Explore Australia - Mini Me Sydney

c o n t e n t s

When I was pregnant with my daughter, people used to say oh-so-helpful things like: Make the most of your free time, because you wont have any when youre a parent; or You think youre tired now? Just wait till you pop that baby out; or Your life is officially over. (Okay, I made that last one up, but you get the idea.)

Of course, comments like this are about as useful as a leaking nappy, unlike the book youre holding, which reinforces one of the many positive things about being a parent. And that is? You get to do heaps of fun stuff with your kid, reliving your own childhood in the process.

Within these pages youll find loads of ideas for fun things to do around Sydney with your little one. These range from places to play together museums, parks, gardens and the like to child-friendly cafes, and shops where youll covet the goods as much for yourself as for your child. Everythings aimed at kids aged zero through five, although most listings are perfect for older kids too.

Its a great introduction to the fascinating new world of parenthood, one that is simultaneously uncharted territory and yet strangely, and comfortingly, familiar.

MICHELLE BENNETT

I dont know which of my early childhood musical memories are strongest: the record player pumping out strident Beethoven symphonies; our tiny black kitten hiding underneath the pianola; or being livid, at age three, that I wasnt allowed to see Jon English in Jesus Christ Superstar with the rest of my family, having to stay with grandma instead.

I do know, though, that the varied snatches of melodies and harmonies from those early years opened my ears to a wide world of beautiful music, and I remain a lover of all kinds of music today.

For 30 years now, the Sydney Opera House has been introducing babies and toddlers to this enchanting aural world with Babies Proms, held in some of the smaller venues under the white sails. With humour, skill and a lot of patience, brilliant musicians from the Sydney Symphony and solo performers, such as the pianist Simon Tedeschi, bring classics to the kids.

Theres no intellectual stiffness here and certainly no expectation that the kids will sit and listen silently. Instead, they are encouraged to dance, sing, clap and occasionally play instruments. Its a joyful, festive celebration of all that quality music can be.

With some asides provided purely for the parents, the Proms really are a highly enjoyable concert in Sydneys number-one venue. Theyre kept short enough and active enough that no-one will be bored.

Seeing the kids eyes light up when they hear a tuba or see a trombone for the first time is musical treasure indeed that will be banked for the rest of their lives.

KEN EASTWOOD

Bennelong Point, Circular Quay, Sydney

(02) 9250 7777

www.sydneyoperahouse.com

See website for dates and times

Tickets $17$30 (child 11 months and under free)

Ahoy there, me hearties! If youve ever wanted to run away to sea, speak like a pirate (aye!) or you just think boats are pretty cool, then the Australian National Maritime Museum is the place to drop anchor to see what you can see, see, see.

Without question, the best thing about this museum are the real-life floating exhibits, such as the full-scale replica of the tall ship HMB Endeavour, Captain Cooks historic vessel; HMAS Advance, a 1960s navy patrol boat; HMAS Onslow, a vintage submarine; and HMAS Vampire, a naval destroyer with a name that youve gotta love.

Imagine the hardships endured by an 18th-century sailor, marvel at the cramped conditions of a submarine (though little kids will find they fit more easily into the subs tiny rooms) and set your sights on the gun turrets of a destroyer. To board the vessels, kids need to be over 90cm tall (generally around the age of three), and babes in arms arent allowed on due to safety regulations (which gives landlubbers who are more sea-fearing than seafaring a good excuse to stay on shore).

Theres also plenty to explore in the museums permanent galleries, with interactive games and displays from our land girt by sea, covering everything from the worlds fastest boat to surfboards and swimsuits.

During school terms, preschoolers can book into the museums Mini Mariners program, where two to five year olds join in weekly themed activities. Theyre entertained with games, craft and stories, as well as an interactive gallery tour led by a dude in a sea-themed costume. Finish off in the pirate-themed under-fives play area, before heading to the shop for some booty from the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea.

KAYTE NUNN

2 Murray St, Darling Harbour

(02) 9298 3777

www.anmm.gov.au

Open MonSun 9.30am5pm (FebDec), MonSun 9.30am6pm (Jan)

Adult $7, child $3.50, family $17.50

Dont you just love it when modern urban designers get it right? Why oh why does it happen so bloody rarely?!

For 100 years, this spot overlooking the Parramatta River was adjacent to an armaments storage and transfer area. The-bastards-who-run-our-lives could have done anything with it turned it into a toxic waste dump or sold it off to rich developer mates but instead they created the Blaxland Riverside Park, a popular and dynamic public play space, with perhaps Sydneys best playground to boot. There are walls and towers to climb, giant cargo nets, swings, ropes, flying foxes, slides, a mini-train on Sundays and a water play area.

The website states something that helicopter parents will hate, but I just adore: It is not intended to provide a totally risk free environment. Woo hoo. That means its actually great fun for the kids, and parents who still have a bit of spunk will enjoy having a romp around the equipment too.

But and this is the key this park isnt all about the kids. Theres an excellent cafe by the water, with above-average fare, a kiosk with a giant chess set, and a short stroll into the Newington Armory provides a free art gallery. There are also bikes to hire (some with attached kids seats) and long bike tracks to ride them on.

The list of excellence continues with free barbecues, plenty of shady spots, flat areas to kick a ball around on, and personal urban-designer medal coming up individual, special baby-change areas in both the male and female toilets (a step up from the usual unisex facilities).

Go just to see something thats been done right!

KEN EASTWOOD

Jamieson St, Newington

(02) 9714 7513 (Armoury Wharf Cafe)

www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/parks/blaxland_riverside_park