Yo Picasso Kids
Mon 9 June 2008 - Sun 14 September 2008
10am - 5pm Mon – Fri, 9am - 5pm Sat - Sun
Gallery of Modern Art
Cnr Grey & Peel Street, South Brisbane

Yo Picasso Kids is an art appreciation program that takes place at the Gallery of Modern Art. There are two paintings by Picasso of his son Paulo, which will be shown to the kids. There are also art-making activities that will introduce them to Picasso’s unique way of painting and the passion he had for his art. They will be shown how to make their very own mask, as well as how to create a paper-cut out sculpture.

Entry Cost: Free
Phone: (07) 38407303
Web: www.qag.qld.gov.au

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CREATE Activities
Mon 30 June 2008 - Fri 18 July 200
89am-11am, 2pm-4pm, Monday to Friday
Mt Barney Lodge, 1093 Upper Logan Rd, Barney View

At the Mt Barney Lodge they have organised a new eco-program that encourages 6-13year olds to become more interactive with their natural environment. The name CREATE stands for Children’s Recreational and Environmental Activities That Educate.
CREATE is designed to give kids an opportunity to benefit from and connect with the outdoors. They will get the chance to explore, to ponder, to gaze at the sky, observe nature and value natural beauty.
Entry Cost: $15
Phone: (07) 55443233

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Wizards and Witches Express
Sat 21 June 2008 - Sun 20 July 2008
9:30am to 5pm
Workshops Rail Museum, North Street, North Ipswich

The kids won’t forget this magical experience that is taking place aboard the Wizards and Witches Express. The event is held at The Workshops rail museum and some of the activities include Sorcerers School, Broom and Cauldron Dining Car and Starlight Labyrinth.

Entry Cost: Adult $49.50, Child $29.50
Phone: (07) 34325100
Web: www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au

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The Little Tin Soldier
Mon 30 June 2008 - Sun 13 July 2008
StageDoor Dinner Theatre, Twelfth Night Complex, 4 Cintra Road, Bowen Hills
Daily at 11am

This enchanted children’s musical is a wonderful experience for the children. The story is based on a tin soldier and his remarkable adventures after being thrown out a window by an evil goblin. He begins his travels in a paper boat and has many amazing episodes before the end of the show. The Little Tin Soldier is a truly charming family musical.

Entry Cost: $15 Adults at children’s prices includes refreshments
Phone: (07) 3216 1115
Web: www.stagedoordinnertheatre.com.au

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Kids Bending Rods
Sun 6 July 2008
Nudgee Beach, Fortitude Street, Nudgee Beach
9am - 12pm
Free

In this outdoor experience children will be taught how to catch their own bait with a bait net and yabby pump, bait your hooks, tie knots, cast a rod and hook a fish. All the necessary equipment required for this event will be supplied as well as water and sunscreen. It’s important to bring a hat and also fishing prizes will be awarded throughout the event.

Entry Cost: Free
Phone: (07) 3403 8888/ 0403713820 Bookings essential.
Web: www.2bentrods.com.au

What’s On Brisbane by Louise Fowle

Cook’s Cottage
Cook’s Cottage is a fascinating look into the life and adventures of Australian discoverer Captain James Cook. Cook’s Cottage was built by his parents in Yorkshire, England in 1755, then transported and reconstructed in Melbourne in 1934, and is now a fantastic part of the Fitzroy Gardens. The cottage contains remnants of Cooks’ life, as well as a traditional English cottage garden, providing the whole family with a fun and unique experience!

Cook’s Cottage is located on Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, and is open from 9am – 5pm everyday, except Christmas Day.

Entry costs for adults is $4.50, children $2.20, students/concession holders $2.70, or bring the entire family for only $12! Entry also includes a souvenir brochure.

For more information call (03) 9419 4677 or go to www.cookscottage.com.au

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Melbourne Zoo
Easily one of the most popular attractions in Melbourne, the award-winning Melbourne Zoo has an array of exciting exhibits, workshops, and fascinating sights to see! With one of the biggest selections of animals – over 320 different species - all surrounded by tropical settings and rainforests, picnic areas and parklands, the Melbourne Zoo is the place to take the whole family - You are assured you will leave wanting more!

Melbourne Zoo is located on Elliott Avenue, Parkville and is open everyday from 9.00am – 5.00pm. Admission prices start from $11.50 for children 4-15 years, adults start from $23.00, and family passes are also available. For more information call (03) 9285 9300 or go to www.zoo.org.au

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Edward Scissorhands
An exciting new production – Edward Scissorhands - is coming to Melbourne for the whole family to enjoy! Showcasing the amazing story and life of Edward Scissorhands, through the magical world of music, dance and fairytale, based on the 1990 film by Tim Burton. A must see for all ages!

Edward Scissorhands is playing at the State Theatre, 100 St Kilda Road, Southbank from the 22nd July until the 3rd August. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.com.au or on 1300 136 100. Prices start from $59 for those under 26 years, and from $89 for adults. Tickets are free for children 16 years and under. For further information call (03) 9281 8000 or go to www.theartscentre.com.au

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Puppets at Federation Square and Artplay

There is guaranteed fun for the entire family at Federation square these school holidays. Puppets at Federation square and Artplay are presenting puppet labs, workshops, shows, films, theatre, artists, street performances and a public parade - puppetry of all kinds for the entire family!. There’s an enormous selection of activities for the parents and as well as the kids, at a number of different venues. A unique and memorable experience for all – Don’t miss it!

Puppets at Federation square and Artplay runs from 28th June until 6th July, from 10am – 4pm, and is located at Birrarung Marr on Batman Avenue/Federation Square, Melbourne. For more information and prices call (03) 9664 7900 or go to www.artplay.com.au

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Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne Aquarium boasts over 10,000 diverse aquatic animals on four levels of fun and excitement for all the family. Each day visitors can watch live feedings with tropical fish, talk to the divers, experience a virtual-reality simulator ride, or go on a glass bottom boat tour. The whole family can also watch the Extreme Encounters show until the 13th July, with giant stingrays, sharks, poisonous marine animals, plus quizzes for the kids too!

Melbourne Aquarium is located on the corner of Flinders and King Street, Melbourne and is open every day from 9.30am – 6.00pm, including public holidays. Admission prices start from $16.00 for children 3-15years, concessions from $18.00 and adults from $26.50. Family packages are also available and range from $55.00 - $75.00. For more information call (03) 9923 5999 or visit www.melbourneaquarium.com.au

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Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens has become a popular destination for visitors of Melbourne, as well as its locals. Visiting the gardens with its many lakes, hectares of luscious lawns, colourful landscaped gardens and over 50,000 plants, is a fantastic reason to take the whole family out for the day into the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

The RBG caters for the entire family - including the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, providing a fun, educational environment for the kids. Currently, the RBG features the Tropical Hothouse – a walk through the vegetation and environment of a tropical rainforest. There is also a café with snacks and meals, and The Garden Shop boasting a selection of souvenirs and information about the gardens.

The Royal Botanic Gardens is located on Alexandra Parade, Melbourne and is open every day of the year. Open times are from 7.30am to 8.30pm November to March, 7.30am to 6.00pm in April, September and October, and 7.30am to 5.30pm from May to August. Admission is free. For more information call (03) 9252 2300 or go to www.rbg.vic.gov.au

What’s On Melbourne by Amy Braddon

Perth Zoo
Why not get along to Perth Zoo to see the new Sun Bear cub in the holidays! Perth Zoo has just revealed Mali (Mahlee) born 26th March and at just 13 weeks you can catch short glimpses of her at Perth Zoo. The name ‘Mali’ is Cambodian for ‘blossom’ and she is the first Sun Bear to be born in Australia. Pretty Exciting!

The Zoo is open daily from 9 – 5pm and is located at 20 Labouchere Rd South Perth.
Admission: Adults - $18; Children (4 – 15yrs) - $9; (Under 4 Free); Concession - $15; Small Group (2Ad + 2 Ch) - $47.50

Come on down and take a peek!
www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au
Tel:08 9477 0444

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Perth Zoo Wild About Animals Holiday Activities
16 – 18th July 2008 9 – 1pm
Hey Kids, are you mad about animals? Always wanted to get up close at the Zoo? You can do the Wild about Animals holiday program. Spend the morning with the friendly zoo keepers and learn about how the RSPCA cares for animals; get close up and take a behind the scenes look at the animals at the zoo and create some superb projects which will encourage natural behaviours from all animals from those at the zoo to your own pets at home!

The program is for kids aged 10 – 14yrs. It costs $47 per person, is fully supervised and includes morning tea. Bargain!
www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au
Tel: 08 9477 0444

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The Fairies – Fairy Friends Forever!
Regal Theatre

Do you love the glitz and glamour of the fairy life? Always wanted to be a magical fairy? Come and sing along with The Fairies where you’ll see all your favourite characters come to life on the stage – right before your eyes!! Take mum and dad and show them what Magic is all about!

Tickets are available from Ticketek and cost just $29.90 per person.
www.ticketek.com.au
Ticketek – Te: 13 28 49

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Naidoc Week
6th – 13th July 2008
Feeling Celebratory? Why not get along to one of the many Naidoc week celebrations around Perth. Naidoc Week is from 6th – 13th July 2008 and celebrates the enormous contribution the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities make to Australia.

There are numerous events operating this week from Joondalup to Armadale; at Universities and the State Library of Western Australia. They range from festivals to Art Exhibitions and everything in between. This is a fantastic way to learn about different cultures and to show our respect and gratitude towards a wonderful group of people and to get involved in your local community.
www.naidocperth.org.au

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Scitech – School Holiday programs
Kids love trying new things and Scitech is the safest and most exciting way to try things and learn about everything scientific! Head down here for a fun filled day that you can all enjoy and it will wear the kids out!

This school holidays there is a host of activities at Scitech suitable for ages 3 – Adult.
Strike a Chord – Create your own musical masterpiece!
Science a la carte – slime, bubbles and experiments!
Musical activities
Puppet Theatre – ages 3 – 7yrs
Discoverland – A safe learning option for 3 – 7yrs
Lotterywest Science Theatre – learn about electricity, batteries and other amazing discoveries – ages 7+

14 – 18th July
Digital Studio – Groove City – Compose your own digital music and media

8 – 11th July – CSIRO Lab – Paper Flying Machines – design and fly your own paper aeroplane. 11am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2pm.

Scitech can be contacted on (08) 9215 0700 and is open in the holidays between
10 – 5pm.

Admission costs: Adults - $14; Children - $9 (4-15yrs); Mini Group - $38 (2 Ad + 2 Ch);
www.scitech.org.au

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Horizon – Planetarium
Interested in Space? Take the kids to the Horizon Planetarium where they will learn all there is to know in a safe, logical and age appropriate environment. The Planetarium has daily shows designed especially for young children and for adults. Shows are short, fun, informative and entertaining and they include:
Zulu Patrol – Under the Weather – Weekdays 10.45am and Weekends 11am
Astronaut – Weekdays 12.30pm and Weekends 12pm
Search for Life – Weekdays 1.30pm and Weekends 2.30pm
Launch Pad – Weekends 1.30pm

Admission Costs: Adults - $8; Children - $5 (Children under 4 are not permitted to enter); Concession - $6; Mini Group (2Ad + 2Ch) - $20
www.scitech.org.au
Tel: 08 9215 0700

What’s On Perth by Rebecca Doughty

Luna Park
For almost 100 years, Luna Park has provided a fantastic selection of exhilarating rides and exciting amusements for all ages!

Luna Park offers over a range of rides such as the Ghost Train, Ferris Wheel, Scenic Rail and the Pharoah’s Curse. The amusement park also includes shops, food outlets and a variety of games, and is located only a few minutes walk from St Kilda beach and shopping precinct.

Luna Park opens from 11-6pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, and is located at Lower Esplanade, St Kilda. Entry is free and unlimited ride passes for children starting from $25.95, adults starting from $35.95 - providing an entires day worth of fun! Single ride tickets are also available.

For more information call (03) 9525 5033 or go to www.lunapark.com.au

Collingwood Children’s Farm & Market
Collingwood Children’s Farm & Market is full of life with furry, friendly animals, gardens, paddocks, orchards, and historic buildings, all located along the stunning Yarra River.

Visitors can feed the animals, milk the cows at 10am and 4pm every day, look for eggs or even take part in daily chores to really experience the farm life. You can also bring along a picnic and sit under one of the large, shady trees, or have a tasty bite to eat at the Farm café.

The Collingwood Children’s Farm & Market is minutes from the Melbourne CBD and is located at the end of St Heliers Street, Abbotsford. It is open every day from 9am – 5pm. The entry price for a family is $16, adult tickets are $8 and children are $4. There is also available car parking at $4 for the entire day.

For further information call (03) 9417 5806 or go to click here

Chinese Museum
Amidst the colour and spectacle that is Melbourne’s thriving Chinatown, the Chinese Museum is a great place for adults and kids to experience the history and culture of the Australian Chinese community.

With a selection of fascinating exhibitions including the Finding Gold display, allows the whole family to experience the lives of Chinese gold seekers from the 19th century.
The Chinese Museum boasts bright displays of photographs, artefacts, clothing and textiles, and offers heritage tours for all visitors. The museum also displays the largest Chinese dragon in the world, the Millenium Dragon – a must see for anyone living or holidaying in Melbourne!
The Chinese Museum offers a wealth of fun and knowledge all in one location. Admission for adults is $7.50 and children/concession cardholders are $5.50.

Located at 22 Cohen Place, Melbourne, the Chinese Museum is open everyday from 10 – 5pm. For further information call (03) 9662 2888 or go to www.chinesemuseum.com.au

Ice Skating Winter Wonderland
If you are looking for fun for all the entire family this winter, go to Waterfront City at Docklands for an ice skating extravaganza. Disco on Ice is a 600 square metre ice rink with coloured lights and disco music, open every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm to 9.30pm.
Fully supervised and suitable for the young, or young at heart, Disco on Ice is at Waterfront City Piazza & Pavilion, 429-437 Docklands Drive, Docklands, until Friday 15 August, 2008.
$3 - Skate Hire
$7 - 5 years and under
$12 - 6 – 14 years
$15 - 15 years and over
$60 - Family Pass (including skate hire) 2 adults, 2 kids (under 15 years)

Bookings are not required. For more information call (03) 8628 6000 or go to www.waterfrontcity.com.au

Ignite @ Docklands
From the 20 – 29th June, winter will be alight at Docklands Waterfront City and NewQuay. With a selection of performance artists, international musicians and lighting experts, the water’s edge will sparkle with fibreglass trees and unique lighting projections.

The entire family will enjoy the spectacular Fire Garden with brilliant lighting effects and the bursting fire-filled Pyrophone, erupting twice nightly with dancers, artists and musicians in a choreographed performance.

Along the Waterfront City Piazza and New Quay Promenade there are a number of fantastic restaurants, providing a selection of dishes to suit parents as well as kids. Ignite @ Docklands is a must see for the whole family these school holidays!

Ignite @ Docklands is free from 6-11pm daily, located at NewQuay and Waterfront City at NewQuay Promenade and Waterfront City Piazza, Docklands. For more information click here

Sovereign Hill’s Snow Magic
Sovereign Hill is the place to be this winter, when its annual snow carnival begins these school holidays.

The whole family will enjoy Snow Magic with its 21 metre snow slide, themed snow play area, steam engines and make believe snowfalls. Both parents and kids can make traditional damper, go on underground mine tours, experience gold panning or visit the Gold Museum.

This wonderful Ballarat event, only 90 minutes from Melbourne, is a great opportunity for the entire family to go on a holiday during the school break. Admission into the Snow Magic carnival is free upon entry into Sovereign Hill.

Snow Magic will run from June 28 to July 13, 2008. For further information call (03) 5337 1100 or go to www.sovereignhill.com.au

What’s On Melbourne by Amy Braddon

Festitalia
1 July 10.30am – 7.30pm
RNA Showgrounds - Free entry
Brisbane’s Festitalia is celebrating the Italian lifestyle through great food, music and cultural presentations and activities. Festitalia is a great event for kids and parents alike with many live bands playing and their display of unique artwork. On the Cibo Expresso Stage they will be holding a Little Workers Children’s Fashion Parade and on the Children’s Stage there will be opportunities for kids to sing and dance to their favourite songs.
More info: click here

Festival Family Day
20 July 10am - 4pm
Oxley Creek Common, Sherwood Road, Oxley - Free entry and activities
This fun day is catered for everyone in the family. One of the most interesting events on show is a giant sand sculpture by world renowned sculptor ‘The Sandman’ Dennis Massoud. There is also going to be the children’s theatre, workshops, street performers, dancers and stalls. Live music will be played by guitarist John Malcolm. Other activities include canoeing and bird-watching.
More info: click here

The Arrival
Wed 2 July 2008 11am - 2pm
Gardens Theatre, 2 George Street, Brisbane CBD - $14 Adult / $11 Child
The kids will love the puppetry and animation of this show. But it’s not only for kids. The Arrival is entertainment for anyone at any age. The story includes floating ships, magical lights and paints a picture of what it’s like to arrive in a new place. There is humour, adventure and challenges that the hero must face that only add to this engaging experience.
More Info: click here

Reading Magic with Domino
Wed 2 July 2008 10.30am
New Farm Library, 135 Sydney Street, New Farm
This event is especially for the kids as Domino the Jester will bring them on a wonderful adventure. Being surrounded by books it can easily become a quiet and mystical place where Domino will perform his juggling, his balancing acts and his magic tricks. Everyone will be included in the magic and laughter.
More Info: click here

What’s On Brisbane by Louise Fowle

From swimming in the deep blue sea to floating in Outer space, BoscoBear’s Removable Room Art takes children on a brightly coloured and exciting adventure in their very own room. Currently in the Baby Bosco Range there are five themes for little boys and little girls: Enchanted Forest, Under the Sea, Outer Space, Farmyard Fun and Jungle Fever. Printed on easy to remove vinyl’s, these are perfect for children who like to chop and change. And you don’t have to worry about holes in walls, chipped paint or hard to remove wall-paper!

My Favorite…Grab your snorkel and your flippers; it’s time for some underwater fun. The full colour illustrations of mermaids and dolphins, whales and brightly coloured fish will bring your child’s imagination to life!

Visit www.boscobear.com.au

The winner of our Monthly May offer was Danielle Blake from ACT . Congratulations Danielle on winning a $50 voucher!

World Environment Day
Thursday June 5th
World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World Environment Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.

The main international celebrations of World Environment Day 2008 will be held in New Zealand but on this World Environment Day let’s just try to make a difference, no matter how small. We can all help to make the world a better place for our kids and grandkids.

More info: www.unep.org

MS Walk & Fun Run
Sunday 1st June
Run starts at 9.00am and the walk at 10.30am
This Sunday at Albert Park Lake, Palms Lawn, you can take part in MS Awareness Week and support people living with Multiple Sclerosis by getting involved in the annual MS Walk and Fun Run. A perfect way to help a good cause and get together with friends and family, there will also be entertainment and food provided on the day. All funds raised go towards providing care for people living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Get your friends and family together and choose from a 5 or 10km walk or a 10km run around the picturesque Albert Park Lake.

The track is 100% stroller and wheelchair friendly and takes in spectacular views of the Melbourne skyline. Dogs on leads are welcome.

All funds raised go towards helping the MS Society of NSW/VIC.

More info: 03 9845 2718 www.mswalk.org.au