Activities Archives - Page 2 of 4

AFL Season 2016

27/02/2016 By DO 1 Comment

Regardless of who you barrack for there would generally always be a game in any of the capital city stadiums between 24th March to 28th August. Why not pack some food and drinks and take you daughter or son and enjoy a game of footy, remember you don’t have to stay for the whole game?

Toilet tip: For those who are new to footy, go during the game as they get very crowded at quarter time and half time!
Food tip: Food is expensive at the venue’s, pack some snacks,nibbles, lunch, dinner and drinks
Weather tip: If your in Melbourne, wear layers, scarf and beanie because it can be cold and hot all in the same day.

You can buy tickets at the gate on the day for general admission but I recommend you get there early.
For a price guide to any stadium check out AFL’s price guide it has all the games and all the stadiums.

If you don’t want to be disappointed on the day because it is a sell out, then contact the AFL ticket agent Ticketek and pre purchase you tickets.
Online: Ticketek AFL tickets
Phone: 132 849

Times: Night games are usually around 7.45pm, Sat 1.30pm and Sundays 3.15pm

For more detail around times and games follow the link to : 2016 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Fixture

Filed Under: Activities, Adelaide, Brisbane, Kids Activities, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Clip N Climb Melbourne

10/09/2015 By DO 1 Comment

Nothing better than finding a good idea just became great! Well that is exactly what has happened to Indoor Rock Climbing. Move over because Clip N Climb has arrived and its great fun 🙂

I went along with my daughter on a Saturday morning and we were happily surprised to find an indoor venue that was colourful, adverturous, well organised, fun, unusual climbing walls, friendly, and with happy staff members. Initially i thought “is this a place for under 10 year olds”? there was a kids party going on in one of there party rooms and it was hard to hear anything over the screaming and singing but it was all good fun.

They have a briefing area outside of the main climb area, this is where they take everyone who will be climbing through a safety briefing, It was conducted well and simple to understand for both children and adults.

I asked the staff members is it always this young? They said Saturday morning is but they tend to get older children (12+) and adults in the afternoons and also adults after work. They even cater for adult corporate team building events, school sports excursions and parties.

There is a cafe, the coffee was ok, they have snacks, drinks and ice-creams.

The main difference with Clip N Climb is that you do not need someone standing at the bottom of the wall belaying you. You are connected the same way with a karabiners but your rope is through a retractable mechanism on the roof. It first there is the “trust” factor but it all works perfectly.

My daughter summed it up perfectly:

I loved it because my Dad gets to climb with me and we had lots of fun together, we even had a race on the double timer wall…I won! haha

Safety is a priority and everyone gets checked, even Dads 🙂 There are so many different styles of climbs that make you want to climb every one. They have “The Leap of Faith” OMG that’s an experience.

Check out there website for more details Clip N Climb a highly recommended activity to do with your kids.

Clip N Climb

44 Murphy Street, Richmond, Melbourne
03 9421 6600
funup@clipnclimbmelbourne.com.au

Open hours

TUE – THU 10am – 7pm
FRI 10am – 8pm
SAT 9am – 8pm
SUN 9am – 7pm
School holidays
MON – THURS 9am – 9pm
FRI – SUN 9am – 10pm

Filed Under: Activities, Kids Activities, Melbourne

Move over Ricciardo Dads are in the F1 Simulator

24/05/2015 By DO Leave a Comment

Daniel Ricciardo has been sidelined whilst Dads & Grandads take to the seats in the new F1 simulators at Motionators facility in Docklands Melbourne.

Last week we took the ride of our lives with full motion switched to ON. The F1’s can be programmed to any race track in the world, so if you wanted to experience tracks like Monaco, Singapore or even our own Albert Park Lake Grand Prix track , the simulator is ready to GO!

The simulators are high tech and can be programmed for a variety of experiences, drive skill, reaction times. Motion can be set from subtle through to full sound and sensory simulation – highly recommended 🙂

Drivers such as Alonso and Webber have stated that F1 simulators are critical in the training of drivers and these machines are as close to the real thing as you can get.

The F1 Simulators are the real deal. You squeeze into the seat, connect the steering wheel, hydraulically adjust the pedals to fit your body size. If you take your kids, a cushion is available which my daughter used, she did a great job at negotiating the corners but often found herself in the side barriers. 🙂

Prior to getting into your F1, Sudin takes your through a short briefing session, asks what track you want to race on, and gets you fitted into the simulator and provides some coaching if required.
The Motionator facility is equipped with plenty of F1 simulators and is soon to install a flight simulator too. They have a bar area, karaoke and pool table so once you have finished your race and can carry on the fun. They cater for groups, clubs and corporate team building events.

If you are a solo driver or have some mates, either way Motionators have coordinated race nights so you can compete against other drivers and enjoy a social experience.

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience, I personally drove the Albert Park Lake track, our new dad and our Grandad raced on the Belgium Grand Prix track against each other and my daughter raced the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. Overall a great experience for all dads and their kids. The hour we purchased we shared between ourselves.

LOCATION

Motionators – Motion Simulator Entertainment
2G/439 Docklands Drive, Docklands
03 9642 3203
Motionators packages
Google Map: Motionators location

For a weekday treat, more acceleration than a go-kart, a school holiday outing or just an activity to do with the kids, get down to Motionators, you will have fun 🙂

Filed Under: Activities, Melbourne

Great Dad moments captured

11/01/2015 By DO Leave a Comment

You see them everywhere, Dads spending quality time with their kids. Nothing new in this (for the lucky ones) but when you capture the picture, its then you freeze the moment and see the enjoyment, the value, the connection that we get from making our kids a priority. Nothing can replace the quality time spent with Dad.

Off to the MCG to watch footy with Dad

Enjoying a ride on a steam train with Dad

Father Day morning at school with Dad

Out for a walk to get ice-cream at Darling Harbour

Ice-cream at Darling Harbor with Dad

A cuddle with Dad at the footy

Remote control boats at Albert Park Lake with Dad

Filed Under: Activities, Daughters, General posts & comments, Sons

I’ve never met a child who doesn’t wish they could fly

07/09/2014 By DO Leave a Comment

And now they can! I had the pleasure of visiting iFly DownUnder in Penrith, NSW last week and wow! What an experience!

Whether it is for Father’s Day, Christmas or your birthday, I’d be putting iFly on your wish list.

iFly is a state of the art indoor skydiving facility that caters for all ages, with kids from as young as 3 being able to participate. Australia’s first indoor skydiving facility opened in Penrith just 3 months ago and five more sites are set to be open around the country in the near future with The Gold Coast being next on the list.

From the moment we arrived, the experience was phenomenal! The towering ‘wind tunnel’ was awe inspiring even from the outside. Even the staircase leading us to the top added to the anticipation with each step reading a thousand feet as we climbed. 1000ft, 2000ft, 3000ft, 4000ft.

Right in front of us as we walked in was a huge 16ft wide glass tunnel with two of the more experienced instructors gracefully and effortlessly flying their bodies inside, flipping and somersaulting in the air. This show alone is worth the visit!

Something that really struck me about this place was the range of different people in the facility… Everyone from experienced award winning skydivers to 3 year olds, to adults 70 plus!

After we checked in we sat down to watch the other flyers until it was our turn for training. Gazing down into the depths of the tunnel invoked excitement and admittedly a little nervousness. As per usual all the kids were raring to go!

After a short time our smiley instructor Tim called us into a room where we watched a short video about how to fly. Everything from hand signals to body position and a quick look at the gear we would be wearing was covered. The instructor took as through a practice session of our body position and we all got the thumbs up!

Now if you or your kids wear glasses, do not fear. They have special goggles that can go over the top so you can wear them for the flight. After hearing a few stories about people losing wedding rings and other bits and pieces in the tunnel, we took off all our loose items and stored them safely.

The butterflies had kicked in as I strutted around in my suit but the kids were more excited than ever!

We walked single file into the holding chamber in the tunnel to take our places, but before we got started they invited all of us inside the huge tunnel to bounce around on the net and feel the air rush around us! Wow! The winds in this tunnel can be turned up to over 280km/hr!! For the more experienced fliers this is far more than a thrill ride, it’s a sport with ‘Bodyflight’ competitions being held all around the world with participant’s competing in many categories from artistic flying to ‘speed rounds’.

It was time…. We could hear and feel the wind increasing as we excitedly waited for our instructor Tim to gives us the nod. I launched into the tunnel with the help of Tim and started flying! Really flying! The first thing you notice is the strength of the wind and how it rushes all around you. The highly trained instructors never let you far from their grip and coach you all the way through with hand signals and extremely animated facial expressions. It’s actually surprisingly easy to get the hang of. Relax your body, chin up and smile!

Of course the kids were naturals which according to instructor Tim is common. iFly DownUnder even have a Junior iFlyer club with after school and weekend sessions for youngsters. If footy or dance lessons aren’t their thing, this very well could be! Bodyflight is a great way to keep kids active, improve coordination, build confidence and of course meet new friends!

They warned us as we arrived that flying is addictive and they were right! The feeling of effortlessly floating around inside the tunnel was incredible. In our last flight for the session the instructor cranked up the wind and whizzed us up to the top of the 13 metre tunnel and safely back to the net. For a moment you get to experience what would take hours of flying time to be able to accomplish alone.

Watching on as the other instructors spun and flipped and flew around the tunnel, it wasn’t surprising that so many become regular fliers.

Feeling euphoric as our session came to an end, we handed back our gear and high fived each other as we exited the tunnel. Looking through the photos and videos of our flights afterwards was hilarious. We never knew we could smile so wide!

We decided to stick around and grab a bite to eat while we watched the other flyers have their turns. Even the café there was amazing! UpRaw café supplies ultra-healthy foods that are delicious! No refined sugar is used in the café with a focus on healthy cooking techniques such as the intriguing ‘Air Fryer’ and the use of coconut oil. They of course offer Gluten free, lactose free and animal product free options.

iFly offers plenty of options for kid’s birthdays and other events with a focus on education and fun. This is definitely somewhere you want to check out.

Click here as iFly have specials running all the time and you can get all of the details here.

Thank you to Lex Stanley: Guest Dads Online writer and Skydiver.

Filed Under: Kids Activities, Parties, Sydney, Video

STRIKE at anytime

22/06/2014 By DO Leave a Comment

Strike bowling friendly staff member

Whether its school holidays or you’re just looking for something to do with the kids, don’t look past Strike Bowling. Recently I visited Strike with my daughter and a couple of her friends.

We played a game of bowls, had lunch and then played Laser skirmish… they had so much fun 🙂 and the girls won both bowling and skirmish.

The minute we arrived we were greeted by a friendly staff member (that’s him in the photo) that didn’t seem to be annoyed by the girls not knowing there shoe size and he having to get a few different sizes to make a fit 🙂

We booked online as it gets pretty busy! and we didn’t need to wait to long because the booking was in the system and all paid for, here is the link to the booking page, you just need to click on the suburb you want to play and then click on “book a game” don’t to forget to check out there special offers in case its a better offer than just buying a straight game.

strike bowling lane We played 1 game, had gourmet pizza and soft drink for lunch, they had a bit to choose from the menu but the girls chose pizza as they don’t eat it much. The girls chose to have the automatic pop-up lane rails come up when it was there turn so that it helped guide the bowl down the bowling lane.

It’s so exciting playing at a Strike venue, the lighting is awesome, they play great music and it just makes everyone feel happy.
Strike Bowling lounge area We had lunch in the lounge area, there was plenty of room to sit and relax and congratulate the winners. The pizza were really good, better than what we thought they would be. The staff members said they make them fresh out in the kitchen.

We had our names down for 1 game of Laser Skirmish too. A little scary, exciting and fun all wrapped up into one. The main question from the girls was “If we need to get out in a hurry, which exit we we go to?”
Strike Laser Skirmish

Laser Skirmish is a maze of corridors and rooms, its dark and you are either on the blue team or the green team (it was them against me of course) there is a pre-game briefing whereby the staff showed us exactly what to do and how to play. Skirmish was easy and very safe, you do get warmed up from running around. We ran around like crazy people laughing and screaming. It didn’t feel like we were playing a war game, it was more about tagging your opponent – when you hit them with your laser beam, there lights go out and you have to wait 6 seconds before you can play again, a little like “hide and seek”.
You are guaranteed to have a good time together 🙂

I highly recommend Strike Bowling as a place that will tick all your boxes.
Check out Strike Bowling for a location near you.

Filed Under: Activities, Brisbane, Kids Activities, Kids Activities, Melbourne, Sydney

Watching The Footy: What to do when the boys come around

15/06/2014 By DO Leave a Comment

boys watching the footy The boys are coming over. What results is a football frenzy that may, or may not involve drinking, eating and possibly a little bit of raucous behaviour. When your team loses it could spoil the day but if you follow these tips, regardless of the results, you’ll always be a winner.

Food

You want something that’s easy to prepare so you’re not distracted from the business of watching the game. Rev up the BBQ and you can knock out some delicious and easily prepared food that will satisfy everyone. If you’re going for steaks and chops, make sure they’re in the marinade on the morning of the game. Overnight is even better. Throw them on the BBQ and away you go.

Snacks

Chips (hot and cold), dips, something healthy and something not so healthy. Know your friends and their dietary choices – you don’t want to exclude Keith the Vegan by laying on a meat-feast and forgetting to include some vegetables. Cover all your bases by supplying a wide range of snacks but remember that it might be a good idea to stagger the snack distribution; you don’t want everyone filling up before those chops and steaks come off the barbeque.

Drinks

Yes, beer and footy-watching go together like steak and chips but it may be the case that not all of your friends want to throw down booze and shout at the television. Maybe they’d like to shout at the television while drinking an orange juice or a non-alcoholic cocktail? Never pressure anyone to drink and always respect their choices. But for those who do want a beer, wine or rum and coke, be sure to keep the esky filled with ice and selections. Maybe suggest a pre-match kitty so everyone contributes?

Location of the TV

It’s no good having the barbeque outside and the television inside. How will you catch all the action if there’s a wall between you and the game? Hearing your mates screaming in excitement is no match for actually seeing what’s going on, so either move the TV to a spot that’s visible from the barbeque or move the barbeque to a spot where you can see the TV – even if it means bringing the barbeque inside the house. That’s a joke. Don’t do it.

Sore losers and bad winners

Everyone knows the terrible pain of watching a favourite team lose and most people know the exhilarating joy of watching their team come out victorious. No one likes a sore loser and no one likes a graceless winner. Rubbing your team’s victory in the face of a loser is not good form and will often result in the breaking down of a friendship. As winner, offer condolences such as Well played, old chap. Better luck next time. And extend your hand in a gesture of solidarity and love of the game. Or just yell Sucker and run away.

What pre-footy rituals do you have? How do you like to watch the action? Share your answers in the comment box below.

Filed Under: Activities, Adelaide, Brisbane, Celebrations, Dads Health, DIY, Hobart, Melbourne, Parties, Perth, Sons

How to entertain the kids (cheaply) during the winter school holidays

31/05/2014 By DO 1 Comment

top twelve tips from the nannies
School holidays often provide an excellent opportunity for dads to spend quality time with their children… nevertheless everyone can also go a little stir-crazy!

With their years of experience in entertaining children all day, the nannies (in-home childcarers) at Government-approved agency Placement Solutions have put together their top twelve tips to make the most of school holidays in Melbourne, without going broke.

ArtPlay
All at free or affordable prices, the kids can explore their creative side at ArtPlay, Birrarung Marr (behind Federation Square). Funded by the City of Melbourne and other partners, the centre runs more than 300 workshops, events and performances each year with children working with professional artists. Ensure you book ahead for special programs or alternatively check out the ‘free stuff to explore’ such at the ArtPlay Backyard. The Centre caters for babies through to children aged up to 12 years of age; Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/artplay

Library at the Dock
This new Library in Docklands only opened on 31 May 14 and as part of the Melbourne Library Service, it supports gaming culture. Library at the Dock offers the latest games and consoles free to the public to experience and learn about the many aspects of gaming. From 13 June to 8 July on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11am to 1pm, the venue is hosting the 2014 Soccer World Cup Competition on PS4. Open to all ages, kids can get a team together, select their country and take part in this gaming challenge (and potentially win some prizes). Register online.
www.thatsmelbourne.com.au

Your local library
Check out your library for its calendar of events – which are usually free – such as storytelling, book discussions, and even children’s theatre. In the city, State Library of Victoria is holding the free exhibition ‘Once upon a time: a world of children’s picture book art’ until 31 August 2014. See classic characters like Blinky Bill and the Magic Pudding, as well as fun favourites such as Miffy. The kids can view original drawings, dummy books and videos about the artworks to discover the magic behind creating illustrated stories then create their own story with a free activity booklet.
www.slv.vic.gov.au

Belly Dancing at Fed Square
The whole family can shake their groove thing at The Atrium at Fed Square on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 12.30 to 1pm. The free belly dancing lessons are led by professional instructor Trisnasari, no bookings are required and all ages are welcome.
www.fedsquare.com

Friday Night Fireworks at Docklands
Enjoy free music, entertainers and an incredible fireworks display at the Piazza at Docklands on 4 and 11 July. Festivities kick off at 6pm and the fireworks are at the family-friendly time of 7pm.
www.thatsmelbourne.com.au

Child-friendly cafés
For the price of a coffee, enjoy some priceless relaxation at one of the many child-friendly cafés around Melbourne. Some of our nannies’ favourites include: Miss Marmalade, Brunswick – as well as amazing food and beverages, Miss Marmalade has a kids’ menu, small play area and baby change facilities; Little Tommy Tucker, Bentleigh – with a shelf full of toys and a kids’ menu, this is a popular spot for locals; Birdy Num Nums, Carlton North – the large, covered courtyard at the rear features a sandpit and a variety of toys; Lulabelle’s, Camberwell – this gorgeous pastry shop and café features giftwares, babywares, toys to entertain the kids, and change facilities.

Victorian Farmers’ Markets
Enjoy the fresh air and ambience at one of many Victorian Farmers’ Markets held each weekend at different locations around Melbourne. Usually requiring a gold coin donation, the markets are a great opportunity to buy fresh produce and often provide a free petting farm as well as other attractions for children.
www.vicfarmersmarkets.org.au

MSO Family Jams
Anyone six years and over can jam with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) for free on 28 June at Federation Square. Bring your own instrument (or borrow one of MSO’s) and work together during the fun hour to develop an original piece of music. Each workshop culminates in a performance open to the general public. Bookings are necessary.
www.mso.com.au

City Circle Tram
For a free tour of Melbourne city, the City Circle Tram is a convenient way to see the sights of central Melbourne and Docklands while experiencing a ride on the charming, heritage trams. An audio commentary provides details of city landmarks and major attractions and you can hop on and off as you like. Trams operate between 10am and 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday and between 10am and 9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. No bookings are required.
www.yarratrams.com.au

Port of Melbourne Boat Tours
A free boat tour of the Port of Melbourne will exhilarate the kids as they see massive ships and cranes up close, and the port’s most historic facilities. The tours usually run on the last Sunday of each month so spaces are limited and bookings are required. Round-trip tours leave from Gem Pier in Williamstown and Victoria Harbour in Docklands and last from 60 to 90 minutes.
www.portofmelbourne.com

Collingwood Children’s Farm
Open every day, this is your child’s perfect opportunity to get up, close, and personal with a range of fuzzy, feathery and furry creatures. Just $16 for the entire family (two adults and up to four children), the kids can also see cows being milked and enjoy a picturesque setting at the Collingwood Children’s Farm in Abbotsford.
www.farm.org.au

Heide Kitchen Gardens
The fifteen acres of spectacular gardens at Heide in Bulleen will give the kids plenty of space to run free and also learn about fresh produce through the amazing kitchen garden adjacent to the original farmhouse. The Gardens & Sculpture Park are open to the public and the kids can enjoy a range of free activities during the school holidays such as ‘Architecture Detective’ and ‘Art Detective’. Museum admission is free for children under 12; Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
www.heide.com.au

Placement Solutions is a Melbourne-based niche recruitment firm specialising in in-home childcare, also known as nannies and household management. The government-approved agency has been operating for 25 years and is a member of the International Nanny Association and the National In-home Childcare Association. www.placementsolutions.com.au

Filed Under: Children, Kids Activities, Kids Activities, Melbourne, Some Fun

Simple DIY tasks to keep your bike on the road

04/02/2014 By DO Leave a Comment

bicycle rides Let’s be real; maintenance is such an ugly word. Whether it be the lawnmower, gutters, chainsaw or pool, each weekend is consumed by something that needs to be maintained. While there are no shortcuts if you want things to be in perfect working order, there are simpler ways of making sure you don’t spend your leisurely weekend couped up in the shed. One apparatus you can apply these tips to is your trusty bicycle. Contrary to popular belief, you’re bike doesn’t demand hours of tinkering nor an expensive trip to the specialist every other week. By giving your two-wheeler a measly ten minutes of TLC every week, you’ll be saving yourself from trying to find a few hours (let’s face it: half a day) every couple of months. Assuming you are a regular rider, this simple DIY guide will encourage a long-lasting bicycle without extended downtime at the shop.

Washing Your Bike

You’re car gets the special treatment every month, clearing it of leaves, bird droppings and that coffee you accidently left on the roof. So why wouldn’t you do the same for your bike? Unlike a car, cleaning your bike doesn’t take nearly as long, and with the right tools, you can head back to that midday lifetime repeat in no time. While you can invest in a bike cleaning brush and a chain scrubber, a toothbrush works just as well to get into those hard-to-reach places. Strapped with a bottle of degreasing solvent, a hose and a rag, your bike should be as good as new in only a few minutes.

Lubricating Your Bike

In the world of bicycle maintenance, lubricant is your best friend. If you’re unsure of which sections need attention, a good rule of thumb is: If it moves, you need to lube it. Lubricant is a magical sticky potion that prevents your two-wheeler from becoming a victim of excessive wear, stiffening and rust. While lube is great, overdoing it will do as much damage as leaving it alone. If you’ve gotten too enthusiastic with the lubricant, wipe it away before it dries.

Assessing Your Tyres

Checking your tyres before you hit the road while decrease the likelihood of being stuck walking your bike roadside while a million cars zoom past. Before you jump on the seat and take off into the sunset check the surface tread and sidewall of the tyre ensuring there are no cuts, bulges or debris lodged in the rubber. If you do find any glass or nails piercing the rubber, you will need to replace the tube. Any specialty parts can be found at places like 99 Bikes, click here to view their range.

Evaluating Your Brakes

Newsflash: it’s not a good thing if you are dragging your feet along the ground to stop your bike. It’s an issue commonly ignored by the average rider that can be easily assessed and fixed. To do this, simply hop on your bike and give the levers a good squeeze to ensure it comes to a halt with stretching or fraying the brake cables. Then take a look at the brake pads. Are they hitting the rims evenly? Any unevenness means you will need to replace them.

Avid riders, do you have any simple maintenance tips? Let us know in the comments below.

Filed Under: Activities, Adelaide, Brisbane, Children, DIY, Hobart, Kids Activities, Kids Activities, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

The best activities to do in the Australian summer

28/01/2014 By DO Leave a Comment

Australia has some of the hottest and most extreme summers in the world, and whether you’re a local or a passing tourist, getting out amongst it all during a hot day can be the furthest thing on your mind. However, there are plenty of things you can do outside that take full advantage of a hot summer’s day, and they all can give you great memories and ample relaxation time in between days off work, or whilst on holiday. If you need some ideas on what you can do the next time the temperature gets extreme, read on. Here are 5 activities that are fun and relaxing that you can do during those roasting Australian summers.

Go for a swim.

If you’d like to kill two birds with one stone (that is, get fit and cool down), going for a swim in your local pool, lake or beach is an excellent way to spend a hot summer’s day. Of course, make sure you only swim in safe areas – preferably watched over by a lifeguard or two. If you don’t yet know how to swim, learning how to during the sultry Australian summer is an ideal time to learn.

Have a BBQ

There’s probably nothing more quintessentially Australian than having a BBQ on a warm summer’s day. The sun, a snag and a beverage in hand seem to go so well together that for many Aussies, having a BBQ is the “go to” activity during summer. Don’t forget: BBQs are more fun the more people are involved, so invite your friends, family and neighbours over for the afternoon and make the most of your summer’s day. Head on over to Barbeques Galore for their huge range.

Go for a picnic.

Whether with that special someone, or the entire family, finding a little area of shade under a tree to have a picnic is a fine way to spend some time during the sometimes unrelenting Australian summer. Australia is bestowed with tons of great public parks, and making full use of them will give you the fresh air and relaxation you need amidst the burning sun above. Don’t forget to bring along a footy or soccer ball for a little bit of stimulation between quiet naps under the shady trees.

Go to the beach.

For many around the world, Australian summers are associated with our beautiful stretches of sandy beach, and the swimming and surfing our wonderful coastline provides. The next time the thermometer soars above 30 degrees, get some friends together and head on down to the beach for a day of sun, water and sand.Of course, make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen before you head out. And also make sure you only swim in designated swimming spots (and even then, only between the flags).

Watch a movie outdoors.

Imagine this: a blanket underneath, a special someone close by, and a massive movie screen in front – all set out in a lush botanical garden. Seeing a movie in many of the outdoor cinemas that spring up over the Australian summer can be a fun way to spend those hot and humid nights. There’s something about watching movies in the great outdoors, under the stars, and if you haven’t yet experienced what it’s like, you’re truly missing out. Sure you could watch a movie indoors, but that’s just boring now isn’t it!

Although you may not feel like doing anything when the mercury climbs into the high 30s, put on some shorts, grab a hat, and head outside. There are lots of activities out there just waiting for you – such as those suggested above – and all are almost guaranteed to give you a good time.

Filed Under: Activities, Adelaide, Brisbane, General posts & comments, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Who’s up for giving back to the community

14/12/2013 By DO Leave a Comment

There is very little I can think of that gives you the same buzz that you get from giving your time to help others and making the community a better place.

There is so much negativity around, we see it all the time i.e. road rage, people dropping litter, graffiti, treating the elderly poorly, hunger, homeless, unemployment etc Have I made you depressed yet? I feel it just writing this part 🙂 but we can balance all of that by doing good and intentionally making a difference to others.

There are many organizations that you can volunteer your time. SEEK Volunteer is a non-profit initiative designed to make volunteering easier. You can search by location, how much time you have to give and category of cause: including everything from animal welfare, seniors, disaster relief, sport and mentoring.

I was invited to a Christmas carol sing along at a church group on Friday night, I am not what you would call a religious person but always up for a Christmas Carol. I was very impressed in the modern and “current” theme of the church – there was not one cross or picture of Jesus in sight.

The church was called “Edge Church” they have just opened in Melbourne a year ago and have campuses in Adelaide, UK and Long Island NY. My church experiences were that of the old fashion stereotypical church building (high ceilings, uncomfortable wooden seats and lots of lead-light) with the minister up front reading the bible. No one back then looked happy 🙁

The Edge Church is in a nicely converted/renovated factory, great facilities, cafe, a beautiful room for the congregation – and with very comfy seats, great sound and audio visual equipment and a very talented band and singers to entertain us and to sing along too, it had a real happy vibe. Unlike the church of old days, the Edge Church actively gets involved in the community to make a difference. Edge Church moto is “Serving our Community with Hope, Truth & Love”.

Drop in, you might be as impressed as I was? I hope to see you out there.

Filed Under: Activities, Dads Health, Kids Health

5 Ways to entertain kids at home

14/12/2013 By DO Leave a Comment

5 ways to entertain the kids at home

To keep the kids happy, there are many ways in which they can have fun at home. Entertainment at home costs nothing. It’s also a great way to encourage kids to have their friends over or if life has been hectic, some solo time may be just what is needed to recharge.

A sleep over or a play date

Having a friend for a sleep over is exciting! You can put mattresses on the floor to make it seem special or even pitch a small tent or make a cubby inside. Torches, dvds, food and make believe will make this fun entertainment. Children always play well together, so organise a play date at home and the kids will make their own. Having a couple of organised activities on hand might be a good idea too.

Baking in the kitchen

Kids are always interested in what goes on in the kitchen and love being ‘helpers’. They love to stir and add ingredients. This is an ideal form of entertainment no matter what their age. Younger ones can have a go at stirring or can decorate cakes or cupcakes once iced. Older kids can measure and add ingredients. The end baked result can then be enjoyed by all!

A craft day

Always keep a box for collecting interesting things like plastic lids from jars, wooden ice block sticks, empty toilet rolls, scraps of material even if you have to cut up an old piece of clothing, old wrapping paper, etc. This is a challenge that will make you look at everyday items very differently! Children love creating. This activity will encourage them to use their imagination. Make sure to have child friendly glue, sticky tape and coloured markers on hand. Their crafty treasures will then be displayed with pride.

Outside play

It doesn’t matter what the weather is like, kids love running around and playing outside. You could organise a scavenger hunt, where you hide items in secret places around the yard. Give them the list of items to be found and listen to their squeals of delight as they find each item. A treat can be given as a reward for the child who finds the most items on the list. Playing on a trampoline or swing set will also give them endless entertainment.

Pool party

If you are fortunate enough to have a pool, this is a great way to entertain kids of all ages. For younger ones, parents may need to stay. Children love making up their own games in the pool or your could provide a selection of floating games such as pool volleyball, dive rings or other inflatable toys. Make sure to supervise the pool antics at all times and make sure to have a good supply of food on hand. Swimming always makes kids hungry!

The goal of entertaining kids at home is to tire them out! Children have so much energy! This is all part of their growth and they will develop through play which stimulates them mentally as well as physically. Let children be children while they can. They may want to show you a performance they have choreographed themselves or you may hear them acting out childhood games.

Filed Under: Activities, Children, Kids Activities