Fun Tips for Traveling With Kids

February 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Kids on a road trip

The keys to a smooth trip when traveling with kids are to pay attention to their needs and keep plenty of activities for kids to do along the way. Bored and overtired children become cranky kids in a hurry. By remembering the kinds of things that keep children entertained and planning a kid-friendly trip, you can be prepared before the journey begins.

Safety

Before embarking on any trip, there are several safety issues to consider. It is a good idea to have your vehicle completely checked out by your mechanic or someone knowledgeable to ensure it is ready for such a trip. Oil changes, brake checks, light checks and so forth are important to the vehicle’s safe operation while on the road. When you are away from home, you definitely want to ensure the vehicle is in tip top working order.

When it comes to the children riding in the vehicle as passengers, other safety checks should include checking the installation of all car seats and booster seats to ensure they are properly set up for maximum protection. All children under the age of 7 should be secured in a child safety seat or booster seat. All children under the age of 12 should ride in the back seat of the vehicle for optimal safety.

Time

When traveling with kids, the pace of the trip should be set to kid pace. This means lots of time built into your agenda for stops along the way for bathroom breaks, time to run amok and burn off energy and other activities for kids. By taking the time to stop and get out of the vehicle frequently, you can avoid cranky children who simply need to move around and be free from the seat for a bit. Stopping at rest areas and racing the kids to the door or playing tag on the grass for a few minutes can keep everyone in good spirits and content to ride just a bit longer. While snacks along the way are a good idea, stopping for a meal from time to time will allow for a little longer out of the car and a break for everyone.

Entertainment

Entertainment is a big deal when traveling with kids. Trapped in those seats for what seems like eons to them, kids need distractions and fun things to do. Bring some of their toys and gadgets from home and also invest in a few new novelty items that will grab interest. These new items need not be expensive and can even be of short term use, just for the trip. Things such as new crayons, coloring books, books, games, stickers, trinkets of all kinds can bring distraction and something fresh to the play scene. If your children have electronic games, by all means pack those along as well. If the trip is a long one, maybe buy a new game for the gadget. Such games are great activities for kids and often provide hours of distraction, fun and learning.

Here are a few age specific tips of activities for kids when traveling—with the understanding that frequent breaks and stops to get out of the car are important for ALL ages:

Babies - babies will often sleep for long stretches when the car is in motion. Even for those who will sleep well in the car, it is important to give babies time out of the car seat periodically during the trip. Time to lie on a blanket and stretch their little bodies will keep them from getting too sore and tired of riding.

Toddlers to age 5 or so - this age is the move all the time age. Colorful books, blocks that fit together, toys that talk and make noise and ability appropriate electronic games are just a few things you can stock the car with to entertain the traveling toddler. Passengers can interact with the youngsters along the way, playing games, singing songs and reading books to pass the time.

Age 6 to 9 or so - kids in this age group can benefit from a backpack they helped to pack full of fun things to do and a few surprises added by loved ones along the way. Books, electronic games, card games, pens and paper, silly putty, mad libs and so forth are fun things to do in the car. As with all kids, interaction in the form of I Spy games and the like are fun time passers.

Older kids – older kids will often pack their own stuff to do along the way. Interacting with them about what they see during the trip is a good way to spend family time connecting and break up the monotony of a long car trip.

Well timed stops along the way and a well stocked treasure trove of activities for kids will make traveling with kids a fun experience for everyone involved.

Filed Under: Out and About Tips, Travel Tips

The dinosaurs come alive at Luna Park!

January 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

T-Rex

See the dinosaurs come alive this January at Luna Park Sydney! Featuring seven robotic dinosaurs, the renowned Dinosaurs Alive! exhibition is in Sydney for the first time and will be showing at The Big Top from 7 January to 12 February 2012.

The closest thing to travelling back in time, the famous attraction will be transformed into a prehistoric habitat where guests will see moving roaring dinosaurs including the Velociraptor, Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, Huayangosaurus, Gasosaurus, Allosaurus and T-REX!

The lifelike robots are engineered by Japanese specialists, KOKORO, who supply animatronics to the world’s leading museums and theme parks including, the Natural History Museum in London.

This $3.5 million interactive exhibition will take guests back 65 million years to the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Teaching the young and old about these fascinating creatures, the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibition at Luna Park Sydney is something the whole family can enjoy these Summer Holidays.

Best of all, you can get entry to the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibition PLUS Unlimited Rides at Luna Park all day with a Lunasaurus Pass! It’s just $5 more than a normal Unlimited Rides Pass.

Dinosaurs Alive!

See http://www.lunaparksydney.com/dinosaursalive for more.

Filed Under: Featured, New South Wales, School Holidays, What's New?

Koodles for Kids – an exciting creative activity for kids

January 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

Offers singing and art in one session

Looking for a new and exciting creative activity for your kids?

Koodles for Kids is an exciting new programme available for kids in the Newcastle area that combines both singing and art within the one session. Aimed at boys and girls from 1st grade – 6th grade your child will experience two unique classes that will help to inspire creativeness in art and singing with different styles each week.

Koodles for Kids runs weekly sessions as well as a school holiday programme.

Download further information on both programmes here:

January School Holiday Programme

Koodles Programme Information

Or call Kristy on 0414 304 158 or email at koodlesforkids@hotmail.com.

Art is one of the creative areas explored

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays

Win a Fridge to Go Lunch Box and Mum’s Lunch Subscription

December 7, 2011 By 28 Comments

Cheesy Mite Scroll

Congratulations to Louise and her Mini Frittatas idea! Louise has won a Fridge to Go and a Mum’s Lunch Subscription.

We have discovered a fantastic new website that has the answer to the frequently asked question ‘what’s for lunch?’. Mum’s Lunch is a new initiative that helps you to provide delicious and nutritious lunch boxes for your family.

They offer interesting meal plans and delicious recipes featuring fun, yet nutritious suggestions kids will no longer be swapping their lunch for someone else’s or throwing it out.

With morning and afternoon snacks also included and a balance of fruit, vegetables and dairy in each meal plan parents can be assured kids are receiving the right nutrients to get them through a school day.

Joanna from Mums Lunch and Haggus and Stookles are giving you the chance to WIN a year’s subscription to Mums Lunch along with one of our fantastic Fridge to Go Lunch Boxes – so you will be set for the start of the school year! Total value $72.85.

Fridge to Go Lunch Box

For this giveaway it is one entry per person, it is a game of skill and a winner will be chosen based on their creativity and originality of their answer. Please see the Terms and Conditions below for all the information.

1. As a blog comment below, in 30 words or less, answer the following question:

What is your favourite food you and/or your kids love having in your lunch box?

The competition commences on Wednesday 7th December 2011 from 10:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and will continue until Wednesday 14th December 2011 10:00 pm AES.

COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS
1. The Promoter is Haggus and Stookles, www.haggusandstookles.com.au with the prize supplied by Mum’s Lunch and Haggus and Stookles
2. Submission for this prize constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. All entry instructions and competition information published by the Promoter form part of these conditions. Entry is via Internet only.
3. Entry to the competition is open to all residents of Australia over the age of 18.
4. The competition commences on Wednesday 7th December 2011 from 10:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and will continue until Wednesday 14th December 2011 10:00 pm AEST.
5. To be eligible for the prize, persons must submit a response to the question via public post on www.kidstravelblog.com.au  telling us “In 30 words or less, what is your favourite food you and/or your kids love having in your lunch box? The one (1) person who in the Judge’s opinion submit the most original and creative answer, 30 words or less, will be declared the winner. Mums Lunch will shortlist all entries and judge the winner. The winner will be the entry deemed most creative and practical by the judges. The Judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. This is a competition of skill and chance plays no part in determining the outcome. Entries must be the Entrant’s own work and must not infringe any rights of third parties.
6. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any problems or technical malfunction of any communication network or for any late, lost, incomplete, incorrectly submitted, delayed, illegible, corrupted or misdirected entries, claims or correspondence whether due to error, omission, alteration, tampering, deletion, theft, destruction, transmission interruption, communications failure or otherwise. The Promoter has no control over telephone communications, networks or lines and accepts no responsibility for any problems associated with them, whether due to traffic congestion, technical malfunction or otherwise. The Promoter is not liable for any consequences of user error including (without limitation) any costs incurred.
7. One prize winner will be awarded with an annual subscription to Mum’s Lunch valued at $39.90 and a Fridge to Go Medium Lunch Box, valued at $32.95 + cost for postage. The total prize value for this competition is AU$72.85 + cost for postage.
8. Prizes are not transferable, exchangeable, or redeemable for cash. The Prize must be taken as offered and cannot be varied. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any tax implications that may arise from the prize winnings. Independent financial advice should be sought. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any variation in Prize value.
9. To claim the prize, the winner must reply to the winner notification and accept the prize within 14 days of the winner’s notification, as well as indicate their preferred address for the prize to be sent. If the winner does not respond within 14 days, they will forfeit the prize.
10. The Promoter and its associated agencies and companies will not be liable for any damage to or delay in transit of prizes.
Judging
11. Judging will take place at Mums Lunch on December 15th 2011 when winners will be chosen. The winners will be notified by email within 7 days of the judging date. Name of the winner will be published on Haggus and Stookles and Kids Travel Blog websites at the url www.haggusandstookles.com.au and www.kidstravelblog.com.au.
12. Prizes will be posted to the winners at the address nominated by them via email correspondence with the promoter. The personal details provided will not be used for any other purposes than sending the prize and will not be supplied to any other 3rd party suppliers.

Filed Under: What's New? Tagged With: , ,

Santa’s about to arrive at St Ives Shopping Village!

November 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Santa is coming!

St Ives Shopping Village plays host to an exciting array of festive activities and fun for the whole family this Christmas!

The Village is set to impress this year with an exciting line up of family activities and festive fun at their annual community event to be held in the centre on Sunday November 27th from 11-3pm.

“Santa’s arrival is always at the heart of our annual Christmas celebration here at the Village,” says Marketing Manager Sue McKindlay.

“This year, for the first time, we are thrilled to announce Santa will be joined by some special guests including Nickolodeon characters Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer!” she adds.

St Ives Shopping Village’s much anticipated Christmas event will kick off at 11.00am with the arrival of Santa and special guests and a special white Christmas welcome show at 11.30am, followed by a marching band and colourful parade around the centre.

The day will continue with roving activities and entertainment including face painting, a baby animal nursery and reindeers, Christmas craft, the Great Circus Workshop and performances from Shayne Reynolds the Magician and the Barbershop Quartet.

Visitors to the Village can also look forward to a selection of charity stalls and the Pymble Scouts famous BBQ.

Mrs Claus

“We look forward to welcoming all those from the north shore community, to come help us celebrate the spirit of Christmas this year,” says McKindlay.

For more information on the event go to www.stivesvillage.com.au

About St Ives Shopping Village

St Ives Shopping Village is a privately owned and managed shopping centre located on Sydney’s upper North Shore. Opening its doors on 17th November 1960, the centre celebrated 50 years of trading in 2010. The centre has always espoused the values of family and community and always tries to provide community services as well as offering the local community a balanced centre that caters to all of their shopping needs in one place.

www.stivesvillage.com.au

Filed Under: What's New?

School holidays are fast approaching

November 17, 2011 By 2 Comments

Kids Welcome home page

At this time of year, parents all over Australia start to panic. In a few short weeks, their precious children will be in their full time care and the pressure of keeping them happy for up to two months can be daunting.

It’s not just about keeping them busy: Choosing holiday experiences that won’t break the bank can be a real challenge. Luckily, the Kids Welcome web directory has been launched just in time to come to the rescue.

This free resource includes over 2000 reviews of family-friendly activities, attractions, tours, places to eat, places to stay, events, beaches and even playgrounds. The reviews are written by parents, for parents and each is rated as suitable for three different age-groups: preschool, primary and teen.

Web directory creator Sarah Pye says this invaluable resource will take the hard work out of entertaining the kids.

“If you are planning to explore new parts of Australia together it helps you pick appropriate places to go, many of which are free and you wouldn’t find them in tourism brochures,” she says.

“Even if you don’t leave home,  the Kids Welcome directory is just as useful for banishing ‘I’m bored’ because there are guaranteed to be ideas for your local area too.

“Grandparents, aunts and uncles need not fear if the kids are coming to visit over Christmas!”

What makes this online resource different from Kids Welcome printed guidebooks is the ability for users to engage directly. By joining the site, which is free, they can make comments on the reviews and even upload images of their own family enjoying the activities.

Not only is it fun to see yourself on the website,” Sarah says.

“It’s also good to know your comments will help other families create memorable holidays!”

The Kids Welcome web directory was launched on November 11 at UnderWater World on the Sunshine Coast.  It was critically acclaimed by

Kids Welcome launch

Sunshine Coast Destination Limited and currently covers Queensland, NSW and the ACT.  Sarah and her chief expert, Amber (11) intend to hitch their camper trailer and explore Victoria over the summer to add even more content.

To celebrate the launch, you could win a week in your very own camper trailer from Camp Ezy on the Gold Coast. Simply go to competitions on www.kidswelcome.com.au.

Filed Under: ACT, New South Wales, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Queensland, Reviews, School Holidays, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Victoria, Western Australia

School Holiday Spectaculars at Luna Park Sydney!

September 26, 2011 By 1 Comment
Ali Baba

From the Arabian nights to the final frontier, Luna Park Sydney presents fun-filled adventures stretching time and smiles these September school holidays. Back by popular demand, Ali Baba and the Wild West Rollercoaster return to the Park from Fri 23rd September to Sun 9th October.

Propelling thrill-seekers sky high on a magic carpet ride before a heart-pounding drop down to earth, the highly anticipated Ali Baba will float into town, while the wicked windings of the Wild West Rollercoaster will have rider’s spines tingling with exhilaration, cowboy style.

Set on the magnificent Sydney Harbour, Luna Park offers the most fun that kids can have these school holidays. But if that’s not enough, there are even more reasons to head to the home of Sydney’s favourite attractions, including:

  • A world first in interactive theme park technology, “My Experience”, so you can share all the fun you’re having at Luna Park with your Facebook friends in real time, via an RFID enabled wristband.
  • White-knuckle attractions to awaken the daredevil in us all, including the Wild Mouse, Spider, Rotor and Flying Saucer.
  • Classic family rides such as the iconic Coney Island, Dodgems, Ferris Wheel and the dazzling Antique Carousel.
  • Plus all your carnival favourites including Fairy Floss and Pluto Pups.
Luna Park

Buy online and save! Visit www.lunaparksydney.com

Luna Park Sydney – just for fun for the whole family these school holidays.

Hours/Pricing as at 1 July 2011

Visit www.lunaparksydney.com or call (02) 9922 6644 for further information about the best pass for you!

Opening Hours

Autumn, Winter & Spring School Holidays
Sunday to Thursday 10am-6pm. Friday & Saturday 10am-11pm.

Non School Holidays from end Summer Holidays to beginning Spring Holidays Sunday 10am-6pm. Monday 11am-4pm. Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm. Tuesday to Thursday Park is closed.

Non School Holidays from end Spring Holidays to beginning Summer Holidays Sunday 10am-6pm. Monday 11am-6pm. Friday 11am – 11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm. Tuesday to Thursday Park is closed.

Christmas/Summer School Holidays
Sunday to Thursday 10am-9pm. Friday & Saturday 10am-11pm.

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays

Splash into Spring Holiday Fun at Jamberoo Action Park

September 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Taipan

Jump into fun these school holidays at Jamberoo Action Park. Guaranteeing the very best thrills and spills, NSW’s biggest theme park is the place to have the most fun in the water.

Kicking off in time for the sunny Spring break, Jamberoo is ready for endless family fun, reopening on weekends from 3rd September and every day from 17th September from 10-5pm.

Can you control the action? Dive into NSW’s favourite rides including:

  • “The Taipan” – a wild ride to get hearts pounding and awaken any inner rapid water daredevils – no matter how old they are!
  • “Surf Hill” – feel the need for speed with the definitive eight lane downhill water race.
  • “Rapid River” – relax and float around 240m of waves, caves and waterfalls. A great splashing time!
  • “Billabong Beach” – a family favourite for water babies and youngsters, “Billabong Beach” features interactive animals and mini slides.
  • “Outback Bay” – holding 2.5million litres of water this is NSW’s biggest wave pool, meaning epic proportions of fun.

    Billabong Beach

    Springing into another season of non-stop fun

    Everyone can take advantage of terrific family value at Jamberoo Action Park these school holidays, as admission covers all rides, all day long.

    Jamberoo hosts has a wide range of tasty food outlets including healthy vegetarian and seafood delights at Bombora Seafood, refreshing ice-cream from Bombora Scoop and burgers that blow it out of the park at the Burger Barn. Guests can also bring their own lunch and enjoy the picnic grounds and BBQ facilities.

    But if that’s not enough, the new Beach Hut themed souvenir shop, lets guests take the fun home with them.

    Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, Jamberoo is the place to soak up some sun or enjoy the twists and turns of NSW’s favourite attractions this school holidays.

    For fast priority entry, tickets can be purchased via the new online ticketing system at www.jamberoo.net.

    Entry pricing for 2011-2012 – Adults (13+) $39, Children (4-12 inclusive) $31, Seniors (60+) $31

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays

The Circus is coming to the Hunter Valley Gardens

September 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Circus Avalon

The Hunter Valley Gardens is calling all children and parents to visit during the coming School Holidays and join the Circus! From September 24th until October 9th, Circus Avalon will bring the complete circus experience to the Gardens.

Circus Skill Workshop and Roaming Characters: 10.00am-2.00pm (Daily)
Kids, let your inner clown out as you learn how to juggle and hula hoop with the Circus Avalon workshops. Depending on your strength, there are also opportunities to learn how to use the aerial apparatus.  During the day circus performers will roam around the gardens on jumping stilts and unicycles. Be sure to say hello!

Circus Avalon 2.00pm (Daily)
Each day, Circus Avalon will perform breathtaking and thrilling acts! During the 30 minute performance you will be able to watch acts on the trapeze, aerial ring and aerial ladder. You won’t be able to contain your excitement while jugglers perform their magic and clowns show you how to hula hoop.

Circus Activities 10.00am-2.00pm (Daily)

Circus Avalon

Children will have the opportunity to actually look the part of a circus performer, with circus themed face painting.  They will also be able to take part in special circus themed craft activities.

Hunter Valley Gardens are also preparing to celebrate their 8th birthday, and would love for you to come and celebrate with them on the 8th and 9th of October.

In addition to all the fun circus antics of the weekend, there will be a number of fun birthday activities including free;

  • Pony Rides from 10.30am-2.30pm
  • Amusement Rides from 10.00am-4.00pm
  • Face painting and a jumping castle from 10.00am-4.00pm
  • Finally, don’t forget to come join the team to sing Happy Birthday and enjoy some cake.

 

Circus Avalon

Entry to the Gardens is $24.00 per adult, $20 for seniors, children aged 4 – 15 are $12, with children 3 years and under admitted free.  For further information please call 02 4998 4000 or visit www.hvg.com.au.

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays

Little Melbourne – the inside scoop on what’s fun in Melbourne for kids

August 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Little Melbourne

Little Melbourne is the guide to all the latest happenings in and around Melbourne for babies, toddlers and kids. They provide the inside scoop on what’s fun in Melbourne (and surrounds) to do, see, visit, eat, play and create.

Some of their regular content includes fun filled activities, weekend events, free stuff, arts and nature activities, rainy day activities, kid-friendly eating out – parties & kids high teas, day trips out of the city, special guest contributors, reviews and big giveaways.

They are dedicated to maintaining Little Melbourne as a site that supports local families and businesses and provides the best content available for the Mumma’s, Papa’s, Grandparents, Carers and the Hip Kids.

They love getting out and about discovering what Melbourne has to offer for all things ‘Kids’ – Putting the FUN back into activities and events for Victorian Families.

Check them out today – Little Melbourne – Putting the Fun back into activities + events for Victorian Families

www.littlemelbourne.com.au

Filed Under: Victoria, What's New?
« Older Posts