Kidding Around … Flowerdale Estate

February 12, 2015February 12, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

Last Sunday, we jumped in the car and headed for a drive! Our destination was Flowerdale Estate and we were definitely impressed. Georgina swanned around the grounds like the Lady of the Manor she was born to be, Tim was interested in the facilities and the kids loved the wide open spaces and fresh country air.

Built in 1838, Flowerdale Estate was originally a 10,000 acre sheep and cattle station. Through the years the Victorian and Edwardian Homestead has been lovingly and extensively refurbished and now operates as a conference centre, wedding venue and weekend getaway destination with 28 guest bedrooms.

As we wandered around the manicured lawns and gorgeous flower gardens we spoke with other day visitors and everyone was having a fantastic afternoon. Flowerdale Estate encourages everyone who comes for High Tea on Sundays to use the on-site facilities. They are very child friendly and will do everything they can to make everyone welcome!

There is an undercover tennis court, rotunda, indoor solar heated swimming pool (it took all of our will power not to jump in, and we will definitely be bringing our bathers next time!) and plenty of seating under the shade of impressive oak trees.

Other activities include:

table tennis / billiards room
guest lounge w/open fire and library
lawn games
walking/jogging track
fishing
bike riding
platypus spotting by the creek
relaxation and healing massages (by appointment only)

There is a large dam where you can go fishing, yabbying and use the kayaks for a leisurely paddle. Obviously, care needs to be taken when around water, there are no lifeguards and the use of the kayaks is at your own risk. There are two lifejackets which were slightly too big for our kids, so if you have any at home pop them in the boot. A word of warning – you will get a wet bum so keep that in mind if you don’t want to spend the rest of the day feeling like you have wet your pants!

Gracies Restaurant offers seating for up to 50 people in the main dining room as well as seating on the veranda (perfect for us with children!). We each had a Devonshire Tea and the scones were delicious! Gracies Restaurant offers a seasonal menu and are open on Friday and Saturday evenings and for Breakfast and High Tea on Sunday.

Flowerdale Estate are excited to have Russell Morris play in their last concert for the summer season on March 8th. Their accommodation is all booked our for the night and tickets are selling fast. The entry fee of $75 includes their famous barbeque! The gates open 5pm and Russell comes on at dusk. Bookings are via Flowerdale Estate 03 5784 9280. Keep an eye on their website for more concerts next summer.

We were so glad we visited Flowerdale Estate! We had such a fantastic afternoon and we are really looking forward to visiting again.

MORE INFORMATION

Days: Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday.

Location: 2285 Broadford-Flowerdale Road, Strath Creek, Victoria 3658

Cost: Traditional High Tea $40 per person. Royal High Tea $55 per person. Devonshire Tea available upon request $12.50 per person. For dinner and breakfast please refer to menu.

Website: http://www.flowerdaleestate.com.au

Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS. ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA.

{Sponsored Post} Kidding Around with … Dyson Cool

January 30, 2015February 2, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

When Dyson approached us asking if we would be interested in reviewing their Dyson Cool Desk Fan we were excited to find out more! Before we agreed, we asked them “is it safe for our kids (and cat)?” and “is it portable?” As soon as they answered “yes” we agreed and became the proud owners of a Dyson Cool Desk Fan in black/nickel.

The fan comes in two pieces, which requires a simple ‘push and twist’ assembly and it’s ready to go! It is super easy to operate and the remote control is curved and has a magnet in it which attaches to the top of the fan.

Georgina Says

It is so light (you can literally pick it up with two fingers) which makes it great for moving between rooms and for going on road trips or camping holidays.

The Dyson Cool is perfect for camping trips! It's light weight and easy to transport. — The Dyson Cool is perfect for camping trips! It’s light weight and easy to transport.

The fan is whisper quiet and is perfect for children’s bedrooms – and because it is bladeless it is safe to put on the floor (no more worrying if someone will lose a finger). The fan tilts up and also oscillates from side to side.

Payno (Our Ring-In) Says

Dyson fans are the shizzle!

$74m was invested into developing the Dyson Cool™ fan range. Dyson spends $4.5 million every week on research and development and you can tell!

We love ours and would definitely recommend it!

Dyson Cool Features

Air Multiplier™ technology

Dyson fans use Air Multiplier™ technology to create a powerful stream of uninterrupted airflow. The air is accelerated through an annular aperture, creating a high-velocity jet of air. This passes over an airfoil-shaped ramp, channelling its direction and creating areas of low pressure behind and around the fan. The change in pressure forces surrounding air to be drawn into the airflow, resulting in a powerful stream of smooth cooling air.

Sound 75% quieter

Streamlined air channels for reduced airflow turbulence make AM06 75% quieter than AM01.

40% less power consumed

Reducing turbulence makes the fans quieter, but it also means that less energy is required to move air through them. While the fans still produce powerful airflow, their motors are calibrated to run more slowly, drawing less energy.

Sleep timer

Fan can be programmed to turn off after pre-set intervals ranging from 15 minutes to 9 hours.

Remote control

With 10 precise airflow settings, sleep timer, on/off and oscillation control. Curved and magnetized to store neatly on the machine.

Oscillation control

Independent motor drives smooth oscillation.

Easy tilt

Pivots on its own centre of gravity.

Easy to clean

No awkward safety grilles or blades.

Safe

No fast-spinning blades.

AM06 Desk Fan 300mm Black/Nickel Specifications

Weight: 3.3kg

Cord Length: 1.8m

MORE INFORMATION

Website: http://www.dyson.com.au/fans-and-heaters/cooling-fans.aspx

Cost: $449 rrp

Disclaimer: We were given a Dyson Cool Desk Fan to review. Our opinions are honest and our own.

Kidding Around at the … Bloggers BBQ

January 23, 2015January 23, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

Last Saturday, we attended our very first event as Kidding Around Australia! We were all very excited and counted down the days! Kids Business presented the Bloggers BBQ that was held at The Park, Melbourne.

The Park was a great venue for the event, the room was the perfect size for the brands and the attendees, with the chandeliers giving the room an all over opulent feel. We were lucky enough to get parking right at the front door for $2.50 all day, which was fantastic because just 10 minutes into the event we had to go back to the car to off-load some of our goodies!

Georgina Says

The event was an opportunity for brands and bloggers to get together in a family friendly environment. I am sure many long lasting relationships were forged at the Bloggers BBQ and we can’t wait to showcase some of the products and services provided by the brands we met.

Giaan Rooney (Channel 7 presenter, Olympic athlete and fellow parent) was the MC and did such a great job capturing everyone’s attention in a loud and excited room. She mingled with everyone and was happy to take photos with anyone who asked. Georgina and Giaan bonded over shared parenting experiences whilst Tim told Alegría all about her athletic achievements! Isaac was just happy to play in the ballpit whilst all this was going on.

Giaan and Georgina talking all things parenting! Photo credit: Kids Business

The Bloggers BBQ was a great way to connect with the brands participating on the day as well as support Camp Quality. For those of you who don’t know, Camp Quality is a charity that creates a better life for every child living with cancer in Australia. Giaan presented a cheque for $500 to Camp Quality on the day. More information can be found at www.campquality.org.au

Giaan and Christie present a cheque for $500 to Camp Quality. Photo credit: Kids Business

Brand Highlights and Information

Cocobella Kids: Cocobella, the makers of Australia’s leading coconut water brand, have created a new healthy option to help keep those little monkeys hydrated. It contains around 40% less sugar than leading kids fruit juices and Isaac loved it! www.cocobellakids.com .au

Dyson: Dyson showcased their latest bladeless fan the Dyson Cool. It is up to 75% quieter than the previous generation, portable and easy to use. The child and pet friendly technology is quiet and powerful. We are already big fans (get it … fans … Dyson … hilarious!) www.dyson.com.au

Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan: Annie Sloan developed Chalk Paint™ over 20 years ago. She called her paint Chalk Paint™ because of the velvety, matt finish it produces. There is an impressive colour range and it allows both children and adults to enjoy decorative painting. Alegría is a painting enthusiast and loved this product! www.anniesloan.com

Life Like Touring presents the Octonauts Live! Operation Reef Shield: Captain Barnacles and his crew are starring in Octonauts Live! Operation Reef Shield which is being presented by Life Like Touring. If you have Octonauts fans in your house, it opens in Melbourne this February before touring the rest of Australia. Tickets are selling quickly and we can’t wait to see the show! www.lifeliketouring.com

ASG: Australian Scholarships Group believe all children deserve equal access to education regardless of wealth, status and capability. They have a range of products, information and resources available for all children up to post-secondary education on their website. www.asg.com.au

Steggles: Steggles’ new range Just Eat It (is available in Woolworths from late January).The range of pre-cooked chicken and turkey products can be used for quick dinners, snacks and on-the-road meals. www.steggles.com.au

Passage Foods: The Passage Foods range consists of ready-to-prepare meals that make it easy for you to enjoy international cuisines. Tim loved the twice cooked pork belly (cooked using their Asian Master Stock)! www.passagefoods.com

Celebrate Health: The Celebrate Health range is gluten free, low fructose, dairy free, peanut free, soy free with no preservatives. It is 100% natural and contains no common allergens. Georgina and Isaac loved the Moroccan Quinoa Salad (using their Moroccan Quinoa). www.celebratehealth.com.au

Closer to Nature: Closer to Nature is an internationally renowned baby products manufacturer, offering baby bottles, breast pumps, sippy cups, baby monitors and more. They introduced their new advanced comfort® range of bottles and teats at the Bloggers BBQ. www.closertonaturebaby.com.au

AVG: AVG are passionate about online security. They aim to protect families from online predators, viruses and hackers on all of your computers, mobile phones and tablets. www.avg.com

Inner Health Plus: The Inner Health range is suitable for the whole family; even infants as young as three months can take Inner Health for Kids to help put the balance back into digestive health, maintain immune health and improve general well being. The Inner Health range is only available from Pharmacies and Health Food stores. www.innerhealth.com.au

Bizzibrains- Bizzibrain’s first children’s book app I imagine is available on the Apple App Store now: https://itunes.apple.com/app/i-im The app is designed to help kids transition to school, kinder, pre-school or wherever they go to learn. It was released on January 7th this year and is already featured in iTunes Best New Apps. It looks great! www.bizzibrains.com

We had such a great time, if you are a blogger and would like to be invited to the next event please contact Kids Business ! Thank you to Christie and the team – it was such a great day!

MORE INFORMATION

Bloggers BBQ (VIC) 17th January
	Hosted by Kids Business Communications
	Saturday, 17 January 2015 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM (AEDT)
	The Park Melbourne (formerly “The Powerhouse”), 36 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park, Melbourne, VIC 3206 \|

Kidding Around with … Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales

January 13, 2015January 22, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

There are few words that conjure up more feelings of magic and wonder than Disney and Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales did not disappoint!

Princess Alegría and her friend Princess Julia were very excited to watch some of their favourite fairy tales come to life, and to be honest, lifelong Disney devotees Anita (Julia’s Mum) and I were excited to see them too!

Princess Alegría and Princess Julia waiting for the show to begin!

The Plenary, at the Melbourne Convention Centre, was filled to capacity with princess dresses, tiaras and quite a few princely looking lads who were buzzing with excitement and animated chatter.

As everyone took their seats, the lights were dimmed, and our narrators Minnie, Goofy and Donald introduced themselves. The crowd erupted when everyone’s favourite narrator, Mickey Mouse, appeared on stage and together they introduced their magic book of fairy tales.

Photo Credit ©Disney. All Rights Reserved.

The featured fairy tales were Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Each fairy tale ran for 20 minutes and concentrated on the most memorable parts of the stories. The entire show went for 90 minutes, which included a short interval in the middle that was perfectly timed for a toilet break for little ones.

There were many laugh out loud moments as the children were entertained with funny antics (especially from the Seven Dwarfs), audience participation through question and answer interaction and toe-tapping musical numbers.

Alegría says

Snow White didn’t listen to me – she ate the apple!

The voices and songs were straight from the original film scores and the staging, props, puppetry, special effects and pyrotechnics were very impressive!

Georgina Says

The costumes were amazing. Seriously. Amazing. I know I shouldn’t be so amazed, after all this is a Disney production, but the dresses were breathtaking!

There were some darker parts of the show where the Evil Queen in Snow White changed into the Old Hag along with the thunderstorm and lightning when The Beast and Gaston were fighting on the stairs during Beauty and the Beast. These scenes didn’t last for long but a reassuring hand might be required if your child/ren are prone to be scared.

Out in the foyer there were multiple concessions selling a variety of Disney merchandise with prices starting from $10 AUD. From what we could see the most popular items were a souvenir bag filled with popcorn ($16), snow cone drink cups ($16), programs ($18) and fairy floss with Mickey ears ($15).

The grand finale was mesmerising with the glitter cannons at the end bringing smiles to everybody, young and old. The show was spectacular and will be thoroughly enjoyed by Disney loving children and adults wanting to take a magical journey down memory lane.

If you’re in Australia and in Newcastle, Brisbane, Cairns or Townsville then it is not too late to see Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales! To book or more information visit their website.

For us, this is only the beginning of our Disney journey! We are looking forward to seeing Disney on Ice in July!

MORE INFORMATION

Website: http://www.disney.com.au/disneylive/three-classic-fairy-tales/

For other live shows: http://liveshows.disney.com.au/

Ticket Prices:

	Individual	Family
Front Row	$55.50 each (Limited seats)
A Reserve	$42.50	$155
B Reserve	$29.50	$112

Prices include booking fees. Additional credit card, transaction or outside fees may apply. Family Ticket: Admits 4 people.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS (UNLESS CREDITED OTHERWISE). ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA (OR ORIGINAL SOURCE AS CREDITED).

Kidding Around with … Bay and River Cruises

January 6, 2015January 6, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

Alegría loves going on adventures with Tim and she was especially excited to go on train, boat and car adventure! They were also joined by “Payno” who just happens to be one of Alegría and Isaac’s most favourite people – so it was guaranteed to be a great day!

Firstly, Georgina and Isaac (who didn’t go on the adventure because of Isaac’s nap time – and we don’t mess with the little man’s nap time!) drove the three adventurers to the train station in the CAR. However, there was a problem on the line, so instead of taking the train into the city they had to take a BUS replacement for half of the journey. So added to the modes of transport list was Bus – Bonus!

They then caught the TRAIN into the city and walked across Princes Bridge (which is on the corner of Flinders Street and St Kilda Rd in Melbourne) to Birth 1 Southgate Promenade to board Williamstown Bay and River Cruises “Yarra Shuttle 1”. The Yarra Shuttle 1 is an ultra-low passenger ferry (yes, we are aware we referred to it as a BOAT, please don’t send us hate mail!) which seats 36 people in the open air level and 36 in the enclosed cabin (although that would be squashy!).

The ferry stops at 7 locations (upon request) including Crown Casino / SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf / Polly Woodside, Yarra Edge, Scienceworks and Williamstown.

The Polly Woodside and Melbourne Exhibition and Conference Centre

ALEGRIA SAYS

I saw the containers that go overseas. I really loved going on the ferry!

Alegría, Tim and Payno decided to do the full journey down the Yarra River from Southgate around Port Phillip Bay to Williamstown. From there you can have a picnic in the park at Nelsons Place, grab an ice-cream and walk up Gem Pier to admire the boats, ships and yachts. Other options include a visit to the farmers market (which operates on the 2^ndSunday of the month from 9am – 1pm), playing in the playground or taking a short walk to the Williamstown Beach.

Disembarking in Williamstown and saying goodbye to our Captain

TIM SAYS

The Williamstown Bay and River Cruises “Williamstown Ferries” is a really handy, stress free way to get from the city to the beach. If you sit in the enclosed area you will be with the Captain. Our Captain was really informative and welcomed questions from passengers. He explained the history of local landmarks, docks and the city and gave information about the Yarra River.

MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times: Everyday from 10.30am – 5.30pm except Christmas Day

Location: Gem Pier Williamstown and Birth 1 Southgate

Cost: Adult $28 return or $18 one-way. Ages 4-14 is half price. Under 4 is free

Website: http://www.bayandrivercruises.com.au/ferry.html

Kidding Around at … Hippo Beach at the Werribee Open Range Zoo

December 29, 2014December 29, 2014 | Kidding Around Australia

When we heard that the Werribee Open Range Zoo had opened an exciting new area for kids called Hippo Beach we knew we would definitely be visiting this summer!

Hippo Beach is right next to the hippopotamus’ exhibit and is the perfect place to relax, grab an ice-cream from the Hippo Beach Café and feel the sand between your toes!

The beach area has deck chairs, hammocks and thatched umbrellas (under which treasure is buried that the kids can dig up – look out for the sign that will let you know what to look for!).

The day we went it was over 30C and the children LOVED cooling of at the Hippo splash and play water area next door to Hippo Beach – there were so many excited squeals! We had bought Alegría’s bathers with us; however, our poor second child had to go in his clothes and then when they were too wet, his nappy! Luckily, we had spare clothes for him! We didn’t need a towel, but if you don’t want your kids to look like crumbed schnitzels you might want to bring one along so they can dry off before they go in the sand!

20141228_1433341 — Hippo Water Play Area

Hmmm... How do we make the tail swish? — Hmmm… How do we make the tail swish?

Each day the Keepers will feed the hippos and chat to visitors about their amazing habits, with a special Hippo Keeper Talk at 3.45pm daily.

If you would like to see the hippos from a different angle, or any of their other African animal friends out on the Savannah, you can jump on board a Safari tour which leaves from the Safari Station. The line can be long depending on visitor numbers, and you are unable to take any food or drink (except for water) on the safari. There is a water fountain near the Safari Station entrance where you can fill your water bottles and a pram bay where you need to leave your pram. Make sure you take any valuables with you as it is not supervised.

Don’t forget, kids get free entry every weekend, as well as during the Victorian Government school holidays and public holidays!

Whether you have a couple of hours to spare or are planning to enjoy the magical Slumber Safari overnight experience – there is just so much on offer at the Werribee Open Range Zoo! We will definitely be returning to experience more of the unique behind-the-scenes encounters and have the Slumber Safari on our wish list!

MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times: 9:00am to 5:00pm every day of the year. Last entry at 3.30pm.

Location: K Road, Werribee South VIC 3030

Cost:

Zoo members Becoming a member of Zoos Victoria gives you unlimited entry to our three world-class zoos – and many more great benefits. For our members, kids are free every day of the year.	FREE
Adult	$30.80
Child 4–15 years (weekends, Victorian public holidays and Victorian government school holidays)	FREE
Child 4–15 years (Monday to Friday, outside holidays)	$13.60
Child (0–3 years) (every day!)	FREE

Concessions*
Adult concession	$23.60
Senior concession	$27.70
Child with a disability concession (Monday to Friday, outside holidays)	$6.00
Carer accompanying a child under 16 years who is a holder of a Child Disability Allowance Health Care Card	FREE
Carer accompanying a person with a disability who is a holder of a Disability Pension Card or a Companion Card	FREE
Holder of a Carer Card NOT accompanying a person with a disability	10% discount

Website: www.zoo.org.au/Werribee/

Kidding Around … Kryal Castle

Image | December 23, 2014December 27, 2014 | Kidding Around Australia

Tim has been dreaming about going to Kryal Castle ever since he was a strapping young lad staring wistfully out the window of the family’s Kingswood as they went wizzing past on the way from Kaniva (in Victoria’s West) to visit family in Melbourne. Alas, they never went (cue the violins) and as Alegría has been dreaming of becoming a princess since the day she was born there was much excitement in our house when we decided to visit the newly redeveloped Kryal Castle just outside Ballarat. What’s more we were sleeping over IN. THE. CASTLE (insert excited squeal and shout Huzzah!)

Walking across the medieval drawbridge and back in time, Kryal Castle invites visitors to experience the variety of shows and activities that they have running thoroughout the day. To enter the Castle you will first need to negotiate the Dragon’s Labyrinth which tells the story of Ushnagh, the She-Dragon that lives beneath the hill and of the legends and stories of the Land of Kryal.

Within the Castle walls there’s been a great deal of effort put in to ensure that all the Lords and Ladies have a great time – and yes, you will be referred to as “My Lord” or “My Lady” for the duration of your visit! From the Knights jousting tournament to hilarious pantomimes, bracelet making*, pony rides* and militia training to the more adult appropriate Torture & Dungeon Museum the Land of Kryal is place of fun and fantasy that has something to appeal to everyone in the family.

Walking around the grounds it isn’t hard to immerse yourself in village life. There are wooden shop fronts, cobbled streets, towers (where you can imagine you are one of the Knights of the Round Table) and sit on the Kings throne. You can lose your kids (well almost!) in the stone maze which isn’t as easy to negotiate as it looks – especially for those under 5 foot tall! Alegría loved running wild through the maze!

On the day we visited, The Fairies and Goblins Wonderland was running bracelet making workshops, face painting and story time.

The Town Crier summons everyone to the Castle Arena for the Skills in Arms and Joust/Siege which really are a must see for visitors. Make sure you plan your day around the performance times.

After watching the Knights in action, Alegría and Isaac wanted to ride their very own war horse! For this experience you have to pay an additional fee (buy your token first at the Tooth Fairy Lolly Shop before lining up!) and are only for children under 8. The kids loved it!

Hmmm…. No, I think this is too big! Maybe the sword?

Other free “on arena” militia training activities included sword fighting and archery.

Georgina Says

Bringing your own lunch is a great option as there is a picnic area right next to the playground. There are other options for meals if you would like to purchase something, or like us, you have a hankering for hot chips! However, like most tourist attractions the prices are inflated, so if you’re trying to feed your family on a budget bring your own!

Right next to the playground is a small collection of farm animals. Alegría and Isaac were fascinated by the hairy coo’s!

ISAAC SAYS

Moooooooooo!!!

Before your visit, jump on Kryal Castle’s website! It’s easy to navigate and will give you an idea of what could be on offer. We used the website to prepare Alegria for our visit and she was really excited! There was one downside however and we’ve learned our lesson. She was particularly looking forward to the perfume making, but, unfortunately it wasn’t on offer the day we went and we had a disappointed Princess! So, make sure your kids know that you might be able to do the listed activities but you’ll have to “wait and see” to avoid tears!

There is just so much to see and do, from the sword in the stone, to the chapel (which you can hire for weddings), and the village stores.

The perfect way to see it all is to stay overnight in the Castle Suites. There are 17 suites which are new and comfortable and the breakfast basket is generous and the homemade bread was outstanding! Guests have the Castle all to themselves after hours which would be such fun during the summer where you could make the most of the playground and not be confined to your hotel room. It was cold when we visited and our only issue was that the bathroom was not heated and it was freezing – we guess that makes for a more authentic experience!

Just a warning – This is what happens to naughty children who don’t go to sleep when they are asked …

MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times: Weekends, Public Holidays and School Holidays from 10am to 4pm (last entry is 3pm)

Location: 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek (Ballarat) Victoria 3352

Cost:

Families $89 (2 adults and up to 3 children)
Adults $31.00
Children (4-16 years) $19
Children (under 4) Free
Concession $25

Entry price gives you access to the Castle grounds, all shows and attractions. * Some activities are not included in the entry price and require additional payment.

Website: www.kryalcastle.com.au

Kidding Around With … The Royal Melbourne Show

October 4, 2014September 9, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

For two weeks leading up to the Royal Melbourne Show, Alegría read the show guide every. single. day! She was just so excited to go and when the big morning came she woke up and said “It’s a great day today, it’s Show Day!” I hope she never loses her enthusiasm!

Our first stop is always the Jayco Animal Nursery but it seemed that everyone had that idea, so we headed to My Backyard for some outdoor fun!

There was rock painting and bird feeder making (we will do another post with tutorial for you to try at home). Isaac loved getting his hands dirty planting a seedling to take home. We now have parsley and a tomato plant in our vegetable garden! This area also had a wooden maze and pirate ship which was fun for the kids to run around in.

Alegria was fascinated by the bees and the bee keeper was fantastic at explaining responsible bee keeping, who the Queen bee was, what the worker bees do, how long everyone lives, where the babies were and of course how they get the honey out!

Alegría says

The Queen bee had white wings and the bee keeper gave me some honey to put on my toast!

This area was fantastic; a respite from the crowds that surround it. Best of all, everything in this area is free!

We then headed to the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion for lunch. Despite the crowds we were served, and got our food, quickly and without hassle. There were no complaints with the quality! It did take some ~~stalking~~ time to get a table and like seagulls to a hot chip our table was gone again as soon as we stood up!

Alegría had show bags on her mind and settled on a Barbie showbag which cost $25 and included a bag, skirt, headbands, drink bottle, games, necklace and other Barbie merchandise. Isaac knows no better (sorry Isaac!) so he got a $1 Blinky Bill show bag and we had more money to spend on games and rides!

Alegría and Isaac both had a go on the clowns, Alegría got a doll and necklace and Isaac a toy motorbike – she was a little disappointed that it wasn’t a giant teddy but our playroom at home was thankful not to have another toy to collect dust!

Our family tradition is always the Euro Slide. Yes, we take the kids on there and yes, we hold on tightly! Both Alegría and Isaac laugh heartwarming belly laughs all the way down and as soon as we were at the bottom Isaac declared “more” and off we were again!

It was then time to go to our most favourite Show attraction – the Jayco Animal Nursery!

We do believe that every animal got a pat or a cuddle from a member of our family!

It was almost time to go but before we left we visited the Kids Carnival for one last ride! Georgina sat this one out and Tim being the awesome Dad that he is took Alegría and Isaac on a hot air balloon ride.

It was all fun and games until… Isaac had finally had enough! It was a big day for a little boy and also for one little girl who was asleep before we left the car park!

There is just so much on offer at the Royal Melbourne Show and try as we might we are yet to see everything in one day! We think next year we will have to go for two days – once with the kids and once without!

MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times: Vary from year to year – generally in the Victorian September School Holidays

Location:

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria
Melbourne Showgrounds
Epsom Road Ascot Vale
VIC 3032

Cost: Adult $36, Concession $23, Child $18 and Family $82

Website: http://www.royalshow.com.au

Kidding Around With … Ice Skating at Craigieburn Central

August 15, 2014September 19, 2014 | Kidding Around Australia

Alegría and Georgina had a wonderful afternoon ice skating at Craigieburn Central where they have set up a temporary Ice Rink in the outdoor area between the Big W and Target quadrants.

The rink is themed with Disney’s Frozen character cut-outs and music to skate and sing along to. There are penguin stabilisers that the children can hold onto and skate behind and friendly staff available to help out.

Alegria wore her own shoes with double blade clip-on skates and Georgina hired single blade boots. The hire cost was included in the low entry price.

ice 2 — Alegría enjoying the penguin stabilisers whilst she finds her balance!

The ice rink will be there until Sunday 14 September 2014 and if you like the Craigieburn Central Facebook page they are running competitions and giveaways!

We will definitely be going again!

Alegría Says

I love Frozen. I haven’t been ice skating before and it was fun! I held onto the penguin and Mumma’s hand and went around. It was cold and the ice was slippery. I want to go again!

Georgina Says

A fun, inexpensive activity! The rink is definitely more suited to pre-school and primary aged children as its small. I loved watching Alegría gain confidence and begin to ‘dance’ on the ice without the use of the penguin or my hand. I may or may not have been heard singing “Let it go” along with the Frozen soundtrack.

MORE INFORMATION

Dates: Saturday 9 August 2014 – Sunday 14 September 2014 DATES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 5 OCTOBER 2104

Time: 10am to 9pm daily (45 minute skate sessions start on the hour)

Location: Craigieburn Central, 340 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn, Victoria 3064. Outdoors between the Big W and Target quadrants

Cost:

Kids 2 – 5: $5

Kids 6 to 14: $7

Adults: $10

(includes skate hire)

Website: http://www.craigieburncentral.com.au/Whats%20On/Events

Kidding Around Australia

Inspiring stories about our family activities and travel throughout Australia

Kids Fun

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Kidding Around With … Ice Skating at Craigieburn Central