Planning with Kids

Check out our guest post on Planning with Kids this month. This is a great site with plenty of ideas for kids including recipes and craft activities as well as some interesting articles on subjects like preparing for school and discipline strategies. As a mother of five kids, Planning Queen knows what she's talking about and her articles are really informative, plus she has some fun and quirky suggestions for things to do at home including lego capes and newspaper swords. So become a fan and start getting organised.

Fairies in the Gardens

Fairies at the bottom of the Garden
Enchanting garden magic, storytelling, singing and planting. Fairies, bunyips and elves encouraged to wear own costumes. Suitable for children aged 3 to 5 years.
Royal Botanic Gardens - Children's Garden
22, 24, 28 & 30 September 2010
10am - 11am
$12 per child

Wildflower Fairies and Elves
Fly through the gardens looking for fairies and elves before settling among the wildflowers for fairy crafts. Fairies and elves encouraged to wear own costumes. Suitable for children aged 2 to 5 years.
RGB Cranbourne
21, 28 & 30 September 2010
9.30am - 10.30am
$6.50 per child

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.

Playbooks

Black & White - Tana Hoban
This fold out playbook is a great way to entertain your bubs in their cot or on the floor during tummy time. It folds out accordian style and has pictures on both sides, black on white and white on black, so perfect for those early months when they are still finding it difficult to distinguish between colours.
(photo from greenwillowblog)


Baby Touch Books
We've had several books from the baby touch range and our kids still love them as toddlers. The Playbook is particularly good as it has mirrors at different levels so when they are doing tummy time they can gradually lift themselves up to the higher mirror. Baby Touch books also have different textures, shapes and colours for babies to explore as their senses develop, and words and sounds for toddlers to learn. This makes them perfect for siblings to look at together.

Both of these playbooks are available from Borders.

Name Labels

There is something a bit special about seeing your baby's name in print which is why name labels are a great gift for new parents. Stick on labels are great for labelling bottles & food containers and one pack lasts for ages. There are plenty of companies doing them but I've always ordered from That's Mine and I find their labels stay on bottles even after plenty of washes. Their pack of 56 medium sized labels in assorted brights costs $20. Postage is free for orders of $20 or more, but costs $4.95 for orders under $20.

Time to get out

With the arrival of Charlie last month we have been doing very little as of late. Not only has it been especially cold, but the whole process of getting out the door with three kids requires a level of effort and organisation that is a bit beyond me at the moment. As a result Matilda and James have been busy discovering new ways of entertaining themselves and making mess. James' latest game involves pushing rice bubbles into the heat vent and watching them fly back out, whilst Tilly has tried on every item in her wardrobe in increasingly eccentric arrangments. Yes I think cabin fever has definitely set in and maybe its time to brave the cold.

That being said we have done a couple of outings to some old favourites recently. Maisy's Birthday Party at Dymocks was fun last Sunday, followed by a play in the Birrarung Marr playground. Check out my post on Dymocks Events in the Free or Events category - the Wonky Donky is coming up. We also went to the zoo when my husband was on paternity leave and it was as enjoyable as always despite the cold - check out my zoo post in the Attractions category.

As for new suggestions, I am working on a Things to do with Babies post, so watch this space

Disney Live - Three Classic Fairy Tales

Plenary Theatre
Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre
28th, 29th & 30th January 2011
10am, 1pm and 4pm shows

The time-honoured stories of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast will spring from the storybooks and onto the stage in Disney Live!

The enchanted journey starts when Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy find a magical storybook hidden among a treasure trove of costumes and belongings from classic Disney tales. The iconic objects lead them to three classic stories of ‘happily ever after’ featuring Snow White, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Along the way, you the audience are invited to join the fun by solving clues, dancing, clapping along and singing songs,as the stories unfold before your very eyes.

Ticket prices range between $27.50 and $32.50 through Ticketmaster. Tickets are available to the general public from 2nd September or pre-sale tickets are available from today with Kids Promotions code DL4KP.

Ben 10 Live Show

The Australian premiere of Cartoon Network's BEN 10 LIVE: Power of the Omnitrix is set to tour major arenas around the nation in September and October 2010 in time for school holidays. Everyone's favourite boy-hero, Ben Tennyson, and his alien heroes will come to life on stage in BEN 10 LIVE, a show filled with cool stunts, incredible action and awesome special effects.

Ben 10 fans will love this 95-minute adrenaline-pumping extravaganza of electrifying stunts, action flying sequences and cool BMX and skateboard tricks. All of this in an arena full of incredible costumes, brought to life against a huge digital backdrop, with jaw-dropping effects and lighting.

Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 September 2010, 11am
Hisense Arena (formerly Vodaphone Arena)
Tickets - $23 - $45
For bookings, visit the Ticketek website

Snow Works at Harbour Town Docklands

Rug up the kids and take them for a play in the snow at Harbour Town in Docklands. Running until the 25th July and open weekdays from 11am to 4pm and weekends from 11am to 5pm.

For free entry present a receipt from any Harbour Town retailer for $15 or more. Play sessions are 25 minutes.

Classic Kids 2010

COME DANCE AND SING WITH JAY LAGA'AIA
Playschool presenter Jay Laga'aia sings some classical pieces as well as songs from his new CD Come Dance and Sing

Saturday 28 August 10.00am 11.30am 1.30pm 3.00pm (45 Minutes)
Iwaki Auditorium, Southbank
Family Classic Kids cost - $18 Adult, $12 Childen $50 Family (2 Adults/2 Children)

MAXIMUS MUSICUS VISITS THE ORCHESTRA
Noni Hazlehurst narrates the story of Maximus Musicus Visits the Orchestra based on the Icelandic children’s book. Written and arranged by the principal flautist of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, this tale weaves the story of a little mouse and his adventures amongst the Orchestra. Children will be treated to Ravel’s Bolero in this fine performance with a backdrop depicting the beautiful illustrations from the book.

Saturday 23 October 10.00am 11.30am 1.30pm 3.00pm (45 Minutes)
Iwaki Auditorium, Southbank
Family Classic Kids cost - $18 Adult, $12 Childen $50 Family (2 Adults/2 Children)

For Bookings and further details, visit the MSO website

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

Children's Tiffin Morning Tea

Aria Restaurant
The Langham Hotel
Monday 28th June to Friday 9th July, 10am to 1pm

The three tiered childrens' Tiffin stand includes:
◦White chocolate brownie
◦Lemon cup cake
◦Marshmallow and fruit skewers
◦Frangipane tart
◦Frog in a pond
◦Scones with strawberry jam and chantilly cream
◦Ham & cheese sandwich
◦Chicken sandwich

Children are asked to bring a grownup for traditional Tiffin. $18.65 per child (3-12 years young).
For bookings calll 1800 641 107

Kids at The Arts Centre

Theatre is Child's Play
9th - 10th July 2010
10am & 11.30am (18 mths-3 yrs), 1.30pm (0-18 mths)
ANZ Pavillion
How do babies and toddlers experience theatre and story? How do they respond to different environments – atmosphere, images and sound? This gentle, hands–on workshop for little children and their parents is a fascinating and fun exploration which will contribute to a new interactive theatre piece being developed by Polyglot Theatre. Be part of the creative process with Polyglot’s artists and discover the answers to these and other questions.
Running Time: 60 Minutes. Ages 0 - 3.
Tickets: $14 (accompanying adult free).
Bookings - 1300 182 183

Curiosity - Part theatre, part circus and a little bit of magic.
22nd - 26th September 2010, 11am & 1.30pm
*No show at 1.30pm on Sat 25 September
Gallery 1
Alex is being difficult. She doesn’t understand or empathise with her father’s distress. And now she’s been sent to her room. But, when she discovers a passageway through her toy box to the land of Curiosity she begins to learn some valuable lessons. In Curiosity everything seems askew, upside down, inside out or back to front. Nobody agrees on anything and Alex finds herself the mediator in many a strange situation.
Running Time: 50 Minutes. Ages: 3 -10 yrs.
Tickets: $16 or $14 when you buy 4+ tickets.
Bookings - 1300 182 183

Valanga Khoza
22nd - 26th September, 10am
Gallery 1
South African born Valanga Khoza is a dynamic musician, storyteller and workshop facilitator. Enjoy the harmonies of South African chants and songs with rhythms that make you want to dance. Valanga’s motto is “If you can talk, you can sing!”. So, come and join him for a singing experience that will energise your soul and have you singing like never before!
Running Time: 45 Minutes. Ages: 3 - 12.
Tickets: $12 or $10 when you buy 4+ tickets.
Bookings - 1300 182 183

Neda
22nd - 26th September, 12.30pm
Gallery 1
All together we will make a fun, instant Brazil–style singing and playing beat–driven ensemble! Learn traditional and original Brazilian songs with Neda and learn to play big bass drums, shakers, clap sticks, ago go bells and tambourims.
Running Time: 45 Minutes. Ages: 3 - 12.
Tickets: $12 or $10 when you buy 4+ Tickets.
Bookings - 1300 182 183

A Little Piece
22nd - 26th September
Every 20 mins from 10am to 11am, 11.50am to 12.50pm and 1.50pm to 2.50pm. Last show at 12.30pm on Sat 25 September 2010
Fairfax Studio Foyer
Enter a little world of fables, friends and fiction with an audience of only six people! Harry, a grumpy toy hedgehog is flung out of the bedroom and into a world of lost socks, missing teaspoons and stray keys. In a special, intimate setting, the audience opens cupboard doors to reveal Harry’s story.
Ages: 3 - 10. All kids must be accompanied by an adult
Tickets: $7. Bookings - 1300 182 183

School Holidays - June/July 2010

Puppets at Fed Square - 11 July 2010
Federation Square is set to come alive with a children's puppet playground during the winter school holidays, with a week long program of puppet shows, roving performances, workshops, films and parades. Cost: Free

Children's Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens
Pumpkin soup
29 June, 1st July, 6th July, 11am – 12.15pm
What happens when a cat, a squirrel and a duck make soup? Find out in the enchanting story of Pumpkin Soup. Follow the trail where Duck might have gone, then help plant a winter vegetable soup garden and plant your own vegetable to take home. Finally, warm up with a delicious cup of hot pumpkin soup and a bread roll. Suitable for children aged 3 – 5 years; adult participation is required.Meet at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate. Cost: $15 per child / $5 per adult. Bookings required: Tel(03)9252 2429


Gasworks Arts Park
Mudcakes Concert - Ages 1-8
Monday 28 June at 11am
$15 Full, $13 Con/Child, Family of 4 $52, Groups 10+ $10 (+bf phone only)
Bookings: 9699 3253
The MUDCAKES, Sherry and Rick Plant are leaders in the movement towards organic adult-friendly children's music. Singing songs with accompaniment from Kazoos, ukuleles, bongos and harmonicas will all be spotted on stage in a quirky, fun-loving interactive show. With songs celebrating roots music and the ups and downs of family life

Gasworks Arts Park
Tiny Tortoises Paper Shapes - Ages 3-6
29 June to 6 July 2010
9.45am to 10.45am or 11.15am to 12.15pm
Art & Craft Room
Price: $20 +BYO Shoeb
Tiny tortoises swimming in a sea of colourful paper in a shoebox. Cut, bend, fold, curl and glue flat paper into wonderful 3D animals with paper-sculptor and illustrator Meredith Thomas.

Tivoli Theatre, 1390 High Street, Malvern
Alice in Wonderland Pantomine
28th June - 9th July
10.30am and 1.30pm, $17 per ticket (includes fairy bread & lemon drink)
Bookings - 9509 9066