Indoor Rock Climbing at Rocksports

Henry's 8th birthday was supposed to be a 'lets take a friend or two and do something fun' celebration rather than a party.  We decided on indoor rock climbing, but apparently we couldn't choose between five friends!  


So on Saturday afternoon we left CJ with Grandma and hubby, me and another Dad took six 7 & 8 year olds to Rocksports in Fortitude Valley.  We paid for eight climbers (at $18 each) so we could get a table in their party area.  The price included 2 1/2 hours climbing/eating time, all gear and a brief training session.  


The kids had an absolute ball!  As we had three adults belaying the kids got heaps of turns at climbing, and enjoyed cheering each other along.  We stopped for afternoon tea about halfway through, then near the end of our time cut the cake.  This was gobbled up as all the kids wanted in squeeze in one more climb!  (Oh and the two dads managed to sneak in a couple of climbs too!)


You take all your own food and drink, though Rockports can order pizzas for you if you prefer.  The staff are all really friendly and are ready to assist as you belay/climb.  I totally rate this for a birthday party and think it was probably one of the easiest party's we've ever held!  Have to mention our rock themed party bags that were pretty cheap but very popular - we made pet rocks, bought mini carabiners with torches for next to nothing off eBay, and finally made rocky road.


Hubby and Henry are very keen to go again, and it's a great confidence building and fun activity.


Address: 224 Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley
Phone: 07 3216 0462
Website: www.rocksports.com.au  

Workshops Rail Museum

The Workshops Rail Museum is in Ipswich, about a 40 minute drive from Brisbane. We've been here a few times, mainly when Henry was younger and obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine (as an almost 8 year old he is not very impressed with Thomas now!).  


They hold themed events throughout the year, the biggest of which is the "Day out with Thomas" generally held over the Christmas holidays (this year it will be on from 26th December 2011 until 29th January 2012).  The main attraction is the Thomas engine that kids can climb aboard, plus they can meet the Fat Controller and a few of Thomas's friends (including Edward, Donald, Annie & Clarabel, Lady) and there are a bunch of other Thomas things to do and see.


Even when there isn't a themed event on, the Workshops Rail Museum still makes for a fun day out (and has the added bonus of being waaay less busy!)  There are tours of the blacksmith shop, plenty of old and new trains and interactive displays to explore and a kids play area. 


Food wise there is a cafe with the usual pricey fare, but you can take your own food and eat in the grounds.


An adult ticket is $19, children 3-15 years $11 (under 3's free) and a family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $57.


The museum also runs Steam Train Sundays which offer a 1 hour journey around Brisbane on vintage wooden carriages pulled by a restored steam locomotive.  We haven't tried them yet but it sounds like a lot of fun so may be a future blog post!

Address: North Street, North Ipswich
Phone: 07 3432 5100
Website: www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au

Wynnum Wading Pool and Water Park

The Wynnum/Manly/Lota area has some great spaces to keep kids occupied on a sunny day.  We'll start with a look at the Wynnum wading pool and park.  The wading pool was originally built in the 1930's  and was redeveloped a few years ago.  It's a large pool adjacent to the sea and is filled with filtered sea water and has a sandy bottom.  The water depth is fairly shallow (think adult knee level!) and there's a small water slide at one end.  


Next to the wading pool is a playground and the water park.  The water park is some large blue whales that spurt water out at random intervals - great fun for young and old kids!  The playground is quite large and also suits young and old kids.  


Yet another attraction next to the park is Pandanus Beach, a small area of sand great for littlies to play on and paddle in the sea.


Facilities are good with picnic tables and shady areas and new changing room/toilet block.  There are a number of good fish and chip shops across the road.


Note in the winter months the wading pool is emptied for cleaning and maintenance and the whales don't spout water. 


Address: Wynnum Esplanade, Wynnum 4178

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Another school holiday outing was Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - I think this was our 3rd visit in under a year!  When we have friends visit from overseas who want to cuddle a koala we tend to send them here rather than Australia Zoo - unless their kids really want to see crocodiles and Bindi - as it's a lot closer, cheaper and far more relaxed.

This visit we finally timed it so we could feed the lorikeets which was a very noisy and messy but fun experience!  Made for some great photos anyway :-)  There are scheduled presentations and shows throughout the day about different animals, plus barn animal feeding and holding.  Kangaroo feeding is anytime - just buy a bag of food. 


A bonus here is that you can pay $16 to have your photo taken cuddling a koala, python, baby crocodile etc. and once they've taken the official photo, you can take your own photos and add extra people in them.   


Adult ticket is $32 and a child $21, plus there are family and annual passes available.  


Lone Pine is in Fig Tree Pocket.  If you're staying in the city you can catch a boat from the Cultural Centre at 10am and combine a cruise along the Brisbane River with a visit to Lone Pine.


Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069
Phone: 3378 1366
Website: www.koala.net

Bricks n Fun

Attention Lego lovers - we have discovered a new location where you can have lots of Lego fun!  In the holidays Henry and his best mate were super excited when we headed for Bricks n Fun in Capalaba.  We paid $15 for two hours of entertainment - there is a massive Lego display with working trains and all sorts of cool details to look at, then they got to choose from a large number of Lego sets and sat down and built them.  Once finished they could choose another set to build.  The boys declared it 'the best day ever!'


While they were building CJ and I sat in the front area which consists of a shop (selling all sorts of Lego sets and other Lego paraphernalia), a few tables and chairs (they sell a few snacks and pretty decent coffee!) and a Duplo corner for toddlers.


We are heading back after school next week to introduce more friends to it, and I'm sure it will be a school holiday must-do from now on!  


Address:  Shop D, 1 Finucane Road, Capalaba (by Clive Anthony's)
Phone: 07 3390 1288 (it pays to ring and book)
Website: www.bricksnfun.com.au