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

Whittlesea – Melbourne’s Slice of Country perfect for families

April 13, 2011 By 1 Comment

Alpine Toboggan Slide at Funfields

The City of Whittlesea has so many unique places just waiting for the whole family to explore.

Take a scenic drive, a leisurely bush walk, a picture perfect picnic in the park, stop for a bite to eat, or simply enjoy family time at a fun park.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started;

1. Check out the Blackout Water Slide and Blackbeards Fury- the hairiest, scariest attractions to hit Funfields, Whittlesea

2. Enjoy a milkshake and wood-fired pizza at Donnybrook Farmhouse Cheese. Mum and Dad will love the delicious cheese platter

Donnybrook Cheese Farmhouse

3. Enjoy some of Australia’s best performing arts and theatre shows at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, South Morang

4. Have a family picnic at Yan Yean Reservoir Park, where a number of walking tracks link to wetlands and surrounding bushland

5. Drive in the fast lane at Top Kart, Epping

6. Grab a gourmet pie or delicious cake at the Bakery Café, Mernda

7. Hop on board a horse ride at Uncle Nev’s Horseriding, Upper Plenty

8. Taste the fully flavoured fresh juice and produce at Just Picked Berries and Fruit, Yan Yean

Bumper Boats at Funfields

9. Enjoy the grand parade, wood chopping, livestock pavilion, animal nursery, rides, show bags, entertainment and gourmet food expo at the Whittlesea Agricultural Show in November

10. Children and adults can enjoy a fun game of laser tag at NRG Force, Thomastown

11. Test and delight the whole family with a round of golf at one of our two great scenic courses. 

12. Step in to the Whittlesea Courthouse Visitor Information Centre  and discover one of the oldest functional buildings in the district.

How to get there:
Location: 40 minute drive north of Melbourne’s CBD
Telephone: (03) 9716 1866
More Information: Visit the Whittlesea Courthouse Visitor Information Centre, corner Beech and Church Streets, Whittlesea
Website: www.whittleseatourism.com.au

Filed Under: Reviews, School Holidays, Victoria

Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort – Little Mountain, Big Family Value

April 12, 2011 By 1 Comment

Husky Rides

Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort – the season starts 11 June

From 11 to 13 June, get the family up the mountain for the first weekend of the snow season. It will be jam packed with activities including tobogganing, snow shoeing, marshmallow toasting, hot chocolate, kids giant games and our very own Baw Baw’s Got Talent.

Don’t forget to get your photo taken with Frosti the Frog, Baw Baw’s evergreen mascot!!

Mt Baw Baw, is known for having the cheapest Lift Tickets in Victoria  – a family of four being able to drive right up to the slopes and ski for under  $200 midweek!   Visiting the snow does not have to break the family budget with Value Packages offered to help with purse strings.

Only 2 ½ hours from Melbourne it’s the best family destination this winter!   This quaint Alpine Village offers loads of snow fun –it offers sightseeing, tobogganing, ski and snowboarding, Husky Dog Sled Rides, Snowshoeing, Kids Club Activities and some of the best Family Value Accommodation available at the snow. Mt Baw Baw is most certainly a Little Mountain, jammed packed with Big Value this 2011 Snow Season.

Visit Mt Baw Baw, anytime and discover the hills are alive, all year round!

Mt Baw Baw big air bag and Freestyle Boarder

Mt Baw Baw provides families hours of active entertainment that will ensure a fulfilled day!  In addition to the ski slopes there are 10km of cross country skiing tracks and lots of different terrain parks to practice Freestyle Skiing including The Big Air Bag (a 15m air cushion), for older kids to practice their freestyle and aerial jumps!

Get Mushing with Husky Rides all winter season whisking families around the spectacular scenery of Mt Baw Baw by their own team of huskies.

Free Burton Learn to Ride Clinic on Wednesday 13 July where you get expert tuition and try Snowboarding for free. Includes free equipment hire and is ideal for beginners aged 6 years and over.

For those after a relaxing end to the day, or simply wishing to pamper themselves while the rest of the family get active, there is the Wellbeing centre with its outdoor Rock Spa Pool, Sauna, gym and Massage.  Lie back in the Rock Spa Pool and watch the world go by as you sip a glass of Champagne. Follow that with fine dining at the a la carte Village Central Restaurant, which is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the Mt Baw Baw Mountain to Sea vista.

Baw Baw Mountain

There are lots of things to do at Mount Baw Baw – it’s not every day you get the chance to leaving the CBD after breakfast and be doing snowboarding tricks, in a huskie driven sleigh or just taking in the breathtaking views from Mt Baw Baw before lunch.

For all Information on what Mt Baw Baw can offer you, call our Guest Services team on 03 5165 1136 or visit www.mountbawbaw.com.au.

Mt Baw Baw strongly advise you call ahead to book a Massage and check operating times of all activities. All outdoor activities are always subject to the elements. Ski rates include Lift Ticket & Gate Entry and do not include Ski Hire or Lessons.

Filed Under: Featured, Reviews, School Holidays, Victoria

Go Play – hundreds of NSW school holiday activities online

April 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Go Play

Go Play is an online school holiday calendar featuring art, culture, sport and recreational activities for kids of all ages. It brings together in one convenient location a wide range of affordable and free school holiday activities and ideas coordinated by the NSW Government.

Go Play lists activities all over the state, with most events in Sydney and surrounds. This autumn, kids can try drumming at the Powerhouse Discovery Centre, cartooning at the State Library or bike riding at Sydney Olympic Park.

The site lets you search by age, type of activity or cost. You’ll find family-friendly information about cafes, baby change tables, disabled and pram access. The Go Play map also shows you what’s on nearby.

Visit www.goplay.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays

Discover the Wonderful World of Bees

April 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Discover the wonderful world of bees

Bees Needs at Sydney Wildlife World

These school holidays we’re going bee-zerk about bees and want all of our visitors to bee-lieve in the global importance of bees and bee-aware of the possible bee crisis the world is currently facing.

Sydney Wildlife World is the home to a wild colony of European Honey Bees. The bees travel freely in and out of the attraction via a tunnel in the wall and go about their daily work in the city before returning to their hive which is one of the many displays within Sydney Wildlife World.

Over the April school holidays running from April 9 to April 24, 2011 we’ll be highlighting the Native Australian Bee and the European Honey Bee and the differences between species – the two different hives will be displayed side by side. Native bees have no sting and are vital pollinators for our native plants but most people wouldn 217;t even know one when they saw one!

View the hives up close and see the bees going about their daily work. Can you find the Queen? Learn about the complex behaviour of bees and their important role in our world. Our bee exhibit will have to bee seen, to be bee-lieved.

Kids will love all the fun bee activities they’ll find on site at Sydney Wildlife World and children will also receive a showbag (while stocks last). The Sydney Wildlife World bee exhibit can be experienced by all Sydney Wildlife World visitors.

WHAT? Bee Exhibit – immersive and educational, discover the very important world of bees up close, and learn about the difference between our Native Australian Bees and the European Honey Bees + bee activities and showbags.

WHERE? Sydney Wildlife World

WHEN? April 9 to April 24, 2011

HOW MUCH? Included with entry to Sydney Wildlife World. Single entry $35 for adults and $18 for kids  230;OR combine with our other great Sydney attractions and save up to $45.

www.sydneywildlifeworld.com.au

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays

Kids School Holiday Activities in Newcastle

April 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Join the Circus with Circus Avalon

Newcastle has some fantastic Kids School Holiday Activities this Easter, activities your kids will love! They can make their own machines, take part in a spectacular performing arts show or join the circus! See below for more details.

Tuesday 12 April

Exciting Experiments and Science with Fizzics Educations
Market Square, Newcastle

Ooh and ahh at the wonders of science as you make your own machines and participate in the fantastic Flight Show and much more, experiencing science the way it is meant to be explored. Parents and carers are welcome to come along at 4:15pm to see their child’s achievements. For more information visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au

Time: 8:30am- 5:30pm
Venue: Market Square, Suite 40 Hunter St Outlets, Newcastle Mall.
Cost: $45 per child. Bookings essential
Ph: 4925 3968

Wednesday 13 April

Glee Club
Express your talent and p[assion for the performing arts in this one day Glee Club. We incorporate song, dance and drama to bring together a spectacular show at 4:15pm for parents and carers to see your true talent shine through. For more information visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au

Time: 8:30am- 5:30pm
Venue: Market Square, Suite 40 Hunter St Outlets, Newcastle Mall.
Cost: $45 per child. Bookings essential
Ph: 4925 3968

Thursday 14 April

Join the Circus with Circus Avalon
Roll up Roll up the Circus is in town! Learn amazing new skills- juggle, spin plates and try acrobatic tricks as you make new friends. Amaze your parents with a live performance at 4:15pm showing off your new found skills.  For more information visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au

Time: 8:30am- 5:30pm
Venue: Market Square, Suite 40 Hunter St Outlets, Newcastle Mall.
Cost: $45 per child. Bookings essential
Ph: 4925 3968

Filed Under: Featured, New South Wales, School Holidays

Lightning expected to hit Brisbane – June 30 with Disney on Ice!

April 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Lightening McQueen in Disney on Ice

Due to unseasonal activity in the higher strata of atmosphere, there’s a lightning warning out for Brisbane between June 30 and July 3 – weather conditions are expected to be ice-like with spectacular lightning, particularly  over Boondall, in the city’s north.

In a strange twist, meteorologists have issued a specific warning for those with the surname McQueen to be particularly careful, and to stay away from red, number 95 cars.

In addition to the extreme weather conditions, and in unrelated news, local zoologists have reported rumored, yet unsubstantiated, sightings of African animals in the Boondall wetlands.

Lion King in Disney on Ice

There’s been talk of lion sightings, wildebeests, hyenas, a meerkat and a warthog. Apparently the meerkat and warthog answer to the names Timon and Pumbaa respectively – again this is rumor only. Similarly, local Marine Biologists undertaking various studies in the waters off Moreton Bay said they may be on the brink of making some major announcements regarding a new species including giant clam shells and even mermaids.

And in the last update, Fairyologist Ms T. Bell has reported evening sightings of fairy lights throughout the Boondall area. “Anyone would think they are in Pixie Hollow,” she is reported to have said.

No-one from the Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Entertainment Centre or Alma Park Zoo would comment; not even Terri Irwin would return calls.

Of course this has nothing to do with the latest Disney on Ice spectacular about to hit the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. From June 30 some of the biggest names in entertainment will be here for one of the best Disney on Ice shows to tour Australia yet – Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy, in Brisbane from Thursday, June 30 to Sunday, July 3. Tickets go on sale THIS MONDAY, April 4 at 9am through Ticketek on 132 849 or visit www.ticketek.com.au/disneyonice

Tinkerbell & Terence in Disney on Ice

Names like Lightning McQueen and Mater from Disney/Pixar’s Cars; Simba, Scar and Pumbaa from The Lion King; Ariel, Eric and the wonderful Under the Sea creatures from The Little Mermaid, and the magical cast of Fairies from Walt Disney Pictures Tinker Bell will take to the ice under the playful direction of the world famous Mickey and Minnie in an action-packed spectacular which will entertain and excite kids of all ages.

Locals are urged to exercise caution in the Boondall area.

Filed Under: Featured, Queensland, Reviews, School Holidays Tagged With:

Knox Shopping Centre School Holiday and Easter Fun!

April 2, 2011 By 3 Comments

Great Easter Activities at Knox Shopping Centre

Victorian families will be able to take advantage of Knox Shopping Centre’s free activities over the Easter and school holiday period.

Children can join in the fun with the much loved Yogi Bear and partake in Easter workshops including Easter basket making and decorating Easter Bunny face masks!

Kids are also invited to take part in Knox Shopping Centre’s exciting Easter egg hunt around the centre on Thursday 21 April.

Little ones can pick up a sheet of clues from the School Holiday Activity Centre to join the hunt for Easter eggs, which will be located in retailer windows in the centre. Once the little hunters have found the Easter bunny eggs, they can return their clue sheet to receive a special prize!

Plus, kids should keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny who will be hopping around the centre from Monday 18 April, handing out free Easter eggs, yum!

When: Activities running between Monday 11 April – Saturday 23 April
Time: 11.00 AM- 2.00 PM Daily
Location: Knox Shopping Centre, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, VIC 3152
Who: Knox residents and their families

Decorate your very own Easter basket
About - Join in the fun with Yogi Bear at this great Easter workshop where kids can decorate their very own Easter basket
Dates – Monday 11 – Friday 15 April
Time – 11am-2pm daily
Where – Level 1, near Myer

Easter Mask Decorating Workshop
About - Kids are invited to join in the fun at this Easter mask decorating workshop where they can decorate their very own Easter bunny mask
Dates – Monday 18-Thursday 21 April
Time - 11am-2pm daily
Where - Level 1, near Myer

Easter Egg Hunt
About - Take part in this exciting Easter Egg Hunt around Knox Shopping Centre. Find the Easter Bunny Eggs located in the windows of selected retailers to receive your prize!
Date - Thursday 21 April
Time - 11am-2pm
Where - School Holiday Activity Centre on Level 1, near Myer

The Cadbury® Bunny
About - The Cadbury® Bunny will be roaming Knox Shopping Centre
Date – Monday 18-Thursday 21 & Saturday 23 April
Where – Throughout the centre

About Knox Shopping Centre
Knox Shopping Centre is a leading regional shopping centre, located approximately 25 kilometers from the Melbourne CBD. It provides customer with a unique shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment experience. The centre is compromised of two distinct precincts being Knox City and Knox O-Zone.

Knox City is a two level, fully enclosed, traditional shopping centre which first opened in 1977. Myer, Target, Kmart, Harris Scarfe, two Coles supermarkets, 16 mini major stores and approximately 280 specialty stores anchor the centre. Knox O-Zone is the outdoor leisure, dining and entertainment component of the centre, anchored by Village Cinemas, which boasts one of the largest cinema screens in Australia. The precinct also includes a number of retail stores, including large format furniture, white goods and commercial offices.

Filed Under: School Holidays, Victoria Tagged With:

Ideas on how to save money these School Holidays

April 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

How to save money this Easter

School Holidays can be an expensive time, a lot of childrens entertainment out of the home costs money!  Here are a few ideas on how to save money these School Holidays:

1. Sit down with your child(ren) and decide what you are going to do these holidays.  Nearly all kids will say they want to go to the movies or some other relatively costly outing.  Take the opportunity to talk about budgeting.

2. Most kids love the movies and the Easter Holidays is a great time for new kids’ releases.  Rio, Mars needs Mums, Hop and Justin Bieber: Never Say Never are all out on April 7th, with Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 released April 14th.  

Unfortunately, buying movie tickets for 2 adults ($18 each) and 2 children ($13.50 each) at the box office will cost a massive $63  just to get into the cinema.  Purchasing pre-paid vouchers for the same cinema at www.justtheticket.com.au will cost just $47.50 (including postage and handling).  That’s a saving of over $15.  If, like most parents, you’d like to take the kids to the movies twice you’ll save $32.50 just by using this service.   Vouchers are valid for 6 months so they can be used next holidays if your plans change.

3. Stay away from the “candy bar” at the cinema.  The items are expensive, usually the prices aren’t displayed and no-one can make a rational decision with a queue building up behind! Even as an occasional treat there are much better (and cheaper) options for kids.  Take popcorn-the serving size is far too large, making it difficult to judge what is a reasonable amount for a child to consume and it encourages children to waste food. It is overloaded with salt (which isn’t good for any of us) and encourages kids to drink copious amounts of soft drink to quench their thirst. 

Take snacks with you wherever you can.  Many entertainment venues have pretty reasonable policies in this regard. For instance Hoyts’ policy is only that no hot food or drinks are to be taken into the cinema.   It is also worth remembering not to take food that may disturb other patrons.  The smell of bananas for instance bothers some people, so are best avoided.

As much as I’d like to say I make my own nutritious treats for kids- I don’t!  I buy one multipack of potato chips and a couple of bags of lollies from the supermarket at the start of the holidays.   These items are then ‘outing’ food.  One packet of chips and a little lolly bag is enough junk to get a child through a morning or afternoon out without feeling like they are missing out.  It’s not the most nutritious option, but the portion sizes are more reasonable and it’s easier to know how much junk they’ve eaten over a week or two.

4. Have a “sausage sizzle”.   This is cheaper and less hassle than a picnic and can be as easy as taking a tray of sausages or patties, bottle of sauce, some napkins (or a box of tissues) and a loaf of bread to the local park.  Take some fruit for a snack and a soccer ball or kite and the kids will be occupied for most of an afternoon. 

Enjoy!

Nichole Murray
www.justtheticket.com.au

Filed Under: School Holidays Tagged With:

Go on an Ocean Quest these School Holidays at Sydney Aquarium

March 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Visit Sydney Aquarium in the April school holidays and go on a quest to discover what problems face many of Australia’s marine animals and environments.

Follow a treasure map around the aquarium and find the answers to the questions in your Ocean Quest booklet. Meet some of their keepers as they hold interactive talks at key areas throughout the aquarium.

By the end of your visit you’ll be a qualified Junior Oceanologist and know heaps of cool information about some of our most endangered and fascinating animals like sharks, penguins, and dugongs.

At the end of your Ocean Quest, receive your Junior Oceanologist certificate to take home as proof of your knowledge and some great discount offers for Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World.

Ocean Quest will run from April 9 to April 24, 2011 and is free to all customers of Sydney Aquarium.

Kids and adults participating in the Ocean Quest will learn about:

Coral Propagation – find out about the fascinating world of coral reefs and the animals that live amongst them. Learn about how we cultivate coral and why we do it.

Shark Tracking – follow the movements of Great White Sharks on the east coast of Australia and Bull Sharks in and around Sydney waters.

Little Penguins – discover the issues facing the Manly Cove wild population and find out about the successful breeding and relationships among the Sydney Aquarium penguin population.

Dugongs – with dugongs being such elusive animals and so few being found in captivity around the world, our Sydney Aquarium aquarists are at the forefront of studying dugong behaviour.

Shark Reproduction and Wobbegong Releases – visit our baby sharks and learn about shark reproduction. Sydney Aquarium is one of the only aquariums anywhere in the world to captive breed and release sharks into the wild.

Single entry $35 for adults and $18 for kids …or combine and save up to $45 with our mix and match combo passes.

http://sydneyaquarium.myfun.com.au/

Filed Under: New South Wales, School Holidays
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