If you’ve got a LEGO-mad kid (or you are the LEGO-mad one), this is the ultimate school-holiday adventure. We cannot wait to go and experience RELICS: A New World Rises with our family!
Created by former LEGO® Masters champions Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS turns ordinary objects into extraordinary LEGO worlds. Imagine:
🔹 A fridge transformed into a cryogenic health resort 🔹 A typewriter running a bustling newspaper empire 🔹 A Volkswagen Beetle powering a futuristic energy revolution
Every build is packed with Minifigure mischief, playful storytelling, and tiny details that will have you looking twice… and smiling every time.
See It Before 26 January
This isn’t just another exhibition—RELICS closes on 26 January 2026, so now’s the time to plan your visit. With strong crowds expected over the school holidays, book early to make sure you don’t miss out!
RELICS Highlights
14 massive displays combining vintage objects with LEGO creations
Interactive LEGO build zone—create your own miniature worlds
Custom scavenger hunts for kids and adults alike
A futuristic story set in 2130, where LEGO societies rise from the remains of a human-free world
More to Explore at the Australian Museum
The fun doesn’t stop with RELICS! Over the summer holidays, the museum is also hosting two free spectacular photographic exhibitions:
Unfinished Business– the stories of 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with disabilities across Australia
Plus, visitors can explore the stunning permanent galleries: Dinosaurs, Minerals, Birds of Australia, and award-winning First Nations galleries including Garrigarrang, Wansolmoana, and the Burra play space.
A Story in Every Brick
Jackson and Alex have poured years into this passion project, giving every Minifigure its own story. The result? A playful, imaginative, and surprisingly thoughtful world you’ll get lost in—together as a family.
Don’t Miss Out
We cannot wait to explore RELICS with our family—and you shouldn’t miss it either. Bring your kids, bring your inner LEGO fan, and get ready to be amazed!
What: RELICS: A New World Rises exhibition Open now — closes 26 January 2026 Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney NSW Exhibition Tickets: Adult: $29.00, Concession: $25.00, Child 4-15: $19.00, Child 0-3: Free
The Australian Museum offers free general admission and is open every day except Christmas Day (25 December). Tickets for RELICS are available now at australian.museum – strong demand is expected for the summer holidays. Gift cards for the exhibition are also available via the AM website.
We love LEGO® and absolutely adore the Australian Museum – it’s the perfect place to spend a day (or even just a few hours) keeping the kids entertained. And now there’s a new reason to visit: RELICS: A New World Rises, opening Saturday, 16 August 2025.
Created by former LEGO® Masters champions Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, RELICS transforms everyday objects into incredible LEGO® worlds filled with tiny Minifigure stories and mind-blowing creativity. From refrigerators turned into cryogenic health resorts to typewriters as bustling newspaper headquarters, there’s something to discover at every turn.
With an interactive LEGO® build zone, scavenger hunts, and endless imaginative inspiration, RELICS is perfect for LEGO®-obsessed kids – or adults who never outgrew their love for LEGO®. It’s a fun, creative, and totally unique way to spend a few hours at the museum.
Whether you’re a LEGO® fanatic or just love seeing creativity come to life, RELICS is an experience you won’t want to miss. Get ready to explore a world where the past and the future collide in the most imaginative ways.
📅 When: Opens Saturday, 16 August 2025 and will run until Tuesday, 27 January 2026. 📍 Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney NSW 🎟 Tickets: Adults $29 | Concession $25 | Children 4-15 $19 | Under 4 free
Exhibition Highlights:
14 immersive displays that transform vintage objects into detailed LEGO® worlds
Created by LEGO® Masters champions Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler
Engaging, layered storytelling filled with hidden details to delight curious minds of all ages
Interactive build zone where visitors can design, build, and display their own LEGO® creations
Custom scavenger hunts tailored for both children and adults
Audio guide available – download the free,accessible guideto your device before arrival and bring your own headphones for the best experience
RELICS at the Australian Museum is the perfect way to spend a day with the family. LEGO® fans of all ages will be captivated by the incredible displays, interactive build zones, and imaginative stories, while everyone can also explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits. It’s a day full of creativity, discovery, and fun – a must-do for kids and adults alike!
Years ago, I went to Cirque du Soleil shows with my mum, and I was completely enchanted. The magic was undeniable. Fast forward to 2023, and I took my youngest to Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL while his big sisters and daddy were off overseas. It felt like the perfect chance for a special show together—and wow, it did not disappoint. From start to finish, it was mesmerizing! I found myself completely immersed in the performance, almost in a trance, as the acrobats and performers did feats that left me spellbound.
Now, here we are in 2024, and I’m gearing up for another jaw-dropping Cirque du Soleil experience with LUZIA. Bring on the magic!
Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
We are super excited to attend the premiere show of Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA. This event is happening on Wednesday, 27 November.
What is LUZIA about?
LUZIA is often described as a “waking dream of Mexico.” It takes audiences on a journey through vibrant landscapes. The show also features surreal settings and awe-inspiring acrobatics. The show includes everything from a cascading waterfall to jaw-dropping aerial acts. Each element is designed to transport you to a world where dreams meet reality. It looks absolutely magical—like stepping into worlds within worlds! I can’t wait to be whisked away on a fantastical journey to another land. What about you—ready to dive into the magic?
Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
Fun Facts about LUZIA’s Big Top
Capacity: The Big Top seats more than 2,600 people—perfect for an unforgettable experience!
Set-Up Time: The entire site, including the Big Top, VIP Tents, and rehearsal spaces, is assembled in just 8 days.
Dimensions: The Big Top stands 19 meters (62 feet) high with a diameter of 51 meters (167 feet), supported by 4 steel masts that rise 25 meters (82 feet) tall.
Stability: Anchored by 550 pegs, the tent firmly covers 48,500 square feet of asphalt and can withstand winds up to 120 km/h (75 mph)!
International cast: The touring cast and crew include 115 people from 26 countries, showcasing a truely international collaboration. Among the 47 artists, 18 nationalities are represented, including talent from Australia, Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, and more.
How many jobs are involved: Behind the scenes, there are over 40 unique job titles ensuring the seamless production of the show.
Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
The Big Top isn’t just a tent—it’s a travelling village, bringing the wonder of Cirque du Soleil to cities around the globe. Honestly, with everything it takes to pull off the show, it might as well be its own city!
Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
This show is a school holiday dream! Snag some tickets, gather the family, and give them a surprise they’ll never forget!
Grab the details for tickets, venue and more!
Currently, there are all sorts of deals for tickets. You can snap up a 25% discount for Black Friday, grab a family offer for the whole family with 15% off or enjoy a night out offer for the purchase of 2 tickets with up to 15% off. Tickets are selling fast so make sure to grab them while you still see them.
The Entertainment Quarter is located at 122 Lang Road, Moore Park NSW 2010 (next to the Sydney Cricket Ground).
If you would like a map or other help about the venue then click here to learn more about The Entertainment Quarter.
Photos: Matt Beard & Anne Colliard Costumes: Giovanna Buzzi Cirque du Soleil 2022
Grab tickets for the family and let them experience the magic! It’s the perfect way to spark their love for theatre, acrobatics, and the arts—pure delight and inspiration all in one show.
A BIG thank you to Cirque du Soleil for the tickets for my family to attend the premiere. We feel very special attending the event and are really looking forward to the time together and to experience the show. I will let you know about all the fabulous things that you shouldn’t miss when you go, so stay tuned for more info soon!
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Note: This post was originally published June 23, 2014. There might be some info that is not accurate but a simple google search will help get updated info.
Do you have plans for the July school holidays? Stuck for ideas on keeping the kids entertained? How about taking a day trip to the Blue Mountains or why not stay over to experience more of what we have to offer. There are so many things to do!
Activities in The Blue Mountains & Surrounds
(The below list is supplied by Blue Mountains Tourism)
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Bells Line of Rd, Mt Tomah
Combine education with natural wonder and plenty of fresh air. Browse the garden at your own pace, join an organised tour and check out the “dinosaur’’ tree, the Wollemi pine. Check out the Offshoots: A Florilegium exhibition of contemporary botanical illustrations by Cairns artist Julie McEnerny will be a feature during the holidays. Cost: free entry. Details: mounttomahbotanicgarden.com.au.
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah. Image by David Hill
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, 30 Parke St, Katoomba
A great all-weather family activity, the cultural centre includes Into the Blue (the Blue Mountains World Heritage Exhibition) featuring high-tech interactive exhibitions exploring the natural as well as social landscapes of this unique area. Children of all ages can navigate their way through these stories through an immersive exhibition experience, introducing them to the richness and wonders of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Cost: $5 adults, $3 concession (children under-16 free). The centre also includes the Blue Mountains City Art Gallery, Blue Mountains City Library, a shop and café. Details: bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au.
Blue Mountains Explorer Bus and Blue Mountains Trolley Tours
Ditch the car and jump aboard a red double-decker Explorer Bus or vintage-style maroon Trolley Tour hop-on/hop-off service to access all the famous sights and sites of Leura and Katoomba without the hassle of parking. Both provide all-day tickets. Details: trolleytours.com.au or explorerbus.com.au.
Explorer Bus 20. Image by David Hill.
Bygone Beautys, Megalong and Grose streets, Leura
Take time out and indulge in a silver-service traditional high tea of ever-popular Devonshire tea. You might even meet Mr Teapot himself. Details: bygonebeautys.com.au.
Traditional tea at Bygone Beautys Leura. Photo: Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism. Image by David Hill.
Everglades Historic House & Gardens, 37 Everglades Ave, Leura
There’s plenty to explore at this 1930s property, with 12.5 acres of tiered European-style gardens and the native Australian bush, breathtaking views over the Jamison Valley and even a waterfall. Walk up an appetite before refuelling in the tearooms (book ahead so you don’t miss out). Entry: $10 adults, $8 concession, $4 children (National Trust members free). Details: everglades.org.au.
Everglades Historic House & Gardens. Image supplied via Blue Mountains Tourism
Featherdale Wildlife Park, Kildare Rd, Doonside
Hand feed a kangaroo, wallaby or emu; have a face-to-face encounter with a koala and meet the whole gamut of native animals at the home of one of the nation’s largest private collections of Australian native animals and bird life. Pack a picnic or buy refreshments at the café. Cost: $29 adults, $16 children (3-15 years), $22.50 students, $20 seniors, $82 family (2 adults/2 children). Details: featherdale.com.au.
Bumble the baby wombat at Featherdale Wildlife Park. Client: Blue Mountains Attractions Group. Image by David Hill.
Jenolan Caves, Jenolan Rd, Jenolan
Discover the underground at the world’s most magnificent cave system. Explore a spectacular show cave, go on an adventure or special children’s or night tour. For grownups and older children there is a fascinating tour every night (go on the Legends, Mysteries & Ghosts tour on Saturday or Wednesday – if you dare). Explore the outdoors on some new bushwalks or traipse through a self-guided tour of the Nettle Cave (free with any show cave tour) including a lively commentary for young children – there’s even an Aboriginal culture tour. The cafe serves light lunches, snacks and drinks or enjoy a delicious dinner at the award-winning Chisholm’s Restaurant. Why not choose one of the many accommodation options to suit all family budgets and stay the night? Details: jenolancaves.org.au.
Coloured lights add another dimension to a chamber in the Chifley Cave system. Photo: Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism.Image by David Hill.
Nana’s Teddies & Toys, Kidman St, Blaxland
With 15,000 teddy bears and plush animals at Australia’s largest and most awarded specialist teddy bear haven, you’re bound to meet the furry friend that’s just right for you. Details: teddys.com.au.
Nana’s Teddies. Image By David Hill.
Norman Lindsay Gallery, Norman Lindsay Ave, Faulconbridge
Draw inspiration from one of Australia’s most loved authors and artists, Norman Lindsay, at the home of the Magic Pudding at special holiday children’s workshops. Make your favourite character out of clay at The Magic Pudding in Clay (July 2) or transform your favourite character from a drawing to your own relief print at Artist’s Printmaking Like Lindsay (July 3). Both workshops are for children aged 5-12. Cost: $25 for one, $40 for two includes all materials and aprons. Explore the historic gallery and grounds while you are there. Bookings and details: info@normanlindsay.com.au or normanlindsay.com.au.
Scenic World Blue Mountains, Violet St and Cliff Drive, Katoomba
Enjoy the thrill of a high altitude adventure these winter school holidays with early bird discounts before 10am (June 28 to July 13), fantastic family packages, free Magic Pudding movie screenings (July 2 and 9), new light options menu including great value children’s meals and, of course, the chance of snow. Planning your visit is simple with a range of tailored itineraries catering to bushwalkers, grandparents with kids, thrill seekers or even those a little scared of heights. Get insider tips on what the locals love to make the remainder of your stay unforgettable. Details: scenicworld.com.au.
Scenic Skyway and Three Sisters. Photo: Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism. Image by David Hill.
Scenicworld’s Cableway cable car takes visitors through hanging swamps and lush mountain rainforests to climb up sheer rock faces with spectacular views of Katoomba Falls and the Jamison valley. Photo: Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism. Image by David Hill.
Talisman Gallery, Hartley Historic Site, off the Great Western Hwy, Hartley (10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday)
Located at the picturesque Hartley Historic Site, visitors can snap up truly unique hand-forged and crafted pieces of wall art including decorative wall mirrors, clocks and dragon sculptures. Warm up by watching metal artist Ron Fitzpatrick create a masterpiece from the glow of his forge downstairs before heading upstairs to browse the gallery of fascinating artwork and jewellery. Details: talismangallery.com.au.
Talisman Gallery. Image by David Hill.
The Brook Art & Craft Co-op, 1a Ross St, Glenbrook
A not-for-profit retail shop, The Brook is staffed and operated by its members, who themselves make most of the products on display. The range available covers just about any craft you can name and every handmade item is unique to the shop.
Waradah Aboriginal Centre, World Heritage Plaza, Echo Point Rd, Katoomba
Witness Australian Aboriginal culture in a contemporary gallery. Experience traditional dance, take part in interactive didgeridoo performances, examine authentic artworks and take home genuine Aboriginal souvenirs. Learn about Australia’s living Aboriginal culture from the local Darug and Gundungurra tribes through informal cultural discussions and lectures.
Waradah. Image by David Hill.
Hope that this gives you some great ideas for family getaways and day trips with the kids. Enjoy the school holidays! Stay warm.
Ready in his safety harness and helmetGetting fitted for his safety gearEnjoying the climbing fun
I wanted to take Alex somewhere fun, somewhere different from the usual park.
But where?
Why not Treetops Adventure at Western Sydney. You don’t have to visit the Western Sydney location, this is the one we visited. The Western Sydney Treetops are within the Western Sydney Parklands.
In fact, Treetops Adventures are available in 8 different locations in NSW, also in Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.
I looked online for a great spot to take my active six-year-old and settled on Treetops adventure. I magically booked one of the last times for their adventures that day and of course, high-tailed it down the mountain to get there on time. I was however about 15 minutes late, but I soon discovered that was okay. Thank goodness for that!
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He had the safety rope on the course to make sure he was safe even if he fell
We were in time for my little boy to join a group of other kids, he just needed to get his harness fitted and wait for the group to have their safety induction and their guide to tell them the rules of what to do and of course not do. If they needed help there were staff there with their harness on ready to climb to help out.
At first, my little boy was a bit shocked we didn’t end up at the park he thought we were going to…however, I did tell him we were off on an adventure to do something different.
See our YouTube video of our Treetops Adventure
Balancing to make sure he has the edge
Brave and keen to climb all the courses
Alex grew his confidence with the different courses.
One course had my six-year-old fall off the timber or logs that were there. He did have a harness and was also strapped on with the metal safety line, so no worry about falling. However, losing his footing was a bit scary and I had to talk him through how to get back on the logs.
I did get the attention of one of the staff there and they were on their way and then Alex managed to sort it all out himself.
These ones move and Alex took a bit longer making sure he put his foot on the next one correctly
The courses that had moving logs or missing parts where you would put your feet made my little boy a bit worried at first, he did get the hang of how to work the ones that were moving and then with the ones that had missing parts he favoured the area that had more timber for him to stand.
Getting across the course slowly but surely
He also was very focused on what he was doing and how he managed each course.
When Alex got to the Ziplines he was able to take off the zip fitting and put it on the metal line for the zip adventure himself. He got really good at it and even though he fiddled a bit sometimes getting it off the metal rope he yelled at me that he didn’t need help, he would say very loudly “I don’t need help!”
Was a bit worried about the gaps and the logs…at least they don’t move
Got the hang of the net
This was a great decision to take my little one to Treetops Adventure at Western Sydney, he loved it. In fact, he really didn’t want to leave.
Having heaps of fun climbing
I now really would like to take the twins to experience more Treetops Adventures throughout Sydney. For all kids to do a park together I would need to have courses for the bigger kids and many courses for the younger person too.
If you are looking at an activity for the holidays, weekend or any time climbing at TreeTops is something I would highly recommend. Not only is it great for kids as they are outdoors, it helps with their confidence and problem-solving abilities it is also fun and different from your standard park.
Alex had never climbed at Treetops before and was racing around and doing the courses multiple times, he seemed to be an expert after doing it many many times!
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Note: First published July 2014..although this is great no matter what year.
Have you wondered what to do with the kids these school holidays? Worried that if you take them somewhere or do anything it will cost you? Well, I have a list of fun things to do that will not break the bank. Yes, these fun things will keep the kids happy as well as your bank balance.
1. Playdough Fun
The night before I made a whole batch of playdough. I created multiple colours and also some had glitter in them as well. I added the food dye to each batch and made sure they were very bright vivid colours to make it even more fun. (Make sure you wear gloves as my hands were stained for a couple of days – yes I had green and red hands)
Playdough – In resealable bags so that the dough remains fresh and does not dry out.
I gave the kids cookie cutters, rolling pins, toothpicks and more so they could make patterns and be as creative as they wished.
I made the playdough recipe from McKenzie’s Cream of Tartar for playdough as it gives a nice smooth fluffy feeling. If you use this way to make playdough it will come out so nice and soft, just like the ones at the store. Yes, you heard that right! Give it a go and see. Make a big batch and put it all in containers for a rainy day. The kids loved this and played with the dough and their creations for hours.
All the kid’s playdough creations drying. Once all is done we can have them on our shelves to display. Don’t they look amazing?
2. Baking Fun
My girls love to make cakes and of course, after the cake is in the oven, they love to lick the mixing bowl and spoon. I did that as a kid and it is the best as the mixture always tastes wonderful and is so chocolatey!
I created a marble cake and added a vanilla cake mix to a chocolate one that had chocolate bits added to it as well. Once mixed in it created a marvellous marble mixture and looked great once it was cut into. Sorry I did not get any other pictures than the one before it was all eaten. Yes, it was that good. Maybe I should be a Masterchef????
Yummy Marble Cake – Get your little chefs busy with this easy-to-make cake
If you have a packet of cake mix this keeps things easy and all you need to do is add the eggs/egg and milk, stir and then put it in the oven. Simple cake made! You can ice it or add chocolate bits as we did, the choice is yours. Enjoy!
3. Painting Fun
I wanted to get the kids painting, and I did not want paint that causes issues with clothes or bad if you accidentally eat it. So I made my own paint. How do I hear you ask??
These are the ingredients I used:
Cornflour
Water
Food dye
I started with 1 cup of cornflour and enough water to make a paste. I created all the mixture before I added the colour as I wanted different colours that would allow the kids to paint a picture and not be restricted to two colours only. I added the mixture without the colour into a cupcake tin and then added the colour to each area of the tin.
I decided to make, yellow, purple, orange, blue, green and red. I ended up using more cornflour as it was not quite a paste consistency and I used more water than I should have as it was my first attempt at making this. To make each paint set I put it in the freezer to set. I am not sure if that is the done thing but it worked out quite well.
It might have been in the freezer for a bit long but after adding a bit of water with the paintbrush the colour melted a bit and it was just like real paints but with cornflour and water.
Having fun painting. Such creative artists.
Great paint mummy! What else can I paint?
4. Movie Fun
It is always fun to watch a film you have never seen before and to have lunch. I fed the kids some food while they all sat and watched Frozen. Yes, we are late to the party and have just seen Frozen.
Mesmerized watching Frozen
Now all the kids are singing is, “I want to build a snowman!” AHHHHH Oh well, so glad they loved it and sat still to watch it. Winning I think!
So grab a film that no one has seen as it will capture their interest for longer. If you want why not make a bed on the floor of the living room and make a treat of the film. You can even popcorn if the kids like that.
5. Park Fun
Around the corner of the house is a park. So I walked the kids to the park and they all ran amok at the park. One went on the swing, the other on the monkey bars and one other was going down the slippery dip. Fresh air and exercise always help keep kids happy.
The park is free and if you are not near one you can drive to one and bring the bike/scooter the child can get more enjoyment out of playing with their toys.
Swinging is fun! I am doing it all by myself now mummy!
Look at me, I can do the monkey bars all by myself. How clever is she!
I hope this list of some fun things to do with kids helps while they are on school holidays or for the weekends. Enjoy!
I’ve been busy looking after everyone, doing everything and taking everyone everywhere.
Oh, and not to mention getting a cold, then the flu and now sick again.
I just want to sit and be looked after for a change; get dinner made by someone else, allow me to sleep in, maybe have others do the housework for a change.
I have been wondering for a while now, when is it my time to be looked after? Why am I the one that does everything?
I am more than a wife and a mother, I have dreams and ideas too, plus I haven’t changed who I am due to having kids. Actually, there have been THREE BIG CHANGES: I have no money, no time and I’m always tired.
I know that being a mum doesn’t make you less of a person but lately, it feels like you get overlooked on every level. When you are sick you still have to solider on, when you’ve hurt yourself you have to still do everything too.
Maybe it will be another 20 years before I can finally have a break? I do have young children and one is not even in school yet.
Being always on is tiring not only physically but mentally draining.
Maybe the thoughts about the lack of identity or being at other’s beck and call have surfaced more due to the school holidays…where there has been not a lot of moments to be left alone to hear myself think.
It could be that being a Stay at Home mum to three kids is now my role, however, I would like to be a mogul to my ideas.
Do you find that you’re overlooked due to being a mum? Do you find that things are expected of you and you are never asked? If so, I know how you feel.
I think this is why I’ve been researching drool-worthy holidays. A holiday that will mean mummy will get some much-needed downtime, pampering and an experience that will be fantastic for the whole family (One that means that I don’t have to make beds, cook or clean).
Let me know if you are over giving all to everyone and not getting much back? Having moody pre-teens, of course, doesn’t help.
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It’s school holidays and I’ve been keeping kids busy, and therefore it keeps me busy.
I’ve set up playdates, taken the twins to a birthday party, we’ve gone out to brunch and then looked at shops, the kids and I went to the city to visit the Australian Museum and walked around the city, oh and we’ve also had some time at home.
Our trip to the city was meant to be fun, well part of it was. However, it went really wrong…actually a lot wrong!
So I took the kids to a science workshop about the moon and space (It is coming up the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, plus all 3 kids are super interested in the planets, the moon and space). We were early to the show and got some good seats so that we could all see, however my youngest didn’t want to sit down and was annoyed at the whole thought of sitting on his assigned seat.
The show started and my little boy still couldn’t sit still. Geez, this is going to be a long hour of my life. He finally sat down but not in his seat, Alexander found a little gap between Julia’s seat and a very old door. While my distracting little boy was sitting in his chosen non-seat he leaned on this antique looking door and it opened. Yes, it opened! We closed the door and this crisis of finding a mystery door was over.
Now that the door was closed and the show was in full swing, my little boy did a horrible pooh! There were about 30mins left of the show and I hoped that it would be okay, but the little girl behind us was telling her mum that something smelt bad and she was right, it was getting worse. I managed to leave the show with Alexander, the nappy bag and changed him.
Alex and I waited outside while the girls were still in the show, once they came out we got some snacks and then went to explore the Australian Museum.
We saw dinosaur bones, birds, crocodiles, koalas, artwork, photographs and so much more. Alexander kept on saying that he wanted to see creatures. I think he was happy we saw all the interesting animals and exhibits at the Museum. Plus the workshop about the moon and space was fun said the twins.
After we did the Australian Museum the kids and I explored Hyde Park. We managed to navigate our way through the crowds to find some food, finally got food but due to kids not being able to hold all the food and drink I tried to help…helping ended up making one drink fall on the ground and it was Alexander’s. This led to a tantrum about the fact that his drink was ruined and then wanted another.
I didn’t get another drink due to huge lines to get food. It really wasn’t ruined, just the cup was a bit bent.
We all looked around for a seat but couldn’t find any, we finally found a place to sit and spoiler alert we sat next to a lady reading a book and another trying to do work on her laptop, but had to leave in hurry due to out of control kids.
So we found seats next to lovely ladies who were super busy with own things (a book and a laptop), I was very happy that we could sit and finally eat. I got stuck into my chicken wrap and the twins and Alexander had a slushie each, although one kid had a drink that he didn’t want as he thought it was broken and horrible. He kept on screaming at the top of his lungs that he wanted his sisters, and then she screamed loudly that she would not give it to him. He then tried to throw things and hurt his sister and possibly others around him. It was hard to eat and control the chaos at the same time.
The screaming and disaster didn’t end. The nuggets that I purchased ended up on the ground and then my little boy kept on walking in the tomato sauce. Oh gee, wonderful!
I made all kids get up and apologised to the lovely ladies who were really trying to have some quiet time on their lunch break. Kids bundled up and still yelling about their drinks and the fact mummy was not getting a replacement was on constant rotation during our walk back through Hyde Park to get back to the car.
A fun trip to the city was overshadowed by horrible behaviour. I was so relieved to be in the car and on our way back home.
It does make me question why I take anyone anywhere.
I think the trip to the museum made an impact with Alex, he has been telling daddy about all the creatures he saw and what it was like. He has also told some ladies at the childcare centre about his day at the museum.
Have you taken kids to a planned outing to have it go wrong? What happened with you?
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How are you going? Are you surviving the school holidays? I have had moments when it has all gone to hell and I’ve wanted to run to the hills and not come back for a while.
However, even with the annoyance and angst, I’ve been trying to embrace the holiday spirit and my mantra for this year…be happier.
I’ve been spending more time with the kids and family, hence why I haven’t posted recently. Sorry for the lack of updates.
I have been taking the kids to parks, movies, organising play dates, parties, sleepovers, I got tickets so kids can do some science at the local botanic gardens and much more!
One thing that is doing my head in is the arguments and one-upmanship between the twins. It is really annoying, exhausting and frustrating to say the least. Are you in the same boat with your kids?
Do you find that a good stiff drink is in order after a tumultuous session with the kids not hearing anything you say? Oh, and when no one answers your questions, even when they are right next to you!
Even with the frustrations that holidays bring it has been relaxing and happy experience. We have spent time with friends and family and also managed to have a sleep in on a few days (So this is a win in my book).
Alexander had his birthday party and is now a three-year-old. He was very happy that his two mates from childcare could come to his party, and it was so adorable to see all three of them play in the park with each other. Three cute little people taking walks and chatting and playing amongst themselves, they were super busy doing important playthings.
I still cannot believe the girls will be entering grade 5 soon, they are getting so grown up and soon primary will be finished for both of them. Only this year and next and then they are off to high school.
Hope you’re having a good break and spending some fun time with family these school holidays. If you are having painful moments like me, I hope that they don’t last long or you can get a break for a bit.
Coming up next on the blog is are my tales of helping two ten years old’s with their new Harry Potter LEGO sets, it was a long, exhausting, frustrating and at times rewarding experience. It really ends up as a tale of woe from all sides. I’m sure all mums and dads that have tried to assist a child with LEGO will understand the ups and downs of this fine line you walk between taking over or just helping.
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Last Friday the 12th of October was HUGE! Actually massive.
The twins went to another cub camp and to get them where I needed to drive about 3 hours….Yes, you read that right, 3 hours.
The girls ready for camp
Let’s just hope that 3-hour drive is it not like the 3-hour tour in Gilligan’s Island.
Gilligan didn’t have GPS and I do so there is a vast difference and therefore the chances of getting lost are rather slim.
However, sometimes my stupid GPS decides to direct me to streets that it shouldn’t and does cause confusion. Read on to have a HUGE giggle at my epic fail.
I do have an idea of where we are going and hubby has camped at this site as a scout when he was younger. Due to prior knowledge of the area I have been told that it is easy to miss the turn-off and if I do, I will need to go around again and this can be painful!
So we need to keep our eyes peeled. I really don’t want to miss the entry to this place and have to go around the highway and roads again for another go.
I’ve already survived the twins packing for camp and all the silly behaviour that came with it. Their bags are in the boot of my car ready for our huge journey to the campsite.
Not only do I need to take two kids to camp on a long car trip, but I also have to pick up Alexander as I will not be able to pick him up tonight due to being hours away. So the girl’s little brother will join us all in our adventure to the campsite.
I have learnt one thing from a previous camp, I must feed them dinner. The girls last camp I assumed that they would get fed dinner, however, this didn’t happen. The organisers did feed them supper (snack) but it wasn’t dinner.
On our way, we will stop off to ensure that all kids are fully fed and happy before they will be finally dropped at the campsite for two days of fun.
I have to pack a bag of drinks and food for Alexander so that if he wants anything all is sorted.
I’m hoping that Alexander doesn’t scream all the way home as has happened before. I hope that daycare has tired him out and the adventure of the long trip will keep him busy.
EPIC FAIL: Remember I mentioned I would be fine as I had GPS to help me find the way. Well this didn’t happen. In fact Google actually directed me to a street that is no where near the camp and managed to do this twice. Yes, I know how silly to be directed to the wrong place once but twice! The second time around it made it sound like we were actually going somewhere different, then low and behold I ended up in the same stupid street that is not where I needed to be at all.
It was not just me that did this, there was another man taking his kids to the camp and he did the same thing I did, but to his benefit he only did it once. I did yell a bit and say a few choice words but was rather concerned as the kids and I were super early and due to not knowing how to correct this navitagion failure I was worried I would be very late now.
This other dad and I looked at the map he had, one mum that was already at the camp called me and helped me out over the phone. Due to this extra help or brains trust, the kids and I and the other family managed to find the campsite and where we needed to be. I wasn’t that late and in fact only added an extra 20 minutes to my journey and to my amazement there were so many others arriving after us, so that made me feel better.
I must say I might share more in common with Gilligan than I would like to admit.
Last Friday was officially the last day of the school holidays aside from the weekend, as Monday the girls go back to school.
Yep, term 4 starts soon! How cool is this?
Not much will go wrong on Monday morning, right? Totally tired and exhausted kids from a full weekend away and having to get up earlier to go to school. I hope they get up and get organised okay.
Oh, and did I mention that we have had non-stop rain, and it is not stopping this weekend. In fact, it might be really heavy rain on Saturday.
The kids are camping in tents and will get very wet. I am sure that all the nice sorted clothes that went of dry and clean will come back all soaked and covered in mud. I just hope that they manage to put it all in the garbage bags provided so they don’t get everything super wet.
Another massive win is one of the other parents are able to take the twins home, so this saves me dragging Alexander to another 3-hour drive to pick them up on Sunday.
Have you had massive days during the school holidays? What did you get up to that required a HUGE drive with the kids too?
I am looking forward to things going back to normal next week with school returning.
Update: The twins had a wonderful time at camp. They came home very wet with everything in their bags wet and muddy as I expected. It has taken me two days and I think I have finished the washing. Phew…. but I know that there is more to come when I tidy up other rooms and change the sheets for everyone. The washing never lets up.
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I'm beyond tired and really would love to sleep for a month or two.
Tomorrow the twins go back to school. Insert happy dance. Maybe a HUGE boogie-woogie.
Yep, the start of term three is nearly here. I’m so tired due to the last few weeks.
There was always something on and therefore to drive to. If we weren’t driving to places it was days out and fun with other kids and parents too.
I want to sleep like this cat. Wish I could just curl up when I wanted and have a sleep.
Last week had five days out of the house, the week before we had three days out of the house.
Some of the things we did were:
Did Science workshops at Mt Tomah Gardens
Had playdates with some of the kid’s friends
Drove to visit family (they live far away so it took 2.5 hours each way, so 5 hours of driving)
Visited the Way Out West Festival (WOW) and then visited a good friend the same day
Attended the Robogals STEM workshops at New South Wales University
Went swimming and played at an indoor play centre
My plan for the school holidays was to relax and to stay at home more.
I had a vision of just staying in my pj’s and not having to be anywhere or do anything in particular.
One insane thought was to get the house tidier, organised and remove clutter during the holidays. I hear you all laughing at me very loudly and with bad snorting to boot! I, of course, didn’t any tidying done or making the house look more organised.
Nope, it did not happen. I did try and the twins room got a big tidy up, bags of clothes and toys were given away, many other bags ended up in the bin and more room was created. However, this cleaning of one room took two days, required constant supervision and reminding the kids of what they were doing. Oh, the energy really was zapped from my being.
You might think after losing hours of my life in a feral cave of mess that finally managed to be tidy after over 48 hours it would be brilliant now.
Well, I kid you not it is like we never touched it. It is a huge mess yet again.
I’m beyond tired and really would love to sleep for a month or two.
I am so tired, my cells are aching, and my body is throbbing.
I could close my eyes and sleep for a month. I know that school going back is great but more running around will happen.
School drop offs, pick ups, after school activities, getting kids to do homework and more.
Kids get holidays, but mummy rarely does. Actually, I don’t get any holidays! I need one now to recharge from our hectic few weeks.
Did you have relaxing school holidays? I close my eyes and dream a relaxing holiday…possibly Fiji, Europe, Bali, Thailand? Who knows.
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School is back and part of me is still wishing we were on holidays. I am finding that I’m so tired I have to remind myself what day it is so that I don’t sleep in and think it is still the weekend. I personally just want to sleep in and say bugger it and have a day or two off.
Don’t get me wrong…I do love the fact that the kids are at school and I get a break.
However, school term means that after-school activities have started again.
Coordinating everything and getting all kids to where they need to be is a full-time job. Another negative of racing around means that mummy is always exhausted.
This what I would rather be doing. Relaxing and doing nothing in particular. Time out for mummy!
School means that I need to make lunches, drop kids at school and also pick up.
Holidays were good as I didn’t have to be anywhere in a hurry.
I didn’t have to be up at a certain time for school to start or to pick up when school was over.
Holidays also means that there are no extra circular things to take kids too. I can just be home and not go anywhere unless I want to or I suppose need to.
It’s a pity that you cannot combine the good things about the holidays and school term in one.
I know this is a hard ask and really quite impossible but it is a nice idea. Don’t you think so?
I’ve had a very busy school holiday break. Kids were always doing something, friends came over, we visited other friends, the family visited, kids visited family, and we went out as a family.
Now school has gone back I’m still racing around like a mad person for everyone else.
I did hope that with my first day off that I would get a chance to do some long waited for things for me. I even signed up for a webinar for my first kid-free day.
This kid-free day was not to be, I had to take the twins into the city for the first afternoon back at school. No day off for me just yet.
I know I have had 1 true day off and that was great, but I still had to be up at the crack of dawn to organise kids to being at care, so I could be at my function. Still exhausted and drooling over just sitting and do nothing for a while.
However I was lucky to manage to get some nice kid free time while at the Bloggers Brunch last Friday. Although kids did try and make sure they were with me via hurting themselves the night before. They were all good to go to school and care, and I was happy to be able to network and be on my own finally.
Yes, I’m a whinger for saying I haven’t had a break and in fact I have had 1 day off so far, but although that was a day off for me it was not really 100% relaxing. I still had to be up super early to get kids to care to allow me to attend my function, and I still had to pick them up and make and organise dinner for everyone although I was late home.
Do you wish you could have the good things from the holidays while kids still went to school? Am I the only one that is thinking this? Let me know via a comment on this post.
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The baby is finally not sick and is in care, and mummy is able to take some time to just be. To sit and have quiet time.
The school holidays were crazy. Well, not all crazy, but some of it was just chaotic.
There were some nice moments of sleeping in, not having to be anywhere and staying at home, plus spending some nice time with the kids was good.
There always seemed to be something happening. One kid fighting, one kid hurt or hurting the other and then the arguments. Oh my gosh! As the mum of three kids, it seemed that no matter what was going on it was hard to keep up. I was constantly exhausted.
Do you find this? Trying to entertain kids at all times is difficult. Once you think everyone is happy and playing it then all changes and you are back to sorting out a disaster.
A disaster could just be someone throwing out a drawing or not playing the game they want to play. Simple things but huge dramas to a little kid.
During the holidays the twins flew to Coffs Harbour to see their grandparents. The girls were unaccompanied minors and they got on a plane all by themselves. This was a huge step and a great thing to foster their independence.
This was one of the weeks that I was really looking forward to. While the kids were away I thought that the baby would be in care, and I would get so much done.
Fast forward to the actual week that the twins flew to visit the grandparents and of course Alexander was ill. Yes, this was the week that my little boy was very sick.
No child care, he had to have mummy and now the week that I so desperately was excited about was not great. My time alone was non-existent.
I did feel like it was a horrible conspiracy. No, you can’t have time to yourself….. ever! Yes, I know that the baby did not plan to be sick and these things just happen.
However, why do they happen on the week that the older kids were not going to be home? Why couldn’t this have happened the weeks before the girls flew to visit their grandparents?
How did you fare during the school holidays? Did you have fun? Did you get driven crazy by the kids?
Now that school is finally back I hope that you are having a well-deserved rest.
If you are busy at work you might need to wait for that rest, but I’m sure work is a change from looking after kids during the school holidays.
I’m happy about school going back but I miss sleeping in, and not having to be anywhere important was nice while it lasted.
Doing your own thing was good, and I must say that I’m not really in back to school mode just yet.
How are you doing now that school has gone back?
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42,000 years into the past to be precise. How are we time traveling? Well, we don’t have a Delorean or a Tardis. Personally, this is a tragedy but not the end of the world.
Due to not having any of these fancy time travel machines, we will be roughing it by walking to our destination after parking the car.
How are we time traveling? Well, we don’t have a Delorean or a Tardis. Personally, this is a tragedy but not the end of the world. Due to not having any of these fancy time travel machines, we will be roughing it by walking to our destination after parking the car.
Due to not having any of these fancy time travel machines, we will be roughing it by walking to our destination after parking the car.
Woolly Mammoths Mural. Illustration by Velizar Simeonovski, The Field Museum.
So where are we off to that requires us to flash back thousands of years?
We are having a sneak peek at the Australian Museum’s latest exhibition. Yes, we are visiting a museum and in a way that means we are being whisked away in time. The kids, hubby and I are going to learn about the Mammoths – Giants of the Ice Age
The Mammoths – Giants of the Ice Age is an exhibition that is in partnership with Destination NSW, the Australian Museum (AAM’s) major exhibition will feature Lyuba , (pronounced Lay – oo – baa ) – a 40,000 – year – old baby woolly mammoth, discovered in 2007 by a Siberian herder and his two sons. This will be the first time the near fully intact baby mammoth has been on display in the southern hemisphere.
Lyuba , (pronounced Lay – oo – baa ) – a 40,000 – year – old baby woolly mammoth.
Fancy having history come to life and getting closer to what these animals would have been like.
Australia didn’t have mammoths, so this might be your only chance to see them.
What will you see at the exhibition?
Developed by the internationally renowned Field Museum in Chicago, the exhibition includes a rich collection of fossils, casts and cave drawings showing evidence of how early humans hunted and honoured these massive creatures. Mammoths lived alongside humans for thousands of years and were a source of food for early people, as well as artistic inspiration. Artwork dating from between 35,000 and 10,000 years ago will also be on display in the form of miniature carvings made of bone, stone and mammoth ivory from mammoth tusks. How amazing is it that this artwork has survived.
Did you know? Mammoths are an extinct group of elephants of the genus Mammuthus, whose ancestors migrated out of Africa about 3.5 million years ago.
This image of a human next to mammoths gives you an idea of how big they were. I must say I wouldn’t want to be next to one, it would be rather scary.
I cannot wait to show the kids these amazing and enormous animals. I’m also keen to learn more at the exhibition about what life must have been like alongside this massive creatures. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be close to a mammoth and to learn more about the time, the animals and much more. Make sure that you don’t miss this amazing exhibit from the Australian Museum.
What are the dates of The Mammoths Giant of the Ice Age Exhibit
The Mammoths Giants of the Ice Age is open from 19th November 2017 to 13th May 2018
Book your ticket today to see the Mammoths – Giants of the Ice Age at the Australian Museum.
Get tickets to see this amazing event
You can purchase tickets online at the Australian Museum website. Online prices: Adult $10 AM Member, $20 non-Member, Concession $8 AM Member, $16 non-Member, Child 5+ $6 AM Member, $12 non-Member. Kids under 5 go free. Having this on the list of things to do for the soon to be summer school holidays is a good idea. I always like to have some good places to take the kids that they don’t normally go to often. A museum is a good excuse to stay in the city, relax at a swish hotel and have dinner out. Follow the blog on Instagram to see all the updates at the exhibition and while we are in the city.
A big thank you to The Australian Museum for our invite to look at the exhibit before it officially opens. We are all very excited and cannot wait.
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Fridays are not the same when you realise they are just like any other day.
Every morning this week I have found it harder and harder to get out of bed.
I have even thought that every day was Friday or at least close to it.
Yes I thought that Monday was Friday, Tuesday was and so on. Strange but it is true.
Maybe it is wishful thinking. Maybe it is wanting the school holidays to be here now!
Fridays are not the same when you realise they are just like any other day.
However the school holidays tire me out. All the activities to keep everyone entertained and the constant whinging does my head in.
So thinking everyday was Friday was rather silly. As a mum it being Friday really has no meaning. It used to mean that I could rest on Saturday, sleep in and relax. However with kids, Saturdays and Sundays are the same as any other day.
Don’t get me wrong. Holidays are great. Not having to be anywhere or do anything is great.
I have booked the twins into some days at vacation care. This is for two reasons. Firstly, the days that I chose for the girls vacation care has special excursions or activities. The kids will also have fun with friends, be able to run around and have fun without me telling them to be quiet due to the baby sleeping.
Secondly, while the kids are at vacation care I might be able to get a few things done. Yep I can focus on the blog, tidying up around the house and maybe have some quiet time.
I have booked the kids in some days while the baby is in daycare so that this will allow full on rest or peace for me. Not totally but it will be a nice break in the holidays.
During the two weeks of school holidays I have many fun things planned. Taking the kids to the movies, a visit to the aquarium and zoo, plus seeing Frozen on Ice.
I have mixed it up for the two week break so that it gives the kids some fun things to do, and mummy some time out as well.
Have you been thinking it is Friday? Is it due to the school holidays approaching that this is happening?
It will be good to not have to do the school run and other things in the afternoon.
Today is now Friday and I am off to get ready to go to the kids school. The girls have learnt some songs in Gundungurra for NAIDOC Week. The twins can now sing heads, shoulders, knees and toes in Gundungurra. Very impressive indeed.
What are you up to for the holidays?
Do you look forward to Fridays or is it just another day?
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Are you wondering what to do with the kids during the Winter school holidays? Well this HUGE list that I scoured the internet for will hopefully give you some ideas.
NIDA – School Holidays Classes – In fact NIDA have classes for all states, so check out the link.
Scenic Skyway and Three Sisters. Photo: Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism. Image by David Hill.
Sydney Olympic Park have great activities for kids of all ages. Some are free and others are under $25. So that is great value. The below links are from the Sydney Olympic Park’s Website.
Taronga Zoo. There’s always plenty happening at Taronga Zoo. With over 4,000 animals to see, over 20 keeper talks and shows a day, tours, events & concerts, there’s always a new reason to visit Taronga Zoo.
Darling Harbour Quarter Playground– This is an amazing playground for kids. Make sure to pack a spare set of clothes and a towel for the kids. There is a wet area that they are drawn to and if you don’t have spare dry clothes you will suffer the whining of the child. Trust me!
Newington Armory – Discover one of Sydney’s most unique heritage precincts adjacent to the scenic Parramatta River. It is open every weekend.
Bathurst Winter Festival, From the 7 – 22 July 2018 – Staged in the beautiful, heritage CBD of Bathurst, the festival is a showcase of all that is vibrant, creative and unique in the region. Watch buildings come alive through static and interactive illumination breathing life into the historic architecture. Amuse yourself in the Winter Playground sampling the charm of the outdoor McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink, the giant Ferris wheel and magical two-story carousel every day of the Bathurst Winter Festival.
SEALIFE Sydney Aquarium – SEALIFE always has fun exhibitions and things to do. Keep your little ones entertained by taking them to learn more about marine life and our environment.
WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo – Visit the animals in the heart of the city. Learn more from the wonderful daily talks about snakes, Tasmanian Devils and much more.
Cockington Green Gardens– See miniature buildings within beautifully landscaped gardens. Why not stay for afternoon tea at the Parsons Nose Garden Cafe.
The National Dinosaur Museum – “Focusing on education and entertainment, the museum offers a wide variety of activities to schools and the general public. From guided tours of the museum, to birthday parties for the kids, there is sure to be something to suit your needs.”
SEMAPHORE AND FORT GLANVILLE TOURIST RAILWAY. Image from their website.
Botanic Gardens of South Australia – Find out all the fun things that the gardens are doing these school holidays. Creating crowns and masks, making fire, making glue, listen to aboriginal stories, and much more.
South Australia – Learn about all the attractions from all the regions within Adelaide and surrounds.
Drive-In Cinema at Gepps Cross. Stay in your PJ’s, bring your pillows and blankets and have fun watching a great film with the kids.
Granite Island – Take a family drive to Granite Island to see the penguins. Why not get a guided tour. Tours start at dusk every night. Costs
$12.50 Adult
$7.50 Children
$36.00 Family (2 Adults, 2 Children).
Bookings are essential.
Phone (08) 8552 7555
Adelaide Planetarium – “Come to the Planetarium these school holidays and take a journey to outer space. Travel to the moon and back this school holiday break. Adelaide Planetarium’s Night sky presentations and full dome movies offer educational entertainment for all ages.”
Sam Sunday’s Trek to the Goldfields – The Western Australian Museum – Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Bookings required if more than 10. Phone: (08) 9021 8533
Light, Lenses and Luminescence – The Western Australian Museum – GeraldtonTimes: 9.30am – 4.00pm
“Discover the mysterious magic of light at the WA Museum – Geraldton during the school holidays. There is a range of fun, creative and challenging activities and workshops where you can explore what happens when light is reflected, refracted and blocked.”
Time Trekker – Dino Dig – Western Australian Museum – Perth
Time: 9.15am – 12.30pm
Weekday: kids only 8-12 years.
Weekends: Family friendly experience. Kids 6-12 years.
See website for costs.
Rottnest Island Map. Image www.rottnestfastferries.com.au
Surfing Lessons – Perth
2 Day Course – School Holidays ONLY
Our courses run Mon & Tue / Wed & Thur / Sat & Sun (great for getting dad and mum out there!)
Adventure World – Progress Drive, Bibra Lake
Little kids will love the slides, kingdom falls, pools. The whole family will enjoy the bumper boats, dragon express (rollercoaster), go carts, and the tunnel of terror.
Open every day from 10am to 5pm during the school holidays. You can purchase tickets online to avoid the queues.
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre
See the B52 Bomber and other exhibits from Darwin’s role in WWII
Open daily from 9am – 5pm
Adults $14.00. Seniors / Pensioners $10.00. Children (under 12) $7.00. Family $30.00.Students $7.50
Berry Springs Nature Park
“Whilst enjoying the pools, if you swim with goggles you can see many small native fish and other aquatic life that live in the clear pools. Wildlife is abundant.” Remember: Swim only where recommended, observe warning signs. Facilities: Picnic tables, walking tracks, Kiosk (open during high visitation periods but generally from late morning to mid afternoon)
The Park is open from 8.00 am to 6.30 pm daily.
Nightcliff Markets
Every Sunday from 6am to 2pm all year round
“Enjoy a relaxing morning, listening to some great entertainment while the kids play nearby in the playground. Sample our array of tasty foods such as curries, soups, crepes, satays, sushi, samosas, burgers, noodles.. and locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables.”
The Rock – Darwins Indoor Climbing Centre
Business Hours – Tuesday to Friday 12noon till 9pm.
Saturday & Sunday 12noon till 6pm.
Closed Mondays
Phone: (08) 8941 0747
email: helpnt@bigpond.com.au
The Rock – Darwin’s Indoor Climbing Centre. Image from Travel NT’s Website.
Indo Pacific Marine
Check out the tours that are offered.
Opened from 9am to 4pm
April to October and from November to March 9am to 1pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm weekends and public holidays. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.
Showing the beauty of the Northern Territory marine environment. Image from Travel NT’s website.
Tours at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). Image from Museum’s website
The Phenomena Factory
“The Phenomena Factory is a free-entry interactive science centre providing hands-on education for kids of all ages. You can challenge yourself in the Perception Tunnel or test your reactions while you touch, switch, pull and crank your way around the Phenomena Factory, actively learning about science along the way.Exhibits also include Death at a Distance, Dice with Death, Sniff a Snack, and Squeeze and Serve – all from Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre in Australia. You will also find the Jaffa Machine donated by Hydro Tasmania which turns human mechanical energy into kinetic energy. Crank the handle and sustain the energy output long enough and you’ll be rewarded with a jaffa.”
Cost: FREE!
Times: Open 10am – 5pm daily
For all ages
The Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery
If you visit The Phenomena Factory the Museum is very close so why not pop in for a visit too.
Learn about the Heritage Trail, and how the railways transformed Tasmania, plus lots more!
National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
The museum is located at Cnr Willis & Cimitiere Sts, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250, Australia.
See website for costs for admission.
Open every day except Christmas Day, 9am – 5pm summer hours. Winter hours: 10am to 4pm.
Learn about more great activities for the school holidays, Zoo Doo (An African Safari just 6km from Richmond), Allport Library and fine arts, Maritime Museum of Tasmania, Museum of Old and New art has great holiday programs for kids, and Bush Kids that is a brilliant holiday program that takes kids on exciting nature-based adventures.
This is just a list of things I found online and thought looked interesting and fun. It is by no means a full list of everything in Australia.
If it was this blog post would be way longer than it already is.
I hope you have fun and some of these events make the holidays fun for all. We are on a holiday countdown in our house.
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The below post was written near the end of the Easter School holidays this year. Now we are in the winter school holidays and I am not sure that it will be much different. What about you?
Or have you been driven mental by the kids constant demands? Maybe you have found it difficult to keep kids occupied and busy while they are off school?
I don’t know about you, but I have a hate love relationship with school holidays. Yes, I know this term is usually written as a love hate relationship, but I think my way expresses more of how I feel.
The holidays are nearly over. Maybe I should be awarded a medal for survival or at the very least managing to keep people happy.
Would this award ceremony have others that have survived too? It could become a thing for parents that have lasted through countless trips to the shops, playground, park, and the millionth time watching your child’s favourite film.
Playing in parks is always a favourite thing for my kids to do. It allows them to run wild, explore and to just burn off energy that is not able to be done inside.
So what have we been up to these school holidays?
Went to the movies to see Batman LEGO Movie, Boss Baby, and Beauty and the Beast.
Spent time at parks.
Went to indoor play centres.
Watched countless movies at home.
Cooked.
Played with friends kids.
Had playdates.
Did craft.
Read books.
Went to the Easter Show.
Tried to sleep in… this really has not happened but the attempts have been made.
Also there have been many meltdowns, tantrums, and fights over the school holidays.
Kids have not been doing as they are told. Not listening to me and being downright rude and naughty.
I am actually craving some alone time.
Time that does not have yelling kids, noise or anything that might annoy me.
Time that will allow me to finally get a few things done rather than bits of everything and never get a chance to get back to it.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love the fact that holidays allow you to not be anywhere if you don’t want to.
So what do I love about school holidays?
Able to stay in your PJ’s all day.
Don’t have to make any plans.
Don’t have to pack lunches everyday.
Spending time with my lovely kids.
Seeing fun films that normally are just for kids, but since you have kids with you it is fully acceptable to watch these fun films.
Fun days out with the kids and hubby.
Things I don’t like or hate about school holidays:
No alone time.
Constantly on the go.
Never a chance to get something done for me.
Kids arguing and fighting. Although this happens when it is not school holidays, the fights seem to be amplified during holidays.
This is what it has been like when the kids have been naughty. Oh the joys of the holidays.
Wednesday the kids go back to school and Friday the baby will be in care. He is usually in care on Tuesday’s as well but this week it is a public holiday so we are all on holiday still.
I am looking forward to Friday. It will be a day that I can have some quiet time. Alone time. Time just for me. Kids will be in school, the baby will be at care, and hubby will be at work. I will be able to focus on some much needed tasks that I wish to get done.
Although I have a list of things that I wish to get completed, I most likely will be just sitting down and loving the peace and quiet of being in the house all by myself.
What do you look forward to after kids go back to school? Maybe you have not had a break due to working as well as trying to entertain kids during the school holidays.
Some plans for me:
Get my hair done
Have a hot bath and not be interrupted
Spend some time working on my blog
Catch up on some television
Finally get stuck into my screenwriting course that I have not had the chance to do
Get some exercise
And so much more
Let us know how you coped these school holidays and what you are looking forward to do once the kids are back at school?
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“Disney On Ice presents Frozen is inviting audiences across Australia to accompany Anna on her epic journey to save her sister Elsa and the kingdom of Arendelle this June-July. Featuring world-class ice skating and dazzling special effects, don’t miss this breathtaking ice spectacular when Disney on Ice presents Frozen comes to a city near you!”
We were invited to Canterbury Ice Rink to see former Disney on Ice skaters showcase their moves, the kids got some help with their skating and we enjoyed seeing Shelley Craft again. It was a fun day.
The girls checking out the ice at Canterbury Ice Rink. They were very excited to skate and to experience Disney On Ice, Frozen.
Before we entered the ice rink the girls were desperate to go play in the park that is right next door. I thought that would be fine as we were very early. However I did not think it through very well and the grass was soaked due to the non stop rain and muddy. Not good. One kid came back from the play equipment screaming and yelling and of course crying!
Oh no what had happened. She got her pants wet from one of the pieces of equipment. She demanded that I get her new pants. The problem with this was that I did not pack a change of clothes and could not get a quick replacement as there were no shops nearby. I of course was in an area that I was not familiar with and did not want to venture to far and be late to join in the fun with Disney on Ice.
My girls had so much skating.
If you can understand what kids are like she was not understanding that I could not fix it and I told her that I was sorry.
I even made a great Frozen joke.
Mummy to the kid with the wet pants,” Your pants will dry out soon, you will just need to wait”
Kid with the wet pants, “They are uncomfortable and wet!!!!!!!! I want new ones!!!”
Mummy to the kid with the wet pants, “I thought the cold didn’t bother you anyway.”
See what I did…. I quoted Frozen. I thought this was super clever. However the kid who was suffering with the wet pants did not see the humour in this at all. Pity really. One other mum next to me laughed and liked it.
Sad that the kids didn’t think my joke was worthy of a laugh.
They were being jokers and doing a dance. I’m glad they did not fall over after this.
Okay…. now for one of the Frozen jokes from the twins.
Q: “Why can’t Elsa hold a balloon?”
A: Because she will “Let it Go!”
Insert laughter… I know you are laughing…. I can hear you.
Happy girls skating and having fun with Disney on Ice.
The kids loved watching the professional skaters and marveled at how easy they made skating look. I know hours and hours of practice must go into being this good, and you just don’t suddenly get to be this good. If you are like me, I could watch professional skaters do their tricks and clever moves for hours as well.
The girls and I had photos with the lovely Shelley Craft and learnt about how she is the ambassador for Disney on Ice Australia.
Shelly Craft, Julia and Lillian at the sneak peak for Disney on Ice Frozen.
Shelley Craft, and me (Suzanne Robinson). Julia took this picture of us. Don’t look to closely but I am holding onto some icing from one of the amazing Frozen cupcakes that the kids wanted to still eat.
We even met Mickey Mouse. At first Alexander was not too sure but Mickey made us all feel comfortable.
The kids and I with Mickey Mouse at Disney on Ice Frozen Sneak Peak.
Mickey Mouse was very nice and the kids loved him. Alexander was very tired due to not feeling the best. Also it was a huge day out for all of us.
The girls got a lovely goodie bag and I was even given the most amazing cupcakes we have had. They were from Black Velvet in Sydney.
Black Velvet Cupcakes Sydney. They are so yummy!
The most amazing Frozen decorated cupcakes. They are from Black Velvet in Sydney.
I have purchased tickets so that the twins and can see Disney on Ice Frozen in July. We cannot wait. It is going to be a fun girls night out.
Would you love to go as well? Shows are from June – July and are happening all over Australia.
