Meet The La Jolla Seals at Children’s Pool, Casa Beach
No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to meet the La Jolla seals. La Jolla is a seaside community located around 30 mins north of San Diego. The La Jolla Children’s Pool at Casa Beach is famous for its resident harbour seals and sea lions.
Both harbour seals and sea lions enjoy a lazy life in La Jolla. The easiest way to tell them apart is to look for their ears. Sea lions have external ears while seals do not. Sea lion flippers are larger and stronger than those belonging to the harbour seals, who have small, webbed front flippers and have to wriggle on their stomachs to get around. Sea lions are able to stand up on their flippers and “walk” and are brown, while seals are a darker brown, grey or almost black with speckles. Sea lions are the noisier of the two mammals, making a loud barking sound, while seals grunt.
One of the best places to see the La Jolla seals is at Children’s Pool Beach, aka Casa Beach. This small beach has a curved protective wall that was built in the 1930s to hold back the rough waves and make a safe swimming spot for families.
The La Jolla seals, however, had other ideas and the cove is now filled with harbour seals and sea lions. You can visit the beach year-round to see the seals, and are allowed on the sand except from December 15 – May 15, which is when the babies are born.
The La Jolla seals can be viewed from the park at Coast Boulevard and Jenner Street, and from the breakwater wall. There is street parking nearby on Coast Boulevard.
There is a barricade on the sand to prevent close interaction with the La Jolla seals and sea lions.
The LEGOLAND® Hotel is a unique, family-friendly resort located in Carlsbad, California. The deluxe 250-room hotel opened in April 2013.
For any true LEGO fan, a stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel is an absolute must. A stay at the hotel includes themed rooms, free buffet breakfast, nightly children’s entertainment, and an in-room treasure hunt with LEGO surprises.
LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel vs the LEGOLAND® Hotel
LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
There are two LEGOLAND® hotels, the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel and LEGOLAND® Hotel, both located a few steps from the park entrance. They both offer similar benefits: LEGO-themed rooms, exclusive early morning access to the park (when you book a package including tickets), free breakfast, nightly entertainment in the lobby and a daily in-room treasure hunt with LEGO surprises.
Both hotels are three-story with 250 rooms, so have the same amount of guests in each.
LEGOLAND Hotel
Compared to the LEGOLAND® Hotel next door, the LEGOLAND® Castle Hotel is a bit smaller and quieter. The lobby and play area is smaller, the evening entertainment a lot quieter and there is one restaurant vs two and a cafe at the LEGOLAND® Hotel. Both are excellent hotels, however, and guests can use the restaurants and facilities at both quite easily.
Both hotels have swimming pools but only the Castle Hotel has play equipment and an outside movie theatre. The Castle Hotel’s pool is also considered the better of the two pools with its zero-entry and interactive water play features.
Both hotels offer package deals to stay that include park tickets.
The hotel offers five choices of themed rooms, each with an added “deluxe” option.
Pirate
Ahoy there, mateys! A breath-taking step into Captain Red Brick and his first mate’s pirate cabin. Your whole ship will be decked out with pirate bedding, curtains, wallpaper and even Polly, a LEGO parrot, can be found watching over you as you sleep! After a jolly adventure on the rides in the Park, send your junior shipmates up to their private bunks while you relax in the king-size cabin. So, me hearties, book your pirate room today for an unforgettable family treat. Shiver me timbers!
Adventure
Spend the night where the adventure never ends! Dare to follow in the footsteps of the famous LEGO hero adventurer, Johnny Thunder, and explore this adventure themed room… Send your junior explorers off to their very own bunks for a well-deserved rest as you kick off your desert boots and settle down in your comfy king-size bed, safe in the knowledge that Johnny is guarding all exits! Get ready for the ultimate adventure!
Kingdom
A royal welcome awaits you in the Kingdom themed rooms, fit for a king and his court. Bask in your luxurious surroundings and relax in your king-size bed, while your junior royals head off to their own sleeping quarters. With bunting, shields and flags above the bed, this LEGO kingdom is certainly up to royal standards. Little knights and maidens will love the LEGO models dotted around the room, but remember… whatever you do, don’t let them kiss the frog!
Friends
The LEGO Friends have invited you to the ultimate sleepover! Step into the world of Heartlake City where the girls are awaiting your arrival. After you and your friends spend the day in the Park, stay the night at Heartlake Stables with your favorite Friends. With a king-sized bed for parents and private bunk bed for the kids, it is sure to be a sleepover your family will never forget!
NINJAGO
Welcome young Ninja! Step into the temple courtyard, the cliff top overlooks all of NINJAGO as far as you can see. The bed lies at the bottom of a large shrine that holds all four of the epic elemental weapons. After a day in the Park, send your little Ninjas to their own private Dragon Cave while you relax in your king-sized bed. Ninja alike will love exploring the different powers of each Ninja… Which power will you choose?
Lobby
The LEGOLAND® Hotel lobby is a sensational space with a castle play area and giant pit of LEGO bricks.
This is also the area where the evening entertainment happens. Expect bright lights, lively hosts, plenty of music and dancing games.
The lobby is also filled with amazing little LEGO details like minifigures, and the merchandise store.
Bricks Family Restaurant
This fun restaurant is filled with cute restaurant-themed LEGO sculptures. A buffet breakfast at Bricks is included for hotel guests which features fresh fruit, smoothies, omelet station, bacon, sausage, hot and cold cereals and more.
Bricks is also open for dinner with a fab buffet for anyone who wishes to dine there. We loved the buffet because it had a huge range of food, including plenty of healthy options.
Kids’ buffet
The dinner buffet includes homemade soups, a California fresh salad bar, carved meats sliced to order, a variety of hot and cold entrees, side dishes, desserts and sweets and a “Just for Kids Buffet”. As a vegetarian I found loads of food to choose from. Children 2 and under eat free.
There is plenty of entertainment throughout the dining period too. We had a photo opp with a LEGO character on arrival, and a hilarious act by a few of the LEGOLAND® Hotel Heroes as we dined.
Skyline Cafe
This bright little cafe is a great spot for a casual meal or snack, offering a variety of made-to-order appetizers, lunch and dinner options. You can also order tap beers, wines and spirits here. We really liked the decorating – the cafe features a LEGO® skyline.
Mini’s Lounge
The lounge is located right next to the play area, so it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee or snack while the kids are playing. Mini’s Lounge offers hot and cold beverages, fresh fruit, pastries and snacks.
Swimming Pool
The LEGOLAND Hotel features a large, heated swimming pool.
On-Site Amenities
24 Hour Front Desk and Security
Check-In: 4:00pm
Check-Out: 11:00 am
Concierge Desk
Full Breakfast Buffet Included
Bricks Family Restaurant
Skyline Cafe
Room Service 7am-10:30am, 12pm-10pm (Children’s Options Available)
Wi-Fi Included
Outdoor Heated Pool
Poolside Cabanas
Nightly Children’s Activities
ATM
Gift Shop
24-Hour Fitness Center (Treadmills, Elliptical, Weights, etc.)
ADA Accessible Rooms Available
Suites Available
Video Arcade
Resort Fee
All reservations are subject to a nightly Resort Fee of $28 plus applicable tax which is not included in your reservation total and will be collected upon check-in. Resort Fee includes nightly in-room refreshments, nightly surprises for the kids, luggage service, standard wireless internet, children’s entertainment, fitness center, pool access, pool towels, and local and domestic long-distance phone calls. Subject to change without notice.
Parking
Self-Parking: $25 / night
Valet Parking: $28 / night
The LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is located at LEGOLAND California Resort, Carlsbad. The deluxe 250-room hotel opened in April 2018.
A stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is a must (in our opinion) for anyone visiting LEGOLAND California Resort. With every room given a LEGO theme and 2,100 LEGO models made out of more than three million LEGO bricks scattered throughout the hotel, an overnight stay turns a park day trip into an immersive LEGO experience.
LEGOLAND Castle Hotel vs the LEGOLAND Hotel
LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
There are two LEGOLAND hotels, the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel and LEGOLAND Hotel, both located a few steps from the park entrance. They both offer similar benefits: LEGO-themed rooms, exclusive early morning access to the park (when you book a package including tickets), free breakfast, nightly entertainment in the lobby and a daily in-room treasure hunt with LEGO surprises.
Both hotels are three-story with 250 rooms, so have the same amount of guests in each.
LEGOLAND Hotel
Compared to the LEGOLAND Hotel next door, the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is a bit smaller and quieter. The lobby and play area is smaller, the evening entertainment a lot quieter and there is one restaurant vs two and a cafe at the LEGOLAND Hotel. Both are excellent hotels, however, and guests can use the restaurants and facilities at both quite easily.
Both hotels have swimming pools but only the Castle Hotel has play equipment and an outside movie theatre. The Castle Hotel’s pool is also considered the better of the two pools with its zero-entry and interactive water play features.
Both hotels offer package deals to stay that include park tickets.
The LEGOLAND Castle Hotel is shaped like a castle on the outside, which makes for an exciting experience from the moment you pull up into the car park. Note that parking is NOT included in the stay, nor is the daily resort fee.
Grand Hall
Inside the lobby, called the Grand Hall, the fun begins, with a large Merlin-themed brick pit and fun features to be discovered while waiting for your room key. The brick pit is also excellent for entertaining kids if it’s raining outside.
There are great photo ops in the lobby and up the stairs including tiny jail cell and a silly chair that makes funny comments. There is also a knock-knock wall that tells jokes and a Harry Potter located chair up the stairs.
The slide is a really fun way for kids to get back down to the lobby instead of taking the stairs. We suggest taking the elevator at least once as they’ve put a lot of effort into make the elevator ride itself a fun experience.
Themed Rooms
There are three different themed rooms to choose from: Knights & Dragons, Royal Princess or Magic Wizard.
(PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland)
Knights and Dragons Room: Guests will defend the King’s Castle and help protect the King’s treasure from the approaching bad Dragon Knights and their fire-breathing dragons!
(PHOTO / LOCK + LAND, Chip Litherland)
Royal Princess Room: The Princess is no damsel in distress and she uses the help of the jester to prepare to sneak into the tournament and compete with the knights.
Magic Wizard: Full of curious potions, spell books, wands and magic mirrors, kids can use their imagination to believe their help is needed to protect these treasures and keep them safe from any bad Wizards or Dragon Knights.
Magic Wizard Room
We chose the Magic Wizard theme and loved our room, which was filled with spell books, wands, potions and even a magic mirror.
Each standard room as two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with single bunk beds. Both rooms have their own LCD TV screen.
The main bedroom has a light-up headboard that can be turned off thankfully at bedtime.
The room with bunk beds has a cool feature that, when turned on, shines stars onto the roof like a night light.
In between the two bedrooms is a bathroom. The bathroom had one sink and a combined shower/bath.
The room was a tight fit for the three of us with our luggage, but the theming was just incredible.
If you have a larger family, you might look into one of the 20 family suites at the hotel. The suites are roughly one and a half times larger than the standard rooms, sleeping up to seven people and including a lounge area with sofa bed, children’s sleeping area with a bunk bed and trundle and a king-sized bed for the adults.
The bathroom features two sinks and a separate bath and shower. There are closing doors for the children’s sleeping area and adults’ – something the standard rooms don’t have.
A cute added bonus of staying at the hotel is a daily treasure hunt. Reception hands over a map with four clues that are located around the lobby and restaurant. Find the answer to each clue and you will receive the code to the in-room safe. The safe is filled each day with a different LEGO surprise.
Also included in each room is a box of bricks and a cute LEGO ice bucket.
Dragon’s Den Restaurant and Bar
There is one sit down restaurant located inside the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, the Dragon’s Den Restaurant and Bar.
Dragon’s Den Restaurant and Bar is a full-service sit down restaurant. In the evenings guests can choose from an a la carte menu.
There is a large brick play area in the restaurant which makes is a great choice for families who want to linger over a meal while the kids play happily.
In the mornings there is a full, hot buffet breakfast on offers featuring fresh fruit, smoothies, omelet station, bacon, sausages and pastries.
Entertainment is offered inside the restaurant including singers and actors.
The Royal Courtyard
The Royal Courtyard area is located directly outside from the Dragon’s Den Restaurant. It has a DUPLO play area for younger kids, play structures movie screen for nighttime movies, a stage for live plays and shows, a gradual incline pool and hot tub.
The zero-entry pool has interactive water play features and whirlpool spa. For those that like to dine by the pool, Castle Pool Bar & Grille will offer smoothies, sandwiches and salads prepared fresh to order.
LEGOLAND Castle Hotel Amenities
24 Hour Front Desk and Security
Check-In: 4:00pm
Check-Out: 11:00am
Concierge Desk
Full Hot Breakfast Included at Dragon’s Den Restaurant
Wi-Fi Included
Outdoor Heated Pool
Hot Tub/Jacuzzi
Poolside Cabanas
Nightly Children’s Activities
ATM
Laundromat
Gift Shop
Fitness Center
Service Animals Only
ADA Accessible Rooms Available
Suites Available
Resort Fee
All reservations are subject to a nightly Resort Fee of $28 plus applicable tax which is not included in your reservation total and will be collected upon check-in. Resort Fee includes nightly in-room refreshments, nightly surprises for the kids, luggage service, standard wireless internet, children’s entertainment, fitness center, pool access, pool towels, and local and domestic long-distance phone calls. Subject to change without notice.
Parking
Self-Parking: $25 / night
Valet Parking: $28 / night
Have a LEGO-lover in your family? Then a visit to LEGOLAND California Resort in absolutely has to be on your family’s bucket list.
LEGOLAND California Resort is located in Carlsbad, about 30 mins north of San Diego or just under two hours south of LA. The resort has two official LEGOLAND hotels attached to it, however visitors are able to self-drive or get a day tour from San Diego or LA for a day at the park.
It’s designed for little kids
This is an excellent theme park for little kids. LEGOLAND California is aimed at 2-12 year olds, with the “sweet spot” being 4-9 year olds. What this translates to are rides and facilities geared towards this age group throughout the whole park, so kids who are at the older end of the age bracket will be able to go on every single ride and enjoy every attraction.
It’s really nice for little kids to have a park geared towards their needs and entertainment. We found as a result the whole atmosphere of the park was calmer, a result of the younger aged visitors (mostly families with kids under the age of 8), easy to manage, and also very do-able to see all the attractions in one day.
Big kids will love it too
If you’re an adult who loves LEGO, then you will enjoy your experience at the park, too. When we visited in December there was a dedicated Star Wars-themed Miniland area (which has sadly since been removed) which my Star Wars-loving husband absolutely geeked out over. As adults we also appreciated the incredible work that goes behind building the LEGO masterpieces. They are such works of art!
There is LEGO literally everywhere
There are 30,000 LEGO models scattered all around the park. We wanted to stop and take photos of or with basically everything.
Inside the front entrance, visitors meet Bronte, the dinosaur. Bronte is made from 2 million bricks, the most of any model in the park. In total, sixty million LEGO pieces have been used throughout the park.
Ride your heart out
LEGOLAND California Resort is filled with more than 60 rides, shows and attractions. There are rides to suit kids of all ages and interests, from very gentle rides to thrilling rollercoasters.
Our daughter’s favourite however was the new Deep Sea Adventure, an interactive ride featuring more than 2,000 life sea creatures. We spotted sharks, rays and plenty of fish interspersed with sea-themed LEGO models.
Burn off steam in the play areas
There are several play areas around the park for kids to run and climb, as well as a dinosaur dig area and the popular LEGOLAND Build-a-Boat – a water play area where kids (and adults!) can build a LEGO boat and sail its around a water play table.
Get tiny at Miniland USA
It’s hard to tell who loves Miniland USA more, kids or adults! The incredible detail in the recreated famous buildings appeals to big and littles alike.
Around 32,496,352 LEGO bricks have been used to recreate landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the capital building in Washington D.C., Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Grand Central Station in New York and the strip in Las Vegas.
Also in Miniland USA is the Model Shop, home of the LEGO builders and more than three million LEGO bricks. The workshop is the headquarters for maintaining and repairing the models in the park, as well as the creative centre for developing new models and displays.
Cuddle up to a character
The LEGO character meet and greets are adorable! We met a very cute gingerbread LEGO character when we visited and it made for a very cute photo opp.
Enjoy seasonal delights
LEGOLAND California Resort is even more fun during the holidays. We visited at Christmas for example and enjoyed the special LEGO decorations, builds and character meet-and-greets at that time of year. Halloween would be an amazing time to visit.
Get a driving licence at Driving School
Driving School is technically a ride but it was the absolute favourite activity at the park for our daughter, so it deserves its own mention. Kids ages 6-13 can drive their own car and earn your own LEGOLAND Driver’s license.
Make a mini figure (or 10!)
Make mini figures to your hearts’ delight at the Minifigure station!
Go under the ocean at SEA LIFE® aquarium
Attached to LEGOLAND California Resort is SEA LIFE® aquarium, a great option for kids who love aquatic creatures. SEA LIFE® aquarium is a combination of active hands-on learning with up close encounters with sea creatures including sharks, octopi and rays. SEA LIFE® aquarium also has a new exhibit, Sea at Night, where visitors can stroll in a gentle surf under a starry sky, and frolic in a simulated bioluminescent tide.
Admission to SEA LIFE® aquarium is included in a LEGOLAND SEA LIFE Park Hopper ticket, or any LEGOLAND ticket can be upgraded to include SEA LIFE Aquarium admission for $25.
Splash in the water parks
During the warmer months, a visit to the LEGOLAND and CHIMA Water Parks are a must! There are plenty of slides and rides to enjoy – admission to the water parks is an additional $30.
Tips for visiting LEGOLAND California Resort
Buy tickets online in advance. If you book through Klook you can get a discounted rate.
Plan your visit by looking at the height restrictions map for attractions at LEGOLAND California Resort.
Pack lunch or try one of the restaurants.
We found plenty of healthy choices throughout the park including salads and toasted sandwiches.
Stay at a LEGOLAND Hotel for the full experience. We loved staying at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel. You can also drop into the lobby of either hotel and play in the brick areas if you’re not a guest of the hotel.
If it look like rain, take a poncho and wear waterproof shoes! Rides can stop running during the rain however that are still plenty of inside rides that can be enjoyed, plus the SEA LIFE® aquarium.
Visit the LEGOLAND store! They have the most amazing LEGO merch, including some LEGO sets that are only available in LEGOLAND California Resort.
The Marsden Brewhouse is a hotel and brewery located in Marsden Park, north-west Sydney.
Since opening in April 2019, the Marsden Brewhouse is believed to be the largest hotel in Western Sydney. It contains multiple bars and dining areas, a TAB, gaming lounge, in house craft brewery, function area, sports screens, children’s play area and also hosts live music on weekends.
Reservations are a good idea on weekends, as even though the Brewhouse is huge, it’s popular with large groups and fills up fast. You can make a reservation online but I would suggest calling instead fo get a table in the right area for your needs.
The Marsden Brewhouse is a large, bright space, with different themed spaces. Families will gravitate towards the cheery dining area near the restaurant area that is nearest to the playground.
Seating is also available on the outdoor terrace, located right next to the playground, perfect for keeping en eye on kids.
The playground is large and has lots of interesting elements to suit kids of various age groups.
A little cubby house, swings and stream / water features for littlies, and a huge climbing frame for older kids and a small and large slide.
There is partial shade cloth coverage over the play area, however not over the steel climbing frame.
There are restrooms very handily available for kids to use right in the playground area.
On weekends the Brewhouse also often has a farm animal area set up in the playground for kids to enjoy free of charge.
The menu is huge and has a good variety of traditional pub food as well as a kids/ menu, woodfired pizzas (gluten-free bases are available) and options for vegetarian / vegan / gluten-free.
Kids’ meals come with a complementary drink. At time of writing the kids’ meals included pasta bolognese, cheeseburger with chips or vegetables, grilled chicken breast with chips or vegetables, calamari with chips or vegetables, battered fish with chips or vegetables, ham and pineapple pizza (can be made without the ham), $10 each. A cheese and crackers pack including seasonal fruit and berries, vege sticks is $15.
We ordered the Kids’ Pizza (no ham, $10), Heirloom Tomato & Buffalo Burrata Bruschetta, (with basil & EVOO on toasted organic sourdough, $13), Grilled Chicken, Pumpkin & Haloumi (chargrilled chicken breast on the side, grilled haloumi, spinach, roasted red capsicums, toasted nuts & grains & lemon herb dressing, $24), and All Day Brunch Bowl (raw shredded vegetables, avocado, black rice, okra, sprouting grains, red peppers, mushrooms, fried free range egg & sesame lime chili sauce, $23).
Meals are ordered and paid for at the counter, where you are given a buzzer for collection meals when they’re ready. Drinks can be ordered at the nearby bar. We found the meals to be made very quickly even on a busy day, and were impressed at the freshness and taste of the food we ordered.
There is also a gelato cart which is very popular in summer.
Parking is available either outside around the front of the Brewhouse, or undercover, which is my preferred option for hot days.
San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, San Diego California, is a world-renowned, innovative zoo, with a strong conservation focus.
The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals from over 650 species and subspecies. It’s often described as having set the standard for modern zoos with its natural habitats for animals, often with different species living together, and lush landscaping.
San Diego Zoo is 100-acres in size, making for a big day out if you want to see everything on offer.
San Diego Zoo Conservation Focus
Both San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park are havens for endangered species where animals are cared for and breeding programs are in place to help protect them against extinction. Studies of animal behaviour and health are also conducted at the zoos which would be difficult or impossible to perform in the wild, which provides invaluable information on these species that is shared with other zoos and wildlife parks globally to aid animal conservation in the field.
San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research generates, shares, and applies scientific knowledge that is vital to the conservation of animals, plants, and habitats worldwide. You can read about their excellent work online.
Plan your visit to San Diego Zoo
The zoo is absolutely huge, so good planning is a must. Take a good look at the map in advance and plan what animals are a must-see and plot your path. The very helpful volunteers at the entrance will let you know if there are any babies at the zoo and where you can find them.
I also suggest wearing good shoes for walking, arriving when the zoo opens to make the most of the entire day and pack sunscreen and a hat.
The easiest way to see the zoo is with a 35-minute narrated tour on a double-decked bus. The Guided Bus Tour presented by Go San Diego® Card is included with all admission tickets.
Hop on and off the Kangaroo Bus
A great option if you want a lift between stops around the zoo but want to see most of it as close as possible with some walking here and there. The Kangaroo Bus lets you hop on and off at four different stops throughout the Zoo.
There are well-signed stops around the zoo – simply wait at one of the stops for a bus with a yellow Kangaroo Bus banner to arrive. The buses run roughly every 15 minutes. All admission tickets include the Kangaroo Bus. You may bring an empty, folded stroller on the Kangaroo Bus, space permitting.
Catch the Skyfari Aerial Tram
We loved the Skyfari Aerial Tram. It’s a convenient and fast way to get from one side of the zoo to the other, as well as giving a beautiful view of the zoo as you go. The Skyfari Aerial Tram is included with all admission tickets. Note however that jogging, oversized, and double strollers cannot be accommodated and children younger than 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Skyfari Aerial Tram will be closed for renovations during early 2020 so check the website for updates if taking it is a must for your visit.
Enjoy a show
The zoo runs some fun shows that are perfect for kids in particular. At time of writing the Dr Zoolittle Explores Australia show is running weekends at 12pm and 1pm.
There are three play spaces for kids spaced throughout the zoo.
The Elephant Play Yard is a hands-on play and exploration area for anyone who loves fossils. Enjoy the fossil dig play area, puzzles and maze of elephant satellite tracking collars in this space. Located at Elephant Odyssey
The Koala Klimber lets visitors snap some fun selfies with replica koalas in the Australian Outback section.
The Polar Play area has some super shiny polar bears to get up close to, plus a polar bear den that kids love crawling through. Located in Northern Frontier
Plan your meals
There are an overwhelming number of choices for dining at San Diego Zoo. Options range from casual to restaurant dining and quick bites. You also have the option to keep costs down by bringing your own lunch and snacks, however that’s always a challenge if, like us, you’re visiting and don’t have a kitchen to make your own meals.
Each of the dining options has a different menu and price point, so I highly advise taking a thorough look at the website in advance and exploring the dining options available before your zoo day, particularly if you have any dietary requirements or fussy eaters.
Kids’ Meal
Try and upgraded experience
If you want to make your day even more special, try an upgraded experience, which lets visitors get even closer to the animals.
Animals in Action
We loved the Animals in Action interactive experience. The one-hour experience took us behind the scenes to feed, touch and observe some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors up close.
It was a fantastic opportunity to not just meet some animals that we would never have otherwise been able to see up close, but to hear stories from the keepers on the animals, how they ended up at the zoo, the part they play in animal conservation, and fun facts that we didn’t know. Some animals are only able to be viewed by attending the Animals in Action experience.
On our Animals in Action experience we met a rhino, flamingoes, hedgehog, zebra, cheetah and armadillo. The animals change in each experience based on their health.
Tips for guests with disabilities
San Diego Zoo have several services to help guests with disabilities. The Zoo provides special parking, rest rooms, and access to shows, tour buses, and exhibits for guests with disabilities.
Please note there are steep grades in parts of the Zoo. Free shuttle bus service operates inside the Zoo for those with limited mobility. Guests who use wheelchairs are not able to use the moving walkways.
La Perouse is located at the northern headland of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, near Maroubra. Named after a French explorer who landed on the northern shore of Botany Bay, to the west of Bare Island in 1788, La Perouse has great walks, restaurants, historic sites and sheltered beaches.
The traditional owners of this land, the Aboriginal people, lived in this area thousands of years before the First Fleet arrived.
La Perouse Beaches
Frenchmans Bay
The most family-friendly of the La Perouse beaches, Frenchman Bay is located at the eastern end Botany Bay.
A sheltered, calm bay, Frenchmans Bay has easy access from the street and plenty of off-street parking nearby.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants located right across the road from the beach. We loved The Boat Shed, which is extremely family-friendly and located above Frenchmans Bay.
There is a reserve behind the beach with a newly-built children’s playground and public toilets.
There is very little shade on the beach, so a beach tend or umbrella are a good idea.
Be warned that the beach is not patrolled by lifeguards or lifesavers.
Congwong Beach
Another calm La Perouse beach, Congwong Beach is a sheltered bay located inside the Botany Bay National Park.
To access Congwong Beach, follow the track that leads down from the car park.
Little Congwong Beach is a further 600m down the same track that leads to Congwong Beach. Take in and out any food and rubbish that you have with you – there are no rubbish bins available. The nearest public toilets are located at the start of the track that leads to
Once considered an unofficial nudist beach, signs at the entrance to the track leading to Little Congwong Beach now aim to deter nudity.
Another calm La Perouse beach, Congwong Beach is a sheltered bay located inside the Botany Bay National Park.
The beach is accessed down a 100m path down stairs from the La Perouse Loop Road. Little Congwong Beach is located a further 600m down the track. Look for the sign at the south end of Cann Park. The beach can also be accessed from the carpark on Anzac parade, opposite Endeavour Avenue
In the past Little Congwong has been known as an unofficial nudist beach, however there are signs at the entrance to the beach trail that state clothes must be worn.
Public toilets are available on Anzac Parade near Cann Park, around 50m from where the beach track begins.
There is no drinking water available at the beach. Drinking water available via bubblers at the amenities block, plus from taps in Cann Park.
Take all rubbish with you as there are no bins on the beach.
While the best food option is to take a picnic down to the beach, if you want to buy food there are shops and cafes around 100m from the track beginning, on Anzac Parade. We loved The Boatshed.
There are no lifeguards or lifesavers patrolling the beach, so be safe when you go.
There is also very little in the way of shade on the beach so take down a tent or umbrella with you.
There is free three-hour parking available at Cann Park and near the entry gates on Anzac Parade.
To reach the beach by public transport, take bus L94 or 394 to La Perouse from Circular Quay, Martin Place, or Hyde Park via Maroubra Junction. Visit Transport for NSW for details.
Enjoy casual, modern dining with a focus on fresh seafood at The Boatshed La Perouse. This waterfront restaurant is an extremely family-friendly place to dine – with a bonus killer view!
On weekends a booking would be advisable, as the restaurant is in a very attractive spot, perched over Frenchmans Beach, with the stunning ocean as a backdrop. There is a large deck to choose a table on, with a lovely sea breeze but also full shade coverage.
The Boadshed La Perouse is open for breakfast and lunch, with the menu crossing over at 11:30am daily.
I arrived to try the breakfast menu and ordered the Haloumi Stack (with roasted truss tomatoes, smashed avocado, grilled haloumi and sourdough, $18.5).
The breakfast menu has a lot of options, including some for kids (the Kids Pancakes, $12, Eggs Your Way, $12). There are also vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The lunch menu is quite seafood heavy, with only one vegan option, one vegetarian main, one vegetarian entree and a few sides salads.
There is a nourishing salad bowl that is extremely green and healthy, and delicious chips to balance that out.
Kids options on the lunch menu are all meat-heavy too: Fish and Chips, Calamari and Chips and Chicken Nuggets and Chips, all $12 each. The kids’ pancakes are amazing.
Order at the bar and food will be brought to your table. There are plenty of baked goods for sale there, too.
We found the food was delivered quite quickly and was hot and fresh.
Bathrooms are located upstairs, with the exception of the family and disabled bathroom on the restaurant level. The family and disabled bathroom has a change table.
There is easy, single level entrance to and from the Boatshed La Perouse, making it a great choice for strollers, and plenty of high chairs available.
The Boatshed La Perouse sits above Frenchmans Beach, which is an extremely flat, sheltered beach, perfect for families. There is a new, fenced playground next to the restaurant and beach.
Tips for visiting the Heide Museum of Modern Art Melbourne
History of the Heide Museum of Modern Art Melbourne
The Heide Museum of Modern Art is an art museum in Bulleen, around 30 minutes drive from the Melbourne CBD, Victoria, Australia. The museum was established in 1981, and is home to a collection of houses modern and contemporary art in three exhibition buildings. Set within sixteen acres of heritage-listed gardens and a sculpture park, the Heide is the perfect Melbourne day trip offering an experience that includes art, architecture and nature.
After purchasing the property in 1934, owners John and Sunday Reed opened their home to artists including Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Joy Hester, John Perceval and Danila Vassilieff. The Reeds established the Museum of Modern Art of Australia in 1958, which became a public art museum in 1981.
Visiting the Heide Museum of Modern Art Melbourne
While entry to the grounds, sculpture parks and gardens is free, there is an entrance fee to visit inside the galleries. The best option is to purchase a museum pass which is valid for an entire day and allows multiple entries and exists from the galleries, allowing visitors to explore the galleries, park and cafe in their own time. Museum entry is free for children under 16.
Heide Gardens
The beautiful gardens at the Heide offer a free space for the public to enjoy the sculptures and several of the original gardens, which are now heritage-listed.
Wandering through the kitchen gardens will lead to discoveries of birds such as rainbow lorikeets, various flowering plants and trees overflowing with fruits.
The gardens are a beautiful place to picnic, so pack a blanket and food for the day and set up under one of the many beautiful big trees.
Connie KimberlySculpture Park and Tony and Cathie Hancy Sculpture Plaza
More than 35 permanent sculptures have been placed around the 16-acre property, with a focus on Australian artists and a selective group of international works.
Pick up a map at the entrance or take a look at the informational boards set up in various spots to locate the sculptures.
Heide Market
On the 2nd Saturday of every month, the Heide Museum of Modern Art and The Rose St. Artists’ Market collaborate on a beautiful collection of stalls that offer visitors the chance to purchase skilfully created handmade goods. Jewellery, clothing, baked goods, and more are on offer.
Visiting the Heide Museum of Modern Art Melbourne with Kids
The Heide Museum of Modern Art is the perfect family outing. Entry to the galleries is free for children under 16, and there is a range of activities to keep kids engaged while visiting.
Pick up a Heide Detective sheet from the Heide III information desk, at the main entrance to the museum. Follow the clues around the gallery and sculpture park to solve the puzzle.
The Heide also offers facilities including a cloakroom and baby changing.
While the onsite Café Heide offers kids meals and treats, visitors can also bring a picnic and let the kids run wild around the sculpture park.
There are plenty of great trees to climb, too!
Locals can get involved with family-focussed programs such as Heide Art Kinder or Art Babies. The Heide also offers creative programs during the school holidays.
Be sure to take kids on a stroll through the kitchen garden so they can see where there fruit and vege come from!
Café Heide
We dined at the onsite Café Heide, which is located at the main entrance.
The cafe serves simple, fresh food, using fresh produce from the Heide kitchen garden.
There are plenty of options for kids as well as options for dietary requirements. Our group ordered the Asparagus and Broccoli Risotto, $24, Kids’ Pasta & Tomato Sauce, $15, Kids’ Calamari, $15, Wagyu Burger, $25.
There are also plenty of baked treats to choose from. The scones looked amazing.
Getting to the Heide
Get info on getting to the Heide by car and public transport here.
Heide Museum of Modern Art 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen VIC Hours: Tue-Sun and public holidays, 10am-5pm
Heide Cafe Opening hours: Tue-Fri: 9-4.30pm, Sat & Sun: 9am-5pm https://www.heide.com.au/
