acres of undeveloped land still exists in Melbourne's suburbs Secondly, it feels and looks like a 1980's holiday park, ideal for a Griswald family picnic.

I'd suggest the best time to visit Caribbean Gardens with young kids is on Wednesdays or Fridays during school holidays. The train, chairlift and jungle boat rides all operate on these days at $4 each, plus there is the market and other activities such as face painting and jumping castle. It is free entry, there is ample parking, and there are plenty of great playgrounds for your kids to explore. Definitely worth checking out for yourself.

For more information, visit the Caribbean Gardens website.

August 25, 2011

10 Great Blogs for Parents with Under-Fives

I recently wrote a piece for my masters on mummy blogging and in the process I discovered some great blogs with fantastic ideas for under-fives. Blogs are usually something you come across in a search for something in particular, or are recommended by friends, so I thought my readers might find this list useful.


1. Irresistable Ideas for Play-Based Learning
Early childhood educators, Donna Burns and Sherry Hutton, provide consistently good ideas for pre-school children. My favourite posts include Colourful Bubbles and I-Spy Jars



2. The Artful Parent
A U.S site that has some great art activity ideas for young kids. I love the Rainbow Stained Glass Window



3. Childhood 101
Early-child educator, Christie Burnett, provides loads of great information and ideas for parents of young children. She has some useful tips on creating great playspaces for kids at home



4. Squigglemum
Catherine Oehlman, aka squigglemum, is another teacher/mum with some great ideas for entertaining kids. I like her Backyard Treasure Hunt.



5. Planning With Kids
Mother of five, Nicole Avery, is one super-organised woman. She has some great ideas for making motherhood more manageable. I particularly like her party planning ideas.




6. Bronnie Bakes

A friend of mine, Bron, has a great blog on baking sweet treats with kids. As a mother of three girls under five, her patience in the kitchen is to be admired and her animal cupcakes are so cute



7. Dad's Club
Father of two, Dave Woolbank, created Dads Club to provide dads with fast, useful information in a language they could understand. I particularly like the quick craft ideas.



8. Kids Travel Blog
Friends Donna and Andrea regularly have me craving a holiday with their blog on travelling with kids. Check out their reviews for Victoria.



9. My Book Corner
This is a great kids book review blog with age appropriate suggestions. Also, it links to Book Depository which offers competitive prices and free delivery worldwide. Our latest purchase is Imagine by Alison Lester.



10. Picklebums
Kate has four kids, lives on a pickle farm and regularly blogs about her life. She makes me laugh with posts like Thousands of Bicuits and Playing with Sticks.


A couple of tips;
- If you enjoy a particular blog, look at the links they follow or suggest. This is a great way of discovering new blogs that you might find interesting.
- Don't be concerned about signing up for a google account in order to follow certain blogs. In the three years I have had my account, I haven't recieved any additional junk mail to my email address. Same applies for newsletter & RSS feeds
- If you're interested in a particular blog, follow it or like it on facebook. This is the only way to keep the blog going.
- If you areinterested in starting your own blog, just do it on Blogspot or Wordpress (it takes 5 minutes),or consult Nicole Avery on Blog Coaching Boost

Some other special mentions for Melbournites are;
- Little Eats (Eating Out with Kids)
- Curious Kate (What's On in Melbourne)
- Lady Melbourne (Fashion)
- Melbourne Gastronome (Food)
- The Design Files (Design)
- Only Melbourne (blogging directory)

Angelina Ballerina's Big Audition


The Arts Centre
Tuesday 24th January - Saturday 28th January
10.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm


This magical production features the Royal New Zealand Ballet dancers performing to a recorded arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s music. With choreography, sets and costumes from the English National Ballet.

Miss Lilly prepares Angelina for her big chance to dance in front of the judges and, although excited about the possibility of an exciting new adventure, Angelina worries about leaving home and Alice behind. During her audition at the Camembert Academy, Angelina meets lots of new friends who introduce her to exciting new twists on traditional ballet, from jazz to hip hop. Will Angelina’s dream of joining the Academy end in tears, or will this be an exciting new chapter in her life?

Total running time is 75 minutes including a 20 minute interval. Suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years. A Reserve tickets are $35. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Arts Centre website or call 1300 182 183. If you book tickets in August, each child recieves a set of hot pink mouse ears which will be posted prior to the event.

Closed Loop Cool Kids Day 2011


Sunday 28th August, 10am-2pm
St Kilda Town Hall


Closed Loop Recycling are transforming St Kilda Town Hall into a kids green zone this Sunday for their 2nd Annual Closed Loop Cool Kids Day. Activities include rock-climbing, craft, face-painting, pot-planting, building and games. Plus there will be food and drink and plenty of information on the environment. This event is aimed at children aged 4-12 yrs. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children (0-3 are free), and a family pass is $60 (2 adults/2 kids). For tickets and more information, visit the Cool Kids Day website.
Alll proceeds from this event go towards the expansion and further development of the Our Cool School Educational Program – the leading online environmental resource in Australia – reaching more than 125,000 students every year.

Kids Events @ Melbourne Recital Centre

Cnr Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street, Southbank


Coco's Lunch: I want to be a mermaid
Friday 17th October, 10am and 11.30am

I Wanna Be A Mermaid is an interactive musical experience for 2 to 5 year olds featuring new seaside songs and classic Coco hits. Come and explore the magical world of underwater a capella, as the girls become singing pirates, scuba divers, surfers and mermaids for a day. Coco’s Lunch inspire young audiences to shuffle, clap, dance the mambo and sing in all kinds of creative ways. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Book online, in person at box office, or call (03) 9699 3333 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.


Musical Picture Books
Monday 26th September, 11.30am

Designed for primary school age children, this concert may still be suited to under-fives as long as they can sit still and listen. Popular storybooks The Night Garden and The Rainbirds will be brought to life through big screen animation and a live orchestra. A perfect event for Granny or Grandpa to attend. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Book online, in person or call (03) 9699 3333.

July 25, 2011

The Wiggles turn 20!


Flemington Racecourse
Thurs 1st - Sun 4th December, 10am & 1.30 shows


The fab four are turning 20, can you believe it! To celebrate, they are having a big birthday concert at Flemington Racecourse in December. Tickets go on sale this Friday.

As the main part of the celebrations 'The Wiggles Big Birthday in The Big Tent' is an unprecedented presentation for the super group with the venue allowing a 360 degree view of the stage in an a 3000 seat intimate setting.

This will be a show with the perfect combination of your favourite songs and some fabulous new tunes that will have children, mums, dads and grand parents dancing in the aisles!


Check ticketek for tickets prices and details.

July 17, 2011

Miniature Railways in Melbourne



My son is right into trains at the moment and we are loving our visits to miniature railways. This is a great outing with under-fives - cheap, exciting and a real crowd pleaser. Also, there is something about those old guys in their train driver hats that seems to instil good behaviour in everyone. Whilst the long queues are a put-off at first, they move quickly and its well worth the wait. Here is a list of miniature railways in Melbourne;

Altona Miniature Railway
21 Blenheim Rd, Altona North. Melways 55 5E
Every 3rd Sunday, 11am-4pm. $2.50 per person (babies under 12 months free)

Box Hill Miniature Railway
Cnr Elgar Rd & Belmore Rd. Melways Ref 47 B4
Every 3rd Sunday, 11am-4pm. $3 per person (babies under 12 months free)

Bulla Hill Miniature Railway
15 Green Street, Bulla. (8 mins from Tullamarine Airport).Melways Ref 177 B7
1st and 3rd Sunday, 12pm-4pm. $3 per person

Cobden Miniature Railway
Grayland Street, Cobden.
Every 3rd Sunday & every Sun during school holidays. $2 per person (under 2's free)

Como Gardens Miniature Railway
79 Basin Olinda Road, The Basin. Melways Ref 65 K7
Garden Opens Days - next one 15th & 16th of October.
$7.50 Garden Entry Fee for Adults. Kids under 14 are free.

Diamond Valley Railway
Eltham Lower Park. Melways Ref 21 H10
Every Sunday 11am-5pm. Public Holidays 1pm-4pm. School Holidays open wed 1am-4pm
$3 per person. Under 2's ride free.

Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club
1200 Ferntree Gulley Road, Scoresby. Melways Ref 72 D9.
Every Sunday. 11am-4pm. $2 per person

The Steam Locomotive Society of Victoria
128 Rowans Road, Moorabbin.
Every 1st Sunday. $2 each (under fives are free)

Campbelltown Miniature Railway
434 Belgrave-Hallam Road, Narre Warren North
Every Sunday, $4.50 for Boulder Mountain, $6 for Cavalier (under threes free)

July 12, 2011

SLIME recipe



This is a fun activity to do just before a bath. Lay out a disposable tablecloth and let them squish it all over the table, or alternatively keep it in a bowl. The sensation of the slime oozing through their fingers is bound to make them laugh. Then jump straight in the bath and use the slime as soap.


RECIPE
1 cup of LUX Flakes
2 cups of boiling water
A few drops of food colouring

Mix it all together and put in the fridge overnight.

July 4, 2011

A few school holiday ideas

School holidays are here and the good weather has officially disappeared. So, here are a couple of indoor options for under-fives.

WORKSHOPS
- Allsportz sports camp, Prahran
- Petit Atelier Cooking Workshops, Prahran
- Fizz Kids, Mont Albert & East Malvern
- The Art Factory,Balwyn, Malvern & Essendon
- Little Devils Circus Workshops, Box Hill South
- Junk Puppetry Workshop at Chapel off Chapel
- Lego Workshop at Docklands
- Pottery Painting at Glazeit Studios, Elsternwick

THEATRE / MOVIES
- Puss N'Boots at The Tivoli Theatre
- Toy Story 3D - The Gruffalo's Child at The Arts Centre
- The Mighty BUZZniks at Melbourne Recital Centre


SHOPPING CENTRE ENTERTAINMENT
Best to look up your local shopping centre, but here a couple of examples. Most events are free, but some may incur a charge.

CHADSTONE
- Disney Storytelling @ Chadstone - 10am and 2pm, 4th-8th July
- Lego Workshops - every half hour between 11 and 1.30pm, 11th-15th July

VICTORIA GARDENS
- Plaster Fun House - 10am-4pm, 4th-16th July
- Do you believe in magic show - 11am and 1.30pm, 11th-15th July

TOORONGA
- Cooking Classes, 11am - 2pm, 4th-8th July
- Craft Activities, 11am - 3pm, 11th-15th July

OTHER EVENTS
- Art of the Brick exhibition at Federation Square AND Holiday Program
- KIDS GO Expo at Mornington Race Course, 7-10 July
- Cheeky Chooks at CERES on Wednesday 6th July, 9.30 - 12.30

If weather gets better, you might also want to consider
- Diamond Valley Railway in Eltham, every Wed and Sun during holidays
- Kew Traffic School

If none of these activities are covenient for you, the best thing to do is check your local newspaper for event listings. Also, check the websites of all your favourite places to go and its pretty much guaranteed there will be some kind of school holiday event on offer. Have a great holidays!

June 28, 2011

Changes in Zoo Fees



Some exciting news thanks to the Victorian State Government and Zoos Victoria.

As of July 1, kids under 16 years will get free admission into all three zoos (Healesville, Werribee and Melbourne) on weekends, school holidays and public holidays.

For Zoo Members, this means that next time you renew your membership you will only pay for family members over 16 years of age - meaning free entry for under-16's every day of the year.

June 21, 2011

WIN an Edible Garden Workshop at Petit Atelier



Creative kids hub, Petit Atelier in Prahran, have an exciting school holiday program on offer this July.

In collaboration with Twisted Junior Apprentice, they are hosting a range of fun with food workshops that provide kids with an opportunity to realise their masterchef dreams.

We have one Edible Garden Workshop place to giveaway for Monday 4th July or Monday 11th July. This workshop is aimed at kids aged 2.5 – 6 years and is designed to familiarise them with kitchen utensils, raw materials and basic food groups to make edible art.

For your chance to win, make sure you are a fan of our new Melbourne for Under Fives facebook page and/or a follower of our blog. Then all you need to do is tell me how many workshops Petit Atelier are running these school holidays. Email your response with your name to julia.dixon@optusnet.com.au. Entries close next Tuesday 28th June at 5pm.

For details on Petit Atelier workshops, visit their website, or their facebook page.

June 10, 2011

Cubbyhouse Canteen


Cubbyhouse Canteen – 43A Union Street, Armadale

One big chocolate grin. Two big marshmallow eyes. And what's that on the spoon.....its a BEAR!

The babychino at Cubbyhouse Canteen is seriously cute. As are their Humpty Dumpty eggs with smiley faces and little knitted hats, and their toastie soldiers served on puzzle plates. Indeed, there are plenty of things here that will make your kids smile.

Sharing its premises with the Malvern Tennis Club in the back streets of Armadale, Cubbyhouse Canteen is the kind of place that I imagine locals would want to keep to themselves. Located next to Union Street Park with its large open grass area and fully enclosed playground, the café incorporates its own gated deck area and toddler friendly playground, as well as on-site toilets and a cosy interior adorned playfully with small tables, a tree mural, jam jars with plants growing inside and a crate of dinosaurs. The ‘hole in the wall’ to the rear of the café, services the park area so there is no need to sit inside if it’s a sunny day, and why not bring the dog down for a run as well. This truly is an all-purpose family destination.

The menu is simple but very tasty and they do all day breakfasts on weekends. They also do healthy kids dinners from Monday to Thursday at 5pm for $8.50 per head. Offerings include lasagne, tuna mornay, fried rice with sticky chicken drummettes, spaghetti bolognese and shepherd's pie. These are served in noodle boxes so you can take them out into the park for a picnic dinner with friends.

Every Tuesday, there are story-time sessions at Cubbyhouse Canteen from 9.30-10.30am for $20 per child/parent and $10 per additional child (cost includes coffee, babychino and light morning tea). Bookings are essential as places are limited. For details visit the My Little Bookcase website.

The Cubbyhouse Canteen website is not yet up and running, but for dinner bookings, text the number of people to 0421173886 or email knockknock@cubbyhousecanteen.com.au

Resource Rescue


Resource Rescue - 7/31 Hosie Street, Bayswater

It's pouring rain outside and it's your day off. Clear the kitchen table, put down a disposable tablecloth, set out some paste & stickytape, then send the hubbie and kids off to Resource Rescue to pick up supplies.

Resource Rescue in Bayswater is brimming with cheap art supplies and sensational art craft materials, all donated by businesses across Melbourne who believe in recycling. You can become a member, or casual prices are $25 for a 54 litre capacity bag, depending on what items you select.

Resource Rescue is open tues-fri 9am - 5pm, sat 9am - 1pm, closed sun & mon. You can also buy selection boxes online and have them delivered. Check website for details.

So, go out and enjoy yourself. You never know, maybe you'll come home and the kids have built that new extension you've been asking for!


NGV Kids Club Membership



This is a fantastic gift idea for the grandparents!

Created especially for the littlest of art lovers, NGV Kids Club encourages children from 0–11 years to experience the NGV Collection, kids’ gallery spaces and superb exhibitions in a fun and dynamic way.

Membership is $50 a year and members receive;

• A cool Crumpler NGV Kids Club back pack filled with wonderful goodies from Micador Group to inspire creative thinking
• An exclusive program each month for NGV Kids Club Members and their families. Artie Mouse and Sketch Glider lead the way for Explorers (0–5 years) and Adventurers (6–11 years) to discover exciting artworks, join in fun activities and create fantastic art
• Personalised Kids Club Membership card and Kids Club lanyard
• An Explorers or Adventurers Kids Club badge
• Discounts on all NGV Kids programs and events
• Free Sunday morning family exhibition viewings and workshops
• A quarterly NGV Kids e-news packed with information, activities and special offers
• 10% discount at NGV Shops, cafes and Persimmon restaurant
• $50 discount for NGV ‘Arty Parties’

How to become an NGV Kids Club Member?
1. In person at NGV International or The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
2. Call 8620 2233 / 8662 1522
3. Download the Kids Club membership form and post it to NGV Members, PO Box 7259, Melbourne VIC 8004

Please note that the NGV Kids Corner at Federation Square has been closed until further notice. However, the NGV Kids Space is now open at NGV International on St Kilda Road. The current exhibition in the NGV Kids Space is Kaleidoscope: Art and Colour.

There are some great activities coming up for under-fives at NGV Kids Space including Colour Mosaic, I can paint rainbows, Family Colour Ball, and TotSpot: Yellow if for happiness. Check website for details.

Congratulations to Erin Young and Melanie Pratt

Thank you to everyone that entered our competition for tickets to Play School's Big Jazz Adventure. I hope our winners Erin Young and Melanie Pratt have a great day out with their families. Their entries are below;

Erin Young
I have two things we love to do.. First is to visit the National Gallery and see the Leonard French stained glass roof which bounces colours all around the room and often ends with kids lying on the floor looking up at it. Second is going at the end of a trip to the vic market, stopping at the bratwurst shop in the Deli section to get big hotdogs and then eating them on the park benches out the front looking at all the people!

Melanie Pratt
We pack a picnic lunch with sandwiches cut into stars & animals, board the 109 tram & head to Port Melbourne. If we get there early enough, we listen to the loud horn & watch the Spirit of Tasmania depart, then run around on the sand chasing seagulls & dipping our toes into the freezing bay. Then we see what we can collect along the waters edge to decorate a sand animal, before tucking into our lunch & tramming home. Afternoon naps always follow!

If you like the sound of these outings, the following posts might interest you - NGV Kids Club Membership and Port Melbourne Playgrounds

For those of you who love Play School - check out this week's Woman's Day for their 45 year reunion special.

June 7, 2011

Win Tickets to Play School's Big Jazz Adventure



Thanks to the lovely people at 774 ABC Melbourne, we have two family passes to Play School’s Big Jazz Adventure at Melbourne Town Hall this Sunday 12th and Monday 13th June at 10am and 12pm.

Specifically designed for 2 to 5 year olds, this great event hosted by Rachael Coopes and Teo Gebert introduces children to the wonder of Jazz through stories, games, music and songs.

For your chance to win, become a fan of our Melbourne for Under Fives facebook page by selecting the LIKE button. Then tell us your favourite thing to do in Melbourne with under-fives by commenting on our discussion board.

If you're not on facebook, you can enter here on the blog by commenting on this post. The two most creative entries will be selected this Friday, so be quick for your chance to win tickets to this exciting event.

May 20, 2011

Keeping Young Kids Active


It's raining, it's cold, and all my kids want to do is get out and run about.

Liz Wells at Fit For Life has some great ideas for keeping kids active, even during winter. Here are some of her suggestions (slightly modified for indoor play);

1. Obstacle Course
Divide the living room into four areas - use furniture, toys, whatever. Put a picture of an animal or fruit in each area so they know where they are up to, and an activity for them to complete (see ideas below). Start each child on a different activity and play their favourite music. Explain that when the music stops, they need to stop and move onto the next activity. Its a good idea to give them a chart to mark off or put a sticker next to each activity.

Some ideas that you could use in the individual areas are:
- Balloons on a string that can be tied to their wrist, they can practice skills such as bouncing and catching, kicking and throwing skills.
- A hula hoop is another great tool as it helps them practice skipping, jumping and of course having fun trying to hula.
- Small softballs and a bucket: get them to stand in a hula hoop and throw the ball into the bucket which is placed a short distance away, this allows them to practice throwing and accuracy.
- Lay a rope along the ground and get them to walk along it in order to practice their balance.
- Star jumps or jumping from one pillow to the next.
- Limbo Stick
- Mimicking a favourite animal

2. Balloon activities
Blow up a few balloons for each child and encourage them to throw them in the air, catch and kick them. Depending on the age of the child balloons can be used to throw, catch, kick or hit with a fly swatter. If you have a waste paper basket of ample size they can also try to throw the balloon into the basket to mimic a mini game of basketball. A great alternative to a balloon is a rolled up newspaper to be used as a mini-basketball.

For older or more experienced children tie a rope across 2 points to create a mini net for them to throw or hit over. Play hot potato with the balloons where the child has to try to keep the balloon off the ground for as long as possible.

As balloons move through space much slower than balls it’s a great cognitive learning experience too, as they learn to judge the time it takes for the balloon to fall. Try a range of soft balls of different sizes so that children can learn about size and shape at the same time. For example when they kick a balloon versus a ball they will soon learn the different force that’s required for each in order to achieve a similar distance.

3.Treasure hunt
Be creative with this one! You can use anything you want as treasure and how difficult you make it will depend on the age of the child. It’s also fun to provide each child with a bucket to keep the treasures as they find them!

For more great ideas and articles, visit the Fit For Life website. I particularly like their article on swimming lessons without the hassles.

May 19, 2011

How to make a Paper Aeroplane


I have always wanted to make paper aeroplanes that don't nose dive on take off. Now I can with this free site that has animated step-by-step instructions for 10 aeroplane designs. Click here and get flying. A great one for dads!

Explore-a-Saurus @ Scienceworks


Scienceworks Museum
Opens 1st June 2011


Last week my husband and I went to see Walking with Dinosaurs at Hisense Arena. We felt a little guilty not taking the kids, but given our four year old ran screaming from a man dressed up as a choc top at the movies recently, we weren't about to spend $100 a ticket to terrify her good and proper.

Anyway, after this amazing show, I am a little obsessed with dinosaurs and I can't wait for Explore-a-Saurus to open at Scienceworks. In the meantime, I am busy educating my two year old in all things dinosaur, which given my extensive knowledge goes something like "T-Rex goes RRROOOAAARRR!"

Hopefully we will have more to talk about after we see the Explore-a-saurus exhibition at Scienceworks. Featuring a number of animatronic models and interactive displays, this exhibition promises to take children and their families on a hands-on adventure into the world of dinosaurs and forensic palaeontology.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $6 Concession, $5 for kids (3-16yrs) and kids under three are free. Tickets include general admission to Scienceworks. For bookings call 131102 or visit the Scienceworks website.

Also see my general post on Scienceworks.

Bouquet of Photo Flowers Craft Class


Teatime and Tales Bookshop - 412 Rathdowne Street, Carlton
27th May 2011, 10am - 11am


I've heard good things about this bookshop but I am yet to go. This craft class sounds like fun. Take along your own photos to create flowers with faces of family and friends on them - a great gift for granny or a nice table decoration.

This class is $7.50 per child and bookings are reccomended. Call 03 9939 6983 or visit the Teatime and Tales website.

Rock-a-bye Baby Music Sessions



Fitzroy Town Hall - Napier Street, Fitzroy
Thursday 2nd June, 11am


Presented by PBS 106.7FM, this Rock-a-bye music session features the all-girl group, The Rebelles. Fifteen women up front singing a great wall of passion delivered with a hypnotic spell of doo-lang harmonies and a come-on glint, backed up by their very own rockin’ 4-piece band.

This sounds like a lot of fun, and a great way to introduce your little one to live music without subjecting yourself to another hour of nursery rhymes.

Noise is welcomed, crawling is encouraged and dancing is expected!

Cost is $5 for adults, children are free. Also free entry for the first 50 concession card holders. For more information visit, the PBS website.

April 29, 2011

Anakie Fairy Park


2388 Balllan Road, Anakie

A day at Anakie Fairy Park and lunch at Denny’s was my perfect day as a child. Where else could you see funny little characters chugging mugs of beer and eating bowls of porridge in a dated but familiar setting. Yes that may well have been Dennys, but the Fairy Park was a most wondrous place as well and I always recall our family outings there with a smile.

Located in Anakie, one hour west of Melbourne and half an hour from Geelong, this theme park is bound to delight your little ones the same way it did my childhood self, although perhaps now they may see it a little differently. We didn’t have Toy Story back then remember, and dioramas were still considered pretty cool, not to mention the whole’ look don’t touch’ theory when it came to museum exhibits and family friendly entertainment. The world has changed, our kids now expect fully tactile, surround sound, 3D experiences even when it comes to the imaginary world of fairy tales, and as such this place may not live up to their expectations. However, you will be surprised, in spite of all this, how they engage with the age old love of button pushing and the joy of seeing their favourite fairy tale characters come to life, in a setting a that is entirely devoted to the imagination and not to some modern perspective of how we see the world.

As such, my first piece of advice for parents with under-fives is to come prepared. Whilst the Fairy Park is pram-friendly, it is not necessarily toddler friendly unless you have another adult in tow. Being a steep site, there are plenty of places a newly-footed toddler can tumble. The Camelot Playground is a signature of our childhood, not theirs, so best not to go sipping lattes whilst the kids are at play because, if your kids are anything like mine, they will be end up in strife. I know that this sounds like a lot of work, but I assure you the Fairy Park is well worth a visit with under-fives as long as you are up to the challenge.

Let me take you through the journey because getting to the Fairy Park is part of the fun. After driving along long country roads that seem to go on forever, you finally see the words FAIRY PARK up on the hill and an entrance flanked by a giant Gulliver. At the ticket booth, the owner of the park pokes a Daffy Duck on a stick out the window with a map in its beak. If you hand him a $50 note, Daffy passes you your change in a pre-prepared snap lock bag. Up the hill you will find ample parking and a bunch of picnic spots, both indoors and outdoors. They provide a good waking up spot after a long drive and I’d suggest you bring your own food as options on-site are dismal for the under-fives. From here you follow the yellow brick road up into Fairy Tale Land where you will discover funny little houses tucked into the hill. Here live all your favourite fairy tale characters such as Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and The Three Little Pigs. Push the button beside the window and the fairy tale scenes come to life in true 70’s fashion. As an adult, be ready to laugh at the ‘promotional’ bears picnic and the Goldilocks audio in which she offers her pocket money in payment for her misdemeanours, but be wary of the big bad wolf, he’s a little bit scary perhaps for our precious, Disney-diet offsprings.

The view from Elephant Rock is impressive, and if you visit in August or September the fields below will be covered in a big yellow blanket of canola. Best of all, the Camelot Playground is lots of fun with a seriously scary giant slide, spinning pod, and old-school play equipment. Just keep an eye on dad, he might enjoy it more than the kids!

Before your visit I recommend visiting the Fairy Park website as they have a pdf of the most direct route. I went on directions from whereis which took us through Little River and this was quite a roundabout route but scenic if you want the kids to have a sleep on the way.

If the kids aren't too tired after your visit, I'd reccomend driving into Geelong and having fish n'chips on the foreshore and a play in Rippleside Park.

April 19, 2011

Kew Traffic School Holiday Program


Cnr Cotham and Grange Roads, Kew

Another one to keep in mind for next school holidays. Kew Traffic School is usually only open to schools and private bookings, so the holiday program provides a rare opportunity for the under-fives to practice their riding skills in a safe but realistic environment. The 2-5 year old session runs for two hours and includes a brief lesson on road rules from the school supervisor. There are bikes available to borrow, but you must bring your own helmet and your child might feel more comfortable on their own bike, trike or scooter. The traffic school is a mini-village with a police station, train station and other buildings along the roadside. Their is a roundabout and working traffic lights with pedestrian crossings, so the kids will play together as they follow the rules of the road. There are picnic areas off to the side for a byo lunch, and there is ample parking next to the school.

The cost is $10 per child and you must pre-book. Visit the Boroondara website or call 9278 4768. Bookings for next school holidays open on 20th June 2011.

Fizz Kidz School Holiday Program


This is definitely one to keep in mind for next school holidays. My 4 year old daughter attended their holiday program workshop yesterday and she loved it. Over three hours, they decorated a hat and apron and made chocolate lipgloss, soaps, bath bombs and slime. All the products are natural, so they make for lots of fun in the bath. Sessions cost $40 per child and parents are not required to stay. Fizz Kidz are in Malvern and Mont Albert. For more information, visit their website or call 9571 8416.

March 31, 2011

Camping with Under-Fives

This post is courtesy of my friend Fiona Irvine who recently took her 4 yr old and 10 month old camping.




My 4 yr kept saying he wanted to go camping and as I am not much of a camper I tried to put it off. After many weeks of persisting I finally gave in and did some internet searching. I wanted a camp site not too far from Melbourne so if it all went horribly wrong then home wasn't too far away. I also wanted it to be family friendly with plenty of activities for my very active son. I settled on Badger Creek Big 4 caravan park in Healesville. Just over 1 hour from Melbourne.

We headed off Saturday morning and arrived in Healesville just in time to get lunch from the bakehouse and sit outside and people watch, which included seeing two ferrets being walked on leads down the main street. We then headed to the caravan park to check in and set up our tent. Being new to camping I borrowed all of the equipment from my sister so there was no big expense and the site cost us $41 per night.

The caravan park is situated beside Badger Creek which is a lovely picturesque flowing creek only ankle deep in most parts so the kids can have fun throwing in rocks or dipping in their toes. There is also a swimming pool, playground and jumping pillow for both children and adults to enjoy. My son took his scooter and had a ball scooting around the park with other children either scooting or riding bikes. For tennis players there are 2 tennis courts. For rainy days the park has a games room with pool table, football table and air hockey as well as a TV room.

I knew the park included a camp kitchen which turned out to be better than i thought. It included microwave, toaster, kettle, oven, stove and fridge as well as chairs and tables to dine at. If you prefer BBQs there are those as well.
The toilet/shower block was excellent and clean but if you don't like to share you can get a site that has its own ensuite!!!

We ended the weekend with a trip to Healesville Sanctuary which is always a fun day.

For those of you looking for a great weekend trip to try out camping, or for those who are more experienced, I thoroughly recommend Badger Creek caravan site.

March 29, 2011

It's a Wrap


ArtPlay
Behind Federation Square, Birrarung Marr

What does an elephant look like when it’s wrapped? How do you wrap a bubble? How about you – what kind of package will you be when you’re covered up? Join Pocketfool and have fun as you swaddle, cover, roll up and hide. Make the ordinary extraordinary and extraordinary ordinary. Hmmm...what will ArtPlay look like all wrapped up?

When: Fridays 29 April and 6 May
Cost: $25 per adult and child pair, bookings essential
Time and age: 10.30am to 11.45am (2-3 years), 11.45am to 12.30pm (4-5 years)

Visit Artplay website for further details.

March 28, 2011

Peninsula Hot Springs


Springs Lane, Rye (melways ref 169 A11)

My son has never looked so clean. Indeed, after two hours of soaking in warm thermal pools at Peninsula Hot Springs in Rye, our whole family look shiny and new – quite a different picture to two hours earlier when we arrived fresh from Kmart in our bargain basement bathers – yes mummy forgot to pack the swimwear and yes it didn’t go down well with anyone!

Despite looking like we just stepped off a P&O cruise (especially mummy in her brighter than bright, tighter than tight, teenage bathers), we all had a great time at the Springs and its’ certainly a place I would recommend for the under-fives as long as you’re aware of its limitations and come prepared.

Firstly, It is an expensive place to visit as a family. For our family of five, it cost $90 - $30 for each adult, $15 for kids over 4, and $10 for under 4’s (including infants). For this reason, I would classify Peninsula Springs as a special treat activity. They also discourage prams, despite the lift and sufficient space to park them. One must remember that this is somewhere that most people come to relax, so you need to be conscious of your conduct as a young family and try to avoid the kind of behaviour that belongs at your local pool. This is not to say that you can’t have fun. The infant bathing area has a large shallow pool, surrounded by half wine barrel baths and large shells with taps. Our kids played happily in this area, drowning little iggle piggle and throwing a ball, without appearing to bother other patrons. Even in the other pools, with their abundance of women and eastern European men, the kids were happily received. It helps that most under fours wouldn’t reach the bottom in the adult pools so they are in your arms and more easily subdued. The reflexology walk (a shallow riverbank with different stones underfoot) and the cave pool were a favourite with our family, but on a cold day, the 38 degree pool may seem a little warm for infants.

Ideally this is the place you would visit as a couple with one child under-five for, in this scenario, you would both get the opportunity to explore the not so child-friendly options such as the Turkish steam bath, and avoid the need for a pram.

Peninsula Hot Springs is open every day from 7.30am to 10pm. Bookings are not required for the public bathing area. For further information, visit the Peninsula Hot Springs website or contact them on 5950 8777.

Rollerskating for Pre-schoolers


Skaterz Eltham
27 Susan Street, Eltham
Mondays & Fridays 10.30am -11.30am

This is far less nerve racking then you might expect. Specifically designed for the under-five age group, this class is a great way of preparing your child for the local production of Xanadu and building their self-confidence as they learn to skate.

Beginners, 2 years & over, are fitted with roller skates with the wheels tightened. This allows them to walk around in the skates and get used to wearing them. Gradually the coaches will loosen the wheels until they are happily rolling around, then its time to move them onto rollerblades which will give them greater balance.

Parents are able to sit and have a coffee, or join in as required. The class is led by at least two coaches and consists of various activities designed to get the kids moving in the rink and enjoying themselves. My kids loved the singing, dancing and game of hide n’ seek.

The class seems a little pricey at $16 per session, but for a full hour and a juice and freddo afterwards, it was quite good value. My daughter didn’t want to stay on the skates the whole time but she still really enjoyed it. My two year old son, on the other hand, kept his skates on the whole time and was walking around like a pro – this combined with his love of bright pink ear muffs has got me thinking we may have Australia’s next Newton-John on our hands.

There is no need to book for the pre-school skating classes and you can go on a casual basis. For more information, visit the Skaterz Eltham website or call 9439 6566.

March 23, 2011

Lego Creative Building Event


In conjunction with Toyworld, Harbour Town Shopping Centre is holding a LEGO building competitions over six days in April.

Thursday 14th April-Tuesday 19th April
11.30am & 1.30pm 3-7 Year Olds (Boys & Girls)
Harbour Town Shopping Centre

How to Enter: On the day participants book a time with the Event Organizer or join the queue. For further information contact Harbour Town Centre Management on 03 9328 8600.

Farmyard Tiffin at The Langham Hotel


This is one of my favourite school holiday events and the farmyard twist sounds particularly fun for the under-fives.

The Tiffin includes;
•Caramel Popcorn Lions
•Sheep Cupcakes
•Pig Cookie
•Frog in a pond
•Freckle Sandwiches
•Ham & Cheese sandwich
•Scones with jam & cream

For a little extra fun, children can design their very own troupe of eight farmyard creatures with a special craft pouch.

Monday to Friday only – 10.00am to 1.00pm (Mon 11th April-Tues 26th April)
ARIA Bar & Lounge, Melba Restaurant @ The Langham Hotel, 1 Southgate Avenue Southbank
$25.00 per child 3 – 12 years young*
$40.00 with animal finger puppets
*Children must be accompanied by an adult enjoying classic Tiffin, $39 per person.

Bookings: Reservations on 1800 641 107 or email rest.res@langhamhotels.com

Mad Hatters Tea Party @ Queen Victoria Market


Have tea with Alice, watch the Mad Hatter dance, and look out for the Queen of Hearts in this all-singing, all-dancing free event.
Thursday 14th & 21st April, 10am to 2pm
L Shed - near Market Espresso

Also at Queen Victoria Market in April, the Twisted Junior Apprentice gang will be holding cooking workshops exploring the world of Easter with Olive Oly and Easter Egg hunts. The kids will decorate cup cakes, hot cross buns and eggs in the middle of the market and take home Easter packs.
Tuesday 12th & 19th April, 9am, 10am & 11am
L Shed
$20 per child, bookings essential - info@twistedtasted.com.au / 0413 061 638

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Queen Victoria Market website

Free Kids Activities @ Ikea


4pm to 6pm may not be the ideal time to be at Ikea with an under-five year old, but if you happen to be there on a Wednesday, make sure you check out these free kids activities in the restaurant.

Upcoming activities:
Mar 2: Paint a Pot - Decorate a plant pot to sit on your window.
Mar 9: Trinket Box - Build a chest from popsicle sticks.
Mar 16: Organise your desk - Decorate a magazine holder.
Mar 23: Puppet Play - Create your own animal puppets
Mar 30: Hi Five! Make a mask using your own hands.

Kids Events @ State Library of Victoria


Toddler Tours
Thursday 14 April 2011, 10:30am - 11:30am
Thursday 12 May 2011, 10:30am - 11:30am
Come dressed as your favourite picture-book character for a discovery tour of the Look! exhibition, then join in the fun of storytime with rhymes, stories and songs. This activity is recommended for children aged one to five years. Bookings are not required. Meet in front foyer of main entrance - 328 Swanston Street.Free event.

The Big Read
Sunday 10 April from 10:15am to 11:30am.
This free event in the Library forecourt is a world record attempt for the largest number of children reading with an adult. Bookings are not required, but you do need to register by emailing vic@cbca.org.au or phoning 1300 360 436.

Children's Book Festival
Sunday 3rd April, 10am - 4pm
Join your favourite authors and illustrators on the State Library lawns for a celebration of childrens books and lots of fun activities including puppet shows, readings, music and magic.

For more information on these and other events, visit the State Library of Victoria website.

Hop Family Fun Day


This new movie looks super cute. Catch a special preview screening, as well as kids activities, face painting and prize pack giveaways at the Hop Family Fun Day on April 3rd at participating locations.

When: Sunday April 3, 2011
Activities Commence: 10:30am Film Commences: 11:30am
Cost: $10 per person (adults and children)
Participating Locations: Airport West, Century City, Doncaster, Fountain Gate, Geelong, Jam Factory, Karingal, Knox, Southland, Sunshine
Bookings essential.

To watch a movie trailer visit the Hop website. To book tickets visit the Village Cinemas website.

March 17, 2011

NGV Kids Club



In May this year, the NGV turns 150 and to celebrate they will become one of the few galleries in the world to have a dedicated kids membership. The Kids Club is designed to encourage the littlest of art lovers to engage with the NGV and experience their collection and exhibitions in a fun and interesting way.

As part of the launch, the NGV are calling all budding artists to help launch the Kids Club. They are inviting children from preschool age up to eleven years to create an image that will feature on the NGV Kids Club Membership card, associated merchandise and other promotional material. For further info and an application form, click here.

You and Me Projects @ Apples and Jam


Apples and Jam
217-239 Montague Street, South Melbourne

Tuesdays@ 10.30 – 11.30 in March and April 2011 (Fridays to start soon)

Enjoy some one on one time with your little one whilst you create and construct a masterpiece. And best of all you don't have to clean up afterwards.

Suited to 2.5 -5 yrs. $22.50 per casual class or $80.00 for a block of 4 classes. For bookings visit the Apples and Jam website or ring 9682 6367

Kids at The Arts Centre



There are several events coming up at The Arts Centre that are suited to the under-five age group.

Wild Things: Live on Stage Exhibition
11th March - 29th May
Gallery 1. Free. Suits 3-12 yrs

Music for Little Monkeys with The Mucakes
Sunday 3rd April, 11am
The Famous Spiegeltent. $16. Suits 2-7 yrs.

Instant Orchestra
13th-16th April, 11am & 12.30pm
The Famous Spiegeltent. $14. Suits 3-12 yrs.

Me and My Shadow
Saturday 21st May, 11am & 1.30pm
Fairfax Studio. $18. Suits 4-8 yrs.

Songs from Above
21st - 28th June, 10am & 11.30am
ANZ Pavillion. $16. Suits 2-4 yrs

For bookings visit The Arts Centre website or ring 1300 182 183.