Just Us Kids Online’s Blog

It’s already the 2nd week of the school term break for us here in Victoria, Australia.  Winter is also here and with the gloomy, cold and dreary weather, the trip to the park doesn’t always seem like a great idea.  On the odd occasion that the sky is blue and the sun does shine, despite the blustery winds blowing, yes, it definitely should be time spent OUTDOORS, in a park somewhere, just so the kids can get some nice fresh air as well as some exercise.  And YOU can get some needed peace and fresh air too!

On other days where you’re stuck for an activity to do, to keep the kids occupied, we hope these ideas will help you a little bit.  I’m afraid, seeing that I’m located in Melbourne, these ideas are limited to the Melbourne area only.  For readers in other states or countries, try googling exhibitions or school holiday ideas in your area. There are usually some amazing ideas there too!

• Visit Federation Square – Fed Square over on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Street, Melbourne,  have got a multitude of exhibitions that are FREE!  Right now for instance, they have the THRONE exhibition.  This is where the emerging artist Clare McCracken has transformed two toilet cubicles in The Atrium into the style of pre-revolutionary France. This holidays, there is also the “Puppets At Fed Square” program especially for the kids!  There are roaming puppets, the Hissy Fit Puppet Show, Puppet Films, and even Artplay at the Atrium for the kids to have a hand at making sock puppets! For more information on the different events happening at Fed Square, visit: www.fedsquare.com.au
• ACMI (Australian Centre of Moving Image) – Want to catch some magical and FREE kids films? Head on to ACMI over at Fed Square at around 11am daily, they are showing four short  animated wizard  kids flicks.  In conjunction with Fed Square’s Puppets at Fed Square program, there is also a special animation workshop.  Here kids will get the chance to create their own clay puppet to keep and learn to animate using stop motion and modern digital techniques.  The workshop is available Monday to Friday, over the school holidays from 12 – 4pm and it’s FREE!  www.acmi.net.au
• Travel to India…through the Immigration Museum -  Why not take the kids to the Immigration Museum and learn more about the cultures that make up Melbourne.  This holiday, they are showcasign the Around The World To India program.  Kids will get to experience Ancient Hampi: The Hindu Kingdom brought to life.  Besides the exhibition, there are also activities ranging from Immigration Adventures, which is similar to a treasure hunt, to dressing up as a Hampi local or achaeologist, to making shadow puppets. Visit www.museumvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum for more information.
• Lunar Drive In – Want to go to the movies without the hassle of having the kids be quiet ALL the time? Well, drive-in to Lunar Drive In.  They have some family feature sessions, which cost $25 for a carload.  You can also choose to either bring your own food or purchase your goodies over at the Lunar Cafe.  Go to www.lunardrivein.com.au for session times, directions and prices.
• Wonderland Park - Try ice skating, or do you fancy a carnival?  Then head on to Wonderland Park over in the Harbour Town Shopping Centre over at Waterfront City, at the Docklands.  A fun activity not just for the kids, but for the whole family.
• Play Pod Fun for kids at the State Library of Victoria – This is a colourful and exciting kid friendly space over at the Experimedia section of the library.  Kids get to view some wonderful popular picture books, children’s digital art as well as make their own book or a replica of Ned Kelly’s helmet!  This is FREE and no bookings are required.  It happens daily and to find out what activities are available head on to www.slv.vic.gov.au

There are many more fun activities that will keep your kids entertained this Winter.  We hope the ones mentioned above will help you decide what to do!  Meanwhile, enjoy your holidays!