If you are looking for Melbourne Cup Activities, please go to this specific post Melbourne Cup Day Activities.
After scanning the internet here are some highlights of the many children’s activities that Melbourne has to offer this November:
1. School Fetes and Fairs
This time of the year is packed with schools holding their bug fundraisers for the year. Check your local papers and I am sure you will find one one near you. Here are just a few that on in November:
- Clifton Hill Primary School Fair – Saturday 28th
- Trinity Funder’s Day Fair – Sunday 15 November 10:30am – 4:30pm.
2. Northcote Library Family Fun Day
Located at 32-38 Separation St, Northcote, on 21 Nov 2009, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm the Northcote Library is holding their Family Fun Day. Free activities include:
- Storytelling
- Face painting
- Games, prizes and competitions
- Special guest appearances by Maisy, the much loved mouse from Lucy Cousins’ books
- Bollywood dance
- Magic Circus Show by Carp Productions
3. Mebourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) – Family Classic Kids
Family Classic Kids is the MSO’s popular program of concerts for children aged three to seven years of age, and a great way to introduce young people to the wonders of orchestral music. With the children sitting right next to the Orchestra, there are opportunities to sing along, respond to the music with movement and actions, follow a story and maybe even conduct!
We took the family to the MSO Classic Kids last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had forgotten that this was the time of year that they put their shows on until I saw A Symphony Of A Day by Zucchinis in Bikinis on her family’s experience of the day.
There are still shows for sale on Saturday 21 November 2009 at Melbourne – Iwaki Auditorium ABC Southbank Centre – 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm and 3.00pm. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is $50. Additional children are $12.50. You can book online here.
4. Emirates Stakes Day – Family Day
It is hard to talk about activities in Melbourne during November without talking about the Spring Racing Carnival.
Held on Saturday, 7 November 2009, Emirates Stakes Day is the day to take the family along, if you want to experience part of the Spring Racing Carnival as a family:
The Melbourne Cup Carnival concludes with Emirates Stakes Day featuring Victoria’s premier 1600m event, the Group 1 Emirates Stakes. The meeting has a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere and is recognised as the Carnival’s “Family Day” boasting an array of children’s activities and entertainment for all members of the family.
A family pass is $70 for 2 adults and 2 children. All children are free on this day and a single adult ticket is $45.
5. Day Out With Thomas
A chance for all Thomas mad kids to visit ‘Thomas’ himself, live in steam at Puffing Billy! Running on
Saturday 7th November and Sunday 8th November, activities include:
- A steam train ride behind Puffing Billy
- Thomas and The Fat Controller pantomime
- Meet The Fat Controller
Other attractions include:
- Animal Nursery
- Jumping Castle
- Face Painting
- Photo Opportunities
- Green Bulgy Bus ride
The cost for the ride with Thomas is:
- Adults: $20.00
- Children: (4-16 years) : $20.00
- Toddlers: $10.00 (No Concesions Apply)
Bookings Essential Phone (03) 9757 0700 during office hours or book online (fees apply).
6. The Mighty buZZnicks
If Dr Seuss started a rock band – this would be it! The Mighty buZZniks perform an energetic, action packed show that introduces a broad range of musical styles with lyrics that are relevant to children. Come on a fabulous musical adventure with this six piece band who create very cool music, quirky stories and a lot of energy that will have kids moving and parents grooving.
The Mighty buZZniks perform on 21 Nov 2009, in the ANZ Pavilion at the Arts Centre. Children can have the opportunity to participate in a workshop before hand to create a song with The Mighty buZZniks concert. That song is then performed at the concert.
Workshops are at 10am & 12.30pm, with the concerts following at 11am & 1.30pm. (They run for 45 mins each)
Costs:
$14 for concert
$8 for workshop
Family ticket (4 tickets)
$48 for concert
$28 for workshop
Booking: online or 1300 182 183
7. Santa’s Grand Arrival at Bourke Street Mall
Image by makelessnoise
Celebrate Christmas in the city, where you will find an exciting array of free events, entertainment and attractions to keep the whole family entertained.The magic of Christmas kicks off with Santa’s Grand Arrival in the City. Come see Santa and friends perform live in the Bourke Street Mall with a dazzling free children’s show. Saturday 7 Nov 2009. Check website for exact times etc as it will be updated.
The City Square also comes alive this Christmas with the nightly lighting of the City’s spectacular Christmas Tree which lights up on 13 November.
Children can also post their Christmas wish list to the North Pole at Santa’s Post Box on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets from 7 November to 18 December.
8. The Terrace Mother’s Club
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is a beautiful place to be, especially in spring time. During spring Monday through to Friday (9am – 12 noon) at the Terrace Cafe, they are having the Terrace Mother’s Club. (Probably should be parent club as I am sure that many dads would also enjoy this too.)
The Terrace is next to Ornamental Lake (enter via A Gate on Anderson Street ) and they have a special on:
Choose from a scone/muffin and tea/coffee (no hot chocolate) and a baby cappuccino for just $8. Catch up with friends and relax in a beautiful setting as the kids play in the sunshine.
9. Wonderful Wings
The weekend activity at the Melbourne Museum throughout November is Wonderful Wings. Children can create a butterfly or moth and uncover secret flutter facts about these beautiful insects. This activity is free with museum entry and runs from 11:00am – 3:00pm. Entry to the museum is $8 for adults and children are free.
10. Where The Wild Things Are – Reading
In anticipation of the cinema release on 3rd December, Readings in Port Melbourne are having a reading on the gorgoues book on Sunday 22 November, at 11:00am.
Kids — come dressed as your favourite wild thing or draw a picture of them and bring it along, prizes for the wildest wild thing. Plenty of activities for the kids and a dose of nostalgia for the parents.
Free, but please book on 9681 9255.