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

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:

School Holiday Idea in SE Qld – Kids Dig It!

September 7, 2010 By 1 Comment

I have just discovered a really fun and unique activity to take my kids to in the September School Holidays, Kids Dig It! Archaeology Fun Day at the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture, Qld.

On Friday 24th September they have an action pack day planned for kids with a great range of activities including:

  • Roman Shield Painting – Declare your allegiance to the Empire. Little soldiers can paint shields based on authentic Roman designs.
  • Mosaic Workshop – Mosiac is the art of using small pieces of material known as tesserae to create a larger picture or pattern. Great for creative minds.
  • Build a Replica Pyramid – Who built the pyramids? Kids can choose whether they are Ancient Egyptian slaves or aliens when they reconstruct our 3D Pyramid Puzzle.
  • Cultural face painting/body painting/temporary tattoos – Kids can learn the history and cultural significance behind an authentic historical design from Ancient Egypt, Rome, China or other cultures when they have it painted or tattooed on their faces or bodies.
  • Roman drill training – Report for duty. Kids can join a Roman Legion and learn authentic Roman drill techniques.
  • Plus loads more!

Flintstones Fun Corner
For an additional $2, kids can gain access to the Flintstones Fun Corner. In this special area, kids can get their faces painted, test themselves in the Super Sleuth Challenge Area, Build a Castle Wall, and much more.

  • Super sleuth Challenge Area – Hunt down broken pieces of pottery and reconstruct a pot, test your historical knowledge, ‘You’re getting close…gumshoe’
  • Face Painting – Kids can get their face painted in colourful patterns and nature designs.
  • Know your skeleton – Kids can learn the bones of the body in this fun and educational activity.
  • Mammoth Puzzle – Put the mammoth back together
  • Build a Castle Wall – Protect the King from the invading rebels by fixing the castle walls.
  • Building with boxes – Construct a house or even a city out of cardboard boxes

Entry to the museum is $3 per child plus extra per activity, most activities are between $1 and $4 each, I have booked the kids into 5 activities each plus the Flinstones Fun Corner and it was only $15 per child – great value for a fun filled day out! Suitable for kids 3-12 years.

Visit their  website for more information, to download the program for the day and to book in to the activities.

Filed Under: Out and About Tips, Queensland, School Holidays, What's New?

Lego Workshops and Lego Birthday Partys for kids

August 31, 2010 By 2 Comments

Lego Education Centre

Last school holidays my eldest son did a Lego Workshop at the Lego Education Centre in South Brisbane (they are also in VIC) and it was great. He got to build huge lego masterpieces and challenge his lego building abilities!

I have just discovered that the Lego Education Centre does not only run school holiday programs but also has great things happening all year around.

Sunday Funday – Each Sunday the Centre runs a Sunday Funday where they encourage a child to bring a buddy, dad, or nanna/grandad for some serious building fun. Each Sunday they have a different theme, for example lego community, mad machines, space odyssey, fantasy fun.

Each session is 45 minutes long, they run at 11am, 12 noon and 1pm and are $5.00 per person. Suitable for kids 4+. Note at least 1 adult must be present per 3 children for these workshops.

Lego Birthday Party – The Centre also has a Lego Birthday Party Program where your child and their friends spend 1 hour creating lego masterpieces around a theme. Birthday Party themes include Wacky Wheels, Medieval Madness, Lego Grand Prix, Mad Raging Robots, and many more and parties can be catered for age groups – age 4-6, 7-9 and 10+.

The Birthday child also receives a free gift and all party guests receive a lego brick name badge to keep. The Centre creates a great party atmosphere with birthday candles on a lego brick! A minimum of 10 children is required at $12 per child.

Note the Lego Education Centres are not like the Legolands around the world that have more of a theme park feel. They are an educational centre that give children the opportunity to build some fantastic lego structures in a guided environment.

Currently there are two Lego Educations Centres, one on Merivale Street, South Brisbane, QLD and one on Hall Street, Moonee Ponds, VIC, visit the Lego Education Website for further information and bookings.

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