Month two of 2012 already! Here are some ideas of fun activities to do with the kids during the last month of summer here in Melbourne.
The Picnic Room
Now with school back, those of us with younger ones at home, maybe looking for new activities to do with the littlest ones. The Picnic Room is part of Kids Style Hub located at 436 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn. Kids Style Hub is a recent initiative which brings together the work of 100+ Australian and New Zealand children’s and maternity product designers, it also has an online shop where you can purchase these gorgeous products as well.
But Kids Style Hub is more that just a shop. It also has:
- crafting workshops and other events for both kids and adults
- a party room which can be hired out self catered or fully catered with entertainers
- a multi use room which can be booked out to run classes, events, seminars etc
- a photographers gallery featuring emerging and established artists & a photo studio which can be hired out
And of course this gorgeous Picnic Room:
The Picnic Room is a community space where mothers groups, play groups or any parents and their kids can meet up, relax and enjoy. Our guests are encouraged to bring along their own food if they like and make use of the deck chairs or set up some play mats on the grass floor for some tummy time. There is a tea and coffee station with lots of refreshing flavours available including camomile tea and caramel latte.
There are also some simple activities for children to amuse themselves with including drawing and imagination farm animals. We have tried to keep it simple so that there is no fighting over toys. It does not cost anything for mothers groups or plagroups etc to use this space and we are open 7 days a week. 9am til 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
For more information you can contact Nicole Herrick on nicoleh@kidsstylehub.com.au or 0410 525 051.
Natured Kids
Natured Kids runs fun activities for children 0-5 yrs & their families in nature throughout the school terms.
Visiting a different location each week including Flora and Fauna reserves, local beaches, Community Parks and Gardens, Wetlands, and Bird Hides, Galleries and Sculpture Parks & Agricultural farms.
They are held at locations over Melbourne’s outer south east (around Frankston) and you can see what is planned for term 1 2012 here.
Cost:
- 1st child, 10 sessions = $130 ($13 per session)
- 2nd & 3rd child $80 each ($8 session)
- Plus – $10 family 2011 registration *To participate in craft, all children must register.
- Adults/babies free (with paying sibling)
For more information contact Narelle on 0431 791 379 or via the contact form on the website.
Riverslide Skate Park
Riverslide has 1800m² of skating surfaces and is the biggest skate park in the inner city. The park was designed in consultation with skaters, and has a street-skating focus so you can test your skills on ramps and fun-boxes.
The park is managed from 10am until dark. Night Sessions are run every Wednesday and Friday night – floodlit until 10:30pm (except winter months and weather permitting). It is open until 8pm Day Light Saving Time Wed & Fri nights open until 10:30pm.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am to 6pm
Location: Alexandra Avenue, Melbourne.
Cost: Free
More info: Riverslide Skate Park
Zoo Twilight Sessions
We have attended a number of Zoo twilight sessions over the years and have always had a great time. This year this is a great line up. If you were looking for something to do tonight you could head to the zoo at 5.30pm to see Kasey Chambers!
Details: For the full line up list and to book tickets on line click here.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the artist, but the most expensive family package is 2 Adults + 2 Children (4-15 years) $165.00
And if you are at the zoo for a twilight session or just a regular visit, be sure to check out at the Zoo shop the Beads For Wildlife products like my beautiful bracelet. It is part of the hand-crafted beaded jewellery range, made by the women of Melako in Northern Kenya.
The sale of these products, part of our Beads for Wildlife program directly support over 600 families in Melako; providing an alternative income, taking the pressure off precious resources and helping preserve species such as the Endangered Grevy’s Zebra.
You can also purchase the beads online here.
Tunes In The Trees
[flickr id=”6814598531″ thumbnail=”medium” align=”center”]Sing some songs, shake out some rhythms and come and enjoy music inspired by plants and animals of the garden. Created especially for younger children, this program provides fun with song and movement in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden.
Ages: Suitable for children aged three to four years; adult participation is required.
Event date: Thursday 16 February and Thursday 23 February
Time: 10am to 10:45am and 11am to 11:45am
Location: Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens, Alexandra Avenue, Melbourne (Meet at the Visitor Centre at Observatory Gate, directly opposite the Shrine of Remembrance)
Cost: $10 per child
Bookings: Required – Tel: (03) 9252 2429
More information: Royal Botanical Gardens Website.
Have fun and take the time to get outside and enjoy the last of our summer in February!