24 September 2014

Taking the kids to Floriade

| Emily Morris
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My eldest daughter loves Floriade. I think it’s the rainbow of colour than wins her heart. This year, I am already being asked when we can go, so I thought I would look at what’s on for kids before heading out so that I can make an informed decision about when to go.

As school holidays approach, Floriade potentially presents a great opportunity to get the kids out and entertained for a day. But, as with most other school holiday activities, there are always a few potential cost pitfalls. Aside from the usual consumables, kids activity costs are:

The Ferris Wheel is $8 per person or $29 for four.
The tea cup ride, clowns and jumping castle are $5 each.
The giant slide is $5 for three goes.

Along with that, there are plenty of other activities that are free. My kids are still pretty young, so the organised activities that stand out to me are:

MATILDA’S FARMYARD

Matilda’s Farmyard Nursery brings cute and cuddly animals for viewing and patting.

Note: this weekend is the last for this one.

Saturday 13 September – Monday 29 September, 10am – 4pm

FACE PAINTING

Children can choose from 200 face painting and tattoo designs.

Saturday 13 September– Sunday 12 October, 10am – 4pm

THE CIRCUS PLAYGROUND

Kids can try their hand at juggling, balancing on stilts and walking beams.

Saturday 27 September – Sunday 5 October, 10am – 3pm

KITE MAKING WORKSHOPS

A chance for kids to decorate a kite and then see it fly!

Monday 29 September – Thursday 2 October, 10am – 4pm

DECORATING FUNKY POTS WORKSHOPS

Make a papier mache flowerpot and flower – to limit watering requirements!

Friday 3 October – Sunday 5 October, 10am – 4pm

There is plenty of other stuff going on for kids and details can be found here.

What I am concerned about is parking. I have heard a few tales of woe regarding scoring a car park. Has anyone got any guidance for minimal fuss and limiting tantrums (mine, not the kids) when it comes to finding a space?

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Floriade just one day away this year and all suited up. Last time i had to wait over 20 minutes for damn parking !

I took my just-turned 2 year old on Monday (so, NSW school holidays, but not ACT, which I assume affects numbers). We arrived a bit before 9.30am. Finding a park (off Commonwealth Ave) wasn’t a problem although it was filling up quickly. It was the line to pay for said parking that took forever – the other machine was so far away as to not be visible (I spotted it later). The machines accept coins and cards, which seemed to confuse people. We were in a group and did the petting zoo (our kids LOVED it even with lining up about 10 minutes) followed by a morning tea picnic (the coffee took another 10 minutes but we brought our own food) then the tea cups ride ($5 each, no line, kids loved it). Filled two hours which was plenty for our age group and made for a really great morning.

John Moulis said :

Ferris wheel $8.00? I remember in 1975 at the Taree Aquatic Festival with my cousin how I thought it outrageous that the ferris wheel had increased to 40c a ride from 20c the previous year.

Quick calculations reveal that the cost of a Ferris wheel ride has more than doubled in relation to AWOTE, from 2.7% to 6.1%.
WRT the price rise from 20c to 40c, I’d be blaming the Oil Crisis.

Ferris wheel $8.00? I remember in 1975 at the Taree Aquatic Festival with my cousin how I thought it outrageous that the ferris wheel had increased to 40c a ride from 20c the previous year.

Madam Cholet8:43 am 25 Sep 14

I would park at City West behind the police station on London Circuit and take the free Floriade open top bus from either of the two bus stops which are close by. It goes every 45 minutes. It’s detailed on the Floriade website.

Our 6 year old has been wanting to go on the red open top bus he sees around the place for ages. On looking up the prices last week we broke the news to him that it would not be possible as it would cost just about $100 for two adults and a child. $100!! No wonder it looks empty most of the time. It’s not that $100 is out of our price range, it’s just way over the top to get a bit of fresh air and see a few sights (if you are a genuine tourist).

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