Camping with Under-Fives

This post is courtesy of my friend Fiona Irvine who recently took her 4 yr old and 10 month old camping.




My 4 yr kept saying he wanted to go camping and as I am not much of a camper I tried to put it off. After many weeks of persisting I finally gave in and did some internet searching. I wanted a camp site not too far from Melbourne so if it all went horribly wrong then home wasn't too far away. I also wanted it to be family friendly with plenty of activities for my very active son. I settled on Badger Creek Big 4 caravan park in Healesville. Just over 1 hour from Melbourne.

We headed off Saturday morning and arrived in Healesville just in time to get lunch from the bakehouse and sit outside and people watch, which included seeing two ferrets being walked on leads down the main street. We then headed to the caravan park to check in and set up our tent. Being new to camping I borrowed all of the equipment from my sister so there was no big expense and the site cost us $41 per night.

The caravan park is situated beside Badger Creek which is a lovely picturesque flowing creek only ankle deep in most parts so the kids can have fun throwing in rocks or dipping in their toes. There is also a swimming pool, playground and jumping pillow for both children and adults to enjoy. My son took his scooter and had a ball scooting around the park with other children either scooting or riding bikes. For tennis players there are 2 tennis courts. For rainy days the park has a games room with pool table, football table and air hockey as well as a TV room.

I knew the park included a camp kitchen which turned out to be better than i thought. It included microwave, toaster, kettle, oven, stove and fridge as well as chairs and tables to dine at. If you prefer BBQs there are those as well.
The toilet/shower block was excellent and clean but if you don't like to share you can get a site that has its own ensuite!!!

We ended the weekend with a trip to Healesville Sanctuary which is always a fun day.

For those of you looking for a great weekend trip to try out camping, or for those who are more experienced, I thoroughly recommend Badger Creek caravan site.

It's a Wrap

ArtPlay
Behind Federation Square, Birrarung Marr

What does an elephant look like when it’s wrapped? How do you wrap a bubble? How about you – what kind of package will you be when you’re covered up? Join Pocketfool and have fun as you swaddle, cover, roll up and hide. Make the ordinary extraordinary and extraordinary ordinary. Hmmm...what will ArtPlay look like all wrapped up?

When: Fridays 29 April and 6 May
Cost: $25 per adult and child pair, bookings essential
Time and age: 10.30am to 11.45am (2-3 years), 11.45am to 12.30pm (4-5 years)

Visit Artplay website for further details.

Peninsula Hot Springs

Springs Lane, Rye (melways ref 169 A11)

My son has never looked so clean. Indeed, after two hours of soaking in warm thermal pools at Peninsula Hot Springs in Rye, our whole family look shiny and new – quite a different picture to two hours earlier when we arrived fresh from Kmart in our bargain basement bathers – yes mummy forgot to pack the swimwear and yes it didn’t go down well with anyone!

Despite looking like we just stepped off a P&O cruise (especially mummy in her brighter than bright, tighter than tight, teenage bathers), we all had a great time at the Springs and its’ certainly a place I would recommend for the under-fives as long as you’re aware of its limitations and come prepared.

Firstly, It is an expensive place to visit as a family. For our family of five, it cost $90 - $30 for each adult, $15 for kids over 4, and $10 for under 4’s (including infants). For this reason, I would classify Peninsula Springs as a special treat activity. They also discourage prams, despite the lift and sufficient space to park them. One must remember that this is somewhere that most people come to relax, so you need to be conscious of your conduct as a young family and try to avoid the kind of behaviour that belongs at your local pool. This is not to say that you can’t have fun. The infant bathing area has a large shallow pool, surrounded by half wine barrel baths and large shells with taps. Our kids played happily in this area, drowning little iggle piggle and throwing a ball, without appearing to bother other patrons. Even in the other pools, with their abundance of women and eastern European men, the kids were happily received. It helps that most under fours wouldn’t reach the bottom in the adult pools so they are in your arms and more easily subdued. The reflexology walk (a shallow riverbank with different stones underfoot) and the cave pool were a favourite with our family, but on a cold day, the 38 degree pool may seem a little warm for infants.

Ideally this is the place you would visit as a couple with one child under-five for, in this scenario, you would both get the opportunity to explore the not so child-friendly options such as the Turkish steam bath, and avoid the need for a pram.

Peninsula Hot Springs is open every day from 7.30am to 10pm. Bookings are not required for the public bathing area. For further information, visit the Peninsula Hot Springs website or contact them on 5950 8777.

Rollerskating for Pre-schoolers

Skaterz Eltham
27 Susan Street, Eltham
Mondays & Fridays 10.30am -11.30am

This is far less nerve racking then you might expect. Specifically designed for the under-five age group, this class is a great way of preparing your child for the local production of Xanadu and building their self-confidence as they learn to skate.

Beginners, 2 years & over, are fitted with roller skates with the wheels tightened. This allows them to walk around in the skates and get used to wearing them. Gradually the coaches will loosen the wheels until they are happily rolling around, then its time to move them onto rollerblades which will give them greater balance.

Parents are able to sit and have a coffee, or join in as required. The class is led by at least two coaches and consists of various activities designed to get the kids moving in the rink and enjoying themselves. My kids loved the singing, dancing and game of hide n’ seek.

The class seems a little pricey at $16 per session, but for a full hour and a juice and freddo afterwards, it was quite good value. My daughter didn’t want to stay on the skates the whole time but she still really enjoyed it. My two year old son, on the other hand, kept his skates on the whole time and was walking around like a pro – this combined with his love of bright pink ear muffs has got me thinking we may have Australia’s next Newton-John on our hands.

There is no need to book for the pre-school skating classes and you can go on a casual basis. For more information, visit the Skaterz Eltham website or call 9439 6566.

Lego Creative Building Event

In conjunction with Toyworld, Harbour Town Shopping Centre is holding a LEGO building competitions over six days in April.

Thursday 14th April-Tuesday 19th April
11.30am & 1.30pm 3-7 Year Olds (Boys & Girls)
Harbour Town Shopping Centre

How to Enter: On the day participants book a time with the Event Organizer or join the queue. For further information contact Harbour Town Centre Management on 03 9328 8600.

Farmyard Tiffin at The Langham Hotel

This is one of my favourite school holiday events and the farmyard twist sounds particularly fun for the under-fives.

The Tiffin includes;
•Caramel Popcorn Lions
•Sheep Cupcakes
•Pig Cookie
•Frog in a pond
•Freckle Sandwiches
•Ham & Cheese sandwich
•Scones with jam & cream

For a little extra fun, children can design their very own troupe of eight farmyard creatures with a special craft pouch.

Monday to Friday only – 10.00am to 1.00pm (Mon 11th April-Tues 26th April)
ARIA Bar & Lounge, Melba Restaurant @ The Langham Hotel, 1 Southgate Avenue Southbank
$25.00 per child 3 – 12 years young*
$40.00 with animal finger puppets
*Children must be accompanied by an adult enjoying classic Tiffin, $39 per person.

Bookings: Reservations on 1800 641 107 or email rest.res@langhamhotels.com

Mad Hatters Tea Party @ Queen Victoria Market

Have tea with Alice, watch the Mad Hatter dance, and look out for the Queen of Hearts in this all-singing, all-dancing free event.
Thursday 14th & 21st April, 10am to 2pm
L Shed - near Market Espresso

Also at Queen Victoria Market in April, the Twisted Junior Apprentice gang will be holding cooking workshops exploring the world of Easter with Olive Oly and Easter Egg hunts. The kids will decorate cup cakes, hot cross buns and eggs in the middle of the market and take home Easter packs.
Tuesday 12th & 19th April, 9am, 10am & 11am
L Shed
$20 per child, bookings essential - info@twistedtasted.com.au / 0413 061 638

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Queen Victoria Market website

Free Kids Activities @ Ikea

4pm to 6pm may not be the ideal time to be at Ikea with an under-five year old, but if you happen to be there on a Wednesday, make sure you check out these free kids activities in the restaurant.

Upcoming activities:
Mar 2: Paint a Pot - Decorate a plant pot to sit on your window.
Mar 9: Trinket Box - Build a chest from popsicle sticks.
Mar 16: Organise your desk - Decorate a magazine holder.
Mar 23: Puppet Play - Create your own animal puppets
Mar 30: Hi Five! Make a mask using your own hands.

Kids Events @ State Library of Victoria

Toddler Tours
Thursday 14 April 2011, 10:30am - 11:30am
Thursday 12 May 2011, 10:30am - 11:30am
Come dressed as your favourite picture-book character for a discovery tour of the Look! exhibition, then join in the fun of storytime with rhymes, stories and songs. This activity is recommended for children aged one to five years. Bookings are not required. Meet in front foyer of main entrance - 328 Swanston Street.Free event.

The Big Read
Sunday 10 April from 10:15am to 11:30am.
This free event in the Library forecourt is a world record attempt for the largest number of children reading with an adult. Bookings are not required, but you do need to register by emailing vic@cbca.org.au or phoning 1300 360 436.

Children's Book Festival
Sunday 3rd April, 10am - 4pm
Join your favourite authors and illustrators on the State Library lawns for a celebration of childrens books and lots of fun activities including puppet shows, readings, music and magic.

For more information on these and other events, visit the State Library of Victoria website.

Hop Family Fun Day

This new movie looks super cute. Catch a special preview screening, as well as kids activities, face painting and prize pack giveaways at the Hop Family Fun Day on April 3rd at participating locations.

When: Sunday April 3, 2011
Activities Commence: 10:30am Film Commences: 11:30am
Cost: $10 per person (adults and children)
Participating Locations: Airport West, Century City, Doncaster, Fountain Gate, Geelong, Jam Factory, Karingal, Knox, Southland, Sunshine
Bookings essential.

To watch a movie trailer visit the Hop website. To book tickets visit the Village Cinemas website.

NGV Kids Club

In May this year, the NGV turns 150 and to celebrate they will become one of the few galleries in the world to have a dedicated kids membership. The Kids Club is designed to encourage the littlest of art lovers to engage with the NGV and experience their collection and exhibitions in a fun and interesting way.

As part of the launch, the NGV are calling all budding artists to help launch the Kids Club. They are inviting children from preschool age up to eleven years to create an image that will feature on the NGV Kids Club Membership card, associated merchandise and other promotional material. For further info and an application form, click here.

You and Me Projects @ Apples and Jam

Apples and Jam
217-239 Montague Street, South Melbourne

Tuesdays@ 10.30 – 11.30 in March and April 2011 (Fridays to start soon)

Enjoy some one on one time with your little one whilst you create and construct a masterpiece. And best of all you don't have to clean up afterwards.

Suited to 2.5 -5 yrs. $22.50 per casual class or $80.00 for a block of 4 classes. For bookings visit the Apples and Jam website or ring 9682 6367

Kids at The Arts Centre

There are several events coming up at The Arts Centre that are suited to the under-five age group.

Wild Things: Live on Stage Exhibition
11th March - 29th May
Gallery 1. Free. Suits 3-12 yrs

Music for Little Monkeys with The Mucakes
Sunday 3rd April, 11am
The Famous Spiegeltent. $16. Suits 2-7 yrs.

Instant Orchestra
13th-16th April, 11am & 12.30pm
The Famous Spiegeltent. $14. Suits 3-12 yrs.

Me and My Shadow
Saturday 21st May, 11am & 1.30pm
Fairfax Studio. $18. Suits 4-8 yrs.

Songs from Above
21st - 28th June, 10am & 11.30am
ANZ Pavillion. $16. Suits 2-4 yrs

For bookings visit The Arts Centre website or ring 1300 182 183.

Wonderland Tea Party and Teddy Bears Picnic

Petit Atelier - 517 High Street, Prahran

Wonderland Tea Party - Monday 11th April, 1pm -2.30pm
The Teddy Bears Picnic - Monday 18th April, 1pm - 2.30pm

Creative kids venue Petit Atelier and catering company Twisted Tastes have teamed up to host a Fun with Food Cooking Program for toddlers and kids during the April school holidays.

Suitable for 2.5 - 5 year olds. $30 per child. For further information, contact Petit Atelier on 9529 2924.

Feeding Fussy Toddlers Healthy Food Event @ Chadstone Shopping Centre

Friday 18th March, 2pm & 3pm
Outside David Jones Lower Level (opposite Pumpkin Patch)

Hosted by Fox FM's Jo Stanley, this free cooking demonstration and presentation on toddler nutrition is designed for mums with fussy eaters. Accredited practising dietitian Sharon Natoli, and food stylist and chef Tami McAdam, will demonstrate some quick, easy and nutritious recipes plus give some tips on satisfying your toddler.