Santa’s Grand Arrival
Saturday November 7
Bourke Street Mall

The magic of Christmas begins in November for Victorian children, with the arrival of Santa in the Bourke Street Mall. Santa will celebrate his arrival with a live performance and the opening of the wish list mail box, on the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets. The letter box will send the Christmas wishes of Melbournian children directly to the North Pole and will be open until the 18th of December. Families may also wish to attend the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on November 13th, also in the Bourke Street Mall.

Emirates Stakes Day
Saturday November 7
Flemington Race Course
9:00am – 5:15pm
Adult Tickets: $45.00
Children are Free

Emirates Stakes Day concludes the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival with a day of family friendly fun. The atmosphere at Stakes Day is vibrant and relaxed and the program boasts numerous children’s activities, including a concert on the front lawn and Camp Australia action for the whole family. Emirates Stakes Day is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy the dress up and engage in the spring races in an environment designed for children. The flower of the day is the red rose.

A Day Out With Thomas
Saturday November 7 – Sunday November 8
Emerald Town Station, Memorial Avenue Emerald
Tickets are $20.00

Bookings can be made by calling 03) 9757 0700
Thomas the Tank Engine has been a family favourite for many years and in November he is travelling to Melbourne for a special two day visit. Families will have the opportunity to travel behind the Puffing Billy Steam train as it navigates the beautiful Dandenong ranges. At the Emerald Town Station, children will get to meet Thomas and the Fat Controller and will find themselves entertained as the two conduct a pantomime. Between enjoying photo opportunities with Thomas and the Fat Controller, children will love having their faces painted, meeting new friends at the animal nursery and exploring the giant jumping castle. This is a jam packed family day that children will find unforgettable.

Wonderful Wings Exhibition
Every weekend in November
Melbourne Museum
11:00am – 3:00pm
Entry is free with Museum Entry
Adults: $8.00
Children: Free

The beautiful colours and fragile lives of butterflies and moths create intrigue for children and adults alike. In November families can have their questions answered by visiting the Wonderful Wings activity room at the Melbourne Museum. During their visit to the museum children can make a beautiful moth or butterfly and find out about the 160,000 species that exist around the world. The museum is a wonderland for children, who can exercise their minds and imaginations while experiencing some amazing adventures, through time and around the world.

Northcote Library Family Fun Day
Saturday November 21
10:30am – 3:30pm
32 – 38 Separation St, Northcote

In the current economic environment families with young children should always take advantage of free fun days and the Northcote Library annual Family Fun Day is one of the best. Maisy the mouse will make a special guest appearance this year, delighting children with her beloved flair. There will be storytelling, face painting and Bollywood dance activities. Alongside all of this fun, Carp productions are holding a magic circus show for the whole family.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – Family Classic Kids
Saturday November 21st
Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre
Shows between 10:00am and 3:00pm
Family Tickets: $50.00

Bookings can be made at Ticketmaster or by visiting www.mso.com.au
Family Classic Kids is the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s popular program of concerts designed specifically for children between the ages of three and seven. Attending children are seated right next to the orchestra and are encouraged to participate by singing and dancing along. This is an experience like no other and a fantastic chance to introduce orchestral music to the whole family.

Reading of Where The Wild Things Are
Sunday November 22
11:00am
Readings, 253 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
The event is free but please book by calling 03) 9681 9255

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is a favourite on any child’s bookshelf. In anticipation of the book’s long awaited film release on December 3rd, Readings, Port Melbourne are hosting a reading of the story. Imaginations are sure to run wild as children are encouraged to dress up as the most wild, wild thing and draw pictures of their favourite characters to win a prize.

What’s On - Melbourne by Alecia Pinner

Family & Community Fun Day
Tuesday 3rd November, 12.00pm – 4.00pm.
Glebe Park, Canberra City.
This is a free, family event.

Celebrate the Family and Community Day public holiday in Glebe Park at Family and Community Fun Day. Watch the Melbourne Cup on the big screen and dress up for ‘Family Fashions on the Field’ to win great prizes. Enjoy live music and lots of FREE fun activities for the whole family, including jumping castles and face painting.

For more information visit www.events.act.gov.au

Father’s Day Family Fun Day
Friday 6th November, 11.00am – 2.00pm
Glebe Park, Canberra City
This is a free, family event

Come along on Father’s Day with your family and enjoy FREE lunch and yummy treats. Free entertainment including…Roving musicians, Story-telling, Face painting, Free Merry-go-round rides, Parachute games, kid’s crafts and lots more!

For more information, phone Suzanne Tunks on 0408 478 005 or email suzanne.tunks@napcan.org.au

Maribyrnong Primary School Twilight Fair
Friday 6th November, 4.00pm – 8.00pm
Alberga Street, Kaleen
This is a free, family event

Maribyrnong Primary School is holding a Twilight Fair to celebrate our 30th Birthday. Events include rides, food stalls, craft stalls, plant stalls, silent auctions, raffles and entertainment.

For more information call 02 6209 5933.

Weetangera Primary School Fete
Sunday 8th November, 10.00am – 2.00pm
Southwell Street, Weetangera
This is a free, family event

Come along and enjoy a fun packed family day out with a multitude of delights for all to enjoy. The kids will be entertained for hours by the great range of rides and games on offer.

Try a variety of sumptuous food at the international food stall, or enjoy a cuppa and some delicious homemade cakes and slices for morning tea. Find a bargain at the white elephant stall, browse the book and toy stalls, and it wouldn’t be a fete without showbags!

Win your grog for Christmas in the “Win your weight in grog” raffle or one of three fantastic ‘eat, drink and be merry’ prizes, packed with vouchers from local restaurants, clubs and retailers.

For more information call 02 6205 6488.

Fraser Primary Community Fete
Saturday 21st November, 3.00pm – 7.00pm
Fraser Primary School, Tillyard Drive, Fraser
This is a free, family event

The fete includes food & drinks, Devonshire Tea, White Elephant stall, cakes, books, plants, jumping castles, slide, showbags, petting zoo, tattoos, face painting, games, raffles, community stalls, Kenny Koala, and the Hogsbreath Hogster.

For more information please contact Megan Montgomery on 0411 232 563 or email megan@radpharm.com.au

Tuggeranong Festival
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, all-day events
Tuggeranong Town Park and Anketell Street, Tuggeranong
This is a free, family event

On Saturday 28 November, the Big 21st Birthday Bash Street Party will be held in Anketell Street. On Sunday 29 November, The Tuggeranong Festival will celebrate 21 years with a free festival featuring live music, a children’s show, skateboarding and rollerblading, fireworks, market stalls, food, and a side show alley. The entertainment is free-to-the-community aimed at celebrating community spirit, family and friendship.

For more information click here

What’s On - Canberra by Amy Braddon

Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo
Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank
Friday 16th - 10am - 4pm (last admission 3pm)
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th 10am - 5pm (last admission 4pm)
Adults - $16.00
Pensioners - $12.00
Under Fourteen Years - Entry is free

The Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s expo is a must see for every young family. Entertainment over the weekend includes an animal farm where children can touch and feed the animals, imaginative play corner and toddler kindy gymbaroo.

This year’s program hosts the largest number of exhibitors in the history of the expo. Experts are available across the weekend to give parents expert advice and information regarding the most innovative parenting products on the market.

A free ticket and expo guide can be printed from the expo website at www.pbcexpo.com.au

Poppykettle Children’s Festival
Geelong Performing Arts Centre
October 15 -17 (Saturday is Family Day, for Public Attendance)
03) 5225 1200

The Poppykettle Children’s festival is a vibrant occasion which celebrates performing arts for children, young people and families. Concerts and workshops are available for children of all ages. Oz Opera and the Hooley Dooleys will drop in and the festival has its own circus and adventure island.

For a program and further information please visit www.gpac.org.au

Disney’s Highschool Musical
White Horse Musical Theatre
The Besen Centre 87 - 89 Station Street Burwood
October 10 -24 (ten shows only)
Adults - $38.00
Concession and Groups (15+) - $34.00
Children Under Fifteen - $27.00

Children and adults everywhere loved the High School Musical movies, so why not support local talent and see the High School Musical on stage? The White Horse Musical Centre is an amateur production company which formed in 1971 and stages a production at least every two years. This is a fantastic opportunity for adults to enjoy some of the Melbourne art scene while watching a performance the children will appreciate.

Silver’s Grand Magic Circus
Ferntree Gully Hotel Carpark
1130 Burwood Highway
Prices range from $23 - $30
0413 880 044
October 14th – November 1st

Families have the opportunity to share a night under the big top with some of Australia’s most impressive performers, who were voted in the best ten circus acts in the world, in 1992.

Performances on the night include the infamous Comedy Clowns and the captivating Captain Hook. Silvers Circus has been around since 1976 and is run by the Gasser family, who are experts in entertaining families worldwide.

Go Country Festival
Pakenham Racecourse
Racecourse Road Pakenham
October 17 - 18
Adults - $10.00
Children Under Sixteen - $2.00

The Rotary Go Country Festival is held in Pakenham, only one hour from the Melbourne CBD and is a chance for families to experience everything the country has to offer. With over two hundred exhibitors, visitors can spend hours exploring the farming, machinery, boating, fishing, cooking, caravanning and camping stalls. The ‘Snake Busters’ are on location in Pakenham and brave families are able to handle snakes; there is an animal nursery for those who prefer more cuddly animals. All proceeds will support community projects in the Koo Wee Rup, Lang Lang and Pakenham region.

For more information please visit www.gocountry.org.au

Community Safety Day - Free Event
Harbour Esplanade Docklands
Sunday October 25th
11:00am – 4:00pm
Melbourne’s emergency and safety services crew will be in Docklands on Sunday October 25th to show off their impressive skills and equipment to Victorian families. Children will be amazed by the helicopters, boats, fire trucks and the Victoria Police air wing sky display. Safety and road accident rescue demonstrations will be held throughout the day and children will have the chance to witness police puppy training.

For more information please call 03) 9247 6491

What’s On - Melbourne by Alecia Pinner

Nocturnal Bird Night Stalk
1st September – 16th October, 2009
Australia-wide
This is a free, family event

Choose a night to head out in the local area and take part in an annual national survey of native animals and their habitats. This year the survey is focusing on nocturnal birds. Participants are invited to take torches and record the number of mammals, birds, bats, reptiles and frogs found and then send the findings to Perth Zoo or email it via the online form.

For more information click here or email nightstalk@perthzoo.wa.gov.au

Australian Federal Police Open Day
Sunday 18th October, 10.00am – 4.00pm
AFP International Training Complex, access off Majura Rd
This is a free, family event

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Australian Federal Police. The event includes K9 demonstrations, information sessions, officers fast-roping out of helicopters, tours of the pre-deployment village, and the opportunity to meet Constable Kenny Koala.

For more information click here

Macquarie Primary School Community Spring Fair
Saturday 24th October, 11.00am – 3.00pm
Macquarie Primary School, Bennelong Cres, Macquarie
This is a free, family event

Hosted by Macquarie Primary P&C, in conjunction with Jamison SEE Change, the fair has a sustainability theme. The fair will include a scarecrow competition, kids craft activities, mini golf, stalls, a jumping castle and more.

For more information call 02 6205 6077 or email admin@macquarieps.act.edu.au

Salvos Spring Fair
Saturday 24th October, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Belconnen Salvos, Corner Ross Smith Crescent & McIntosh Street, Scullin

This fundraising event includes a RAAF hot air balloon, jumping castle, plants, books, a fashion parade, an art exhibition, and entertainment from The Tullys, Ginninderra Jazz Band, Salvation Army Band, Murrumbidgee Bush Band, and more. Please bring the whole family to support this cause.

For more information click here

Canberra Girls Grammar School Fete
Saturday 24th October, 10.00am – 3.00pm
Canberra Girls Grammar School senior campus, Melbourne Ave, Deakin
This is a free, family event

There are over 60 stalls providing arts and crafts; gifts; treats from local providores; going green ideas and goods from Canberra businesses and community groups. The second-hand goods, clothing and books stalls are very popular for finding bargains.
Fête day is great day out for the kids - there are rides, jumping castles, games, pony rides and activities such as face painting, plaster painting and the petting zoo.

Families can enjoy local and international food and beverages whilst listening to music played by the some of the best young Canberra musicians. There is the very popular Fashion Parade of clothing from local retailers and Belly Dancing performances.
On the Fête day you can buy raffle tickets to go in the draw to win international travel vouchers, electrical goods, jewellery and gift vouchers for Canberra’s quality services and finest restaurants.

For more information go to www.cggs.act.edu.au

Woden Valley Community Festival
Saturday 31st October, 10.00am – 6.00pm
Eddison Park, Corner of Launceston St and Yamba Dr, Woden
All ages welcome. Most events/attractions are free

Acitivies include a Charge up the Mountain – 5.5 km (approx) run up Mount Taylor back to Eddison Park, Youth Village with hip hop dance off, basketball skating and skate demonstrations, Health and Fitness Village, Eco-friendly Sustainability Expo, Community market and information Stalls, Exhibitions and workshops, Positive Wellbeing Village, Celebrity Street Soccer Match Challenge, live music stages featuring local artists, Family Fun Rides and Petting Zoo.

For more information please email wodenfestival@wcs.org.au, visit www.wcs.org.au/festival or phone 6234 6837.

Amaroo School Halloween Twilight Fair
Saturday 31st October, 3.00pm – 8.00pm
Amaroo School, Katherine Avenue, Amaroo
This is a free, family event

The Amaroo School Halloween Twilight Fair includes a fancy dress parade kicking of at 3.30pm for those who love Halloween. For fans of the Twilight saga, come and help us celebrate the release of “New Moon” with some twilight themed activities and stalls. The kids can meet PWA Canberra Wrestlers and enjoy one of their family shows at either 4.30pm or 6.30pm.

There are plenty of rides - Dodgem Cars, Sizzler, Giant Slide, Jumping Castle, Trackless Train, Clown Around, Cup and Saucer, Laughing Clowns. The night will finish with a bang with a spectacular fireworks display. All that plus show bags, stalls and plenty of food and drinks!

For more information go to www.amaroos.act.edu.au or phone 02 6205 2808.

What’s On - Canberra by Amy Braddon

THE BIGGEST AUSSIE PIE NIGHT

In August families have the opportunity to set aside one day or night, to host or attend a pie night. The Biggest Aussie Pie Night raises money for Challenge, who do not receive any government funding and continue to support children and families living with cancer. The event is a great chance for children and parents to catch up with friends and share food, while raising money for a cause that is close to the heart of so many parents. The Biggest Aussie Pie Night website has links to tasty pie recipes that children and parents can cook together and participating families receive a free host pack which includes instructions, posters and invitations.

Register online at www.biggestaussiepienight.com.au or by calling 1800 828 855

DAYDREAMERS INDOOR PLAY CENTRE - WINTER WONDERLAND MONTH
61-71 McIlwrick St Windsor, Victoria 3181
Entry Fees:
3 - 11 Months: $3.00
1-2 Years: $7.00
5 Years and Above: $8.50
Parents: $2.00
Concession: 10% off

Winter is the perfect time for indoor fun and at Daydreamers indoor play centre, littlies and parents can stop dreaming of summer days. Daydreamers are experts in children’s entertainment and August is Winter Wonderland month. Children will have the chance to make their own snow flakes and frosty the snow man art pieces, in the winter workshop and to cook yummy snowball and ginger bread snow men. Daydreamers have routine events which include Mini Minors playgroup on Tuesdays and Thursdays, story time every Monday and interactive musical performances. There is also a healthy café, with a menu inspired by a ‘back to childhood’ theme and gift shop for Mum and Dad. This month is extra special because Daydreamers are hosting a family night out to escape the winter chill at Disco Inferno on the 29th.

Further information is available by calling 03) 9521 2170
or online at www.daydreamers.com.au

CHAMPIONS KIDS CORNER AT FEDERATION SQUARE
Racing Museum at Federation Square
Corner of Flinders Street and St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
August 1st - 30th
10am - 5pm
$5.00

Keeping the men of the household entertained in winter is a difficult task for any family. The Racing Museum at Federation Square has a fast and furious day out in August which is a perfect bonding session for fathers and sons. Children will have the chance to make colourful magnets and clips of champion horses and their jockeys, which can be used around the house to hold paintings, pictures, photos or even clothes.

For more information please visit www.federationsquare.com.au or www.racingmuseum.com.au and follow the links to Champions Kids Corner.

CATERPILLARS, CLOTHESLINES, AND CUBBY - HOUSE RAINBOWS
August 8th
11am-12pm
La Mama Theatre
205-207 Faraday St Carlton
$12.00

In August, childhood educators and entertainers Jack and Molly take preschool children on a musical discovery full of dress up, colour, puppets, singing and dancing. Children will get to help Jack and Molly feed leaves to a giant caterpillar, so that it can evolve into a beautiful butterfly and make the flower pot daffodils grow. This performance is one of a kind and will impress children between the ages of two and five.

To book please visit www.lamama.com.au or call 03 9347 6142

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK
August 15th - 23rd
National Science Week is coming up fast and interested parents should take the opportunity to get their children involved in some of the hundreds of events taking place all over Australia. Science week is huge for families in Victoria; whether it is taking part in the ‘invite a scientist to dinner initiative’, meeting an astronaut, going to a planetarium event or having a spacey experience at the museum and IMAX… National Science week events are educational and entertaining for people of any age.

Please visit www.scienceweek.gov.au for more information or to register an event.

What’s On - Melbourne by Alecia Pinner

Fireside Festival
Saturday 1 – Monday 31 August 2009, from 6.00am – 11.30pm
Fantastic activities for the whole family!

The Fireside Festival is a series of events celebrating winter… it’s all about curling up by the crackling fire, tasting the best winter cuisine, enjoying glasses of nice red wine, discovering new places and experiences, relaxing with friends and family and immersing yourself in winter.
Further information: visit www.firesidefestival.com.au for event details.

Nocturnal Neighbour Discovery Walk
Friday 7 August 2009
Parks, Conservation and Lands depot car park, cnr Athllon & Sulwood Drive, Farrer
All ages welcome

Have you ever wondered what lurks in the bush at night? Come and join in on a ranger guided spotlight walk through fantastic Farrer Ridge. You might see animals such as brush-tailed possums, Sugar-Glider, owl, or kangaroo! Bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes and a torch. A fun and educational night out for the whole family!

Bookings are essential so please contact 6207 2087 to reserve your spot.

PCYC Bluelight Disco
Friday 7 August 2009, from 6.00pm – 7.30pm.
Woden Tradesman’s Club, Cnr Launceston & Furzer Street, Woden.
Entry $5 per child including all activities, except tattoos and canteen.

The PCYC of Canberra invites you to our Blue light Disco! Special guest Luke Dickens - 2008 Australian idol runner-up will be attending the disco to meet the children and sign autographs. There will be a whole range of fun activities including airbrush tattoos, laser throw and a fantastic DJ. The disco provides safe, healthy and fully supervised entertainment for primary school age children. The event excludes drugs, alcohol, and anti-social behaviour. Snacks from the canteen will also be available.

For more information phone the Woden Tradesman’s Club on 02 6101 6937.

CSIRO and National Science Week 2009
Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 August 2009.
Activities are for all ages.

It will be the 12th year of National Science Week which is an annual nationwide celebration of Australian achievements and capabilities in science. It aims to increase community awareness and understanding of the role of science, engineering, technology and innovation in maintaining and improving our society, economy and the environment.
As Australia’s largest science organisation, CSIRO hosts and participates in many Science Week events around the nation.

For more information go to www.csiro.au or phone 1300 363 400.

Cupcake Day for the RSPCA
Monday 17 August 2009.
Bake some cupcakes and host a party at school or at home to raise money for the RSPCA.

For more information go to www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au

CBCA Children’s Book Week
Saturday 22 – Friday 28 August 2009.
Celebrating Australian books, authors and illustrators. The theme for 2009 is Book Safari.

For more information go to www.bcl.com.au/book-week/htm

Cotter Caves Walk Murrumbidgee River Corridor
Sunday 30 August 2009.
All ages welcome.

Scramble up to the Cotter Caves and the mines where a ranger will teach you about the geology and formation of the caves, past uses, threats and diverse habitats of the area.

Bookings are essential so please contact 6207 2900 to reserve your spot.

What’s On - Canberra by Amy Braddon

Bulleen Art and Garden School Holiday Classes for Kids
July 7 and July 9
Bulleen Art and Garden, 6 Manningham Rd West Bulleen
Phone: 03 9850 5155
Chickens – Children over seven only
July 7 1:00pm – 2:30pm $25.00
Garden Pots – Children over ten only
July 9 10:00am – 11:30am $30.00
Crazy Critters Clay – Children over seven only
July 9 1:00pm – 2:00pm $15.00

During the holidays in Bulleen children can choose from three awesome classes in an enthralling garden atmosphere. On July 7 between 1:00pm and 2:30pm poultry expert Pete Jones will teach children the joys of looking after backyard chickens. With practical advice and activities this class is an excellent lesson in responsibly as well as a great time. The ninth of July is a day full of clay for children in the Garden; with garden pottery lessons in the morning and crazy critter sculpture in the afternoon. Parents are welcome too.

Circus Oz Workshop
July 10 10:15am – 12:15pm
Bookings Required
Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows
Phone: 03 9356 6999
$10.00

On Friday July 10 Performers from Circus Oz will let some of their spectacular tricks out of the bag, at the Hume Global Learning Centre in Broadmeadows. The workshop is suitable for all children between the ages of six and twelve, including children with disabilities. Children will learn circus performance, dance and character skills in an event that is sure to be unforgettable.

Melbourne Magic Festival
June 29 – July 11
Northcote Town Hall
Bookings can be made at www.melbournemagicfestival.com
Phone: 03 9481 9500

Produced by the Australian institute of magic, this magic festival has all you could ever ask for to entertain children. In addition to sixty-four performances, the festival also has four magic workshops for the younger kids and magic competitions for anyone under eighteen. Most of the shows are designed to appeal to parents and children. With wizards wandering the hallways and every second person having a trick up their sleeve, the Melbourne Magic Show is a unique and memorable family day out.

Annual Victorian Association of Miniature Enthusiasts Show
July 11 – 12 10pm - 4pm
Mt Waverly Community Centre
For more information please email Jan: janstillard@gmail.com

The Annual Victorian Association of Miniature Enthusiasts Show is an exhibition showcasing a year of hard work and is a beautiful day out for mums and daughters. Visitors will marvel at the detailed doll houses and room boxes. Free parking is available and some of the money raised through raffles during the weekend will be donated to the Feelix Library of Vision Australia who specialise in making tactile, Braille and audio books for blind children.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ 25th Anniversary at the Melbourne Aquarium
Live Performances
June 27 – July 12 11:30am 12:30pm 1:30pm 2:30pm daily
Entry to the Aquarium: $85 per family (two adults and two children)
Breakfast with the Ninja Turtles
July 12 8:30am – 9:30am
$90 per family (two adults and two children)
Bookings essential Phone: 03 9923 5915

Many of you no doubt remember growing up loving boisterous personalities of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles… Well, they are back and visiting the Melbourne Aquarium during July. The daily performances are fun, as well as educational; teaching children about the importance of clean waterways and oceans for all marine animals. On July 12 the turtles will be hosting a buffet breakfast in the sea jellies room. Attending children will receive an exciting show-bag and get to meet Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael. All visitors are encouraged to explore the aquarium at their leisure after the event.

National Tree Day
Friday July 31st for schools
Sunday August 2nd for the general public
Hotline: 1300 88 5000
To Find a Site: click here

Over the past fourteen years, National Tree Day volunteers have planted over thirteen million native trees and shrubs. This is a wonderful day for schools and parents to teach children the importance of sustaining the environment, while having a great time. Over the years children will enjoy watching their hard work grow into a magnificent part of Australia’s natural environment. Planet Ark is currently registering volunteers to run local tree planting a bush regeneration sites.

What’s On - Melbourne by Alecia Pinner

Delicacies of Bush Tucker
Saturday 4th – 12th July, 11.00am – 12noon.
Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton.
Walk – free, BBQ – costs apply.

Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day, learning everything there is to know on traditional bush foods, followed by bush tucker tastings and a barbecue.

For further information, BBQ costs or to make a booking, contact 02 6250 9540 or visit www.anbg.gov.au

Art in the Gardens
Monday 6th – 17th July, 10.00am – 1.00pm.
Education Building, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton.
$3 - $5 per child.

Activities include storytelling, art and craft, painting, making didgeridoos and more. No bookings necessary, parent supervision required.

For session information contact 02 6250 9540 or visit www.anbg.gov.au

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Wednesday 8th – 18th July, 11.00am & 2.00pm.
Belconnen Theatre, Swanson Street, Belconnen.
Tickets $15.

Child Players ACT very proudly presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl live on stage. This colourful and exciting school holiday production will delight both young and old alike.

Bookings on 0413 139 790 or tickets available at the door one hour before. No EFTPOS facilities at theatre.

Squishy Sculpture at the National Gallery
Wednesday 8th July, 10.30am – 12.30pm, 2.00 – 4.00pm.
Small Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes.
Entry $20 non-members; $15 members/concession. Bookings essential.

Join artist Teffany Theildman to carve your own sculpture out of foam, inspired by the works in the exhibition Soft Sculpture. A unique and fun experience for children between 9 – 12 years.

For bookings call 02 6240 6411 or email eventbookings@nga.gov.au

Knitting at the National Gallery
Thursday 9th July, 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Small Theatre, National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes.
Entry is free and all materials are supplied.

Children aged 5 and up are invited to attend a finger-knitting workshop taught by Knitta Please founder Magda Sayeg.

For bookings call 02 6240 6411 or email eventbookings@nga.gov.au

Capa Scrapbooking Day
Sunday 12th July, 10.00am – 3.00pm.
Ellerston Avenue, Isabella Plains Neighbourhood House, Isabella Plains.

$10 per person with all proceeds going towards Breast Cancer Research.
Join us for a fun day of scrapbooking and card making. BYO lunch and scrapbooking materials. Morning tea will be provided. Scrap N Stuff store will also be on site.
For further information call Cate on 0422 314 985 or email: capa-scrapbooking@hoymail.com

What’s On - Melbourne by Amy Braddon

The Light in Winter Festival
June 4 - July 5, 7am - 11pm
Federation Square, Corner of Flinders St and St Kilda Rd Melbourne
Tickets are Free

During June, thirteen free exhibitions celebrating community life will be lighting up Federation square. Children will probably be most impressed by the ‘Volume’ installation, which blends an electrifying arrangement of sounds and images to stimulate the senses and bring vibrancy and energy to Melbourne’s tired winter mornings. Visiting families will be awoken by a series of interactive LED columns that respond to human movement; where children are encouraged to walk, jump and play their way through the display. This combination of art, music and fun is a must see for any family.

More information on the various events of the Light in Winter Festival program is available at www.federationsquare.com.au or by calling 03) 9655 1900.

MS Walk and Fun Run 2009
June 14, 7am - 2pm
Run begins at 9am and walk begins at 10:30am
Palms Lawn, Albert Park Lake, Aquatic Drive Albert Park

Boasting 225 hectares, with impressive views of Melbourne’s skyline, Albert Park is an exciting and peaceful place for the whole family to explore. During June families can take in the scenery of the Albert Park Lake while raising money and awareness for people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, by participating in the annual MS Walk and Fun Run. The course is 100 percent stroller friendly and participants can choose to walk either five or ten kilometres. If Mum and Dad are feeling brave they may wish to participate in the ten kilometre fun run.

Bookings and registration are essential; for more information please call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 19 63 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au.

Winter Solstice Bonfire
June 20, 4pm - 9pm
Collingwood’s Children’s Farm, Stable Paddock, St Heliers Street Abbotsford
Fire performers will begin around 5pm and the fire will be lit at 6pm
$16 per family
$8 per adult
$4 per child
Concessions are available

Children will love celebrating the shortest day of the year at the Collingwood Children’s Farm where they can participate in the lantern festival, see giant lanterns and watch the amazing fire performers and the lighting of the winter solstice bonfire. Mum and Dad will be impressed as well with a food and wine stall operating throughout the night.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.farm.org.au and information is available by calling 03) 9417 5806.

Forever Barbie Exhibition
June 26 - July 12, 10am - 6pm
Federation Square, Corner of Flinders St and St Kilda Rd Melbourne
Tickets are $12.50 - $15.00

Melbourne is bringing every little girl’s dream to life in June, with the largest collection of Barbie Dolls in the Southern Hemisphere being displayed at Federation Square. The collection includes 300 dolls not to mention the cars, clothes and loves that have been in Barbie’s life over the past 50 years. As well as viewing some of the rarest Barbies in the world, guests will have the opportunity to design their own Barbie Doll in the ‘Styled by Me’ suite.

Tickets are available from Target stores or by visiting www.barbie.com.au

Fun 4 Kids Children’s Festival
June 28 - July 5
Warrnambool Town Centre
Single $30
$105 per family of four
$131.25 per family of five
$157.50 per family of six
Children under the age of two are free
Eight day passes are also available

The Warrnambool Fun 4 Kids festival has been voted the best festival in Australia for the past three years and is worth the three hour drive from Melbourne. The festival is centred in a 2.5 acre indoor village in the middle of Warrnambool and boasts brilliant children’s entertainment such as a Dorothy the Dinosaur show, a Parks Victoria rock climb and the famous activities attic which is full of dress ups, crafts and a baby play space.

The ticket price includes all of the entertainment, activities, workshops and performances, as well as a shuttle bus from car parks in Warrnambool to the event. Those families wishing to make a weekend of the trip can travel to Warrnambool by following the Great Ocean Road and will experience spectacular views such as the twelve apostles and the Lakes and Craters region. Please allow six hours to arrive at the festival if choosing to travel to Warrnambool via the Great Ocean Road.

The daily program and ticket bookings are available online by visiting www.fun4kids.com.au

Art Encounters Winter Holiday Program
Art Encounters Garden Studio, 73 Allison Road, Elsternwick
June 29 - July 10, 9:30am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 4:30pm or 9:30am - 4:00pm
$40 per Session

The Art Encounters studio offers programs to suit children who are seven to ten years of age, as well as teenagers and adults. The programs are delivered by fully qualified art teachers who have completed a fine arts degree at a leading institute. Classes are staffed at a 1:12 ratio. During the holidays the studio offers classes in drawing, painting and craft, including jewelry making, watercolours and drawing animals. Art Encounters also cater for exciting children’s birthday parties.

Bookings can be made and more information is available by visiting www.artencounters.com.au or by calling 03) 9528 3392.

What’s On - Melbourne by Alecia Pinner

MS Read-a-thon
Monday 1st - Tuesday 30th June
This is a national event
The MS Read-a-thon is a national program, organised by MS Australia to raise money and awareness for those suffering with multiple sclerosis. Now in its 30th year, it is Australia’s principal reading fundraising program. Participants are sponsored for as many books they can read in the month of June.

For more information go to www.msreadathon.org.au

Poultry Show & Sale!
Saturday 6th June, 9.00am – 5.00pm, Sunday 7th June, 9.00am – 2.00pm
Canberra Fitzroy Pavilion, Exhibition Park, Flemington Road, Mitchell
Entry is $3 per person
Whether you want to buy a chicken or duck for the backyard or you just want to have a laugh and see all the cute birds, the Poultry Show has it all.

There’s so many different types of birds to look at as they’re all judged and awarded for their special characteristics such as the colour, condition and carriage.

For more information click here

German Lantern Walk
Sunday 21st June, 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Canberra Pavilion, Glebe Park, Civic
Sausages, Saint Martin’s Brötchen, traditional Gluehwein, Kindergluehwein, will be available for a gold coin donation each. (BYO mug.) There will be a short traditional play about Saint Martin, before the Lantern Walk. Song sheets provided. After the walk, we will return to the pavillion, for desserts / treats. Dress warmly! Prams, friends, grandparents, all welcome!

The children from Spiel und Spass playgroup and the German Australian Playschool will be thrilled to be there with their lanterns, too. The Saint Martin’s play will be proudly presented this year by children and leaders of the Pfadfinder Scout Group! This is totally worth the “late” night for kiddies!

For more information email spielwelt@homemail.com.au or ring Lisa on 6251 7743

Kids in the Shed
Sunday 21st June, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
This is a free family event
June’s market offers a host of hand crafted and imaginative products for children. See large original artworks for children’s rooms, exquisitely embroidered christening gowns, toys, doll’s houses, baking kits, designer children’s clothing, and more. Get your face painted. Be entertained by Milo the Clown throughout the day.

For more information call 02 6292 8391 or go to www.obdm.com.au

World Environment Day
Friday 5th June
This is an international event
Commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

The day’s agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. The whole family can get involved at home, work or school!

For more information go to www.unep.org

Red Nose Day
Friday 26th June
This is a national event
Red Nose Day, held annually on the last Friday in June, is the major fundraiser for SIDS and Kids. Funds raised through Red Nose Day activities assist us in providing our vital services and programs. SIDS and Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and to supporting bereaved families.

The whole family can get involved by buying a red nose, bracelet, highlighter, lip balm, lapel pin, pen, magnet, key ring or toys!

For more information go to www.rednoseday.com.au

What’s On - Melbourne by Amy Braddon