Kids
Kids events, family friendly and activities for children in Melbourne
Activities for kids in Melbourne
Fun places for families in Melbourne
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One perfect arts and culture weekend in Ballarat
Every two years, something pretty special happens in the Victorian city of Ballarat. Photographs from some of the best photographers in the world, plus a host of local talent, are displayed in venues throughout the city, enticing visitors from across Victoria. This year, the headline artist is Liu Bolin, who photographs elaborately painted human bodies hiding in plain sight. Bolin's Camouflage series, currently on display at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, includes painted people in front of colourful balloons, murals, vehicles and other improbable backdrops. The subjects are so expertly painted that it's nearly impossible to spot them without close examination. Bolin's work is only on display until October 20, and with Ballarat just an hour and a half from Melbourne, it's the perfect time to hit the road and get your culture fix for the weekend. There is so much to see and do in Ballarat that a day trip just won't cut it (plus, you definitely want to be able to sample the local wine, don't you?). If you make a weekend of it you can relax and enjoy the city, without feeling like you're rushing or missing out. Photographer Caitlin Mills recently spent a weekend in Ballarat exploring all of its art and culture. With her help, we've designed this weekend itinerary for any art lover or culture vulture. And if you need more inspo, you can head to visitballarat.com.au to help design your own itinerary – and even better, you can go into the running to win an incredible weekend away
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Mercedes Me is going sustainable with Joost Bakker and Returnr
We’ve all been there: you go to order a takeaway coffee only to realise you’ve left your reusable cup at home. Do you go without the coffee (risking caffeine withdrawal), or do you carry around the guilt that you’re contributing more waste to landfill? Well Mercedes Me are all too familiar with this scenario and have decided to take a stand. From September 9 to September 20, Mercedes Me will host a bespoke installation by environmental warrior Joost Bakker that cuts right to the heart of Australia’s (and the world’s) plastic crisis. Bakker’s installation combines 130kg of plastic waste collected from throughout Melbourne (130kg is the average amount of plastic used by each Australian every year) with tree branches to reflect almost literally the impact of waste on our environment. While the powerful installation will only be in store until September 20, Mercedes Me’s commitment to more sustainable café practices will continue long after its gone. Mercedes Me along with its coffee partner St Ali will be one of the first cafés in Australia to completely ditch takeaway cups and replace them with Returnr cups – a sustainable alternative. Returnr is a little like a rent-a-cup system. If you forget your reusable cup you can pay a $6 deposit and borrow aReturnr cup, pay for your coffee as usual, then when you return your cup to Mercedes Me (or any other participating café) you get your deposit back. Plus Mercedes Me is certified as a carbon neutral venue – meaning the venue offs
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Grand Final Day at Auburn Hotel
Even if your team didn’t make the finals this year you can still be a winner at Auburn Hotel. This Grand Final Day (that’s Saturday, September 28 in case you’re wondering) the grand Auburn Hotel is really into the festivities by transforming its spacious beer garden into a grandstand for the day and playing the nail-biting match on the Jumbotron screen. The Auburn’s grandstand experience is one of the most fun Grand Final Day experiences you can have, without having to sell your soul for a ticket at the ‘G. The hotel is getting a real set of bleachers installed in the beer garden right in front of the big Jumbotron television screens. You won’t have to empty your wallet for beer or food either. Tickets for the Grand Final Day grandstand package includes a bottomless drinks package (Furphy or wine) plus bottomless roving footy snacks. Prefer to watch the big game from the comfort of indoors? Auburn Hotel is also opening up its first floor to keen footy fans wanting somewhere exciting to watch the match. Plus those watching on level one also get the same bottomless food and drinks package as in the grandstand, so you won’t miss a minute of the action by having to go order food. Every second of the AFL Grand Final will be screened at Auburn Hotel so you and your mates don’t need to argue about who’s house is best to host the match. Tickets for both the grandstand and level one Grand Final Day packages at Auburn Hotel are on sale now.
Where to enjoy the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne
On Saturday, September 28 the last siren on of the AFL season will ring out across the hallowed grounds of the MCG. No matter who wins, Grand Final Day is always one of the most exciting days of the year for Melbourne, with even non-supporters keen to join in the city-wide celebrations. Of course the city’s bars and hotels are keen to get in on the action too, with a stack of special offers and packages available for those who want to watch the big game in style. Here are eight places to enjoy the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne.
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