From Saturday 1 April to Thursday 13 April at O’Brien Group Arena, visitors can meet their favourite Marvel Character these Easter school holidays.

Two Marvel superheroes every day will meet and greet skaters who can snap a pose with their favourite character and let their favourite hero know their own superhero goals!

Then in the Superhero Zone, kids can take a break from the ice and explore the world of their favourite characters with craft activities.

Characters visiting O’Brien Group Arena are Spiderman, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and Black Widow.

The Easter School Holiday program will include:

• All day unlimited public skating - From 9am to late every day skate with DJ’s playing your favorite music across the two Olympic size ice rinks

• Meet your favourite Marvel characters – Between 11am and 2pm every day

• Super Hero Zone  - Between 9am and 3pm every day, where kids can take a break from the ice and explore the world of the the Avengers with craft activities

• Free face painting – for kids

• Under 8’s Ice Fun – Between 9am to 11am daily - toys, games and music, plus snow play areas for children to enjoy a totally different toddler experience with Ice Ambassadors to make sure both parents and children have some cool ice fun.

• Free Lessons – Beginners. Free with entry and designed to give non skaters the skills they require to enjoy their experience. Every hour from 11am to 2pm daily

• Free Lessons – How to Skate Backwards. Free with entry and designed to encourage skaters to improve their skills. Every hour from 11am to 2pm daily

Costs for the day are as follows;

• Adult - $27 including skate hire

• Child (6 to 14) - $23 including skate hire

• Child (3 to 5) - $14 including skate hire

• Family (two adults and two children) - $82 including skate hire 

The O’Brien Group Arena Ice Ambassadors will be on hand to help visitors of all ages improve their ice skating skills.

There will also be plenty of fantastic daily giveaways and prizes to enjoy.

For instant skating access, purchase your tickets online and spend more time skating and less time in queues! Check out their latest ticketing system here!

If you are looking for fun and exciting activities to help keep the kids occupied during the Easter school holidays, then O’Brien Group Arena has you covered.

Entry for all day unlimited skating and Easter school holiday activities:

O’Brien Group Arena continues its extensive promotions and partnerships well into summer, giving visitors the best value entry fees and ancillary offers available. These offers include a partnership with Melbourne Star (Observation Wheel) where guests can enjoy a 20% discount for a flight upon display of their skating ticket. 

The brand new and still growing, Harpley Estate is located off McGrath Road in Wyndham Vale, Victoria. 

This amazing space is a sensory delight! With visually appealing, sectioned areas, and winding paths to lead you through, the kids will run and play creatively and excitedly.

 

  

 

 

The play area consists of a large slide, a fort, monkey bars, swings and a flying fox. In addition, there are tunnels to crawl through, logs to jump across and lots of areas to discover. 

 

The six hectare space incorporates a wetland area with bridges and walking/bike tracks. There is a large grass area to watch the kids run free and play happily! BBQ and sheltered areas are found scattered through the precinct but toilets were not seen.

 

On of Merrijig Drive, Torquay, you'll find this amazing combination of play space and skate park. 

The skate park has a whopping 12ft bowl for the experienced and an undercover street course for levels. The locals love this space and are often here with kids and adults alike loving the opportunity to drop in! 

Yes another week has past and Bob has been up to his same old tricks! 

 

 

 

 

 

As Christmas fast approaches, there is always a need for Christmas gifts for the kiddies or family members! Usually, there is someone I've forgotten or left to the last minute because I didn't know what to get! 

So the kids have trialled a few items that you might be able to use this Christmas! 

This awesome Smiggle Christmas pack is perfect for the kids who have it all! You can't go wrong with Smiggle, everyone loves a kooky pencil case or a lunch box for kinder! 

Teletubbies are an Australian favourite. La La and all the crew have been entertaining kids for many years and still haven't lost their touch. With this play set and plush, your little ones can hours or imaginative play and soothing sleep. 

Christmas is a tough time for some people. It is import to remember that there are others suffering or missing out. Be sure to see what your local area is doing to assist those who are in need. I know we have a spare chair initiative where we can invite someone who would be spending Christmas alone to join your families celebrations!

 

Barnardos, is in its 10th year with the project, Gifts for Kids. These guys make sure that there are kids out there that won't miss out this Christmas! PLEASE head to their website and see what you can do to assist the underprivileged Aussie kids this Christmas 🎄 

 

Anxiety in children has become a huge part of my life, with Zarah having suffered symptoms of anxiety for about 5 years.

Learning about and understanding anxiety has been a journey! There are so many conflicting articles, ideas and guides that will have you pulling your hair out!! But as a mother to four children, I know that every child is their own person and will respond to different processes. 

Zarah, like many children, are comforted by routine and calmness. Once things get a bit hectic she loses her way and needs help. But other than prepacking lunch boxes and ensuring we are on time, what else can we do? Mediation at night and routines are a must but then school holidays hit and we all fall into a heap! Routine is out the window and we are all in each other's pocket!

With the release of Angry Birds on digital and DVD, the ultimately awesome Bonnie Morgan has created a mindful guide for young children. 

Bonnie has over 20 years experience teaching primary school children plus a masters in wellness education. Her passion for teaching has allowed her to come together with The Angry Birds crew and release a series of mindful exercises to help children create positive attitudes and encourage reflection. This exercises are aimed at young children and assist with ever growing level of anxiety in our children. 

Red bird is brace enough to be himself, regardless of what other think! Use the Red Bird exercises to help build confidence and create courageous kids. 

Chuck is the yellow bird and is the happy one! Creating a positive environment will allow your child to identify their feelings and be more mindful! Use the Yellow Bird exercises for a positive change! 

Matilda will give children an insight into being mindful through a variety of exercises that will help to calm and think situations through thoughtfully. Let Matilda show them the way! 

I hope these help you keep the peace these school holidays, and allow you and your child to connect and take a moment together. It really can't hurt can it? 

Blinky Bill started as a classic children's book series back in the 1930's. And has never been out of print in Australia either. It then went on to become a feature film in 1992 when Blinky Bill: The Mischievous Koala was released, not only here but world wide. I myself remember going to see this one with my nan! Throughout the 90's Blinky Bill was aired on ABC and still now will show up on their rotation. Blinky Bill: The Mischievous Koala was created into a TV series and aired in the US and over 80 other countries too. Still to this day, it will rate as one of the top 20 children's tv programs.

More recently, Blinky reappeared on our Big Screens with the release of Blinky Bill the Movie completing the comeback of the TV pheromone. This was a perfect lead up to the new and upcoming TV series that is due to hit our screens later this year on 7TWO.

Months after his release from the jungle comedian Akmal Saleh will heading to the outback – joining the voice cast of the new Blinky Bill TV series “The Wild Adventures of Blinky Bill” as Blinky’s best friend, Jacko the frill-necked lizard. 

Set a few years after the feature film, the television series sees a slightly older Blinky (voiced by Cam  Ralph) taking on the role as defender of his outback home with his best friend, the wise-cracking  and loveable Jacko (voiced by Akmal Saleh).  Armed with a knack for mischief and an unstoppable imagination, Blinky and Jacko take on the outback, turning even the simplest challenges into epic adventures.

Akmal is one of Australia’s most respected and accomplished comedians. His list of credits include movies, stand-up, TV appearances, radio DJ, talk show host and he is a published author. He has appeared at festivals all around the world, including Adelaide Fringe Comedy Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Montreal ‘Just For Laughs’ Festival, Vancouver Comedy Festival, New Zealand Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Produced by Sydney-based Flying Bark Productions, the CGI animated TV series is the latest incarnation of the iconic Aussie character following on from last year’s box office success, Blinky Bill the Movie.

I'm excited to see this iconic Australian figure back on our screens! I hope you do too! Keep an eye out on 7TWO!

This week we have been busy using a little creative energy ... that doesn't involve glitter ...Oh my how the glitter drives me crazy!!

Instead, we have been using our imaginative thinking. I have created these little sheets that you can use to create a story. I have had Lexi tell me what she wants each page to be about, I write the words, she does the pictures and then we staple them together to create her own story book!

She was so proud of her book, taking it with us so she can show everyone and explain to them the pictures and share her book, the one she made ...

If you would like to create a book, or a page, with your little one, please feel free to click through and print them off for your family today!

Disney Frozen High Tea

This May, add a splash of blue and a touch of Disney to your wintery weekend at the Frozen High Tea party!

Dress to impress in your favourite Frozen character costume and enjoy a day of Arendelle inspired treats, activities and games at the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins on Saturday 28th May or Sunday 29th May.

There will be a menu fit for a princess, with snowflake cookies, Elsa's Coronation sandwiches, Olaf's savoury coconut popcorn, melted Olaf panna cotta and much more!

With a program jam packed with Frozen themed activities, little ones will be busy snapping selfies in the Frozen Portrait Studio, jumping into a Frozen 'snow pit', getting crafty with a mask making and colouring and of course, the day wouldn't be complete without letting it go in a group singalong with all your favourites!

Children's tickets are $85.00 and $99.00 per adult and all children under 17 will take home a special gift!

The Sofitel Melbourne On Collins' Disney Frozen High Tea will be held in the Grand Ballroom during the following times;

Saturday 28 May 2016: 10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm
Sunday 29 May 2016:   10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm

If you would like to know more or to make a booking, head to the Sofitel Melbourne website or call (03) 9653 7744

Please note, live characters will not appear at this event. ***** 

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I have the best memories of seeing the circus when I was young. Just a little girl, with a bag of popcorn inside the huge tent. I would watch on in awe as the circus people did their thing. Twenty or so years later, I still get the same feeling watching a circus act.

The lights and the sounds and the smells transport you to an amazing place that takes your breathe away!

Silvers Circus is a household name in Australia and after almost forty years on the road maintains all the sparkle, glamour and death defying acts expected of Australia’s premier circus. Silvers Circus continues to provide jaw dropping entertainment for the whole family with new locations just announced for 2016.

The 2 hour action packed show, featuring the Ringmaster and master illusionist Simon Tait, includes all sorts of fanciful acts, including tight wire, juggling, the globe of death, hoola hoops and with many more world class acts, Silvers Circus is guaranteed to tap into the nostalgia we all hold for a unique  circus experience.

Coming to a town near you, this years tour will include the likes of Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat, Richmond and Roxburgh.

Win!!

I have three family passes to give away to the first stop on the tour Bacchus Marsh! If you live in the area or would be able to attend between the 11th and 15th of May, head over the Facebook Page, give me a like and tell me what day you would like to go on the Silvers Circus post! TOO EASY! 

T&C's

Must be an Australian resident

Tickets are not transferrable or redeemable for cash

Only available for the Bacchus Marsh shows between the 11th and 15th of May. 

Competition opens Friday 6th May at 6:00pm and closes Monday 9th May 7:00pm

Tour Information

Location:         Bacchus Marsh – Rotary Park – Corner of Lerderderg, Young & Bennett Streets

Dates:                      Wednesday 11^th - Sunday 15^th May, 2016

Tickets:                   Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

OR call the circus direct on 0413 880 044 or  0413 844 241

Prices:                                                         Adults                     Children (3-12yrs)             Pensioners/Full-time students 

Ringside                         $40                           $30                                             $35

Elevated Chairs            $35                           $25                                             $30

Side Chairs                    $30                           $20                                             $25

Wednesday 11^th                                                               7.30pm                                   

Thursday 12^th                                                                                 7.30pm

Friday 13^th                                                                                       7.30pm

Saturday 14^th                                            1.00pm                   7.30pm                 

Sunday 15^th              11.00am

Location:         Ballarat Showgrounds - Creswick Road, Ballarat   

Dates:                      Wednesday 18^th – Sunday 29^th May, 2016

Tickets:                   Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

OR call the circus direct on 0413 880 044 or  0413 844 241

Prices:                                                         Adults                     Children (3-12yrs)             Pensioners/Full-time                              

                                                                                                                                                   students 

Ringside                          $40                           $30                                             $35

Elevated Chairs             $35                           $25                                             $30

Side Chairs                     $30                           $20                                             $25

Wednesday 18^th                                                            7.30pm

Thursday 19^th                                                                              7.30pm

Friday 20^th                                                                    7.30pm

Saturday 21^st                                           1.00pm                  7.30pm                 

Sunday 22^nd                                            1.00pm

Monday 23^rd                                            NO SHOWS

Tuesday 24^th                                    NO SHOWS

Wednesday 25^th                                                                          7.30pm

Thursday 26^th                                                                              7.30pm

Friday 27^th                                                                    7.30pm                 

Saturday 28^th                                  1.00pm                  7.30pm

Sunday 29^th              11.00am

Location:         Roxburgh Park -  240 Somerton Rd, Roxburgh

Dates:                      Wednesday 1^st June – Sunday 19^th June, 2016

Tickets:                   Ticketmaster 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

OR call the circus direct on 0413 880 044 or  0413 844 241

Prices:                                                         Adults                     Children (3-12yrs)             Pensioners/Full-time students 

Ringside                          $40                           $30                                             $35

Elevated Chairs              $35                           $25                                             $30

Side Chairs                      $30                           $20                                             $25