Playdough Recipe

A couple of years ago I did a playdough recipe post, but thanks to my friend Sophie (a kindergarten teacher) I now use this very easy recipe that doesn't require any cooking. This playdough has a great consistency (not too oily or sticky) and it lasts for ages when kept in a snaplock container in the pantry. This is a huge amount, so we usually split it into two bowls and make two different colours.

4 cups plain flour
2 cups cooking salt
4 tablespoons cooking oil
1 packet of cream or tartar
4 cups freshly boiled water
food colour

Place all dry ingredients in a bowl
Add food colouring (if desired)
Pour in boiled water and stir with a wooden spoon. Add oil and mix again.
Once cool enough to handle, knead together on a board.
Store in an airtight container.

A swim at Lysterfield Lake

Cnr Horswood Road and Logan Park Rd, Narre Warren North (melways ref. 108 D2)

I wasn't sure what to expect when my sister suggested we take the kids to Narre Warren North for a swim in the lake. I had never heard of Lysterfield Lake Park and I was amazed to discover it is a massive 3400 hectare nature reserve only 45 minutes from the city. Until the 1970's, Lysterfield Lake was a reservoir for the Mornington Peninsula. It was opened to the public in 1986 and then revamped with 20 kilometres of mountain bike tracks for the Commonwealth Games in 2006.

This is a great place to take the kids for a swim on a sunny day, especially if you don't want to get in yourself. There are two protected swimming bays with sandy beaches and a gradual increase in water depth. It is only a very short walk from the car to the beach and the water is warm and clear. It would be a great place for a mothers group catch up or a picnic with friends. My 18 month old, 3 year old and five year old all had a wonderful time paddling about with their cousins.

There are two large picnic areas along the lake shore with tables, toilets and bbq facilities. There are also some great bike tracks suitable for families, so it would be worth packing the bikes or just taking a walk with the pram.

Lysterfield Lake is open every day of the year from 8.30am. Access is from Horswwood Road which is off the Belgrave-Hallam Road. For further information, visit the Parks Victoria website - http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/lysterfield-park

10 Great Blogs for Parents with Under-Fives

I recently wrote a piece for my masters on mummy blogging and in the process I discovered some great blogs with fantastic ideas for under-fives. Blogs are usually something you come across in a search for something in particular, or are recommended by friends, so I thought my readers might find this list useful.


1. Irresistable Ideas for Play-Based Learning
Early childhood educators, Donna Burns and Sherry Hutton, provide consistently good ideas for pre-school children. My favourite posts include Colourful Bubbles and I-Spy Jars



2. The Artful Parent
A U.S site that has some great art activity ideas for young kids. I love the Rainbow Stained Glass Window



3. Childhood 101
Early-child educator, Christie Burnett, provides loads of great information and ideas for parents of young children. She has some useful tips on creating great playspaces for kids at home



4. Squigglemum
Catherine Oehlman, aka squigglemum, is another teacher/mum with some great ideas for entertaining kids. I like her Backyard Treasure Hunt.



5. Planning With Kids
Mother of five, Nicole Avery, is one super-organised woman. She has some great ideas for making motherhood more manageable. I particularly like her party planning ideas.




6. Bronnie Bakes
A friend of mine, Bron, has a great blog on baking sweet treats with kids. As a mother of three girls under five, her patience in the kitchen is to be admired and her animal cupcakes are so cute



7. Dad's Club
Father of two, Dave Woolbank, created Dads Club to provide dads with fast, useful information in a language they could understand. I particularly like the quick craft ideas.



8. Kids Travel Blog
Friends Donna and Andrea regularly have me craving a holiday with their blog on travelling with kids. Check out their reviews for Victoria.



9. My Book Corner
This is a great kids book review blog with age appropriate suggestions. Also, it links to Book Depository which offers competitive prices and free delivery worldwide. Our latest purchase is Imagine by Alison Lester.



10. Picklebums
Kate has four kids, lives on a pickle farm and regularly blogs about her life. She makes me laugh with posts like Thousands of Bicuits and Playing with Sticks.


A couple of tips;
- If you enjoy a particular blog, look at the links they follow or suggest. This is a great way of discovering new blogs that you might find interesting.
- Don't be concerned about signing up for a google account in order to follow certain blogs. In the three years I have had my account, I haven't recieved any additional junk mail to my email address. Same applies for newsletter & RSS feeds
- If you're interested in a particular blog, follow it or like it on facebook. This is the only way to keep the blog going.
- If you areinterested in starting your own blog, just do it on Blogspot or Wordpress (it takes 5 minutes),or consult Nicole Avery on Blog Coaching Boost

Some other special mentions for Melbournites are;
- Little Eats (Eating Out with Kids)
- Curious Kate (What's On in Melbourne)
- Lady Melbourne (Fashion)
- Melbourne Gastronome (Food)
- The Design Files (Design)
- Only Melbourne (blogging directory)

Keeping Young Kids Active

It's raining, it's cold, and all my kids want to do is get out and run about.

Liz Wells at Fit For Life has some great ideas for keeping kids active, even during winter. Here are some of her suggestions (slightly modified for indoor play);

1. Obstacle Course
Divide the living room into four areas - use furniture, toys, whatever. Put a picture of an animal or fruit in each area so they know where they are up to, and an activity for them to complete (see ideas below). Start each child on a different activity and play their favourite music. Explain that when the music stops, they need to stop and move onto the next activity. Its a good idea to give them a chart to mark off or put a sticker next to each activity.

Some ideas that you could use in the individual areas are:
- Balloons on a string that can be tied to their wrist, they can practice skills such as bouncing and catching, kicking and throwing skills.
- A hula hoop is another great tool as it helps them practice skipping, jumping and of course having fun trying to hula.
- Small softballs and a bucket: get them to stand in a hula hoop and throw the ball into the bucket which is placed a short distance away, this allows them to practice throwing and accuracy.
- Lay a rope along the ground and get them to walk along it in order to practice their balance.
- Star jumps or jumping from one pillow to the next.
- Limbo Stick
- Mimicking a favourite animal

2. Balloon activities
Blow up a few balloons for each child and encourage them to throw them in the air, catch and kick them. Depending on the age of the child balloons can be used to throw, catch, kick or hit with a fly swatter. If you have a waste paper basket of ample size they can also try to throw the balloon into the basket to mimic a mini game of basketball. A great alternative to a balloon is a rolled up newspaper to be used as a mini-basketball.

For older or more experienced children tie a rope across 2 points to create a mini net for them to throw or hit over. Play hot potato with the balloons where the child has to try to keep the balloon off the ground for as long as possible.

As balloons move through space much slower than balls it’s a great cognitive learning experience too, as they learn to judge the time it takes for the balloon to fall. Try a range of soft balls of different sizes so that children can learn about size and shape at the same time. For example when they kick a balloon versus a ball they will soon learn the different force that’s required for each in order to achieve a similar distance.

3.Treasure hunt
Be creative with this one! You can use anything you want as treasure and how difficult you make it will depend on the age of the child. It’s also fun to provide each child with a bucket to keep the treasures as they find them!

For more great ideas and articles, visit the Fit For Life website. I particularly like their article on swimming lessons without the hassles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shopping Centre Events

Various locations

This weather is terrible and my kids are bored of staying at home. Here are some events happening at shopping centres this month.

My Little Pony show at The Glen
Strawberry Shortcake show at Box Hill Centro
Plaster Fun House and Shrek Show at Vic Gardens
Face Painting and Balloon Modelling at Knox Shopping Centre
Be a Rock Star for a day at Eastland
Thomas and Friends & Angelina Ballerina at Docklands
Biscuit Decorating and Boomerang Painting at Malvern Central
Cat in a Hat at Werribee Plaza
Sushi Making at Forest Hill Chase

Letters to Santa

Imagine your child's face when they recieve a letter from Santa addressed to them. Australia Post will send replies to letters to Santa. All you have to do is get your little one to write a letter to Santa, address it to Santa at North Pole 9999, include your return address and make sure you send it before the 17th December 2010.

To make it even more fun, post your letter at Santa's Mailbox in the City Square between 5th -17th December, 7am - 6pm.

Look! Exhibition Opening Celebration

State Library of Victoria
Swanston Street, Melbourne
Saturday 4th December, 11am - 4pm

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition Look! The art of Australian picture books today, the State Library are hosting a special family fun day with entertainment from Play School presenter Jay Laga’aia and Christof the clown, plus storytelling, drawing sessions with popular authors and illustrators, tours and creative activities.

Check the State Library website for the full schedule of events.

Danks St Playgrounds & Plum Garland Memorial Park

Danks Street Playgrounds, Albert Park
1. Cnr Victoria Av & Danks Street
2. Cnr Mills Street & Danks Street

This is a fantastic outing with the kids on a sunny day. Start out on Victoria Av picking up supplies at the IGA or grabbing a coffee from one of the cafes near Danks Street. Then head to the Danks St/Victoria Av playground where you can relax or catch up with friends whilst the kids explore the toddler-friendly playspaces and equipment including a birds nest swing (pictured above). Located on the median strip and fully fenced, this is a great playground for under-fives and a nice spot to just hang out with the kids. There is a good table setting for lunch and several bench seats with good visibility of the whole playground. From here you can walk down Danks Street and visit the other playground near the corner of Mills Street. This is another great playspace and it features a rocking tram that the kids will love.


Plum Garland Memorial Playground
Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park (near Victoria Av)

Now its time for a walk. Put the kids in the pram and head up Mills Street, cross over Beaconsfield Parade and walk along the beach until you come to the Plum Garland Memorial Park near Victoria Av. This is a great playground for under-fives as its right on the beach and well covered with shade sails. Being all sand means the kids can kick off their shoes and you don't have to worry about the little ones falling over and hurting themselves. My kids loved the wooden boat with its wheel house and passenger seats, plus the cubby structure where they could scoop up the sand and haul it up to the top level via a pulley system. Being right on the beach means this site can get a bit windy and of course quite hot on a sunny day, but its a great spot and the kids will love it. If you're still there at dinner time, it would be worth checking out the fish n' chip shops on Victoria Av. Otherwise take a walk down Victoria Av to Bridport Street or to St Vincent Gardens where there is another great playground and some nice picnic spots.

Children's Week 2010

Saturday 23rd October - Sunday 31st October

This could well be a state secret with the amount of build-up its recieved. Such a pity as it promises to be a great event for under-fives.

Children's Week is a celebration of young people based on the articles expressed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child highlighting play, wellbeing and protection. Hosted by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in conjunction with local councils, schools and early childhoood services, it focuses on the central theme of 'A Caring World Shares' and offers a program of kids activities in various locations around Melbourne.

The official launch of Children's Week will be held at Melbourne Zoo with a family fun day on Sunday 24th October. Kids under 15 years are free.

Other highlights include;
- Teddy Bear's Picnic at Lilydale Lake, Monday 25th October
- Smartycats at your local library, Tuesday 26th October
- Free Fun in the Park, Boroondara Parks, Tuesday 26th October
- Romp and Stomp Fun Day at Melbourne Museum, Wednesday 27th October
- Kids Day in the Park at Mornington Park, Wednesday 27th October
- African Circus Skills at Werribee Zoo, Saturday 30th October
- Children Week Celebrations at NGV, Sunday 31st October
- Children's Week Picnic at Werribee Park, Sunday 31st October
- The Mudcakes Happy Halloweenie Party, Williamstown, Sunday 31st October

For more information on Children's Week visit the DEECD website. The Children's Week 2010 Event Guide is searchable by local council so its a bit fiddly if you want to find out whats on around Melbourne as a whole but have a look and see what you can find.

Romp & Stomp Fun Day

Wednesday 27th October 2010, 10am to 3pm
Melbourne Museum
Nicholson Street, Carlton

Yippee! An event designed specifically for the under-fives, not during school holidays, and at a great venue that the kids love. Best of all the kids are free! In celebration of Universal Children's Day, the Melbourne Museum are offering our little ones a day of fun and educational activities, including storytelling, singing, music, craft activities and more. Tickets are $8 for adults and you can pre-book to avoid queues. For bookings call 13 11 02 or visit the Romp & Stomp website for more information.

Tesselaar Tulip Festival - Childrens Days

September 22nd, 23rd, 29th & 30th
357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan Victoria (Melways Map 123B5)
Open daily 10am to 5pm.

Did you just buy a new digital SLR? No, well I'm sure you know someone who has (rest of Melbourne it seems) so grab them, dress the kids in their sunday best and go frolic in the fields of Silvan this month at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. On a sunny day this could offer some fantastic photo opportunities and, with a great schedule of kids activities lined up, it sounds like a great day out with the kids.

Daily timetable
•Paul Jamieson 'The Music Man' 11.45am, 1.45pm and 2.45pm
•Black Snake Productions presentations at 10.45am and 12pm
•Fairy Monica 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm
•Animals on the Move 10-4 (breaks timetabled on the day)
•Linda Kent Pottery, Mez’ Card Works, Face Painting, Crazy Hair, Stax the Didgeman, Kids Artworks – various crafts.
•Donuts, Fairy Floss stall, Dutch food stall, our foods, party pies, kids sandwiches, hot dogs, funny faces etc. Icy poles and juices, ice cream stall.

Adults $18, Concession $15, Under 16 free
(Groups of 10 or more $15 each person)
Bookings available online
Food + Drink available, Free off street parking, Wheelchair friendly, Dogs on leads welcomed and most of all dont forget your camera

Also see my post on Children's Week at Skyhigh Mt Dandenong as there are some days that these two events overlap.

Children's Week at Skyhigh Mount Dandenong

Head to the hills during the second week of September school holidays and check out Skyhigh Children's Week at Mount Dandenong. The following children's activities are scheduled, dependant on weather.

Saturday 25th September
Black snake productions - Reptile displays 2pm-5pm
Bouncy castle from 10am to 2pm

Sunday 26th September
CFA display, fire engine and badge making. 10am - 3pm
Igor the Giant’s Treasure Hunt from 10.00am to 5pm

Monday 27th September
Half price maze entry from 11 am to 5pm.
Igor the Giant’s Treasure Hunt from 10.00am to 5pm

Tuesday 28th September
Pony rides from 1pm-4pm
Igor the Giant’s Treasure Hunt from 10.00am to 5pm

Wednesday 29th September
Adventure Walk with Parks Victoria 12.30pm & 2.00pm
Igor the Giant’s Treasure Hunt from 10.00am to 5pm

Thursday 30th September
Story Telling & Magic with Fairy Sarah 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Chalk drawing with Andrew the gardener @ 1pm – 3.00pm

Friday 1st October
Igor the Giant’s Treasure Hunt from 10.00am to 5pm
Didgeridoo Lessons with “Stax” from 12pm to 2pm

Gate fees apply but children's events are free. For more information on Children's Week, visit the Skyhigh website.

Also see my post on the Tesselaar Tulip Festival as there some days on which these two events overlap.

If possible, drive up via The Basin and visit Hand-me-Downs (see post under Shops category) and give the kids a play at the great playground across from the main group of shops there.

Babies Love Books

In July major libraries around Melbourne will host a series of special ‘Babies Love Books’ themed baby bounce events as part of the Young Readers Program.

Featuring Young Readers Program ambassadors and multi-award winning children’s authors, Jeannette Rowe and Alison Lester, the free events are a fun way for parents to discover the joy of reading to their babies and meet other parents.

Locations

WHAT: Springvale Library with children's author Alison Lester
WHEN: Monday July 12th, 2pm
WHERE: 411 Springvale Road, Springvale
WHO:Parents with babies 4 months to 2 years of age
COST: FREE
PHONE: 03 9238 1466

WHAT: Frankston Library with children's author Alison Lester
WHEN: Tuesday July 13th, 11am
WHERE: 60 Playne Street, Frankston
WHO: Parents and babies 4 months to 2 years of age
COST:FREE
PHONE: 03 9784 1020

WHAT: Deer Park Library with children's author Jeannette Rowe
WHEN: Thursday July 15th, 10.30am
WHERE: Corner of Neale and Station Roads, Deer Park
WHO:Parents and babies 4 months to 2 years of age
COST: FREE
PHONE: 03 9249 4171

WHAT: Sunbury Library, with Jeannette Rowe
WHEN: Friday July 16th, 10am
WHERE: 44 Macedon St, Sunbury
WHO: Parents and babies 4 months to 2 years of age
COST: FREE
PHONE: 03 9356 6932

Weekly Storytime and Art Workshops at Family Life Cafe

Family Life Cafe - 18 Grattan Street, Prahran

'Happily Ever After' Childrens Story Time.
Every Monday 10am - 11am
Tackle dinosaurs, flutter with fairies and explore candy castles as the guest reader embarks on adventures with classic childrens authors. Reading, craft sessions and activities ignite the imagination and bring stories to life with take home-treasures to delight.

Children's Creative workshops with Artist Helen Pollard.
Every Wednesday 10am -11am.
Your little Picasso can develop their arty side with exciting projects in a fun and stimulating environment. Drawing painting, sculpture and hand craft fun (with no clean up afterwards!).

For further information visit the Family Life website or call 9529 6877. This is a free event but bookings are essential.