Great New Idea

Check this great new idea out...

I have recently been approached by a website called GigFizz, who provide special character videos, with personalised messages, that you can acquire for your little fairy or wizard.

Go to this page to see a video on how it works. Here is what they say:\

Here’s how it works... You choose your favourite performer, then type in whatever it is you'd like them to say and do according to their skills. Our performer will then record the video for you and you'll get an email when it's ready. GigFizz is a simple, fun and affordable alternative to a face-to-face performance and you’ll have the video to watch over and over again. There's a bunch of great performers at GigFizz all waiting to put the "special" in your "special occasion".

You can find a really cool wizard here and a really cool pirate here.

It seems like a really great alternative to getting a live entertainer. The kids will love it and they can watch it over and over again. You get to choose your very own greeting, so it is tailored to your needs especially. I think it is a great idea and deserves lots of support.

Here is an introductory clip from myself:

Philosophy for Kids

Philosophy Made Fun for Kids!!!

Here's a great thing you could try for your kids. Perhaps your child could be the next Aristotle, or Plato!

These guys have a website, here, and a facebook page, here. 

The registrations for this particular event close on 28 September 2012, so you might be a bit late for this one. But don't worry, I am sure there are more to come!

New song by Fairy Abby and Wizard Herman!

It's been too long, so here's a song!!!

I would like to introduce to you my friend Jerry. 

I and Fairy Abby have written a song about him.

Check him out on YouTube!!

Free things to do (with kids) in Melbourne

Some Other Sources for Free things to do with Kids

I would like to direct you to the following website for a great list of things that you can do for free in the city of Melbourne.

Here is the link for free stuff to do with kids!

This is quite brief and doesn't give a detailed account of each place, but it does give some ideas. You might want to search the site for some other cool things to do too!

While I'm at it, here is another place you might want to go to find free stuff to do.

This one has a bigger description, but not as many nice pics! The page is a bit busier too, which might be a little off-putting.

Where can I take the kids for free?

Fun play centres for free?

Play centres are lots of fun, but let's face it, they end up costing quite.a bit of money. Once you pay for entry, your coffee, something for the kids... The price gets quite high. So this week I will be recommending some places you can go with the kids, which is absolutely free.

I don't want us to get too excited, so I will start off small. Following on from our escapade into children's play centres, I will first have a look at different places that can cater for the adults and have somewhere for the kids to play, but costs nothing to go (except for the drinks/food of course!).

I have in mind the family bistros that have some play equipment for the kids. Some are better than others of course, so once again it is a bit of trial and error. But I hope I can give a few hints of places to go.

Once upon a time there were some golden arches and this was the only place where you could get a feed and give the kids a play. The play equipment here was fair, but nothing like today's play centres. While the calibre of the childrens play equipment is often so-so in these establishments, two of them seem way above the rest. These are the McDonalds in Ringwood and Ferntree Gully.

The Ringwood Maccas is very new and boasts a large three story play gym, with slides and othe fun things for the kids. This one is really very new and modern and is quite nice to take the little ones. They are really entertained for a long time.

The Ferntree Gully Maccas has been there for a while, bit it is still good. It is not as modern and groovy inside as the Ringwood one, but it's play equipment is good. The only issue with this one is that it is all outdoors, so is not much good in the rainy season. They do have sun shade up for summer. The play equipment is good, though, because it is quite different from other Maccas. It is a lot bigger and is not completely made of that Maccas-style plastic.

This is just some food for thought (ha ha). I promise later posts will be more interesting!

Which Play Centre to go to?

Which Play Centre to go to?

So, now you have a heap of play centres to choose from, which one do you choose?

The Answer, I think, is trial and error. But here are some suggestions;

Some questions you might ask yourself are:

What do I want to get out of my play centre experience? 

Do you want to sit back and relax with a nice cuppa coffee and a paper or magazine while your child(ren) play? Or do you want to go with a group of friends and let your little ones play together? Or perhaps you are just a big kid and want to play too!

You might want to consider the coffee that is sold there. (Some places advertise that they sell Grinders coffee). Perhaps the food is important; for while some play centre's food is really good, cafe, quality, others are not of the same high standard. Some places are small and cozy, whereas others are large, without that same homely feel. (Although, when the small ones fill up they are very loud.)

Which play centre is best suited to my child(ren)'s age?

Finding the 'right match' for your child(ren) is very important. While most play centres are geared to accommodate children of all ages, some equipment is 'more exciting' for the 'older children'. 

You might want to consider, here, the size of the play centre itself. Some play centres are small and more 'homely' than their larger counterparts. As a general rule, I would say that the larger play centres are better for the older children. But keep in mind that (almost) all play centres have a special sectioned off play area for the younger kids.

I suggest viewing their website (enter the play centre name in google search) before going there, to get an idea of their equipment etc.

Where can I get the most value for my money?

Here is the all-important question. This is where trial and error is the most important. Some things to think about here are: how long will the child(ren) be happy to play? Is the equipment age appropriate? Remember, most (if not all) play centres don't allow food to be brought into the play centre (usually because of allergies), unless it is baby formula or something similar (usually, their internet site will tell you what the rules are here). 

In the end, you need to balance what is best for you, for your child(ren), and how much money you are willing to spend. Remember, that when you go to a play centre you need to pay the entry fee, but will then need to buy any food you want to consume in there. So budget well!

Missing Play Centres

Play Centres Missing from List!

I have realised that I missed some play centres from my list of play centres. I have now added the ones that I know I missed - there could be more! I sourced my list from a great kid's site called The Bubhub. 

The two missing ones were Ace Space and Big Slide.

Ace Space

Big Slide

Children's play centres in Eastern Suburbs

Children's Play Centres at a Glance!

I have compiled a list of Children's play centres in and around the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. This will give everyone an easy-to-read reference guide to which play centres are where, when they are open, and how much they cost. I sourced all this information from their websites, so I hope that it is up to date. As I have said, I am dedicating this week to play centres, so I will keep up the posts on anything that comes to mind, such as first-hand reviews, and so on.

I have created a table in alphabetical order. It might be of help to search for your suburb by pushing the <CTRL> and 'F' key together, and then entering your suburb.

Some things to look out for: some places charge for adults (but some include 1 free drink), all places have some sort of cafe, most, if not all, places require kids to wear at least socks. 

If you find this helpful, please pass it on to a friend. Also, if anyone has any comments on any of these places, that would be great too!

Happy playing!

Name	Address	Phone	Trading Hours	Prices
Ace Space	Unit 9, 286-288 Maroondah Hwy, Chirnside Park	(03) 9727 0755	Mon-Sun 9:30am-5pm	9 months to 2 years         $7.00 3 years to 6 years            $9.00 7 years to 12 years          $11.00
Awesome Fun	Factory 11, 257 Colchester Rd, Kilsyth	(03) 9720 4833	9:00am –5:00pm Everyday Including public holidays	1 – 4yrs: $6.50 5+yrs: $8.50        Babies Under 12 months and Adults - No Charge
Billy Lids Indoor Play Centre	86 Lynch St, Hawthorn	(03) 9818 2225	9am-5pm closed public holidays	MONDAY - FRIDAY 12 months and over $8.00 SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12 months to under 3: $8.00 3 and over: $9.00  (family pass $24.00 upon presentation of medicare card) Gold Loyalty Card (valid for 10 entries) is available for $70.00.
Big Slide	1642 Ferntree Gully Road, Indoor Sports & Play Centre, Knoxfield	(03) 9763 5589	9:30am-5pm Mon-Sun, including public holidays (prices differ for Sat/Sun and public holidays)	Mon-Fri Prices under 15 months -FREE Admission (valid until 3pm) under 5 years: $8 5+ years: $12 Sat-Sun (and public holidays): Under 15 months -FREE Admission (valid until 3pm) 15 months to under 2: $8 2 years to 4 years: $10 5 years and over: $12 Parents FREE to Play! Adults (over 22 yrs)
Bumblebeez Indoor Playcentre and Cafe	27 Loop Rd, Werribee 3030	(03) 9742 2255	5 days per week (Closed Mon/Tues)         10am - 4pm	Babies 6 to 12 months using equipment         $5.00 Children 3 years of age & under                $6.00 Children 4 years of age & over                $8.00 Parents and children under 6 months                FREE
Buzy Kidz	3 Development Blvd, Mill Park, 3082	(03) 9437 7727	OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - WE ARE OPEN ON PUBLIC & SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Mon - Sun: 9am - 4pm
Child's Play Epping	Leisure City, 41 - 53 Miller St, Epping, 3076	(03) 9401 2222	Mon-Fri 9:30-5 Sat-Sun 9:30-3:30 Open public holidays	Under 6 months free 6months – under 2 years $6 2 years up to 5 years $9
Chuckles Children's Play and Party Centre	263 Edwardes St, Reservoir, 3073	(03) 9462 3980	Closed Mondays (except school holidays) Tuesday to Friday - 9.30am til 5.00pm Saturday - 10.30am til 5.00pm Sunday - 11.00am til 5.00pm	Adults & Crawlers up to 12 Months - FREE All other Kids - $5.50
Clowning Around Play Centre	2 Arthurton Rd, Northcote, 3070	(03) 9489 8085	Mon & Fri 9:30 - 4pm Tues - Thurs 9:30 - 5pm Sat - Sun 10am - 5pm	. Adults and babies (under 9 months) are free, 9 Months to 2 years old are $7.00 and kids 3 and up are only $8.00 entry.
Day Dreamers	61-71 Mcllwrick St, Windsor, 3181	(03) 9521 2170	9-5 Monday to Friday, 9-5:30 sat sun	$3.00 - 3- to 11 months, includes redeemable cafe voucher  $5.50 - 1-2 years old $7.50 - 3-4 years old  $8.80 - 5 years old & above $2.00 - per Adult
Dizzy's Castle	1 Mephan St, Maribyrnong, 3032	(03) 9318 1110	SCHOOL DAYS Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 9:30am - 3:00pm Friday: 9:30am - 8pm (subject to change) Saturday-Sunday: 9:30am - 6:00pm SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Mondays - Thursdays are 9:30am - 5:30pm Friday closing time subject to change	1-2 Years & 11 months: $7 3 Years & over: $12 Adults: FREE Entry is for unlimited play, so stay as long as you like!
Eco-playscape (previously Time out for Kids)	Shop 3, 1140 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully, 3156	(03) 9753 6488	Mon-fri 9:30-3:30 Weekend 10-4	Crawlers 5 Toddlers 7 Preschool 8         School 11
Fantasy World	Factory 6, Abruzzo Crs, Thomastown, 3074	(03) 9464 6199	MONDAY - FRIDAY - 10:00 - 4:30 SATURDAY - SUNDAY - 10:00 - 5:30	$7.00 Per child (12 months to 12 years) Tuesdays are half price day at Fantasy World.* *Excludes school holidays.
Jump 'N' Jiggle	Unit 7, 217 Mickelham Rd, Tullamarine, 3043	(03) 9330 0181	Open 7 days a week 9.30am - 5pm Private Functions from 5.30pm, 7 days a week	Newborns - 9mths and Adults FREE 9mths - 2years and 11 months $5.50 3 years & over $8.00
Junglemania	100 Village Ave, Taylors Lakes, 3038	(03) 9449 8822	Mon-fri 9-5 Sat sun 9-6	9months to 2 $7.50 2-12 9.50
Kids Space Indoor Play & Party Centre	7 days a week15c/56 Keys Rd. (03) 9553 1020 or 560 High Street. (03 8401 4788)	(03) 9553 1020	9.30am - 6.00pm	1-2 yrs: $7.00 3-5 yrs: $10.00 6-12 yrs: $12.00 Adults: $3.50* * includes free beverage
Kidz Zone	219 Sydney Rd, Coburg, 3058	(03) 9383 1977	Mon - Thurs 9.30am - 5.00pm Fri 9.30am - 7.00pm Sat - Sun 10:00am - 6:00pm	9 months - 2 years  $6.50, or ask about our 5 multi visit card 3 years - 12 years   $8.50, or ask about our 5 mulit visit card
Koko Jumbo	Unit 6, East Court, 101-155 Beresford Rd, Lilydale, 3140	(03) 9735 0881	Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 4.00pm Saturday: 9.30am to 4.30pm Sunday: 10.00am to 4.30pm	Crawlers (<2yrs): $3.50 Walkers (>2 yrs): $6.50 3 to 5 years: $7.00 6 to 12 years: 8.50
Little Creatures	323 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn, 3103	(03) 9077 2364	Monday - Friday  9.15am - 5.00pm Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm, Sunday - private party only
Lollipops Playland & Cafe	234 East Boundary Rd, Bentleigh East, 3165	(03) 9579	9.30am - 6.00pm 7 Days a week	Casual Play Prices incl GST   School Day Special  Regular Price (Weekends, School Holidays, Public Holidays) Super Entry ages 3 & over     $10.90   $11.90 Junior Entry ages 12 - 35 mths             $8.90                $9.90 Babies Entry Under 12 months             FREE                FREE Adults - includes one tea or coffee voucher - Birthday adults free     $3.50                $3.50
Playdays	East Donaster, Sandringham - check website for details,	1300 882 881	Monday to Sunday (check with centre regarding public holidays) 9:30am to 4:00pm Except Fridays from 9:30am to 3:00pm Closed over Easter: Friday - Monday	Under 6 months : $1.00 6 months - under 2 years : $6.00 2 years - under 6 years : $9.00 Adults : FREE
Playzone	6 Elonera Rd, Noble Park, 3174	(03) 9795 5200	9:30 am to 6:00 pm (SEVEN DAYS) Casual Entrance Price Trading Hours 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (SEVEN DAYS)	Under Age 2       $7.00 Age 3 - Age 5      $9.00 Age 6 and over  $11.00  Parents/Guardians free Specials After School Play $5.00 (from 3pm school days only)
Rare Bears	10 Bridge St, Eltham, 3095	(03) 9439 6619	Mon-Sun 9am-5pm	0 - 12 months - FREE 12 -36 months - $9.90 36 months and Over - $10.90
Rumbles Indoor Playcentre and Cafe	30 Yale Drv, Epping, 3076	(03) 9408 4250	Mon to Fri 10am to 3pm Sat & Sun 10am to 5pm	Adults and crawlers are FREE entry Walkers - 12 yrs $6.00 entry per child all day 1/2 PRICE Tuesday & Thursday
Wriggle It	Unit 2b, 445 Grimshaw St, Bundoora, 3803	(03) 9466 9502	Monday to Friday                           9am to 4pm Saturday                                          9am to 6pm Sunday                                            11am to 6pm	Under 12mths                              Free 12mth - 23mths                           $3.50 2 years                                           $7.00 3-8 years                                       $7.50 9-14 years                                     $10.50 Adults                                             Free
Xanadu Children's Indoor Playcentre	Unit 2, 151 Princes Hwy, Hallam, 3803	(03) 8795 7772	Mon. - Thurs.  9.00am - 5.00pm Friday             9.00am - 8..00pm Saturday        9.00am - 6.00pm Sunday        10.00am - 5.00pm For after school parties we close at 6.00pm	Up to 11  months             FREE * 1 - 2                                  $7.00 * 3 - 5                                  $9.00 * 6 - 14                                $11.00 * ADULTS Includes Drink   $  3.50
Yoyos Playland	108 Lewis Rd, Wantirna South, 3152	(03) 9801 6488	Monday – Thursday        9.30am : 3.30pm Friday    9.30am : 3pm Weekends Public Holidays  9.30am : 4pm	Children Under 2              $5.50                $6.00 Children 2 – 4 years         $8.00                $8.50 Children 5 years & Over                $9.50     $10.00