Christine Knight, Author at Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Green Square Library: Sydney’s Underground Literary Oasis

January 9, 2019 / Indoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Green Square Library: Sydney’s Underground Literary Oasis

Green Square, located in Sydney’s inner-south, is on its way to becoming Sydney’s most densely populated suburb. As 90% of its residents live in apartments, a library located underground is a genius solution to the eternal issue of space.

The new Green Square Library was designed by architect Stewart Hollenstein. It has a stunning subterranean design, with a glass pyramid entry that juts up above the ground and leads down into the main library level. The library is bright and light, thanks to a central sunken garden, amphitheatre and large circular lights.

We loved the kid-friendly cafe at the entrance, where Jenga and ceramic letter tiles are on offer for kiddies to play with and caffeine is on offer for the adults.

A 6-storey glass tower contains five levels of additional public resources, including a music and piano room that is available for hire.

The library also offers the public a new collection of acoustic, electric and bass guitars that can be used for free, plus classic video game consoles pre-loaded with games. Choose from Atari, Sega, Nintendo and the C64Mini and let your retro self run wild.

If robotics or electronics are your thing, ask the library staff about the take-home makerspace kids, suitable for ages 5+. The kits have the ability to create instruments with a modular synthesiser kit or turn a banana into a touchpad to play online games.

The library also has its own computer lab which offers workshops in areas like coding, robotics, 3D printing, Adobe Creative classes for beginners to advanced in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

Kids will benefit from the computer lab too, with the library’s school holiday and after-school programs where they’ll get to create with the makerspace collection or learn programming with MIT Scratch.

Down in the lower ground level of the library there is plenty of space to browse the books, particularly for kids.

The littlest library patrons have been given their own dedicated space to read, play and create and the little wall nooks are cute and enticing.

A family room is available with change table, padded seat and child and adult toilets.

The sunken garden is also a hit with the kids.

If kids aren’t your thing, try the reading room in the tower. With its insanely colourful and need art installation on the wall, you’ll be hard pressed to focus on your book and not take pretty pictures instead.

There is also an additional quiet reading level which is filled with bean bags to relax in.

Books not your thing, but movies are? Borrow a GoChip Beam and enjoy hot movies and TV shows. Each small GoChip comes loaded with 5 movies or a TV series and can be wirelessly connected your device.

Connect to the library’s free wifi to enjoy your shows in the comfy air-conditioning.

At the plaza level, a water play zone offers kids a place to run around and cool down in summer.

We seeing loved the artwork Cloud Nation from both inside the library and at the plaza level. The artwork features a repurposed vintage aircraft which has been suspended from the library’s ceiling.

The wings of the plane have been outfitted with the most incredible miniature lands that visitors can inspect using the monoculars outside in the plaza.

If you live in NSW you can join the library for free.

The library is currently best accessed by train – it is right near the Green Square train station. If driving, be aware there is currently only limited 2 hour ticketed parking available.

Green Square Library
355 Botany Rd
Zetland NSW 2017
Ph: (02) 9288 5010
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Variety Livvi’s Place: Bankstown Playground

January 8, 2019 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Variety Livvi’s Place: Bankstown Playground

The Canterbury-Bankstown area has its first all-abilities playground! The new Variety Livvi’s Place officially opened late in 2018, a joint project between Variety, the Children’s Charity, and the Touched by Olivia foundation. More than 6% of Bankstown City’s population live with disabilities, which is the highest percentage of any community in NSW.

Variety Livvi’s Place is a completely fenced playground located inside Bankstown Central Gardens. Outside the playground is a wide scooting / bike path, picnic and bbq facilities and bathrooms.

Inside the playground, Variety Livvi’s Place includes a sensory zone, flying fox with accessible seats, a climbing net, trampoline, swings with accessible seats, water play area, a climbing tower with ground level play features, two nest swings, roller table, accessible carousel, slides, a nature trail, sand play and a lizard log carved from wood.

The playground has two areas with shade clothes but the majority of the playground is not shaded. Trees have been planted around the playground but it will be a while before they give full shade.

There is ample unrestricted parking outside the gardens.

Variety Livvi’s Place
Ross St, Bankstown
Get directions

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour Australia

January 4, 2019 / Animal Experiences, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour Australia

Wander beneath the waves with more than 700 species of fish at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Darling Harbour. There are more than 13,000 sea creatures to discover including a dugong, sharks, rays and penguins.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is divided into seven sections, each themed to reflect its aquatic residents.

Start your voyage under the ocean at Jurassic Seas, where visitors can see where life began and meet living fossils. Discover creatures such as the mysterious nautilus, Port Jackson sharks, jellyfish and lungfish. Kids will love Darwin’s Lab where they can touch things like shark eggs and coral, and the Jurassic dig pit.

Meet Pig at Dugong Island. Pig, the dugong, is one of only two of his kind to be in human care in the world.

Take a look at Pig from above or from below in the viewing tunnels where visitors can also see other animals including the perennially cheerful rays, sharks and fish.

There are several interactive elements in Dugong Island that kids will love, such as experiencing what it’s like to see as a dugong does, and to “speak” their language. Really fun!

Face your fears at Shark Valley. Take the Shark Walk and watch Grey Nurse Sharks swim overhead! Keep an eye out for the huge Queensland Groper.

Meet the locals at the South Coast Shipwreck. In this section, you’ll find a range of animals native to our Southern Oceans, including a colony of Little Penguins, as well as Port Jackson Sharks and Moon Jellies.

Get a glimpse at what lies outside the aquarium at the Sydney Harbour exhibit, with a snapshot of the native creatures on display.

Learn about King and Gentoo Penguins at the Penguin Passports exhibit, and take a trip on the Penguin Expedition ride. This 2 minute sub-Antarctic boat journey gets up close and personal with the penguins and is included with admission.

You can read more about the Penguin Expedition experience here.

Experience the newest section of the aquarium: Day and Night on the Reef. This brand new exhibit highlights the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef as it transitions from night to day. 24 hours of life on the reef is on display for visitors to enjoy, using state of the art technology to create an immersive and interactive experience.

This exhibit is the largest Great Barrier Reef exhibit in the world! We particularly loved spotting endangered creatures such as the sawfish and green sea turtle, walking through the new jellyfish swarming area and watching a turtle come ashore to lay its eggs thanks to modern technology.

If you’re feeling peckish after your visit, there is a large cafe at the exit with a range of sandwiches, hot and cold pastries and burgers. I ordered a veggie burger combo which was reasonably priced and tasted excellent.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
sydneyaquarium.com.au

Madame Tussauds Darling Harbour Sydney Australia

January 1, 2019 / Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Madame Tussauds Darling Harbour Sydney Australia

Get up-close and personal with your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds! Take a selfie with Hollywood stars, sporting legends and historical figures without leaving Sydney.

Madame Tussauds was founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud in London in 1835 and has delighted visitors around the world ever since with its host of A-list celebrities.

A visit to Madame Tussauds is quite the unnerving experience. The wax sculptures of well-known people are so lifelike that it feels as though they might reach out and touch you when you’re posing for a photo.

It’s as close as most of us will get to people such as the British royal family and Barak Obama, so it’s a unique opportunity to take a look at what the person behind the photographs really looks like up close. Some are surprisingly petite, some taller than you’d think! All are incredibly lifelike!

Madame Tussauds is broken up into nine themed zones: Australian History, World Leaders and Politicians, Sports Legends, Fashion, Marvel Super Heroes, Music, Movie and TV Stars, Justice League: A Call For Heroes and Party.

Figures included feature modern and historical A-listers, ranging from Captain Cook and Albert Einstein to modern sporting stars like Cathy Freedman and movie characters like Wonder Woman and the brand new Aquaman.

Madame Tussauds has done a great job of making the scenes educational, with plaques on the wall giving information on each sculpture, as well as entertaining. Many of the sculptures have hands-on elements such as costumes to try on.

The Fashion section features a catwalk and makeup counters where visitors can give themselves a digital makeover, while in the Music section visitors can try the recording booths and accept an MTV music award.

Justice League: A Call For Heroes is the newest section, transporting visitors into the streets of Metropolis and Gotham City. Summon Batman into battle with the bat sign, race the Flash, wield the power of the sea with Aquaman and lift a helicopter with Superman.

Take home your own wax souvenir with a wax hand mounding of your own hand.

Madame Tussauds
1-5 Wheat Rd, Sydney
madametussauds.com.au

Star Wars Identities The Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney

January 1, 2019 / Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Star Wars™ Identities The Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney

Feel the force and discover the psychology behind how our identities are formed at the interactive and absorbing Star Wars™ Identities exhibition now open at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney.

The exhibition is designed for visitors of all ages, from kids to adults, and for newcomers to the movies as well as for die-hard fans.

Browse the 200 original Star Wars objects on display that include costumes, props, models and artwork while exploring your identity and creating your own unique Star Wars character.

At the start of the exhibition visitors are given radio transmitter with an ear piece and a smart technology bracelet to wear on their wrist which is used to engage with a series of interactive stations. Over the course of 10 stations visitors are given a series of choices to form their new persona, while also learning about the forces that shape us into the people that we are today.

Rare treasures from the Lucasfilm archives are dotted throughout the exhibition, including BB-8, R2-D2, the Millennium Falcon, Yoda, Darth Vader’s suit from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi™, Hans frozen in carbonite and Leia’s famous metal bikini!

The exhibition also lets visitors learn more about the depths to the familiar characters they know and love. A fascinating look into the history and personality of characters such as Luke, Han, Leia, Yoda and Anakin will teach even diehard fans like us a new thing or two.

While the focus of the exhibition is forming a new character and discovering the Star Wars universe in more detail, visitors will walk away mulling over the question, “What the forces are that have shaped you?”.

We found the scientific component of the exhibition fascinating. Who are we? How did we become the people that we are? Star Wars Identities explores the theme of identity using ten components that help make us who we are: species, genes, parents, culture, mentors, friends, events, occupation, personality, and values.

These components are displayed in three groups in the progression from childhood to adulthood: Origins, Influences and Choices. One video per component, containing clips from Star Wars films as well as animated graphics explains how each component plays its part in shaping the person who we are, with references to Star Wars characters as well as to the visitors watching.

At the end of the exhibit get ready to meet your character. Don’t forget to email your character’s full profile to yourself before exiting.

This is the character I created, an Ewok named Quip!

Must Know Facts

The exhibition takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.

Costumes are allowed but no helmets or masks covering the face are permitted.

Lightsabers and replica weapons must be left at cloak check.

There are film clips including lightsaber duels that young children might find frightening.

Entry is timed. You can book tickets on the website to secure the time of your choosing, which I do suggest doing.

Star Wars Identities The exhibition
Nov 16 2018 – June 10 2019
Powerhouse Museum
500 Harris St, Ultimo
http://www.starwarsidentities.com

We were guests of the Powerhouse Museum for the purpose of reviewing the exhibition. We are life-long Star Wars fans and all opinions, costumes and hair buns are our own.

Bigge Park Water Play Liverpool, Sydney, Australia

December 30, 2018 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Bigge Park in Liverpool, a south-west suburb of Sydney, received a $5 million upgrade a few years back. The upgrade included a fantastic free water play area.

The water play area has three zones, two of which are under cover. The water play feature include a tipping bucket, overhead showers and water guns pumping filtered recycled water.

There is an outdoor shower for rinsing off afterwards and bathrooms located a few steps away next to the tennis court.

While there is plenty of seating for adults around the water play area, very little of it is in the shade. The deck chairs cannot be moved.

Bigge Park also features two children’s playgrounds, one of which has accessible features, and an outdoor exercise park.

There are also wide paths for scooting, picnic tables and climbing structures near The Shed kiosk.

Paid parking is available at the north end of the park near the water play area.

Bigge Park
124 Bigge St, Liverpool

Why a Kenya beach and safari holiday should be on your bucket list

December 20, 2018 / Africa, Kenya, Travel / 0 comment

A visit to Kenya has been on my bucket list for years. The East African nation is not only an awesome place for a safari, it’s also steeped in history – some of the earliest fossilized hominid remains have been discovered there, which dates human civilization in the area back millions of years.

Kenya basically has it all. Fascinating cultural history, incredible wildlife, Indian Ocean beaches and mountain trekking. There’s a very good reason why Kenya is the number one most visited travel destination in East Africa right now, and so many good reasons to book your next holiday there!

Why a Kenya beach and safari holiday should be on your bucket list

I’m yet to visit Kenya but it’s on my “someday soon” list. There are so many things I want to do but I don’t know where to start. Good thing there are experts like Bench Africa who craft personalised itineraries fit for your preferences and requirements. When I finally get there, I can’t wait to try one of these incredible Kenyan Safaris from Bench Africa, as well as this top ten list of things to do in Kenya.

Top Ten Things To Do In Kenya

Watch the Great Migration in Masai Mara

Every year, millions of wildebeest, antelope, gazelle and zebra journey through Masai Mara National Reserve from The Serengeti, arriving between July and October. The animals are followed by predators, making for some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing imaginable.

Beach it up at Diani

Soaking up the sun at the stunning Diani Beach along the south Kenyan coast is a must-do to balance all the adventurous action the rest of the holiday will bring. The white powder sand and clear water is the perfect place for water sports, such as snorkeling, and just your basic lounging and relaxing.

Foster a baby elephant

The incredible David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust takes care of orphaned baby elephants (plus a blind rhino called Maxwell) before reintegrating them back into the wild where possible. Founded in 1977 by David and Dame Daphne Sheldrick, the foundation has saved hundreds of elephants. At the sanctuary visitors have a chance to meet and foster the babies.

Catch the Madaraka Express

Who doesn’t love the idea of a train ride across Africa? The Nairobi-Mombasa railway, called the “Lunatic Express” in 1901 when it opened, has been modernized and the Madaraka Express makes the incredible journey from Nairobi to Mombasa in just 4.5 hours with 9am daily departures from both destinations.

Visit Meru National Park

Once home to the famous orphaned lioness Elsa who was featured in the 1960s book by Joy Adamson “Born Free” and the following movie, the park and neighbouring Kora National Park are rugged and unspoilt, offering the chance to see a wide range of terrains such as jungle, rivers and termite cathedrals, and wildlife including Grevy’s zebras, elephants, Bohor reedbucks, hartebeests, pythons, puff adders, cobras and buffalos. The park is also a haven for bird waters, with more than 427 recorded species of birds calling it home.

Smile at a crocodile

Central Island National Park, located in Lake Turkana, is home to the world’s largest colony of Nile crocodiles. There’s an estimated number of 12,000 crocodiles living in the lake, which is the world’s largest permanent desert lake as well as the world’s largest alkaline lake.

Rendezvous with rhinos

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is working to lower rhino poaching in Kenya through using armed patrols, fences, technology and working closely with the local community. The conservancy has grown its population of black and white rhinos to more than 150 from a humble beginning of just 15 in 1984. A visit to the park will get you up close to the rhinos, who make up 14% of Kenya’s entire rhino population, as well as herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, the world’s single largest population of Grevy’s zebra and over 400 species of birds.

Limbo with a flamingo

Up to two million flamingoes descend upon Lake Nakuru, attracted by the lake’s abundance of algae. You’ll see quite a show of pink here, as well as lions, warthogs, baboons and other large mammals who live in the surrounding Lake Nakuru National Park. The park also provides sanctuary to black rhinos, southern white rhinos and Rothschild’s giraffes.

Feed a giraffe

A stay at the Giraffe Manor Hotel is the number one thing I have long wanted to do in Kenya. The hotel is located on the grounds of the AFEW Giraffe Center, which is a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Every morning and evening giraffes visit the hotel, poking their heads through the windows in hope of a snack. Bucket list indeed!

Glamp it out

The Loisaba Conservancy is home to whopping 50 kinds of mammals, including elephants, buffalo, Grevy zebra and a variety of big cats. What really sets the conservatory apart is their Starbeds – handmade four-poster beds on wheels, which are rolled out onto raised wooden platforms so that guests can sleep under the starry night sky. This is how I like to “camp”!

Kenya Tours by Bench Africa

I think tours are the way to go when visiting Kenya and these excellent tours by Bench Africa look incredible.

Great Kenya Safari

This award-winning safari combines all the best aspects of a Kenyan safari. The Great Kenya Safari offers you the opportunity to experience the world-famous Masai Mara, the colourful birds of Lake Nakuru, the majestic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, the clear water springs at Mzima Springs in Tsavo West and witness herds of ochre-red elephants in Tsavo East National Park. Immerse yourself in eight days of wildlife on a scheduled small group safari through Kenya, with a maximum of seven passengers per vehicle.

The Safari Collection

This vibrant tour is both a wonderful introduction to safari and to the diversity of Kenya itself. Enjoy 7 nights on a wildly luxurious safari filled with luxury and adventure, experiencing exhilarating wildlife encounters and some unique and personal touches that will be remembered for an entire lifetime.

Your first stop needs no introduction! The elegant Giraffe Manor is home to a “tower” of resident Rothschild giraffe who may visit morning and evening, sometimes poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Stay one night here before your journey takes you on an unforgettable bush experience. Sip on a sundowner whilst watching the glorious Masai Mara sunset at Sala’s Camp. Snuggle up in front of a roaring fire, with outstanding views of Mount Kenya at Solio Lodge. A wonderful exploration of wild Kenya!

AfroChic

Located on the white sands of gorgeous Diani Beach, AfroChic offers an intimate experience for those seeking rest, relaxation and the personal touch. The hotel has just 10 rooms each with en-suite, balcony and sun-lounger. The property has a unique and eclectic style of interiors and design and friendly staff are on hand to provide those little but special details. Enjoy a massage or beauty treatment, or simply relax on the beach enjoying views of ancient dhows in full sail.

Endangered Species Flying Safari

An incredible and unique flying safari, capturing the sights of endangered wild African animals whose existence is not only threatened but in many cases endangered according to the venerable IUCN Red List of threatened species: Lion and Cheetah in the world famous Masai Mara, African Elephant in Samburu, Wild Dog (also known as painted Dogs), the Black Rhino and the critically endangered Northern White Rhino in Laikipa. Experience the excitement and stunning scenery of magical Kenya from the air, aboard an executively configured luxury Cessna Caravan. Truly a trip of a lifetime!

Written in collaboration with Bench Africa.

New York Guide: Walking Across The Brooklyn Bridge

November 26, 2018 / New York, New York Life, Outdoor Play, Travel, USA / 0 comment

The Brooklyn Bridge joins Manhattan to Brooklyn, spanning the East River. Since its completion in 1883, the bridge has become one of the city’s most famous icons. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best ways to explore the city’s neighbourhoods and experience breathtaking views along the way.

Walking Across The Brooklyn Bridge

When to cross the Brooklyn Bridge
The bridge is open 24 hours a day and is safe to cross even late at night. It is however a major tourist attraction and by midday can be jam-packed with people. I suggest crossing the bridge early in the morning to avoid large crowds. It can get breezy on the bridge so bring an extra layer.

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan

The pedestrian promenade begins as indicated by the arrow on the map. if arriving by subway, catch the 4, 5, or 6 trains to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall or the J or Z trains to Chambers St. Other options are the 2 or 3 train to Park Place, the N or R train to City Hall, or the A or C train to Fulton Street

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway and Bicycle Lane start at the intersection of Tillary Street and Adams Street. The road is busy so keep a hold of small children when crossing. The closet subway stops are A, C or F to Jay Street/MetroTech Station, N, R to Court Street Station, 2/3 or 4/5 to Borough Hall Station. This entrance is completely accessible and suitable for strollers, wheelchairs and bikes.

There is another entrance closer to the foreshore which includes several stairs. To reach this entrance, catch the A or C to High Street. Walk across the large when exiting the station to reach the underpass. On the left side of the street are a set of stairs built into the bridge. They can be tricky to spot.

Safety on the Brooklyn Bridge

Keep in the pedestrian lane and watch for bikes. The pedestrian lane is narrow and if there are people who have stopped you will have to walk around them by walking across the bike lane. Be careful as you do as cyclists go extremely fast.

Time and distance over the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is slightly over 1.1miles or 1.8 km long. It takes an average of 30 minutes to cross. 45-60 if you stop to admire the view or take lots of photos.

Enjoy seeing the sights in Brooklyn!

When you reach Brooklyn, enjoy our favourite neighbourhood with this guide of our fave places in DUMBO.

Visiting the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) New York With Kids

November 23, 2018 / Indoor Play, Museums & Galleries, New York, New York Life / 0 comment

Visiting the Museum of Modern Art (Moma) New York With Kids

One of the largest and most influential museums of modern art in the world is also one of the most welcoming to children. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a place to take kids to encourage their creativity, let them explore and, most importantly, have fun.

Kids, especially younger ones, can be a tricky mix with an art gallery, as kids love to move and art loves to basically stand still on a wall. However, art galleries and kids can work and even be fun. Here are my tips for ensuring everyone enjoys the incredible MoMA.

Talk about what you’re going to see
Have a quick chat before you go in about what modern art is, and what they are going to see and do at the museum. Paintings! Photographs! Sculptures! A helicopter! I find it helpful to tell kids what is on offer for them to do, and then what you’re going to do that you want to do (ie look at the art!).

Discuss the rules
Also important to discuss in advance. Explain especially to younger kids why they can’t touch the art because the natural oils on our fingers can leave harmful prints. Tell them to ask before touching anything as a general rule.

Research what exhibitions are on
A quick look at the website will tell you what special exhibitions or permanent works are on display. I choose the Impressionist gallery for our visit because Cheese has read books on this art period and I knew she would be excited to see the paintings in real life.

Attend a family program
While none of these were on the day we visited, I highly recommend scheduling a visit around a family-friendly tour, art workshop, film, or activity station are offered offered seasonally on the weekends for families with kids ages 4–14. There is also the “Create Ability” program for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. See moma.org/family for more info.

Get real about how much art kids can take
The MoMA is huge and while it’s tempting to see everything, particularly if you are visiting the city and won’t have a chance to come back, aim to spend about 30-90 mins including breaks. Longer if your kid gets obsessed with ArtLab like mine did.

Pick up free Activity Cards
The activity cards contain activities, questions and ideas for looking at pieces of art throughout the MoMA. They are available at information desks on each floor of the museum.

We loved these activity cards and they led us on a scavenger hunt throughout the museum to located the art works and then find out more about them.

Visit Art Lab
ArtLab is an interactive space that is free with museum admission. To reach it, walk across the Sculpture Garden or down the corridor on the second floor of the Museum (past Cafe 2), then downstairs to the first floor of The Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Education and Research Building.

ArtLab lets kids and adults engage with art through hands-on activities. They can play and experiment with different materials and concepts, create masterpieces and contribute to group projects. There are activities to engage toddlers through to grade schoolers and even their parents.

Stroll through the sculpture garden
We loved the sculpture garden! as well as being visually impressive, the sculptures can be walked around or through, and several can be touched. The sculpture garden is free to access even without a ticket to the museum.

Feed the kids
Cafe 2 is the most kid-friendly dining area in the MoMA, with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Cheese ordered the pasta which came with a side of fruit, and I ordered a tomato soup.
The Sculpture Garden café also offers snacks.

Take a bathroom break
There are diaper-changing stations available in most of the bathrooms, and the dedicated family bathrooms are on Floors 1, 5, T1, and on the mezzanine
level of the Education and Research Building.

Take an audio tour
Pick up a free audio tour for kids or download the MoMA app, which has kid-friendly information.

Museum of Modern Art
Hours: Daily, 10:30am–5:30pm. Open till 8pm Fridays.
11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Kids 16 and under receive free admission to the Museum.
moma.org

American Girl Place New York

November 23, 2018 / New York, New York Life, Travel, USA / 0 comment

American Girl Place New York

American Girl Place is the flagship store for the iconic doll brand. The store stocks the full range of American Girl dolls, clothes and accessories, a cafe and salon where girls and their dolls can get their ears pierced and receive spa treatments.

The American Girl dolls were released in 1986 by Pleasant Company. Made to portray eight- to eleven-year-old girls of a variety of ethnicities, the dolls are wildly popular and one step inside American Girl Place will show you why.

Located in the heart of the Rockefeller Center, the American Girl Place is all things pink and girly. Dolls and their accessories line the walls and fill the floors.

Girls (and boys!) can wander around the multi-floor store and play with the dolls that are on display, or enjoy one of the hands-on stations set up around the store, designed to engage kids.

A really fun experience for kids at the store is the American Girl Salon. Girls and their dolls can get matching hairstyles, mini manicures and get their ears pierced.

We’ve previously been to the salon at the LA store for a hairstyle and ear piercing (above) and it’s the sweetest experience – expensive, but really fun for a special occasion.

The cafe inside the store is open for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Bring your own doll or borrow a doll from the cafe to dine with.

Each doll is given their own special chair that attaches to the table and a special dining set with placemat, plate and cup. On the back of the placemat are conversation starters, such a cute idea. Diners are welcome to take home the doll dining set.

The napkins are tied with American Girl hair ties that are also a take-home gift.

When dining at the cafe, their lunch and dinner menu has the best selection for kids, with their “Truly Me” menu for kids aged 9 and under. The menu includes a choice of refillable beverage, entrée, and dessert plus a special souvenir, for $21 per child, plus tax. The entrees offer plenty of choice for fussy little eaters, with options such as chicken tenders with fruit, a cheese burger and mini hot dog, pasta (plain or marinara), mac and cheese and pizza.

When we dined, Cheese chose the Fancy Bow-Tie Pasta with butter and
grated Parmesan, plus a breadstick. The portion size was absolutely massive – big enough for us to share it.

American Girl Place New York
75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019
Phone: +1 877-247-5223
americangirl.com