Sydney Archives - Page 13 of 80

Sydney

Livvi’s Place Ryde, Yamble Reserve

January 10, 2019 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Livvi’s Place is a full-enclosed playground located in Yamble Reserve, Ryde. The reserve features formal gardens, deciduous trees, picnic shelters, large green grassed areas, barbecues and the excellent all-abilities playground, Livvi’s Place.

The all-inclusive playground was designed to allow children of all abilities to play, learn and socialise, with a combination of traditional and purpose-built play equipment and landscaping.

Livvi’s Place includes themed play zones, designed to stimulate and calm children with physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities, as well as give them some sensory features, too.

The playground features a dual flying fox, accessible carousel, climbing net, water pump and play feature, tunnels, musical instruments and a nest swing.

There are two free parking areas. Visitors with mobility restrictions are better off with the one off Clermont Avenue.

Lastly, there is a fully accessible amenities block which includes both child and adult change tables.

Livvi’s Place Ryde
Yamble Reserve, Quarry Road, Ryde
Get Directions

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

11 Fun Things To Do In Darling Harbour

November 19, 2018 / Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

11 Fun Things To Do In Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a recreational precinct in Sydney where you’ll find waterfront restaurants, wildlife, tall ships, one of the best playgrounds in Sydney and plenty more to entertain the kids in this one neighbourhood.

During school holidays there are usually plenty of free activities for kids in Darling Harbour. Check their calendar for upcoming events.

Image credit: Destination NSW

Australian National Maritime Museum

The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) is Australia’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology. Grab a free ticket from the front desk for admission into the permanent indoor galleries and under 5s play area “Mini Mariners”.

For entry into our fave spot, the “Kids on Deck” craft area, visiting exhibitions and the ships, a paid ticket is required. The ANMM runs lots of programs for kids all year round including live shows, “Mini Mariners” for kids aged 2-5 and the cabinet of curiosity that contains all kinds of wonders for kids to touch, like the tooth of a blue whale. Check their calendar for upcoming events and look out for when Bailey, the museum dog, is scheduled to make an appearance.

Yots Cafe

Located underneath the Maritime Museum, Yots is a fab waterfront dining spot for families with its casual atmosphere, a special kids’ menu and colouring-in activities for kids. A giant Connect Four and building blocks also keeps them buys.

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Get up close to a more than 700 species of Australian aquatic life in 12 themed zones at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. An impressive 13,000 animals live in the aquarium in six million litres of water, including dugongs, rays, tropical reef fish and sharks. A popular exhibit is Penguin Expedition, allowing guests to sail past a colony of King and Gentoo Penguins on a boat ride. The SEA LIFE aquarium is top kids attraction in Sydney and can get busy on public holidays and school holidays.

Get more info on Penguin Expedition and on SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Image credit: Sydney Aquarium

Wild Life Sydney Zoo

Meet iconic Australian animals at Wild Life Sydney Zoo. This small zoo is the perfect size to take young kids, and is easy to navigate with a wide, flat path, perfect for strollers. Get up close to the Cassowary, echidna, sugar gliders, koalas and kangaroos, plus a giant croc!

Get more info on Wild Life Sydney Zoo.

Madam Tussads Sydney

A wax museum where visitors can take a selfie with Barak Obama in the oval office, or shake it off with Taylor Swift. Aussie legends like Steve Irwin and Ned Kelly are also photo-ready.

The Justice League exhibition is especially fun, an immersive and interactive experience to make you feel like you’re in the movies with your favourite stars.

Get more info on visiting Madame Tussauds Sydney here.

Image courtesy of Madame Tussauds.

Chinese Garden of Friendship

Chinese Friendship Gardens Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

A calming place to let kids wander past waterfalls and exotic plants, through pavilions and up hidden pathways. Count the koi carp swimming in the lakes, try Chinese tea in the teahouse and dress up in traditional Chinese costumes* at the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
* For an additional fee

Get more tips on a day at the Chinese Garden of Friendship here.

Darling Quarter Playground

A Day In The Darling Quarter #darlingharbour #Sydney via brunchwithmybaby.com

The most centrally-located Sydney playground features a 21-metre flying fox, water play area with pumps and buckets and plenty of slides, climbing structures and swings. It’s a must for kids visiting the city.

Get more info on the Darling Quarter Playground.

Harbourside Shopping Centre

A large shopping centre in Darling Harbour, Harbourside has plenty of family-friendly restaurants as well as a food court and shops. Kids will adore Caterpillar Lane, a free area for kids to play.

Fratelli Fresh

Our fave eatery in Darling Harbour! Fratelli Fresh is located underneath the new ICC and serves up plenty of Italian pizza and pasta faves in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Read more about Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour here.

Dancing Brolgas, Cockle Bay Wharf

This iconic fountain encircled by the Dancing Brolgas is a favourite spot for children to play in Cockle Bay Wharf, while their parents sit nearby at one of any waterfront dining options. The sculpture is by Australian artist Terrance Plowright.

Darling Harbour Woodward Water Feature

Any child who grew up in Sydney will remember running up and down this spiral water feature, which has been enthralling kids since its completion in 1988.

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.

Victoria Park, Sydney CBD

November 19, 2018 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Right in the middle of Sydney lies Victoria Park, a 9 hectare public park adjoining Sydney University.

Victoria Park features historic structures such as the entrance gates, Gardener’s Lodge, a Canadian totem pole and ornamental wooden bridge.

Grass fields sprawl across the park and frame Lake Northam, a quiet space where you can find a secluded and peaceful spot under the shade of a nearby tree.

There is the picturesque Lake Northram in the middle of the park with plenty of chairs around it for relaxing ad admiring the view. In spring, the jacaranda trees in the park come into full bloom.

Beyond the lake is a modern playground with equipment for a variety of ages. The play area is partially shaded.

There is a half basketball court nearby, and BBQ facilities.

The park also features plenty of paths perfect for scooters or bike riding, wide expansive grassed areas and plenty of shade thanks to the trees.

Victoria Park Pool also located within the park, featuring the 50m King George VI Memorial Swimming Pool and a shaded children’s wading pool with water deck. The pool also has a fully-equipped gymnasium, child minding crèche, swim shop and a café.

Get to the park via bus along Parramatta Road and City Road, or catch the train to Central Station and walk. Car Parking is available – free two hour parking on the City Road entrance.

Victoria Park
Parramatta Rd, Broadway
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/facilities/parks/major-parks/victoria-park

Mary O’Brien Reserve, Zetland, Sydney

November 14, 2018 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

The high-density suburb of Zetland is home to an excellent park, Mary O’Brien Reserve. The park features two playgrounds including a water play area, a large green space, barbeques and a bike / scooter path.

Mary O’Brien Reserve has been a feature of Zetland since the 1960s and was named for a former member of Waterloo Council who championed a wide variety of charitable organisations for 50 years.

The park features two playgrounds. One is larger and for older kids and the other is smaller and for younger kids. Both playgrounds now have shade cloths.

Next to the playground for older kids is a splash park area featuring water jets. The water jets turn on when you step on a large button on the ground, ensuring water isn’t wasted when there are no kids to enjoy it.

The playground for older kids features a large climbing frame and large slide.

The playground for smaller kids features a smaller slide and some interactive features.

There are two barbeque areas in the park. One, near the playground, has some shade.

While there are no bathrooms in the park, there is a public library across the road where toilets may be used.

Outside the park is a wide path that can be used for bike riding or scooting.

Mary O’Brien Reserve
8 Tilford St & Joynton Ave, Zetland
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/facilities/parks/playgrounds

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.