Christine Knight, Author at Adventure, baby!

Christine Knight

Christine is the editor of Adventure, Baby!

Sydney Opera House Open Day

October 18, 2015 / Sydney, Sydney Life, Theatre / 6 Comments

Today we head on down to the Sydney Opera House their once a year open day. Even though this is the tenth year in a row the landmark has thrown its doors open to the public, this is the first year I’ve actually heard of the event.

For one day a year, the Opera House lets the public inside for free, to see areas of the house typically off limits to your regular Joe.

I had intended to get up early and get down before the crowds, but, like all good plans, ours went pear shaped, and we arrived at midday, along with about a hundred other locals and tourists.

After a very long wait, we finally were able to set off on the self-guided tour through the concert hall and other areas like backstage rehearsal spaces.

The Sydney Opera House is one of those Aussie things I take for granted as I see it all the time. Days like today remind me how special it is.

Adventures in Parenting: This is FOUR

October 15, 2015 / Family, Kids / 2 Comments

I’m going to say it—age four has been the most fun age my daughter has turned thus far. Sure, I think the same thing every year (I was convinced three was the best!), but for the first time, I kind of wish I could freeze her at this amazingly beautiful age. It’s okay to want to treasure the wonder of four just a little bit more, right? Here are six of the highlights of having a four-year-old in the house:

1. All drama, all the time
While some of the drama is a bit much (like those even bigger tantrums now that are thrown), most of it is pretty entertaining. Everything is a big event to a four-year-old—a new toy, a surprise visit from the grandparents or a birthday party. I mean, is there anything else in life that can create such excitement in a small child like the prospect of games, cake and presents?

2. Singing and dancing
I can’t believe that the power of Frozen has lasted so long. This kid has been a devoted Elsa fan for almost two years now, and has perfected her “Let It Go” routine, complete with hand movements and dramatic exit. Our home is filled with songs, sung in the sweetest high pitched voice with just a touch of a lisp, and our guests are treated to impromptu musical performances and dance routines.

3. Imaginary play
Often she pretends to be Elsa (and I’m Anna), but her imagination takes her far from Disney stories as she creates amazing worlds with her dolls. The conversations she has with her dolls replicate those she hears around her—never have I been more aware that everything I say is falling onto very receptive ears.

4. Conversations had
Suddenly, there are actual conversations being had. Hilarious ones, such as “Who’s the boss of the family?” and “Mommy’s the boss!” to questions I don’t quite know how to answer (“Why do people eat animals?” and “What does dead mean?”).

5. Lack of self consciousness
Is there anything cuter than a naked little bottom dashing around the house? I absolutely love that at age four she is still happy to be a “nudie bum” and perform little butt wiggling dances with reckless abandon. While, of course, I know that time is coming to an end, if nothing else, I wish I could preserve her self confidence the way it is right now—before she starts to worry about how she looks and her body shape.

6. Joie de vivre
The simple joy of being alive is really what a four-year-old is about. Every single thing my daughter experiences is cause for amazement—whether it’s collecting sticks from the sidewalk or watching a caterpillar inch its way along a tree branch. Every day, I think to myself, “Wow, we could all learn a lot from a four-year-old’s sense of fun.” She’s entertained for hours by a cardboard box—it becomes a plane, a home and a rocket ship. There’s nothing like a four-year-old to teach you that you that “less is often more.”

This article was first published on MommyNearest.

Where to Eat, Play and Explore in Sydney – The Kid Bucket List

October 14, 2015 / Sydney, Sydney Life / 2 Comments

Sydney is such a huge city that it’s impossible to visit every amazing cafe or playground. To get another blogger’s suggestions on where to eat, play and explore in Sydney, I asked Leah from the wonderful Kid Bucket List.

Where to Eat
Sydney has such a diverse mix of options that you could close your eyes, spin around and place your finger on a map of the city and find a foodie delight nearby. Asking a Sydneysider for their top place to eat is liking asking a mother to choose her favourite child. It just can’t be done. I thought I would reveal three places that we seem to head back to again and again.

Earlier this year we discovered Daisy’s Milkbar in Petersham. It is on a main road which could be problematic for some families, but the milkshakes, sundaes and homemade cakes are to die for. It’s a great spot for an after school treat and a place the kids keep asking to visit.

Some weekends we travel out to Camden to meet friends and we almost always end up at the Italian Food Project (above). The kids both adore this vibrant and busy restaurant not only for the pizza, but for the dough they’re always given to play with between dishes.

The Grounds of Alexandria (above) is always abuzz and has enough room to accommodate even the most exuberant of children. The food never fails to delight the adults and the kids are kept busy with the animals, the cubby house and everything else. If you’re only in Sydney for a few days, make sure you visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Where to Play
Occasionally a weekend will sneak up on me before I can plan a trip to a new destination. On those days I am likely to head to the Blaxland Riverside Park in Homebush (pictured above). It’s the perfect park for all age groups and features almost every playground feature you will have favoured at your local park. There are swings, slides, climbing frames, a gigantic climbing tower, a water play area, bike tracks, nets…..everything! It’s free and has clean toilets, BBQ facilities, a small takeaway store and the divine Armory Café.

Where to Explore
Barrenjoey Lighthouse is one spot that intrigues and delights me every time we visit. Overlooking the famous Palm Beach, it is a bit of a walk but the view is the perfect reward especially during whale season when you can spot the cows and calves making their trek south for summer. If you make the climb on a Sunday you can access the Lighthouse for a small fee, which is totally worth it, and a real treat for the kids.

Leah is an award-winning family adventure blogger documenting her family adventures around Australia and overseas on her blog, the Kid Bucket List.

36 Ways Kids Make it Impossible to Leave the House On Time

October 14, 2015 / Family, Kids / 18 Comments

Having a preschooler is like living with a tornado in human form. A non-stop whirlwind of enthusiasm, defiance and, let’s be honest, complete and utter craziness, getting out the door with your preschooler can be the second toughest part of the day (let’s not talk about bedtime just yet!). Here are 36 of the thoughts that run through my head when I’m trying to leave the house with my four-year-old. (*All names have been changed to protect late running parties!)

1. Where’s the child?

2. Where are her shoes?

3. Did I really dress her in that outfit? Oh wait, no, she did that herself.

4. Is it really important that I brush her hair?

5. I’m sure just shoving it in a ponytail will be fine. Voila! Messy chic!

6. Where’s a wipe, there’s breakfast on her chin.

7. How did cereal get so crusty in such a short time?

8. How on Earth can she still be hungry?

9. Fine, have a yogurt pouch. What do I care if your teeth rot.

10. I do care if your teeth rot. Here’s your toothbrush, now brush your teeth.

11. Still no shoes—can you go pick a pair?

12. No, sandals are not appropriate when it’s looking like snow.

13. You want to change your outfit again? No you can’t wear the Elsa costume.

14. Fine you can wear the Elsa crown and take the Elsa doll with you instead.

15. What about Anna? Why does Anna always get left out?

16. Personally, Anna is my favorite.

17. Crap, where has the child gone again?

18. Why is it when I need to make a phone call or go to the bathroom she refuses to play by herself, and yet when it’s time to leave the house, I find her playing quietly in her room?

19. Argh. I’m going to have to clean up all these toys again.

20. Or am I? Surely four is old enough to put away her own toys?

21. I really need a coffee.

22. Where’s my bag?

23. No snacks in the bag—rookie mistake. Where are the rice crackers, Goldfish and popcorn packets?

24. And the water bottle—better refill it quickly.

25. Do I have enough spare clothes and a pack of baby wipes?

26. When can I stop carrying snacks, water bottles and baby wipes with me everywhere I go?

27. I feel like a sherpa.

28. Coffee’s cold. Ice coffee it is!

29. Phone, jackets, scarves, hats, shoes, scooter, helmet, check.

30. Where’s the child? Get out of my perfumes!

31. Go to the potty! I know you need to go!

32. Where are my keys?

33. The dog. Crap. Literally.

34. We’re late. So so so so late.

35. That’s alright, Sandra* will be later than us.

36. Ok, we can do this! Where’s that coffee?

This article was first published on MommyNearest

Sydney’s Best Chocolate Shops: Coco Chocolate Kirribilli

October 12, 2015 / Kirribilli, North Shore, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

I love chocolate sooooo much. I particularly love handmade chocolate made with high quality ingredients – it just tastes that much better.

One of my favourite places to buy chocolate in Sydney is Coco Chocolate in Kirribilli. Coco Chocolate specialises in handmade, graded organic chocolate of the finest quality.

If you stop by the Kirribilli shop front you can sample some of their chocolate that’s filled with amazing ingredients like lavender, nuts, fruits and liquors. You can also have what I think could be the best hot chocolate in Sydney. Coco Chocolate has 12 types of hot chocolate on offer, as well as Sacred Grounds organic, fair trade coffee.

My personal favourite is the May Gibbs collection. Coco Chocolate have the exclusive license to produce these amazing chocolates using Snugglepot and Cuddlepie images. Even better, every May Gibbs Box by Coco Chocolate sold raises donations to Northcott, providing services and support for people with disabilities, their families and carers

These pink champagne truffles run a close second. Amazing.

Near the store is Bradfield Park, home to this extraordinary view of Sydney, lots of room for kiddos to run around, and a covered, fenced in playground.

Coco Chocolate
3a/9B Broughton St,
Kirribilli NSW 2061
Phone: (02) 9922 4998
Prices: $$$
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm Sun 8am-4pm
Get Directions

Ruby’s Diner: Kid-Friendly Cafes, Waverly, Eastern Suburbs

October 5, 2015 / Eastern Suburbs, Queens Park, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

This cute little cafe is the epitome of Eastern Suburbs chic. Tucked away in Queens Park, Ruby’s Diner is the kind of cafe you need to know about to be able to find.

Seating spills over the sidewalk edges, giving plenty of room to park strollers at the tables. The seating system is very democratic – write your name on the clipboard at the door when you arrive and the host calls you when your table is ready.

We dropped by Ruby’s on a busy, hot public holiday. There was a decent crowd and we were seated within 10 minutes. The turn over of tables is pretty quick.

We ordered an Iced Latte ($4 milk coffee over ice w/ vanilla syrup), the H BOMB juice ($8 pineapple, orange, watermelon), a kids’ Banana Smoothie ($5), kids’ Plain Scrambled Eggs On Toast ($6), Avocado & Roast Tomato (w/ apple balsamic on 5 grain $15, add poached egg + $3) and Ruby’s Organic Beef Burger ($19 w/ beetroot relish, vintage cheddar, tomato, rocket, pickles & brioche bun).

Ruby’s has a very thoughtful kids’ menu, with items such as ham, cheese and tomato toastie, milkshakes, juices, yoghurt cup, gluten-free weetbix and kid’s club sandwich. I really liked that the kids menu had vegetarian and gluten-free options. The main menu also had a lot of dietary requirements covered, with gluten-free and dairy-free options, plus plenty of things for vegetarians like me to choose.

Our food was well cooked and was delivered by smiling staff. The eggs on toast were a good size for kids, and the kiddie smoothie arrived in a takeaway cup, which is always a good idea. My dish had a great zing to it thanks to the balsamic dressing. My toast was a bit burnt however, and the poached egg was slightly undercooked – I prefer mine with the white solid and just the yellow yolk oozing out.

The staff at Ruby’s were very helpful and friendly, it’s worth noting – a small detail that encourages us to return again another day.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Ruby’s Diner
1/173-179 Bronte Rd,
Queens Park NSW 2022
Phone: (02) 9557 8656
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 7am-4pm
Get Directions

12 Ways To Entertain Kids In Central Park: Best of NYC for Kids

October 4, 2015 / Eat & Explore, New York, New York Life, Outdoor Play / 2 Comments

Central Park is one of the best places for families to enjoy in NYC. In every season, the park is endlessly entertaining for kids of all ages, from itty bitty babies who are content to sit in their strollers and look at leaves, to busy preschoolers who can’t sit still, and tweens and teens who are beginning to take an interest in history.

Tips on making the most of your day in Central Park:

Bring a picnic lunch or lots of snacks. There aren’t many places to buy food in the park apart from hot dog vendors. If you’re entering from the south end of the park, you can pick up a delicious picnic lunch from Whole Foods at Columbus Circle. For reasonably priced food within the park, Pain de Quotidien on 69th street has light lunch and snacks. If you’re after a bit of a nicer meal, drop by Tavern On The Green at 67th street or the Loeb Boathouse.
Pack plenty of water for the same reason.
Pick up a physical map or download one to your phone. Even if you have internet on your phone, it’s hard to get in the park, making it easy to get lost.
Note bathroom locations before entering the park – they are also few and far between.
In summer, pack water shoes and swim suits as many of the playgrounds have water features.
Wear comfortable shoes and pack sunscreen and a hat.
Don’t take a carriage ride around the park without reading up on the animal welfare concerns surrounding these horses.
Bring a picnic blanket – like one of these Skip Hop blankets that zip all the way around.
Remember small and light toys like a ball or frisbee.

What to see and do
Wander the bridges.

Spot wildlife (go looking for turtles at Bethesda Terrace and Belvedere Castle).

Playgrounds! There are 16 to discover.

Climb rocks. This alone can keep your child busy most of a day.

Visit Alice and climb her like many generations of New York kids.

Ride the carousel. It’s super fast, so hold on!

Pat animals at the Tisch Children’s Zoo.

Listen to buskers at the Bethesda Terrace.

Row a boat around the lake.

Throw a frisbee in the Sheep Meadow.

Visit the angel on the Bethesda Fountain that has featured in too many movies to mention.

Snap selfies with cherry blossoms around the Obelisk and the Reservoir.

Looking for more things to do in NYC with kids?

London’s Best High Teas: Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel

October 1, 2015 / London, Travel, UK / 0 comment

On our recent trip to London we dropped by the Sanderson Hotel for a Mad Hatter’s High Tea.

The tea coincides with the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland (my favorite book as a child), and is the perfect way to introduce kids to both a high tea AND this classic book.

The hotel does offer a children’s high tea, but Cheese is such a fussy eater that she is happy to pick at bits of ours rather than needing an entire tea for herself yet. She was extremely happy playing with the music box that was home to the sugar cubes and books that opened up to reveal the menus. Delightful touches.

The menu we enjoyed has changed since our visit, but I’ve included it below so you can get an idea of what to expect.

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea

Savoury
Scottish salmon and cream cheese on lime bread
Wiltshire ham and wholegrain mustard on sun-dried tomato bread
Cucumber and goats cheese on parmesan bread
Egg and mayonnaise and baby watercress on curry bread
Daily quiche

Sweet
Carrot meringue served on a bed of pea shoots
“Strawberries and cream” homemade marshmallow mushrooms
“Tick tock” traditional Victoria sponge
Melting mango cheesecake
Matcha green tea and white chocolate mousse served in a chocolate tea cup
“Drink me” potian
Selection of homemade savoury and sweet scones, served with herb butter and fruit preserves with clotted cream

Jelly wonderland – help your self unlimited jelly station.

Things to note:

The sandwiches and teas are unlimited. The special teas are actually brought around for you to smell, and diners are encouraged to try multiple kinds. I always devour the sandwiches, so it was also refreshing to be encouraged to order more when they also ran out.

Vegetarian/vegan options are available. If you don’t eat gelatin, there is a non-gelatin option available too, both with the tea platter and the jelly wonderland station.

We really enjoyed this tea. The scones were small and hard – the low point of the tea. The high points were the “drink me” potion, which was kind of like a fruit smoothie, the Victoria sponge, the mushroom marshmallows for Cheese and the fresh sandwiches.

If you’re in London with kids and want to take them to a special foodie outing (or if you’re there without kids and want a quiet afternoon tea!), book ahead and try this whimsical Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: Yes.
Kids’ menu: Yes.

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea
Sanderson Hotel
50 Berners St,
London W1T 3NG, United Kingdom
Phone: 020 7300 5588
Prices: Between £48 and £65 per person excluding service, £35 per child for children 4-11 years old.
Hours: Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
Get Directions

The Secret Life of Suitcases: Sydney’s Best Shows For Kids

September 29, 2015 / Sydney, Sydney Life, Theatre / 0 comment

It’s not school holidays without some amazing kids theatre to be seen. Today we had a fabulous time seeing The Secret Life of Suitcases, a show by the Monkey Baa Theatre Company.

I haven’t been to a show by Monkey Baa before – I was pleasantly surprised to discover this theatre company for kids is housed in The Lend Lease Darling Quarter Theatre, directly opposite the children’s playground in the Darling Quarter Precinct. The theatre is purpose built for young audiences, with activities in the foyer pre and post shows (we had options to dress up, colour in or read books), parking for prams and plenty of family friendly eating venues nearby.

Back to the show we came to see: The Secret Life of Suitcases tells the story of a puppet named Larry who like being “busy” at his office job. He is content in his business until a tiny suitcase arrives, on a mission to open his eyes to the life he is missing out on.

The suitcase takes Larry on a fantastical adventure and right back home again – where he has the choice to go back to life as it was, or to step away from his all-consuming business and join society.

It’s a message that is beneficial for both adults and children to come away with – how often do we “busy” ourselves with the internet and our phones, in particular, missing out on conversations, special moments and opportunities?

I say yes to stepping away from being “busy” for the sake of it and grabbing life before it passes us by, too. This enchanting, delightful show will appeal to children and adults alike – it will also encourage you to put down your phone for the rest of the day when you leave.

The Secret Life of Suitcases is produced by the Monkey Baa Theatre Company.
Dates: Daily 28th September – 2nd October
Times: 11am & 1pm
Venue: Lend Lease Darling Quarter Theatre (across from the Children’s Playground in Darling Harbour)
Prices: $25pp / $90 Family 4 / $110 Family 5
Call: 02 8624 9340

Thank you to the Monkey Baa Theatre Company for hosting us – all opinions and extremely enthusiastic fairy child are my own.

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.

Paradise Road Diner: Bondi’s Best Kid-Friendly Cafes

September 27, 2015 / Bondi, Eastern Suburbs, Sydney, Sydney Food / 0 comment

There are plenty of cafes in Bondi, usually super busy, over run with tourists, and serving very average food. We discovered a new cafe recently called Paradise Road Diner, which is on its way to becoming a new local favourite breakfast and lunch spot, particularly for families.

The diner evokes the feel of 1950s America, with its vintage interiors and classic menu. Plenty of burgers, shakes and eggs your way – all at very affordable prices.

We ordered a classic cheese and tomato omelette ($16, served with a half ruby grapefruit), bagel with cream cheese ($6), and a classic chocolate shake, $6.

The food came quickly and was spot on. The perfect size for breakfast on our way down to the beach. The shake was truly a classic, served in a stainless steel cup for the small one. No gimmicks here, just really simple, good food and shakes.

The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, to us and all of the other families who were dining at the same time. Crayons were brought for toddlers to scribble with, furniture was moved to accommodate strollers, and welcoming smiles greeted every one at the door. The delicious food with no waiting, combined with the staffs’ welcoming attitude, ensured we will be back again soon.

Highchairs: Yes.
Stroller storage: Yes.
Easy access: Yes.
Change tables: No.
Kids’ menu: No.

Black Star Pastry and Cafe
296 Campbell Parade
North Bondi Beach
Phone: (02) 9557 8656
Prices: $$
Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
Get Directions