We managed to get to a number of the children’s activities that I listed for January which were a lot of fun.
With school heading back in February, we won’t be doing so many activities this month ourselves as we settle into the back to school routine. But as always in Melbourne there is a fantastic range of free and cheap children’s activities to choose from.
(1). Live at Ceres
Not a cheap event and probably not one for those who have children under school age. Ceres is always worth a visit at any time and can be done so cheaply. The Live at Ceres season starts for 2009 on Saturday 7th February with the wonderful Lisa Miller on the green and under the stars from 5pm – 10pm. What an amazing voice this woman has! Tickets are $20/$30.
(2). Collingwood Children’s Farm Family Day
The family days are held the first Sunday of each month, Sunday 1st February for this month. On Family Days there are free pony rides, hay rides, a BBQ and activities matching the monthly theme.
Entry Prices: $16 Family, $8 Adult and $4 Child. Car parking is $4 all day.
(3). Fairfield Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series 2009
Spend Sunday afternoons in summer soaking in rhythms from all over the globe by the tranquil banks of the Yarra River. Bring your friends, some cushions and your dancing shoes and be prepared to seriously enjoy yourself! Food and beverages available. Ride your bike, catch a train or walk the Main Yarra Trail.
The concerts are on Sundays: 1, 8, 15 & 22 February. These are free events.
(4). NGV Australia Art Cart – Painting The Pilbara
This session is on Sundays through out February: 1, 8, 15 & 22 from 12noon–3pm. It is a free event to which you can just drop into.
Fred Williams travelled to the Pilbara in Western Australia. He loved the colours and shapes and special places in the landscape and painted lots of pictures about the places he visited. Discover and then create your own landscape in paper and pencil.
(5). NGV International – Tot Spot
I took Possum and Babaganouski to our first Tot Spot session late last year. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and I can recommend this activity highly.
The theme for February is Meet The Animals Visit The cricket and the dragon: Animals in Asian Art exhibition, meet the animals, hear their stories and make an animal mask. The cost is $14 per child and bookings are essential on 03 8620 2222.
Sessions for February are Mon 23 Feb, 10-11am, 11.15am – 12.15pm and Thu 26 Feb, 10-11am.
(6). La Mama For Kids – Are We There Yet?
On Saturday 7th February from 2pm at Carlton’s famous La Mama Theatre, a show especially for the kids. Lots of songs, action on stage and audience involvement. Bookings required and all tickets are $12.
(7). Sustainable Living Festival
Right in the heart of the city of Melbourne, the Sustainable Living Festival is a three-day celebration of cultural innovation and creativity.
The Festival draws together diverse approaches that focus on social and ecological sustainability. Staged at Federation Square, this unique event fuses interactive displays, demonstrations, artworks, exhibits, designs, films, multimedia and live performances.
There is so much to do over the three days, so check out the program and find something to suit you.
(8). Dinostory – Sand Sculpting Exhibition
Located this year on the Frankston Waterfront, Nepean Highway:
Sculptors from Russia, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Canada and the USA will join with their Aussie workmates to form a team of 18 artists that will carve the sand to ‘life’. These creative and very talented people will work tirelessly for nearly three weeks to bring into being enormous yet finely detailed sculptures.
Hours in February – Sunday to Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturdays and Public Holidays 10:00am to 9:00pm
Cost: All-day entry into Sand Sculpting exhibition, Sand Workshop area and Sculptor’s Talks and Tours:
Adults $10.00pp, Concession $ 8.00pp, Children (4 to 12) $ 7.00pp, Children (under 4) Free, Family (2 adults and 2 children) $30.00, Family (2 adults and 3 children) $33.00
(9). Chinese New Year In Melbourne
This year marks the ‘Year of the Ox’ and will see people of all ages take in the excitement of cultural shows, lion dancing, fireworks, dragon parades, food, children’s activities and martial arts demonstrations. Each year, thousands of people attend Chinese New Year in the City of Melbourne, it’s the third largest community festival in all of Victoria. In 2009 the Chinese New Year event precinct has been expanded to include Exhibition Street along with Russell Street. Chinese New Year is proudly supported by the City of Melbourne, the Victoria Multicultural Commission and the Federation of Chinese Associations. Source: That’s Melbourne
This is a free, no booking required event. It takes place on Sunday 1st February from 10am until 8pm.
(10). Mini Music Making
Part of the Summer In The City Series of Events. Expert teachers will bring the rhythm and the beat, helping your child make the music. Mini Music Making workshops run for 40 minutes and are suitable for children three to five years.
Running from 02/02/2009 to 05/02/2009 there are four workshops daily at 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am and 12.15pm. They are free workshops but bookings are required on 9658 9658. The workshops are held at The Hub@Docklands, Harbour Esplanade (between Bourke and Collins streets).