Geocaching – treasure hunting with a technological twist!

February 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Geocaching

Every kid loves a treasure hunt! Geocaching is treasure hunting with a technological twist. With the help of a GPS receiver or mobile device, you and your family can hunt for and find treasures, called geocaches, anywhere in the world. This can be a weekend activity in your local area or a continual activity during a holiday anywhere in the world.

Geocache locations are recorded online with their specific global coordinates so that others can find them. There are over 1,532,000 geocaches in the world in over 100 different countries, and so there are certainly several near you!

A geocache is a waterproof container that holds a logbook where geocachers enter their codename and date they found the geocache. They also contain some kind of small “treasure” such as a toy, ornamental object, unusual coin, CD, or book. There are also treasures that can be tracked online as they travel from place to place, such as Travel Bugs or Geocoins. A treasure may even have a specific goal, such as to be placed in a certain cache far away, or to go to a certain country. (Or course, dangerous or offensive items such as weapons and pornography are not allowed to be used as geocaches.) Treasures are usually meant to be taken and replaced with a treasure of your own.

Some geocaches can be complicated to find because they are in hard-to-reach places, such as on the top of a mountain or underwater. Other caches require you to solve a puzzle in order to find their location. Other caches are “virtual,” meaning that they do not contain the traditional box, but another object of interest that you must take a picture with and email back to the cache hider.

This is a fun travel activity for the family that always provides new surprises! Best of all, it’s free to register if you already have a mobile device. For more information, check out the geocaching website at www.geocaching.com.

This post was written by Jan Pierce, a 4th grade teacher who has over 20 years of experience in the classroom. Her interests include educational technology and online learning. She also owns the site Elementary Education Degree for students interested in earning a degree in elementary education.

Filed Under: Reviews, School Holidays, What's New?

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

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?

Seek adventure in Newcastle for the kids this winter

June 22, 2011 By 1 Comment

Aerial view of Newcastle

From spooky, after-dark ghost tours and spotlight searches for nocturnal creatures, to biking adventures, break-dancing classes and circus skills, Newcastle offers plenty of options for keeping kids entertained this winter.

Jump, scream and shriek past some of Newcastle’s most historic (and possibly haunted!) buildings on an after-dark adventure with Newcastle Ghost Tours. Weave through old Gaol Hill, the Lock Up Cultural Centre (originally the city’s police station) and the old Cathedral Cemetery, while the tour guide retells spooky paranormal stories of Newcastle’s fascinating past. Tours run Friday nights throughout winter, priced from $35 per person.  For more information or to book, contact Newcastle Ghost Tours on 0411 357 519.

Just outside Newcastle’s CBD is Blackbutt Reserve, featuring more than 180 hectares of nature trails, wildlife exhibits and great picnic spots. Get up-close and personal with koalas, wombats, pythons and blue tongue lizards with daily Animal Encounters. Alternatively, take a guided spotlight tour, complete with billy tea and damper by the campfire, run Saturday nights in winter. During the school holidays, kids can become a Junior Ranger. The program includes games, craft, hands-on activities, an educational talk, take-home showbag and Junior Ranger certificate. For more information or to book, contact Blackbutt Reserve on 02 4904 3344.

Kids looking for fun will be spoilt for choice at The Loft these school holidays, with the youth arts and cultural centre running a jam-packed schedule of fun workshops and activities between Monday July 4 and Saturday July 16. Experiences will include a Survivor Day challenge, indoor Olympics, break-dancing classes and circus lessons, plus off-site adventures such as go karting, ten pin bowling, fire twirling, horse riding and laser tag. Activities are available for kids aged 12-25. For more information or to book, contact The Loft on 02 4974 2092.

Explore the coastline on a scenic bike ride past some of Australia’s best beaches. Starting at Merewether Beach, follow the coastal path around the country’s oldest ocean baths, past Nobbys Beach and along the foreshore of Newcastle’s famed harbour. Civic Bikes provides a range of bikes for hire, with hourly rates starting from $12 for adults and $8 for kids. For more information or to book, contact Civic Bikes on 02 4927 6277.

Voted one of the top 10 cities in the world by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011, Newcastle is a lively coastal city made up of beautiful beaches, a working harbour fringed by cosmopolitan cafes, bars and restaurants, a diverse arts culture, boutique shopping, heritage buildings, grassy parklands and National Parks – all without the capital city crowds and just two hours’ drive (or 30 minutes flight) north from Sydney.

For more information on accommodation, events and activities taking place in Newcastle, head to www.visitnewcastle.com.au. Bookings for some events and activities are essential.

Filed Under: Featured, New South Wales, School Holidays

Take a journey through Africa during July School Holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens

June 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

African Rhythms - July School Holidays Workshops

Give the kids a taste of Africa these School Holidays from July 2 to July 17 at Hunter Valley Gardens. This flavour of African culture won’t cost you thousands of dollars on flights and you don’t even need a passport. With African drumming lessons, dance shows and African themed crafts, the school holidays are shaping up to be a fun cultural experience for all the family.

African Drumming and Traditional Dance Workshop: 11am-1pm Daily
The African drum is a sign of life and symbolises the heartbeat of the African community. Experience the energy and joy of African drumming and dance with Fodè Manè, a professional dancer and percussionist, originally from West Africa. The whole family will enjoy being introduced to the techniques of playing African rhythms. This workshop is both educational and inspirational, leaving those who participate feeling energised and culturally enriched.

African Cultural Drum and Dance Show: 2pm-2.30pm Daily
Jamo Jamo Arts will be performing a thrilling, lively show. Featuring African drums, dance and incorporating the exciting and infectious rhythms of live African drumming. What better way to get the whole family dancing! See video of Jamo Jamo Arts.

African Craft and Face Painting: 10am-2pm Daily
Give the kids a chance to bring the African spirit to life with African themed crafts, and the chance to transform into their favourite wild African animal with the help of top face painters. 

Hunter Valley Gardens Train ($5 Child, $7 Adults) & Storybook Jumping Castle ($3 per Child) 10am to 2pm Daily
Travel in style on the Hunter Valley Gardens Express! Parents and children can enjoy a train tour around the Gardens. If the kiddies are wanting more, let them jump around on the Storybook Garden Jumping Castle.
 
July School Holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens will give kids the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss the African themed fun in the heart of the Hunter.

The School Holidays 2011 family pass (2 adults and 2 children) rate is $60.00. Entry to the Gardens is $24.00 per adult, $20 for Seniors, $12 for children aged 4 – 15 and children 3 years and under are admitted free of charge.  For further information please call 02 4998 4000 or visit www.hvg.com.au

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays
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