Brisbane City Botanic Garden PLAYGROUND!!

If you haven't been to check out the new 

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Playground, 

then as they say,  

do yourself a favour....

This new park is located along the riverside walk of the City Botanical Gardens and it is totally awesome!!  We visited mid-week, around lunchtime, and there were even curious adults walking through and trying out all the cool interactive features this park has.

There are various musical stations including giant pipes, piano and drums, as well as those voice transponder things (?!) where you talk into one end of the pipe and it comes out at another end (and it actually works!!).

The physical space the park takes up is huge - so there could never be too many kids crowding the space, and from a parent-trying-to-keep-an-eye-on-my-kids perspective, it is all quite open so I could see my two monkeys no matter which part of the park they had raced of to explore.

There is a massive sandpit with lots of the mechanical diggers that kids just LOVE.

The park also caters for kids (and adults!) in wheelchairs with a spinning roundy thing that allowed for the safe securing of two wheelchairs, plus a special swing that allowed for safely securing both small and big kids.

We spent an hour at this park and it still was not long enough - we will definitely be back many many times as there is so much to explore at the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens Playground.

Ages:  1 - 101 years old.  This park is very much suitable for all ages.  There are plenty for the toddling kids as well as the bigger kids.

Getting There: We parked in Alice Street - $4/Hr, but you could also easily catch there ferry or bus.

What to Take:  Definitely pack your picnic rug and some snacks as the lush grass is so inviting and you may need a rest in between all the playing and exploring.  

Location:  The City Botanic Gardens Playground is located at 147 Alice Street, Brisbane City.  Follow the riverside walk along and you cannot miss it!

Picnic in the Roma Street Parklands

 Picnic Days at Roma Street Parklands

At the moment, in my house, Fridays are "Picnic Day" for me and my 3 year-old.  Master 5 is at school, there is no kindy for Master 3 and (hopefully) all my work is done.  So, we are free to pack a yummy lunch and a blanket and go get our picnic on at one of Brisbane's beautiful parklands.  

Getting There
Sometimes we train it, sometimes we drive. 

Either way, our park of choice in recent times is the rambling Roma Street Parklands.  With lush green grass, an abundance of shady trees and plenty of bbq's, the Roma Street Parklands are always popular, but never feel crowded.

Roma Street Parklands are super easy to get via train, as the station is a short stroll away.  

Parking is never a problem though, and it will cost you about $4 for an hour.  

An hour is usually just perfect for us - enough time to eat our own picnic, feed the ducks and fish, wander around the boardwalks and stepping stones of the pond, and explore along the banks where we undoubtedly spy water dragons and other creatures.

What to Take
We always make sure we pack some extra bread to feed the ducks and fish in the massive pond. There are some pretty big fish in that pond, and they can get quite aggressive when fighting other fish and ducks for the bread - the frothy melee entertains Master 3 no end.
 
You may want to take a ball or frisbee as there is truly so much space that you needn't worry about disrupting other picnic-goers.

The Facilities
A quick stop at the toilets before we leave is mandatory and these are toilets have always been clean and well maintained, with full soap-dispensers - such a relief when you are taking a toddler (or yourself) to the public toilets.

Chairs2Share
We noticed a couple of visits ago this sign that details a cute council initiative called Chairs2share.

These lovely deck chairs look so bright and cheery and are always utilised by groups and individuals - either enjoying a get together or simply chilling out on their lunch break.

It's little ideas like this that make Brisbane's local parks even better










Location:
1 Parkland Blvd
Brisbane Qld 4000
Phone (07) 3006 4545
Fax (07) 3006 4546

Things to Do:
Duck feeding
Lizard spying
Picnicing
Bbqing
Lily-pad hopping
Ball games
Relaxing
Lazing

FREE SPORTS FOR THE LITTLIES

COOL SPORTS FOR LITTLE KIDS

As a mum of two wild - ummm, I mean energetic - boys, I know the importance of getting the kids outside and just letting them burn off some energy.  With my oldest beginning Prep this year, I started looking for some FREE after school sporting activities.  I was after activities that were local and also relaxed (ie no need to book, and if you don't feel like turning up one week, that's a-okay).

I stumbled across the "Sports for Little Kids" on the Brisbane City Council website and it fits the bill perfectly.  Run by Coolsports and provided free of charge by the Brisbane City Council, this activity is totally just a matter of turning up and joining in (or watching, or playing on the playground... whatever takes your kids' fancy).

Yesterday was week 3 of these activities and they have been absolutely fantastic for my boys.  My 5-year old is the oldest and the youngest are just learning to walk.  Parents are encouraged to join in and the kids do a whole range of games and activities that promote hand-eye coordination and general sports skills.

Here are some pics from our first week at our local, however there are similar activities held all over Brisbane, so you'll be sure to find one nearby.  Check out their website for more info http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-on/audience/Kids-activities/index.htm#/?i=21. 

These days we can't escape the message about getting our kids off the couch and moving more - and we all know the physical, mental and social benefits of involving kids in sports and out of school activities - but for me there are two main benefits:

1. my own sanity - which is grave danger when I have both boys indoors for extended periods due to couch cushions being made into forts, lego boxes being emptied onto floors (for the 5th time that day!) and zoned-out kids infront of screen forgetting to get up and go to the toilet (I've become quite good at biting my tongue and "just breathing" when this one happens regularly).

2. happier bedtimes - which are earlier + less-stress due to absolutely knackered little boys who don't have the energy left to put up a fight.  Win-win!!

Oh and one last bonus is that I don't feel guilty for flicking on the tele when we get home, while I make dinner.  Woohoo - guilt-free screen time!

Have you found any other FREE/CHEAP after school activities that suit your family?  Drop me a line and let me know how you get your kids out and active.