On Thursday September 30th, United Cinemas at Narellan Town Centre is hosting a special screening of 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' with $10 of every ticket sold going to The Rubie Appeal to raise funds for Rubie, a 14yo Macarthur lass who was born with Neurofibromatosis in her right leg. Rubie will be having her leg amputated next month and the funds raised will go towards buying her a prosthetic leg and tutoring so that she can keep up with her studies while having to take time off school due to the operation.
We love United Cinemas at Narellan, it has all the glitz and glamour of a big city cinema but without the inconvenience of travel. Tickets for this special screen are $20 each (remember, 50% of that goes to The Rubie Appeal) and starts at 6:30pm. Sounds like a great night out for a good cause.
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Monkey Mania
Monkey Mania Casula is a new indoor play centre situated at the Crossroads Homemaker Centre, 10 minutes from Campbelltown up the M5 or Campbelltown Road. With eight themed rooms it's a fantastic place for a party or school holiday fun for kids 2-12. There's a huge 'ball o city maze' climbing frame and basketball court for the bigger kids plus a separate toddler area. There's also ride-on dodgem cars at additional cost ($3 for five laps). We went on a weekday during the school holidays and found that the pictures on the internet did not match our experience.
As is typical of most indoor play centres, no outside food or drinks can be consumed on the premises (except for baby food). Cafe options were limited; the quiche we we ordered was fairly average but service was very prompt and friendly. The kids nugget and chips meals were a generous size for $6.00 each. The cafe is counter service only which can be challenging if you're on your own with bags and a stroller. There's plenty of tables and seating available. The toilet / baby change area is bright, large and mostly clean although the toilet seat in the ladies was broken on the day we were there. There's a toddler seat available in the baby change area, comfy chairs for breastfeeding behind privacy curtains and a microwave for heating baby food.
Entry fee:
Under 1 Year FREE
1 to 2 years $9.50
3 years & over $12.50
Adult $3.50 (incl. drink)
There are discounts available for multiple visits and an annual membership provides additional benefits. The centre is open 10-5:30 Monday to Friday and 9:30-6pm weekends. I'd like to see earlier opening times on a weekday for those parents that drop older kids at school and then want to entertain toddlers and pre-schoolers.
The ball o city maze features a funnel which shoots balls into the air which is great fun for the kids but it should be noted that the loud whooshing sound it periodically makes may frighten some littles. Also remember to take socks - no bare feet allowed.
Verdict from the kids in the family is that Monkey Mania is 'way better' than the other indoor play centres in the area so I guess that means we'll be making a return visit.
As is typical of most indoor play centres, no outside food or drinks can be consumed on the premises (except for baby food). Cafe options were limited; the quiche we we ordered was fairly average but service was very prompt and friendly. The kids nugget and chips meals were a generous size for $6.00 each. The cafe is counter service only which can be challenging if you're on your own with bags and a stroller. There's plenty of tables and seating available. The toilet / baby change area is bright, large and mostly clean although the toilet seat in the ladies was broken on the day we were there. There's a toddler seat available in the baby change area, comfy chairs for breastfeeding behind privacy curtains and a microwave for heating baby food.
Entry fee:
Under 1 Year FREE
1 to 2 years $9.50
3 years & over $12.50
Adult $3.50 (incl. drink)
There are discounts available for multiple visits and an annual membership provides additional benefits. The centre is open 10-5:30 Monday to Friday and 9:30-6pm weekends. I'd like to see earlier opening times on a weekday for those parents that drop older kids at school and then want to entertain toddlers and pre-schoolers.
The ball o city maze features a funnel which shoots balls into the air which is great fun for the kids but it should be noted that the loud whooshing sound it periodically makes may frighten some littles. Also remember to take socks - no bare feet allowed.
Verdict from the kids in the family is that Monkey Mania is 'way better' than the other indoor play centres in the area so I guess that means we'll be making a return visit.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
NYE
If you're a long-term resident of Macarthur, you'll know about the wonderful New Year's Eve (NYE) party that Campbelltown Council host in Koshigaya Park. There's food stalls, top notch live entertainment and (weather permitting) terrific firework shows at 9pm and midnight. All set in a family friendly park with three playgrounds for the kids.
But it does get very busy - you have to get there early to reserve a good spot and spending hours in the park doesn't always go down too well with the littlies. Last year we discovered an alternative - Marsden Park in Park Central. Just up the road. There's no entertainment but the other few families celebrating make for a wonderful atmosphere. There's plenty of room for the kids to run around (or have a game of cricket), plus the playground and best of all, if you position yourself right, you'll still get a great view of the fireworks.
Take a picnic or dine at one of the restaurants in Kellicar Lane or Hyde Parade and stroll on over for the show. Just be ware of the red-bellied black snakes! (We spotted one on the way home near the ambulance station.)
But it does get very busy - you have to get there early to reserve a good spot and spending hours in the park doesn't always go down too well with the littlies. Last year we discovered an alternative - Marsden Park in Park Central. Just up the road. There's no entertainment but the other few families celebrating make for a wonderful atmosphere. There's plenty of room for the kids to run around (or have a game of cricket), plus the playground and best of all, if you position yourself right, you'll still get a great view of the fireworks.
Take a picnic or dine at one of the restaurants in Kellicar Lane or Hyde Parade and stroll on over for the show. Just be ware of the red-bellied black snakes! (We spotted one on the way home near the ambulance station.)
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Spring School Holidays 2008
School holidays are also upon us and I thought you might be interested in this coupon which provides free entry for adults to Lollipops Playland. http://www.smartsaver.com.au/ss-company-profile.php?referer=searchresult&clientid=01642
The Campbelltown Bicycle Education Centre will be open over the school holidays. This is a great venue for kids of all ages. There is a sheltered playground for when kids get tired of riding around the planned section. Helmets must be worn and a ranger is usually on duty to check this rule is complied with. Entry is free. There is no kiosk, shops are within walking distance but best thing is to take a picnic lunch and mat or chairs and find a shady spot.
The Campbelltown Bicycle Education Centre will be open over the school holidays. This is a great venue for kids of all ages. There is a sheltered playground for when kids get tired of riding around the planned section. Helmets must be worn and a ranger is usually on duty to check this rule is complied with. Entry is free. There is no kiosk, shops are within walking distance but best thing is to take a picnic lunch and mat or chairs and find a shady spot.
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Food, Wine and Music
As parents, we're often searching for fun events to take the kids so we deserve to enjoy things that aren't tailored for the younger ones once in a while. The Food, Wine and Music Festival this coming Sunday is definately more for the grown ups - there are food stalls offering local produce and wine tasting.
We went a couple of years ago when the event was held at Belgenny Farm. This year the event is being held at a new venue, Belgenny Reserve in Camden. The event promised face painting and kids activities but if that isn't enough to keep them entertained, Belgenny Reserve is right next to the Camden cycleway so take the bikes and the kids can go for a ride. There's also a great little playground nearby. Once the kids are worn out from cycling and playing, pop your picnic blanket down on the reserve and enjoy some entertainment from cabaret showband, Family Von Trapp.
Make sure you take a full wallet and an empty stomach - you'll want to sample all the delicious food. If you're lucky enough to have them, take a couple of oldies along to keep an eye on the kids and your stuff while you browse the stalls.
The Food, Wine and Music Festival is on this weekend, Sunday the 21st of September from 10:30am to 3:30pm. The event is held as part of the Camden Festival, check-out the Camden council link to the left for more info.
We went a couple of years ago when the event was held at Belgenny Farm. This year the event is being held at a new venue, Belgenny Reserve in Camden. The event promised face painting and kids activities but if that isn't enough to keep them entertained, Belgenny Reserve is right next to the Camden cycleway so take the bikes and the kids can go for a ride. There's also a great little playground nearby. Once the kids are worn out from cycling and playing, pop your picnic blanket down on the reserve and enjoy some entertainment from cabaret showband, Family Von Trapp.
Make sure you take a full wallet and an empty stomach - you'll want to sample all the delicious food. If you're lucky enough to have them, take a couple of oldies along to keep an eye on the kids and your stuff while you browse the stalls.
The Food, Wine and Music Festival is on this weekend, Sunday the 21st of September from 10:30am to 3:30pm. The event is held as part of the Camden Festival, check-out the Camden council link to the left for more info.
Friday, 12 September 2008
Spring Fairs and Spotlight on Careflight
There are some great events planned this weekend. If you are looking for some last minute outings in beautiful spring weather, both St. Peter's and St. John's schools have their annual fetes tomorrow (Saturday 13th). St. Peter's Spring Fair and Open Day advertises market stalls, rides & games, food stalls, displays, music and entertainment for what promises to be a fun-filled day. It's held in Howe Street, Campbelltown from 9am to 3pm. For more info ring 02 4627 2990 or www.stpeters.nsw.ed.au
Unfortunately the St. John's school fair doesn't seem quite as well advertised, however, we attended a couple of years ago and were entertained by rides, food stalls and displays. I am sure this year will be no different.
The Careflight fundraiser on Sunday the 14th promises to be a huge event including free tethered hot air balloon flights (we've done this and it's a great experience). Also advertised are raffles, wheelchair races, jumping castle, petting zoo and all day stage program among others. The event is well supported by the local community and proceeds go towards a good cause. We plan to head out there mainly for our 'wocka' (helicopter) mad toddler but it sounds like a great day for the whole family. Community Careflight is held at Tahmoor Sportsground, Thirlmere Way, Tahmoor. For enquiries contact 02 4683 1386 or 0412 373268.
Unfortunately the St. John's school fair doesn't seem quite as well advertised, however, we attended a couple of years ago and were entertained by rides, food stalls and displays. I am sure this year will be no different.
The Careflight fundraiser on Sunday the 14th promises to be a huge event including free tethered hot air balloon flights (we've done this and it's a great experience). Also advertised are raffles, wheelchair races, jumping castle, petting zoo and all day stage program among others. The event is well supported by the local community and proceeds go towards a good cause. We plan to head out there mainly for our 'wocka' (helicopter) mad toddler but it sounds like a great day for the whole family. Community Careflight is held at Tahmoor Sportsground, Thirlmere Way, Tahmoor. For enquiries contact 02 4683 1386 or 0412 373268.
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Thomas and tipples
Have you got a Thomas mad toddler in the house? Well did you know you don't have to travel al the way to Sodor Island to see him? That's right, Thomas and his friends hang out right here in Macarthur! The Train Shed is located within the grounds of Vicary's Winery just south of Luddenham. It's very easy to find and well sign-posted along the Northern Road.
The Train Shed is a popular outing for us. Kids (and parents) can go for a ride on Thomas, Percy, Toby and James. The track has been extended in recent years and there's now even a tunnel. There's also a cafe serving drinks and snacks - they do a great Devonshire tea - plus a shop to stock up on Thomas gear. Admission is free. Train rides are $4.00 per child.
If you haven't been out to the Train Shed before, this Sunday - Father's Day - is a great day to visit because there's free rides for Dads and Grandads and a free sausage sizzle. If you can't make it this weekend, I recommend going on the second Sunday of the month when they have their craft fairs. The kids can go for a train ride, Mum can browse the craft and nick-nack stalls and Dad can do a spot of wine tasting - it makes for a good local day out with something for everyone. The location is stroller friendly and there is usually ample parking.
The Train Shed is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 4pm. For more info visit http://www.thetrainshed.com.au/ or follow the Vicary's Winery link to the left.
Monday, 25 August 2008
Kites for Kids
Kites for Kids is a free annual event held at Koshigaya Park in support of families raising a child with a disability. We went along on Saturday the 23rd of August. It was very gusty so it was perfect weather for kite flying. Perhaps not so much for kite making but with all hands - and occasionally knees - on deck to stop them flying away during the construction process, kids were able to make a kite and then easily send them aloft.
There was also a jumping castle and face painting. The Rotary club were there supplying food and drinks via a sausage sizzle. Volunteers handed out show bags to parents and windmills to those too young to have a kite flying licence.
The event has been running for seven years as a fun way of raising funds for and providing information about local services. Pop it in your calendar to drop by for next year, it makes for a fun couple of hours in between Saturday shopping.
There was also a jumping castle and face painting. The Rotary club were there supplying food and drinks via a sausage sizzle. Volunteers handed out show bags to parents and windmills to those too young to have a kite flying licence.
The event has been running for seven years as a fun way of raising funds for and providing information about local services. Pop it in your calendar to drop by for next year, it makes for a fun couple of hours in between Saturday shopping.
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