events

National

WALK TO CURE DIABETES
17 October

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is raising funds to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications on Sunday October 17 with the Walk to Cure Diabetes. Each year the walk brings together 40,000 people across Australia with a shared goal of raising $2 million to find a cure for this devastating disease. JDRF was founded by parents of children with type 1 diabetes and is now the world's leading non-profit contributor to type 1 diabetes research. For more information visit walk.jdrf.org.au.

HUGGIES DENIM NAPPIES TO SUPPORT JEANS
FOR GENES DAY
In support of the national Jeans for Genes campaign, an event that raises money for vital research into the prevention of genetic diseases, Huggies has produced their Denim Designs range.

The limited run denim-look nappies are available in four designs for boys and girls and are also available as Baby Wipes. Both are the same price as regular Huggies Nappies, (Toddler 36 and Walker 32), $20.95 and Baby Wipes, $6.35. By purchasing from the range you will help support a $180,000 donation to the Children’s Medical Research Institute from the makers of Huggies, Kimberly-Clark Australia.

Available from leading supermarkets from mid July through to mid August, or while stocks last. For more information go to huggies.com.au.

National

AUSTRALIA'S UNITY WALK FOR PARKINSON'S
August & September

The Parkinson’s Unity Walk is back for another year to raise money that goes towards vital research into Parkinson’s disease.

Over 80,000 people in Australia are living with Parkinson’s disease and almost 25 new cases are diagnosed each day. It is the second most common neurological disorder in Australia so get your family together to raise funds for this important cause.

Early bird registration for the 4.5km walk is $20 for adults and $12 for children aged five to 15 years. Group prices are also available. The Sydney and Melbourne walk will be held on 29 August and the Adelaide and Perth walks on 12 September. Go to unitywalk.com.au for more details on locations and how to register.

National

BIG4 HOLIDAY PARKS KIDS STAY FOR FREE
1 July - 31 August

From the 1 July to 31 August all kids stay free at over 50 BIG4 Holiday Parks around Australia. The aim is for families to have the opportunity to get away this winter and treat the kids to a small break. To take advantage of this offer visit big4.com.au and browse for participating parks. The promo code is ‘kids4free’.

National

COME CAMP WITH BIG4
5 November

On 5 November this year BIG4 is encouraging everyone to give camping a go by providing a free night of camping with their Come Camp 2010 event held at any of their BIG4 Holiday Parks. Last year over 10,000 outdoor enthusiasts spent a night under the stars in one of their 180 holiday parks. A percentage of the proceeds raised from the sale of BIG4 memberships during the event go to supporting their charity, The Humour Foundation’s Clown Doctors. Head to big4.com.au/comecamp for more information on this great event!

National

The BiC Express Yourself Competition
June 20 to August 15

BiC is looking to find the nations’ unsung artists with a free competition that hopes to get all Aussiess expressing themselves through artistic designs. Entrants can submit their designs online with a range of virtual BiC tools. There are iPads and BiC packs to be won! Goes live from June 20 to August 15, head to bicexpressyourself.com.au for more details and to enter.

National

BACKPACKS 4 AUSSIE KIDS
Ongoing

Backpacks 4 Aussie Kids is a non-profit project that fills backpacks and nappy bags with essential and personal items for kids going into foster and kinship care. They supply foster care agencies with appropriate bags to give to kids who are being placed into care that have little or no belongings.

The online store runs auctions on recycled and new items, with all proceeds going to the organisation. Go to backpacks4aussiekids.org for more info.

National

YOU CAN FUNDRAISING APPEAL
Ongoing

The Sony Foundation together with CanTeen has launched a national fundraising campaign to raise $15 million to build youth cancer centres in Australia. The You Can appeal addresses the need for specialised youth cancer treatment centres for persons aged 15 to 25.

You can get involved by recycling old mobile phones. It estimated that there are anywhere from 15 to 20 million unwanted phones in Australian homes. The Sony Foundation has partnered with Folmah, an Irish recycling company, to swap old mobile phones for cash. For more information on the You Can campaign and how to contribute visit youcan.org.au.

National

MATHILDA'S MARKETS
Various dates nationwide

The cream of Australia’s craftspeople and designers come together annually for this Mathilda’s Market event, selling their handmade baby and kids’ products. Some of the funkiest outfits, bedroom decorations, furnishings, toys, accessories, bags, shoes, instruments and more are displayed at this event. What’s more, you get to meet the makers face-to-face and purchase a range of products to suit any budget.
Mathilda’s Markets are held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra and this year have been introduced to Adelaide and Hobart. For further information on dates and stalls check out mathildasmarket.com.au.

New South Wales

TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC
17 October

Grab your favourite teddy and head on down to Rosehill Gardens on Sunday 17th October for a fun family day out. Now in its 30th year, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic continues to raise vital funds for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead with a day of activities and entertainment. The 2010 line up includes jumping castles and rides, petting zoos, face painting, showbags and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Live Stage Show. To book tickets head to ticketmaster.com.au and for more information visit teddybearspicnic.com.au.

New South Wales

WHALE WATCHING SYDNEY
Ongoing

Looking to have a whale of a time? Then head to Sydney to view the migration of humpback whales from May through to December. The Bass & Finders Ocean Dreaming II is a fast, comfortable boat designed specifically for whale watching. With over 1,200 humpbacks travelling south each year, spotting a whale is almost certain! Leaving from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay daily, prices start at $40 for kids and $65 for adults. For more information go to whalewatchingsydney.net.

New South Wales

SYDNEY CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL
September 27 to October 9

Back at the CarriageWorks for another year, the Sydney Children’s Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. The festival includes:

• The Grimstone, a gothic fairytale performed with puppets and sign language.
• Circus Monoxide, a contemporary circus that includes circus-skills workshops.
• The Sydney Children’s Festival Choir will perform.
• A Kid’s Garden Project will be introduced for little ones to get their hands dirty.

More cool things to do at the festival will be announced closer to the date. So stay tuned and head to carriageworks.com.au for more information.

New South Wales

BILLYCART MARKETS

Various dates throughout 2010

Located in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Billycart Markets play host to a collection of handcrafted products created for children by a range of Australian designers. With four market days annually (27 March, 26 June, 25 September and 11 December) there is a $2 entry fee which is donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. For more information head to billycartmarkets.com.au.

New South Wales

CHILDREN'S KITCHEN GARDEN
Ongoing

The Children’s Kitchen Garden at Bourke St Public School is being developed as a Children’s Kitchen Garden and environmental learning centre which will be used by Bourke St Public School, the South East School for Children with Autism and other Participating Schools in the area.

The garden has tours and programs that run year long for your little one to explore their green thumb!

For details see the Children’s Kitchen Garden.

New South Wales

LITTLE GREEN THUMBS AT EDEN GARDENS Ongoing

Eden Gardens, a garden and lifestyle centre in North Ryde, hosts a number of education classes for kids in school holidays. They are a great way to educate little green thumbs on sustainable gardens and the wonder of the outdoor world.

Eden Education offers activities involving crafts, games and gardening for kids aged 5-12 and also little green thumbs aged 3-5. At $11-$15 per child per session, school holidays at EdenGardens are great value. Get your kids out of the house and into the garden for some much needed green-spiration next school holidays! Go to Eden Gardens to enrol.

New South Wales

BABY VILLAGE STORE OPENING
Ongoing

East Sydneysiders rejoice! Baby Village, a baby superstore, is opening in Bondi Junction, ready to fill all your baby needs.

Baby Village will stock a whole range of the most trusted baby brands including Bugaboo, phil&teds, Pigeon, Maclaren, Chicco, Babybjorn, Tiny Love and much more. Plus Baby Village will continuously strive to provide the best possible prices to ensure you always get value for money. With a heavy focus on customer service, Baby Village is interested in working with you to provide the best possible care for you and bub. See Baby Village.

New South Wales

SIMPLY ORIGINAL COOKING CLASSES
Ongoing

Have you ever thought that you would love to create wholesome, simple, yet amazing dishes for your family and when entertaining your friends? It’s easier than you think! Simply Original Fine Foods has a whole range of cooking classes to suit everyone in the family. There's classes to teach you to prepare baby food , Thai cuisine, enticing desserts, marinades and sauces for BBQ season, there's even classes to teach the men in the house how to cook. Perfect excuse for Mum to put her feet up.

Visit Simply Original to enrol.

New South Wales

BABY MASSAGE CLASSES
Mon - Sat

Buddha Bubs runs classes for parents to learn infant massage combined with baby yoga. There are specialty classes for mums to be, new mums, and classes just for dads as well as private classes for those who prefer a one on one tuition in the comfort of their own home.

A caring mum, Melinda Minns, who is a fully certified practicing infant massage instructor, and also has over 15 years of experience in yoga, runs each class. Melinda will teach you easy to follow massage and yoga techniques that can become a part of your baby’s daily routine; you will also learn specific techniques to help ease Colic, Reflux, and Constipation. Go to Buddha Bubs for details.

New South Wales

SHIPS AHOY TREASURE TRAIL
Ongoing

Search for treasure at Cockatoo Island! Collect your free treasure map from the Muster Station Visitor Office when you arrive, then head out to find rusty cranes, enormous docks and gigantic old workshops. Find all the treasures and return to the Muster Station for your reward! A day of fun just ten minutes from Circular Quay.

Go to Cockatoo Island for more details.

New South Wales

SPARKLE T PARTY
Ongoing

Catching up with girlfriends at the same old café gets boring fast. Glitz it up with T Party at Sparkle Cupcakery in swanky Surry Hills.

The Sparkle version of High Tea, T Party is for two or twenty guests. The menu includes sandwich slithers, strawberries with melted chocolate for dipping, sparkle cookies, tea or coffee and delicious cupcakes, of course!

Starting at $22.50 per person, depending on whether you're having bubbles or not.

Live luxuriously for a moment. Indulge your senses at the The Sparkle Cupcakery.

New South Wales

CLUB PENGUIN TUBE TOWN
To mid September

Heading to the snow this winter? Perisher Blue and Disney Online Studios have the kid’s entertainment covered with Club Penguin Tube Town. Specially-groomed lanes, purpose-built lifts and penguin avatars create a virtual land of ice and snow where kids can play games, chat and hang out with friends. By getting the sensation of snow sliding at Tube Town, first-timers have the chance to build confidence to take the next step in conquering the slopes on skis or boards in a fun and safe environment. Tickets are available from the ticket box at the foot of the tube run on the South East slope of Mount Piper. For more information visit perisher.com.au/winter/prices/chair_tubetown.html.

New South Wales

OPERA HIGH TEA
Wednesdays

Under the world famous sails of the Opera House, enjoy a gorgeous day with girlfriends soaking up spectacular views of Sydney's skyline and sparkling harbour. You will be presented with an assortment of beautiful teas, exquisite savouries, pastries and petit fours while savouring an intimate and private performance by an acclaimed opera singer that will leave you relaxed and content. Tickets cost $145 per person.

For bookings go to www.sydneyoperahouse.com.au.

New South Wales

DANDY LIONS: WILD THINGS IN THE
GARDEN
Thursdays

Let your wild thing loose in one of the most beautiful locations in Sydney. The Royal Botanical Gardens has organised a playgroup for children aged zero to five. There are garden activities, art and craft, storytelling, music and dance and playtime. On every Thursday from 10 AM to 12 noon, kids will not only get the chance to explore but play with new friends.

At $11 per family, go to www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au for more information.

New South Wales

ORGANIC EXPO & GREEN SHOW
20 - 22 August

Now in its sixth year, Australia’s organic and green living show returns to Sydney on the weekend of August 20-22. The expo will host over 180 exhibitors and some favourite celebrity chefs. The kids won’t be left out of the fun with the Organic Kids’ Fun Zone; they’ll have baby farmyard animals to pet, veggies to plant and the opportunity to learn about all the different bugs and insects from the garden. For more head to organicexpo.com.au.

New South Wales

GOOD WILL WEEK
12 - 18 September

New inheritance laws came into effect in NSW this year and may affect children’s inheritance if parents don’t have a Will. Who would take care of your children if the unthinkable happened? How would they live? NSW Trustee & Guardian is encouraging all parents to make sure they have an up-to-date and legal Will. For more information head to goodwillweek.com.au.

New South Wales

THE BABY & TODDLER SHOW
1 -3 October

For the best in baby and toddler products and information head to the Sydney Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour from October 1-3. The Baby and Toddler Show exhibits almost 200 of the latest brands in pregnancy, baby and toddlers, offers expert advice and free baby care workshops. Tickets at the door are $20. Children enter for free. Check out sydney.babyandtoddlershow.com.au/ for more about this action packed weekend.

Victoria

DINOSAUR WALK
Ongoing

Watch your little one’s eyes pop when they venture into the ancient world of the Mesozoic era. Visitors can touch displays of dinosaur teeth, bones and fossilised poo, and discover how dinosaurs moved, what they ate and how they survived in their changing environments.

Exhibitions are free with Museum Victoria admission: adults $6 and concession and children free. Call 13 11 02 or visit www.museum.vic.gov.au.

Victoria

COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN'S FARM FAMILY
DAY
First Sunday of each month

A little slice of country life for city folk, Collingwood Children’s Farm provides a beautiful experience for children and adults alike. Visitors can milk the cows, feed the animals, help with farm chores, go into the paddocks with the sheep and goats, cuddle a guinea pig, waddle with the ducks, feed the chooks, look for eggs or just sit and unwind under a shady tree on the banks of the Yarra river.

On Family Days, there are free pony rides, hay rides, a BBQ and lots of fun activities. Go to www.farm.org.au for more details.

Victoria

NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA KIDS CORNER Ongoing

The National Art Gallery of Victoria has recently opened their Kids Corner space where children and their families can enjoy creative installations and activities designed just for them. Going Places Sitting Down is the current theme, with videos and objects from artists around the world being displayed.

This January, Kids Corner will host free storytelling, drama and activities between 10am and 12pm on various dates throughout the month. Entry is free. Head to ngv.vic.gov.au/ngvkids for more information.

Victoria

FAMILY LIFE & HOME CAFE
Ongoing

Family Life Home and Cafe in Prahran Victoria is a unique space that can be used by both working mums and stay-at-home mums as a place for the kids to play and mums to network. The cafe is a children’s retreat, cafe, party venue and designer boutique. It is filled with hand-made toys, natural products and organic produce. As well as offering weekly art classes, special events and holiday programmes, this is the perfect space for a fun-filled day! Go to familylifehome.com.au for more information.

Victoria

The Amazing Bodies
June 4 - August 31

The Amazing Bodies Exhibition is set to open in Melbourne on 4 June. The showcase takes visitors on an exploration of human and animal bodies, displaying plastinated internal organs, muscles and body parts that are true to life. The exhibit offers a unique opportunity to understand our own anatomy and that of animals. Open from Saturday to Friday every week until 31 August, entry is $25 for adults, $17 for children and $75 for families. Located at Waterfront Pavilion on Docklands Drive, Docklands, Melbourne, go to amazingbodies.com.au for further information.