How To Keep Kids Entertained at Easter

Are you looking for free or fun kids activities to entertain the little ones?

Here's a list of fun activities and games for the kids (and the whole family) to enjoy this Easter!

Free Easter Bunny Game

Travelling this Easter? If you need something free and fun to keep the kids entertained, download this highly addictive, cute bunny app to their smartphone or tablet for hours of fun.

Visit here for the bunny game via Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/

Free Craft Ideas

Have hours of creative fun with pipe cleaners to create creatures, aliens, trees, characters, bugs and more. Or for the girls, a beautiful cut-out fashion doll with clothes for hours of mix-n-match fun!

Visit here for pipe cleaner crafts: http://www.messforless.net/2013/05/20-pipe-cleaner-crafts-and-activities.html#more

Visit here for reindeer craft: http://spoonful.com/crafts/rudolph-red-nosed-handprint

Visit here for fashion doll cut-outs: http://foldingtabs.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/paper-dolls-by-siyi-lin.html

Free Slime Recipe! 

Have your kids always wanted to make slime and goo? Follow this simple recipe for the best slime ever!

Visit here for full instructions: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/09/kids-in-the-kitchen-slime/

Free Books to Read

Want to read free story books to your kids? Are you travelling and want to bring downloable books?

There are plenty online that you can download for free - from classics such as Wizard of Oz, Madeline, The Little Engine that Could, Frosty The Snowman and more.

Visit here for books to download: http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/finding-free-kids-books-online-books-for-kids

The Royal Easter Show

It's that time of the year for baby animals, fairy floss, rides and showbags time! Here's a list of fun activities to do at the Easter Show.

1. Farmyard Nursery

Baby ducks, chicks, goats, puppies and lambs – oh my! Open every day during the show, the farmyard nursery is one of the highlights for many nippers. Barwen Ave. Mon-Fri 9.30am-6.30pm. Sat, Sun 9.30am-7pm.

2. Milking Barn

Watch cows being milked by hand the traditional way and see butter churn. Kids can hand-milk one of Luke and Jess’s good-natured cows. Hordern Sprung. Daily 9am, 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 4pm. Ages 4-12 years.

3. Sheep shearing

Over 250 sheep will be shorn over the two weeks, and youngsters and the young at heart can try their hand at shearing a sheep or watch shearers demonstrate their skills on stage. Sheep and Fleece Pavilion.

4. The Food Farm

Collect eggs, dig for veggies, roll pastry and mill grain at the Food Farm. Authors of Yum Yum, Where Does Our Food Come From? Cathie and Emily Colless, will be at the Farm for a storytelling session. Food Farm.

5. Kids’ stage shows

Meet Dirtgirlworld, Shaun the Sheep, Puss in Boots, Alvin the Chipmunk, Bananas in Pyjamas, all the best Moshi Monsters and a host of star-studded entertainers. Big Top Amphitheatre. Daily at various times.

6. Rides

Tea Cups! Double-decker carousels! The Jurassic Coaster! As always, there are fairground rides for every showgoer, from the thrillseeker to the little ones racing each other down the rainbow lanes of the Super Slide.

7. Cute baby animals

Each year, there are close to 14,000 animals on site, ranging from alpacas to cattle, horses, dogs, piglets, goats and many more. Get the chance to pet baby chicks, piglets, ponies, bunnies, you name it they have it!

Cost: Adult $38.50 | Child $23.50 | Family $111.60 | Concession $28.50

More info: http://www.eastershow.com.au/

Minecraft 100 Kids’ Workshop

Welcoming all age groups and Minecraft skill levels, this full-day workshop will occupy a custom Minecraft game space in the Powerhouse Museum – and create a few of the blocks, textures or elements and you’ll be part of a massive building collaboration with over 100 players.

Cost: Price from $90.00

Where: Powerhouse Museum 500 Harris St Ultimo 2007

When: 12-27 Apr - Open Daily, 10am-3.30pm

More info: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/thinkspace/course/minecraft-100/

Easter Egg Hunt, 19th-Century Style

Decorate an Easter egg basket and put it straight to use in the annual Easter egg hunt around the gardens and grounds of the beautiful Elizabeth Farm. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Price includes one accompanying adult.

Cost: $15.00

When: Sun 20 Apr | Open 11am-noon, 1-2pm

Where: 70 Alice Street Rosehill 2142 (Nearby Station: Parramatta)

More info: http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/events/great-egg-hunt-elizabeth-farm

Get Active!

Want to take the kids out for an adventure?

Kids in the Park is massive fun for kids of all ages, whatever their passion. School holiday activities happen every day from 12 to 27 April 2014 at the Sydney Olympic Park. Kids in the Park offers the largest range of school holiday activities in NSW and is your one-stop shop to keep the kids happy and entertained. Best of all there are heaps of FREE and affordable things to do for $20 or less.

Here are a mix of the awesome activities on offer:

Drawing Artexpress:

http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/Artexpress_Kids_in_the_Park_workshops_school_holiday_activities

iSkate Monster: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/iskate_Australia_@_monster_school_holiday_activities

BMX Club Racing: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/sports_to_play_events/sydney_bmx_club_racing_day

G.A.M.E.S. Sports Centre:

http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/g.a.m.e.s_school_holiday_activities

Flying Trapeze: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/flying_trapeze_school_holiday_activities

• Cost: Check each activity - some are free, some have fees
• Where: Sydney Olympic Park, NSW
• More info: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park

TreeTop Adventure

TreeTop Adventure Park in Abbotsbury is one of three eco-friendly treetop obstacle courses in New South Wales, with flying foxes, climbing nets, dangling Tarzan-like liana branches, monkey bridges, rafts, trapeze bars and ladders. And it’s lots of fun.

• 

Cost: Price from $25.00 to $45.00

Time: Open Daily, 9am-6pm; from Apr 27 to Sept 18: Sat, Sun 9am-4.30pm

More info: http://www.treetopadventurepark.com.au/

Wannabees Family Play Town

Wannabees Family Play Town is an indoor play centre that enables children to role-play at their dream jobs – from police officers and fire fighters to TV producers and postal workers. Wannabees has created a mini-city where kids can dress up and play with mock tools and equipment, like buying and selling at the mini supermarket, sliding down a fire pole or pretending to style their friend’s hair in the mini salon. 

Where: 1-3 Rodborough Rd Frenchs Forest 2086

When: Mon-Tue 9.30am-2pm, Wed-Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9.30-5pm

Cost: from $12.90 to $15.90

More info: http://www.wannabees.com.au/

Wizards Workshop

Create a magical collage, complete with cauldrons, cobwebs and fantastical creatures, where your wizard works on his spells and potions. 

For ages: 5-12 years

Cost: FREE!

When: Wednesday 16 April @ 2pm - 3pm

Where: Marrickville Library - Cnr Marrickville & Petersham Rds, Marrickville 2204

More info:

http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/Global/Library/Events%20and%20activities/Holiday%20activities%20Apr%202014_Children's%20Services_flyer_web1.pdf

Ahoy Sailors! 
Visit the Australian Maritime Museum to be a sailor for a day OR check out the amazing sea creatures:

Kids On Deck: Every Sunday during term | 11 am - 3 pm daily

• A fun-filled activity and art-making space for primary-school aged children and their families. In March be inspired by our navy vessels and make your own badges, periscopes, temporary tattoos, paper submarine or destroyer. In April and May dive into the world of amazing cetaceans with creative art making and science activities, dress ups and interactive games.
• For ages: 5-12 years
• Cost: $8.50 per child, FREE members/Big Ticket. Adults general museum fees apply
• Bookings: No bookings required
• Opening times: Every Sunday during term. Hourly sessions 11 am - 3 pm
• More info: http://www.anmm.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1242

Amazing Cetaceans Science Show: Sunday 13 - Thursday 17 & Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 April | @ 10.30 am, 11.30 pm and 12.30 pm

• Investigate the incredible biology of ocean mammals with weird and wacky experiments in our interactive science shows.
• For ages: For all ages!
• Cost: Free with museum entry
• Time: Sunday 13 - Thursday 17 & Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 during April school holidays at 10.30am, 11.30 am & 12.30pm
• Booking: No bookings required
• More info: http://www.anmm.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1242

Easter in Sydney - Accommodation for the Whole Family

Metro Hotels has the following Easter Accommodation Packages.  A great Sydney stay for the whole family

• Easter Holiday Special at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

• Easter Family Package at Metro Hotel on Pitt

• Aspire Family Easter Package

• Easter Break at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

visit http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special to view all Metro Hotel Accommodation Hot Deals currently available.

Easter Break at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour - Metro Hotels

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour are offering this Easter Break accommodation offer for $199.00* per night including:

• Complimentary chocolates 

Book this Easter Break at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

View Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Terms and Conditions:

• Minimum Two Night Stay
• Subject to availability
• Non-refundable
• Offer valid until 30th April 2014

A Booming Easter Show Still True to its Roots

EASTER SHOW 2012 – ALL YOU NEED TO NOW

IT began as a market store at Parramatta in 1823, when farmers from across the state gathered to sell their animals and compete for ribbons – and bragging rights.

Today, the Sydney Royal Easter Show has evolved from those humble beginnings to become the largest annual event in the southern hemisphere, attracting almost one million visitors each year. Royal Agricultural Society heritage centre manager Karen Finch said the vegetable and livestock contests were established in 1823 to improve breeding throughout the colony.

In the early years, the competitions were predominantly for horses and cattle but it has since grown into a chance to showcase 14,000 animals, including rats, rabbits, reptiles and goats.

The show’s first days were tough. Drought and a lack of organisation stopped the competition from the 1830s until 1869, when it was re-established at Prince Alfred Park with animals, fruit, vegetables and arts and crafts.

A decade later a concept for the district exhibits was mooted but it wasn’t until 1900 that the now popular agricultural display was showcased.

Rising rents forced the show to relocate to Moore Park in 1882 – and just under two decades later the fun arrived. The first ride was a two-carriage car that had a top speed of 50km/h, while showbags began as samples from exhibitors. The show went on during WWI but not surprisingly attendance numbers dropped.

It was closed during WWII. Just 20 years later sideshow alley was created, where curious visitors could leer at freak shows that included the world’s tallest man, shortest man, a hairy woman and siamese (conjoined) twins.

The voyeuristic exhibits were banned in 1954. That same year Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, attended.

A subsequent brush with royalty came in 1988 when the Queen’s daughter Princess Ann visited. In more recent years celebrities including Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman and Elle Macpherson have brought their children to experience the thrills and spills.



In 1998 it was relocated to Sydney Olympic Park, which is where the show will kick off tomorrow with more rides, showbags and animals than ever before.

This year also celebrates 50 years of showgirls, which is no ordinary beauty pageant – winners are judged on their passion for the land and knowledge of rural affairs.

“The difference these days is that women are more educated and worldly,” Ms Finch said. She added that the show concept had not changed over the years and was true to its original idea of bringing the country to the city as well as improving breeding standards through competitions.

“It promotes agriculture’s best and still serves its purpose of bringing country people together,” she said.

Sydney Royal Easter Show Kicks Off

THE Sydney Royal Easter Show kicks off today with new shows, news rides and more showbags than ever.

The show will feature 13,000 animals, 29,000 competitive entries and pump an estimated $500 million into the state's economy.

A record 331 showbags have been revealed with 130 showbags under $10 to help the family budget.

The Wild Ride of Cobb & Co will be the centrepiece of the Main Arena Spectacular each night.

The new production is a tribute to those who delivered mail, passengers, gold and supplies to the regions from 1854 to 1924, organisers say.

The show will also feature the new act Lumberjack Show, Australia's tallest steer, international rodeo as well as old favourites including woodchop, the Grand Parade and the animal nursery.

About one million people are expected to attend the show at Sydney Olympic Park.

Did you know that the Easter Long Weekend will be 5 days long in 2011??!!

The Easter Long Weekend will be 5 days long in 2011??!!

Why?

Because Easter Monday falls on the 25th April which is also ANZAC Day and therefore the ANZAC Day public holiday has been moved to Tuesday 26th April 2011 (in most states and territories of Australia).

Good Friday - 22nd April 2011
Easter Saturday - 23rd April 2011
Easter Sunday - 24th April 2011
Easter Monday - 25th April 2011
ANZAC Day public holiday - 26th April 2011

So now that you have five straight days of holidays why not take a break and enjoy the extra long weekend.

For great accommodation deals and packages go to http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special

Easter Australian Style - Easter Australia

Britain has lots of Easter traditions such as the kids favourite Easter animal; the Easter bunny and the joys of the Easter egg hunt. You may think that most other countries that celebrate Easter would have many of the same traditions and whilst that is true, some of the traditions have a rather surprising twist to them. So let’s have a look at how Australia celebrates Easter.

Easter is traditionally associated with spring and new birth. It’s the time when blossom starts to appear on our bare trees and the first daffodils are peeping out of the ground. Lambs and chicks are popular images with children as the dead, dark, dreary days of winter finally give way to the life and joys of Spring. But of course April in Australia is not in the Spring, instead Easter is celebrated in the Autumn when the countryside is bathed in glorious colours of gold, burgundy, deep purples and dazzling orange hues. So for Australians, Easter is when they bid farewell to summer and start making preparations for the coming of winter.

The Australian Easter is generally a four day weekend, starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday. Every shop is closed on Good Friday and it is the only day of the year when newspapers are also unavailable – an event unheard of in the UK! The religious significance remains the same, with many Christian Australians observing mass on either Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

The Easter Bilby

Now the Easter bunny – what could be cuddlier? This friendly little chap traditionally goes around with a basket of eggs hiding them in your garden all ready for that Easter egg hunt. The tradition started in Germany and the bunny was seen as a symbol of fertility, perhaps some couples hoped the bunny would bring more than eggs to their houses. However in Australia the bunny has a rather different perception and it’s none too friendly.

Rabbits are responsible for the destruction of vital vegetable crops in Australia and because of that destructive trait they are not generally welcome sights at Easter, in fact the Foundation for a Rabbit-Free Australia discourage shops from stocking chocolate bunnies. Rather than the Easter bunny therefore, the Aussies came up with their own Easter animal – Bilby.

Chocolate Bilbies are now popular in Australia.

The bilby is a rabbit-eared Bandicoot that is currently endangered in Australia. The idea of the bilby replacing the Easter bunny is thought to have come about from the South Australia National Parks Service. The Foundation for a Rabbit-Free Australia have successfully campaigned for the Bilby to become the traditional Australian symbol of Easter. And with its long floppy ears, large dark eyes and pointed nose it’s just as cuddly and cute as its British counterpart. The famous Australian author Jeni Bright wrote a story about Burra Nimu, the Easter Bilby for children to further the cause of replacing the traditional bunny with the bilby.

Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

The Hot Cross Bun also has a different variation in Australia. Not to be seen to be missing out on life’s treats, the dried fruit is replaced with chocolate chips and the spiced mixture of the dough has another ingredient – cocoa. Making the Australian hot cross buns deliciously different.

Royal Easter Show

Each Easter Sydney plays host to the famous Royal Easter Show, a unique agricultural show where the very best of Australian produce is proudly showcased and exhibited. Everything from farm animals to fruit and veg is displayed here – but only the best of the best! The event has now become a spectacular carnival and a much celebrated date in Sydney’s calendar. Other highlights are fairground rides, fireworks, amazing robot displays, parades and of course the tasting of Australia’s finest cuisine.

Egg Knocking

In families all over Australia the Easter game of egg-knocking will be played. Everyone involved has to find a partner and then choose an egg each – these can be chocolate eggs, hard boiled or for the more adventurous, fresh eggs. One partner then taps the other’s egg with their own and so on, each taking it in turns to tap the egg. The first egg to crack loses and the winner is then free to challenge the winner of another pair. The game continues until there is only one egg left which the winner presumably has to eat. Especially if it’s a fresh egg and the winner is being all smug about winning.

Easter Egg Hunts

The huge Easter egg hunt in Bendigo.

Of course Australia observe the traditional Easter egg hunts, but this being Australia, some of the egg hunts are organised in slightly unusual places, such as the Dolphin Scuba Diving Centre in Perth where chocolate eggs are hunted by divers. One of Australia’s biggest Easter egg hunts is organised by Vision Australia, a charity that works with visually impaired people. Over 75,000 eggs are hidden in Bendigo, Victora on Good Friday and around 2,500 children participate in the egg hunts every year. Blimey, that’s 30 eggs per child!

However you choose to celebrate Easter this year, everyone here at Embrace Australia wishes you a happy and peaceful Easter. Do remember to bookmark us for all the latest news on Australian immigration, travel and culture and visit our online forum for friendly chat and debate. Don’t eat too much chocolate – save some for us!

Looking for Easter Holiday Accommodation? Metro Hotels


By Lisa Valentine www.embraceaustralia.com

Easter Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

See the following Easter Packages at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour:

$20.00 above Best Available Rate (14th April - 21st April)
$370.00 per night (Min 2 night stay) Standard Apartment  (22nd April - 27th April)

$420.00 per night (Min 2 night stay) Darling Harbour View Apartment (22nd April - 27th April)

Easter packages include a Privilege Card offering discounts off attractions and dining in Sydney

Book this Easter Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour 

View Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Terms and Conditions:

• Minimum 2 night stay
• Offer valid 14th April - 27th April 2011
• Based on 2 people sharing
• Extra $40.00 per person with a maximum of 4 persons per apartment