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Sydney School Holiday Activities: The Bockety World of Henry & Bucket

September 7, 2017 / Sydney, Sydney Life, Theatre / 1 Comment

Looking for school holiday fun in Sydney? Take the kids to see a show the whole family will enjoy – and yes, I mean the adults, too. During the September school holidays catch a hilarious new show, The Bockety World of Henry & Bucket at Monkey Baa Theatre Company in Darling Harbour.

The Bockety World of Henry & Bucket is a work by Irish theatre company Barnstorm, and is presented in Australia thanks to Monkey Baa, the preeminent Australian children’s theatre company.

What can you expect from the show? The Bockety World of Henry & Bucket is a story about friendship, told through a day in the life of two friends.

Henry and Bucket are best friends. Like all friendships, their have their ups and downs, battles and reconciliations and shared adventures. Sometimes things go badly and the pair have a falling out. What can they do to fix the problem and make their friendship work?

Through Henry and Bucket’s relationship the audience can explore what it means to be someone’s friend, and how to fix it when things go wrong. Told with humour, poetry and visual antics, The Bockety World of Henry & Bucket is a show that will reinforce the importance of friendship for viewers of all ages.

Monkey Baa are Australia’s widest-reaching touring company, having conducted over 25 national tours to 135 regional and remote communities across every state and territory of Australia, 3 international tours and over 2,500 performances, and engaged with 1.3 million young people.

Make a day of it
Monkey Baa usually has free craft activities and books inside the foyer for kids to enjoy prior to the show.

You can also get lunch at a nearby cafe or bring your own to picnic on the grass if the day is fine.

The Darling Quarter Playground is right outside the theatre, a great spot for kids of all ages although it can get very busy so keep a close eye on kids.

Getting there
Catch the train to Town Hall and walk down to the theatre or, if you’re driving, park at the Darling Quarter Car Park (weekend rates are excellent).

The Bockety World of Henry & Bucket

Dates: 25 – 30 September, 2017
Location: Lendlease Darling Quarter Theatre, Terrace 3, 1-25 Harbour St, Sydney

Times: 10.30am & 12.30pm, Sat 30^th 12.30pm performance only

Relaxed performance: 28 September, 12.30pm

Suitable for ages 4+

Duration 45 minutes

Tickets (no booking fees) $29 (adult/child), $104 (family of four), $125 (family of five) $19 (relaxed performance)

https://www.monkeybaa.com.au/shows/bockety-world-henry-bucket/

This post is a collaboration with Monkey Baa. All opinions are my own. I genuinely love attending shows at Monkey Baa and always find them to be the highest quality and really entertaining.

Sydney School Holiday Activities: Thai-riffic! at the Lendlease Darling Quarter Theatre

June 5, 2017 / Sydney, Sydney Life, Theatre / 4 Comments

The Sydney winter school holidays are always the hardest holidays to entertain kids. With a strong possibility of cold days needing to be spent indoors, I always recommend families book into at least one activity where possible so there is a guarantee of a fun day out where no one is freezing.

During the Sydney June school holidays, I highly suggest taking kids to see Thai-riffic! presented by Monkey Baa Theatre Company. The show is an adaptation of the Oliver Phommavanh book by the same name.

The show faithfully brings the beloved Thai-riffic! book to life, along with the humour and pathos that made the book a classic story of growing up and trying to fit in.

Thai-riffic! is very much a tale of the challenges many kids face when growing up: the search for acceptance, struggling with cultural identity and learning to love yourself for who you really are.

Sick of being his father’s curry guinea pig, Lengy longs to eat pizza and transform his image from the kid who lives in a Thai restaurant to a cool and popular Aussie teen.

At school, Lengy tries to hide his Thai background in order to fit in. However he finds that his past can’t be escaped when his teacher sets a group assignment that focuses on culture, and Lengy’s best friend decides to become Thai for a day for the project! Through a series of hilarious incidents Lengy comes to the realisation that being Thai is actually pretty awesome after all.

Thai-riffic!, a production by The Theatre Division is presented by Monkey Baa Theatre Company at the fully accessible Lendlease Darling Quarter Theatre.

Make a day of it
Monkey Baa usually has free craft activities and books inside the foyer for kids to enjoy prior to the show.

You can also get lunch at a nearby cafe or bring your own to picnic on the grass if the day is fine.

The Darling Quarter Playground is right outside the theatre, a great spot for kids of all ages although it can get very busy so keep a close eye on kids.

Getting there
Catch the train to Town Hall and walk down to the theatre or, if you’re driving, park at the Darling Quarter Car Park (weekend rates are excellent).

Thai-Riffic!
Dates: 4 – 8 July, 2017
Times: 10.30am & 12.30pm
Relaxed performance: Thursday 6 July, 12.30pm
Suitable for ages 7 – 14
Duration 60 minutes
Tickets (no booking fees) $29 (adult/child), $104 (family of four), $125 (family of five) $19 (relaxed performance)
monkeybaa.com.au/shows/thai-riffic

This post is a collaboration with Monkey Baa. All opinions are my own. I genuinely love attending shows at Monkey Baa and always find them to be the highest quality and really entertaining.

Easter in Sydney 2017

March 28, 2017 / Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

I have to be honest, I call Easter the “chocolate holiday” and it’s my absolute favourite time of year, because I can eat ALL THE CHOCOLATE and have zero guilt about it. I also really love that Sydney puts on so many really fun events for families to enjoy and I can pretend that we’re doing them all for the kid.

With the exception of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, all these activities tend to sell out so I highly recommend booking in advance!

The Great CP Egg Hunt
We love this annual Easter Egg hunt! A long-running favourite for Sydney-siders, kids follow a trail map around Centennial Park on a series of challenges to get to the end and claim their sweet prize (hint: it’s from Darryl Lea!). The focus of the five activities on the trail is getting kids active outdoors with old fashion activities such as egg hunts and egg and spoon races. Bring your camera for a family pic with the Easter Bunny and Easter Bilby at the end. The hunt sells out every year so book in fast.

Age: All ages
Location: Learning Centre, Education Precinct, Dickens Drive, Centennial Park. Please see location map below.
Times: Choose your start time between 9.30 am–2.45 pm. Please come at your pre-allocated start time. The course will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.
Cost: $17.50 per map. Prizes and photos will only be available for Children with Trail Maps.
Dates: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April
More info: centennialparklands.com.au/whatson/events/the_great_cp_egg_hunt

The Australian Museum Egg Hunt
Take the family to the Australian Museum for a family EGG-stravaganza! Pick up a trail map and search for Australian animals and their eggs in the Museum galleries.

Age: 4 – 12
Location: 1 William St, Sydney
Time: 10am-2pm
Cost: $13 Members child or limited early-bird price; $15 Non-Member child. Adults are free after general admission.
Date:15 April 2017 and 16 April 2017
More info: australianmuseum.net.au/event/school-holidays

The Great Garden Egg Hunt
The stunning Royal Botanic Garden Sydney are the home of a fun Easter Egg Hunt where children will follow their trail map around the gardens and complete five activities along the way. There is a a photo opp with the Easter Bunny at the end.

Age: 3 – 8
Location: The Band Lawn, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Times: Start times staggered every 15 minutes between 9:30 AM and 2:45 PM. The course will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Cost: $17.50
Date: Saturday 15 April
More info: rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/whatson/egg-hunt

Egg-cellent Easter Trail: Vaucluse House
This is Easter, old school! We felt like we’d stepped back in time enjoying traditional Easter activities from egg rolling to egg-and-spoon racing, as well as vintage sports and craft, at historic Vaucluse House. At the end of the activities kids can claim your chocolate treat before exploring the gardens, meeting the farmyard animals, and sitting down for a picnic lunch on the lawn. The tearoom is open for a splurgy Easter lunch, including their high tea menu.

Age: 5+
Location: Vaucluse House, Wentworth Road, Vaucluse
Times: 11.30AM–12.30PM, 1PM–2PM and 2.30PM–3.30PM
Cost: $15
Date: Sunday 16 April
More info: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/events/great-egg-hunt-vaucluse-house

Egg-cellent Easter Trail: Elizabeth Farm
Explore Elizabeth Farm on an Easter-inspired kids trail. Try your hand at traditional Easter activities from egg rolling to egg-and-spoon racing, as well as vintage sports and craft, then claim your chocolate treat. After the trail, spread out on the lawn and enjoy a home-packed picnic or treats from the tearooms.

Age: 5+
Location: Elizabeth Farm, 70 Alice St, Rosehill,
Times: 11.30AM–12.30PM, 1PM–2PM and 2.30PM–3.30PM
Cost: $15
Date: Sunday 16 April
More info: sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/events/egg-cellent-easter-trail-elizabeth-farm

Sydney Royal Easter Show
One of our fave events of the year! My family has been attending the Sydney Royal Easter show not just since I was a kid, but since my mum was a kid! it’s Australia’s largest annual event and attracts over 800,000 every year. The Sydney Royal Easter Show has been held annually at Easter since 1823 and is the perfect way for city kids to learn about the country through fourteen days of agricultural competitions, animal experiences, live entertainment, carnival fun and eating lots of delicious food. It’s a crazy, busy and expensive day, but we absolutely love it. Get my tips from 2016 and 2015 on how to have an amazing time at the show.

Age: All ages
Location: Sydney Olympic Park
Times: 9am-9:30pm
Cost: Ticket deals available online
Dates: 6-19 April
More info: eastershow.com.au

Grounds of Alexandria Kids Easter Egg Hunt
The Grounds is busy every day of the year, so you can imagine the chaos of a free Easter egg hunt! While the event is chaotic and I certainly wouldn’t take a littlie there or a stroller, it’s a lot of fun. The staff lay out literally thousands of eggs for kids to find. There were so many eggs the year we went that people were treading on them. The Grounds also has delicious Easter-themed treats in the lead up (their hot cross buns are so good), a massive chocolate Easter Egg to see and potentially eat when it is cracked open on Easter Sunday, and a whole host of fun workshops for kids over the entire school holidays.

Age: All ages
Location: The Grounds of Alexandria, 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria
Time: 8:30am
Cost: Free
Date: Saturday 15th April
More info: thegrounds.com.au/Spaces/easter

Easter Family Fun Day
An all-age event in Penrith will see over 6,000 eggs hidden for kids to discover. Enjoy face painting, animal farm and interactive games or get dizzy on the carnival rides: an Unlimited Rides Pass is $12 online or $15 on the day.

Age: All ages
Location: ImagineNations Church, 1 Simeon rd, Orchard Hills
Time: 10:30am-2:30pm
Cost: Easter egg hunt is free.
Date: Good Friday, April 14th
More info: inchurch.com.au/easter

Additional images courtesy of the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens and the Australian Museum.

Top Five School Holiday Activities Sydney

March 29, 2016 / Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

The school holidays are upon us, and I for one can’t wait to try these fun new school holiday activities Sydney. To make your planning a whole bunch easier, here are my top five picks to entertain kids over the April break:

The new Sydney Park Bike Track, St Peters
What was already a really fun place for kids to learn to ride their bikes has been given an upgrade! BYO bike and helmet to use the free track complete with miniature roads, traffic lights, bridges and tunnels.
Venue: Sydney Park, Sydney Park Rd.
More info

Get wild at the Australian Museum
Always a great day out with littlies thanks to their excellent Kidspace on Level 2, during the school holidays the museum amps up their educational programs to entertain kids for even longer. I particularly like the look of Jet Pack Craft, an all ages activity running from April 9-24 for kids to make their own jet pack out of craft materials. Older kids will love their Bee Bots robotics and code workshop (ages 5-8, April 11 & 12).
Venue: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney
More info

Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences (MAAS)
Formerly known as the Powerhouse Museum, the MAAS has a stellar exhibition now in it’s final weeks called Art of the Brick: DC Comics exhibition, featuring more than 120 large-scale sculptures of Super Heroes and villains like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. In conjunction with this exhibition, special school holidays activities include Green Screen Super Hero Photos, where kids can jump in front of a green screen and have their photo taken like a superhero, and the Giant Comic Strip, a giant comic strip ready for little ones to make their mark. Tiny tots will enjoy the interactive Wiggles exhibition.
All ages, April 9-25. The Art of the Brick: DC Comics closes May 1.
Venue: MAAS, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
More info

Sydney Observatory
Calling all future astronauts! During the school holidays, the Sydney Observatory is running special one-day Kids Extravaganza: Space Exploration (Ages 3–8, April 20, 10am–1.30pm). Kids can launch rockets, build their own take-home rocket, look through telescopes and learn about space exploration. The observatory is also running their LEGO program (ages 5+, April 9-25) for kids to build to their hearts’ content with their space-inspired LEGO bricks.
Venue: Sydney Observatory, Watson Road, Millers Point
More info

Comedy Jungle with the Sydney Comedy Festival
Sydney Town Hall will be transformed into an epic school holiday program for kids to enjoy hilarious comedic acts, dinosaurs courtesy of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo™, storytelling, theatre sports, illustration workshops and street dance workshops. This is a free activity with the exception of the $2.50 booking fee, which will be donated to the Sydney Story Factory.
All ages, April 19-25
Venue: Sydney Town Hall, downstairs
More info

Want more school holiday ideas? Try a few activities from this amazing infographic courtesy of Accor Hotels.

Looking for even more fun school holiday activities Sydney?

This post was produced in conjunction with Accor Hotels.

Image Credit

September School Holidays in Sydney

September 18, 2015 / Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Looking for fun things to do these school holidays? Here are a few ideas worth exploring. Cheese and I will be going to a few of them ourselves, so we might see you there!

What: The Little Mermaid
Details: A re-telling with an Aussie edge.
Where: The Business Studies Centre, Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga
Dates: Sunday 20 September – Saturday 3 October 2015
Times: 11am and 1.30pm
Prices: Children $20 |Adults $25 | Families of four $80
Times: 11am and 1.30pm
Book: 1300 306 776 or http://www.tickets4Me

What: Carnival of the Animals
Details: Carnival of the Animals whisks you away on a thrilling circus escapade inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns’ delightful salute to feathers, fur and fins.
Where: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Dates: 19th September – 4th October
Prices: $44/$55
Times: 10:30am, 12:30pm
Book: Online

What: The Monkey Baa Theatre Company will be presenting The Secret Life of Suitcases.
Details: Puppets!
Where: Lend Lease Theatre, Darling Quarter Theatre
Dates: 28th September – 2nd October
Times: 11am, 1pm
Prices: $25pp / $90 Family 4
Book: http://www.monkeybaa.com.au or 02 8624 9340

What: Coogee Pavillion Nail Bar by the Sea
Details: Free manicures
Where: 169 Dolphin St, Coogee
Dates: Every Wednesday
Times: 9.00am-11.30am

What: Coogee Pavillion Dad & Daughter Day
Details: Free manicures for girls, photo booths and dress ups.
Where: 169 Dolphin St, Coogee
Date: 20th September

What: Cranky Bear
Details: Cranky Bear is a rollicking cabaret-style show by Patch Theatre Company for 4-8 year olds packed with music, laughter and mayhem.
Where: Seymour Centre, City Rd, Chippendale
Dates: 22nd – 26th September
Times: 11am, 1:30pm
Prices: $22pp
Book: http://www.seymourcentre.com/events/event/cranky-bear/

What: Sydney Fringe Festival Kids
Details: Fun events and shows for the whole family such as The Great Big Story Book puppet show.
Where: Marrickville Town Hall, 303 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville
Dates: 19 – 26th September.
Book: http://www.sydneyfringe.com/whats_on/search/genre/kids/

What: Australian Museum Wild Planet Activity Room
Details: The museum has a new exhibit open called Wild Planet. Enjoy wild activities related to the new exhibition such as making a hanging animal mobile to take home, dressing up and taking part in group art activities.
Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney
Dates: 19 September to 5 October 2015
Times: 10am – 3pm
Prices: $5 per child (children under 16 have free general admission to the museum).
Book: Not required.

What: AGNSW Kids Festival
Details: Music, performances, film, artmaking activities and tours that the whole family will enjoy.
Where: AGNSW, Art Gallery Rd, Sydney
Dates: 20 September – 2nd October.
Prices: Free
Book: See individual activities. Some are drop in, other require booking tickets.

What: Spot On Children’s Festival
Details: Live theatre, quirky circus, sensational storytelling, marvelous music and far-out films.
Where: Riverside Theatre, Corner Church and Market Streets, Parramatta
Dates: September 29 – Oct 4
Prices: Both free and ticketed events.
Book: https://riversideparramatta.com.au/category/whats-on/family/spoton2015/

What: Blinky Bill movie
Details: An animated retelling of the classic Aussie story.
Where: Look up your local cinema for details.
Dates: In cinemas now

What: Peppa Pig meet and greet at ToysRUs
Details: As well as meeting Peppa, ToysRUs are running a promotion where you can buy $40 or more of Peppa Pig products and receive a free Peppa Pig DVD.
Where: Retail Supa Centre, 1C Todman Ave, Kensington
Dates: Thursday 24^th September
Times: 11-11:30am, 12-12:30pm, 1-1:30pm
Prices: Free