Right now I have a hand ruled and written 2 week calendar on my kitchen bench.
I am so old school, but I need a constant visual of my upcoming September Holidays Survival Guide. Yes; I cannot wait to skip the crazy morning rush and relax with my kids, HOWEVER, I do know that I need to balance this chill out time with some activities. Otherwise we all start niggling at each other, hanging off the open fridge door staring into food space, whining about who said what to whom and generally counting the hours down till school and its blessed routine kicks back in.
So, if you are in Melbourne these holidays, I have put together a bit of a list of things to do, of various costs and interests that will hopefully keep your littles in check.
MY PICKS….
AFL PARADE
“See the Bomber’s fly up, UP, to win the Premiership Flag…”
Wait…what? They’re out of the comp? Ahhhh…well, we will still be stocking up on meat pies, coloured streamers and timing just how quickly we can get to and from the park for the half time kick to kick. Love the buzz in the city and whether you’re into the footy or not, you cannot deny there is a true feeling of excitement in the build up to the big day! Oh…and of course, BARNESY!!!!!!! But, on the Friday PUBLIC HOLIDAY here in Melbourne, there is a parade that will really get the hearts thumping. It starts at 12 noon from the Old Treasury Building in Spring St, though there is lots of activities happening before hand. It goes for about an hour; keep your eyes peeled for your fave soon to be Premiership Players. Jump on the AFL site to check the full route out. It is free. GO BOMBERS!! Oh..hang on…wait…
SILVERS CIRCUS
Wish us luck. The Diva is not a lover of the clowns and has already instructed that we pack an eye mask for her (her suggestion, not mine!). We are heading along to the Burnley Oval today to see this one. I am really excited about this; the kids have been to one Circus before and I spent the second half outside with the little one who had the epic melt down. Read all about that winning afternoon here. A family pass to the Silvers Circus is valued at around $120 but seat prices vary. The Big Top is on now in Richmond until October 7 and then it heads to Melton from Oct 10th-21st. Wish us luck!
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
I spent my first year of Uni living just down the road from this oasis and never even knew it was there. Funny what kids do to you! If iPads, ridiculous fighting, boredom or the hustle and bustle of the burbs is getting too much for you, drive down the craziness of Hoddle St to the farm. The husband grew up with sheep and horses, I was the daughter of a dairy farmer…we’re good until we get to the peacock. Parking bites (go early, though there is a paid car park option), the animals won’t. Brush the cow whilst she’s milked, cuddle the guinea pigs, listen to the silence…and the chickens, cows, goats, etc… Open every day from 9.15 till 4.45 (someone has to care for the animals), pop over and check out all the Collingwood Children’s Farm Holiday Activities. Really great value; a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children is just $20.
JURASSIC CREATIONS
ROARsome fun and only here in Melbourne until October 14. If your little one adores everything Jurassic, check out my detailed review here, or stomp over to here.
‘PAW PATROL : MIGHTY PUPS’ MOVIE
“Whoa-oh-oh-oh, Paw Patrol…No job’s too big, no pup’s too small”.
Surely you know it. It is hitting Cinemas on Oct 4. I am fairly excited about the comfy seats, the dark and two entertained kids. Conversely, the kids are feverishly telling random strangers in the street that they are going to see it. A lot of puppies who speak, run around and save the world. I think it will be a peppermint snow cone rating. Apparently, it is pawsome. Thank you. Check out your local cinemas to see when it is on.
MELBOURNE ZOO
“You can come too, too, too. We’ll be going to the zoo, zoo, zoo.”
Given we are not too far from the Melbourne Zoo, this is one membership we absolutely hammer. Parking is $2 and as a member you can walk straight in and stay for hours, or simply head in, tick of the big 3 (on that particular day) head to the playground, and be home for lunch. These holidays, make sure you get down to check out The National Geographic 50 Greatest Wildlife Photographs exhibition. There is also a pop-up for the kids in Keeper Kids; let them play around with toy cameras and pretend to be prize winning photographers. We loved the massive outdoor Augmented Reality interactive screen called, ‘Air, Land and Sea’. Watch out for the whale. See my little wrap up here. Don’t forget kids are free in the school holidays! More prices here.
LANGHAM BARBIE HIGH TEA
Looking for something a little different these holidays? My daughter would adore this one; A Barbie Cooking and Baking High Tea. She might even dress Barbie for an event (rather than the ever favourite nude option that Barbie seems to adopt permanently around our place.) It does look heavily booked, so check this out fast if you have a little one who is a Barbie or Ken (or both) fan. I must admit, I am a long time Langham Lover for a special occasion. That signature fragrance just fills my heart. Oh, and for the grown ups, maybe consider a little bit of Oktoberfest in style. It’s on, you guessed it, this October, 6-7th…..YUMMMMMMMMM!
HOME
Whilst I am absolutely a big fan of ‘getting out’ and ensuring the walls don’t close in, I am also aware that we all need time to rest and recharge. The kids actually want to spend time ‘doing nothing’; this might be playing with their toys, jumping on the trampoline, doing old jigsaws, and yes; a little screen time is fine in my books. Your neighbourhood is also free and a great opportunity to simply chat with the kids. A walk to spotto the different house numbers, look at birds, or a scooter to the park is also a big (free) must do. Most of the time my suggestions are met with resistance, but once we are out amongst it, we all love it.
And so, to all the families these holidays;
Here’s hoping the sun stays warm, the kids play nice, the batteries stay charged, the wine is cold and the memories are golden.
