Kids fave spots around Sydney CBD

SYDNEY..... It is like home away from home to me :)

Never get bored of this city. The people, food, weather, scenic just soothes me. Lucky you who lives there! Not only my favorite place, it is also my son's! 

Al wanted to share his fave places (and mine!) around Sydney CBD. Feel free to add for more fun places for kids :D

• The Opera House

Come here in the morning, where there aren't many people, so the kids can go up and down the stairs, and just explore the outside of the Opera House. From here you can continue to Sydney Botanical Garden that is close by. 

• The Rocks

The Rocks is located opposite the Opera House towards under the Harbour Bridge. At weekends there is a market that showcases art, food, from healthy organic stuff to greasy stuff (LOL!). There are chocolates, cupcakes, ice cream, seafood, BBQ meats. YUM!!!

Image from The Daily Telegraph

• Darling Harbour

This is my fave place for my "chillaxing" moment while kids can still have fun. I mean, there are shops, cafes, and playground at one area.

Giant Christmas Tree 2013

• Imax Theatre

Kids (and adults!) will be amazed with the huge screen, claimed as the world's biggest screen (Imax.com.au). They have movies and documentaries being played here. So better check their website to check what is playing at the moment and for more information. 

Image from TimeOut Sydney Australia

However, in regards with the huge screen and audio (15000 Watt!), I think it is suitable for kids aged 3+. 

• Darling Quarter Playground

This is definitely my son's must-visit every time in Sydney. This open air and free playground will just make your kids gone wild (in a good way!). 

                                         

They have water park, balance ropes, flying fox, octanet, the giant ring, and so much more! The best thing is we can wait for them with free Wi-Fi under the shade zone!!! (Did I hear some AAAHHH..??)

• Carousel

It is not just an ordinary carousel, it is the second oldest carousel in Australia. This carousel has been a member of Darling Harbour since its opening in 1988. There are more fun rides placed around the carousel. 

Image from www.darlingharbour.com

• Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife Zoo

If you think going to Taronga Zoo, a bit far, there is another option to see animals at closer place. Here, you can see the under water and land animals at adjacent location. There is option to buy combo tickets that will give you discounts, sounds like a good deal, huh?!?

Can you spot the koala?

• Fireworks

Every Saturday at 9pm (check their website for more updates) you can watch fireworks at Darling Harbour. There is so many spots to get a good view, but be there 5 - 10 minutes before the show starts to pick yours :)

Pretty awesome for a weekly thing!

• Mini Train

This train would take you around Darling Harbour for $5 per ride and you can stop at any time.

• HobbyCo 

This is a toy lovers dream store! Located on the 3rd and 4th floor of QVB, your kids (especially boys) can stay there all day long. The 3rd floor's window displays live train miniatures with beautiful landscape. 

Image by Jo Wing (A Sydney Summer blogspot)

Smaller kids can have their own meetings at the Thomas the train table :D

• Powerhouse Museum

With free entry for kids 16 years and under, Powerhouse Museum is the perfect family destination for exploring the interactive side of arts and science.

Image from www.abc.net.au

Located at Ultimo, the building adjacent to Darling Harbour, the Powerhouse Museum is the flagship venue of Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS). It is to reach Powerhouse Museum, This Museum holds unique and diverse collection that includes science, technology, design and decorative arts, engineering, architecture, health and medicine, fashion and contemporary culture. More info please visit https://maas.museum/powerhouse-museum/

• Australian National Maritime Museum

Image from www.aviewoncities.com

The museum offers an exciting program for the whole family with kid’s activities held on weekdays, weekends and during the school holidays. Kids and adults can also climb aboard our vessels including a real submarine and retired warship, and roam the museum’s expansive exhibition space. To reach the museum, you can take the bus and light rail, or just walk across the Pyrmont bridge at Darling Harbour.

Image from http://www.anmm.gov.au/

For more info on the Australian National Maritime Museum, please visit http://www.anmm.gov.au/

• Fish Market

Sydney Fish Market is located at Pyrmont, behind Darling Harbour. The easiest way to get here is to take the Light Rail which stops just across the road. The Fish Market opens at 7am. Not only you can buy fresh seafood but you can eat them here too!! Fried, grilled, or fresh, it's all there... (Okay, pardon me, imagining those Fish and Chips!! ok, lemme wipe my drool ;p)

Warning! It can get pretty crowded during lunch time :o and if you choose to eat outside beware of the seagull who would loooveee to join you, hahaha. But the kids love them to be chased around, haha.

Here you can see the process of opening oyster, which is quite fascinating even for adults!

 Inside that huge place is where the fun is ...

• Luna Park

Luna Park is an amusement park located at Milsons Point, just over the Harbour Bridge. You can see it the park when you passed the bridge. There are various rides for adults and kids. Opens from 10 am. More info: https://www.lunaparksydney.com/

Image from Luna Park Sydney Instagram (@lunaparksydney)

Here is how you can reach here (take off at Milsons Point station):
             Train : 10 minutes : depart from Town Hall
             Ferry : 20 minutes : depart from Darling Harbour
             Bus    : 30 minutes : depart from QVB

Public transport information can be found at www.transportnsw.info

Well that was Al's favorite places to go while in the CBD, we hope you guys enjoy it as much as we do! :D

Little Big Club

Travel Date: Monday, 24 June 2013
Places of interest: Little Big Club : http://www.playtime.com.my/little-big-club
Airport: Senai International Airport : http://senaiairport.com/index.asp
Airline: AirAsia : http://www.airasia.com/id/id/home.page
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If you heard about Hello Kitty Town in Malaysia, there is another attraction located in the same building, just different floor, called Little Big Club. This attraction, which is spread in 2 floors, displays Thomas and Friends, Barney, Bob the Builder, Pingu, and Angelina Ballerina. Since aL is craaaazyy about Thomas & Friends, we skipped Hello Kitty Town and went straight up to the Little Big Club which is located in the second and third floor. 

As the elevator door was opened, we were welcomed by Angelina Ballerina and Bob the Builder. aL was soo stoked, he went hiding behind me. It was so funny to see my son who was so excited, and choked up when he saw his tv star in real life (Well, I guess we all are!) haha!

We were then greeted by Barney! Once you have kids, it became an idol in the household, haha. aL was getting better meeting the character. He even managed to give Barney a hug.

We arrived few minutes before 10:00am, so we managed to take picture with all the characters who were on the first floor. Around 10:30 Thomas the Tank Engine had its first show, aL was speechless then hysterical! It was so funny. Check the video below, hahaha.

There were live shows of Barney and Thomas. They had kids sing and dance along. So kids would definitely have a good time.

At Angelina Ballerina, girls can have their ballet session with the similar tutu as Angelina. Kids can pretend to build homes at Bobsville. At Barney's area, there is a lounge to watch Barney and playground. For Pingu, there is a playzone, like dingdong area but you do not need coin because it's free!

Thomas & Friends are located in the upper floor. 

Here there are plenty activities kids can play that uses Thomas & Friends characters. From riding Thomas the tank, to bump cars, playground, riding Harold the Helicopter, and many more. 

Of course aL had the best time taking rides on Thomas. At certain times we managed to take pictures with Sir Topham Hat (or Fat Controller). 

There is the professional photographer that will be snapping your pictures. But you can hand them your own camera as well. During my visit, their offer was RM 100 for four pictures size 5R with 1 extra pic in size 8R. There were also options to place it on keychain or fridge magnet.

For meal, you cannot bring outside food/drink. But, they will allow you if you bring your own bottled water and kids snacks in your own container. Inside there are several cafes that provides lunch or snack, so no worries. 

Ticket Pricing and Operating Hours
You can buy tickets prior to arrival on their website http://www.playtime.com.my
The price of Hello Kitty Town and Little Big Club as 2 park pass for RM 110 or RM 75 each. Adults and children price is the same. 

The theme parks open Monday to Sunday 10:00 am - 06:00 pm, closed every Tuesday except Malaysian and Singaporean public holidays / school holidays. 

Location and how to get there

The building is located in Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, located 15 minutes from Legoland. We took the red taxi from our hotel which was 30 minutes away and the fare was RM 32. But for the return, we took the blue cab and it costed us RM 50.

From Puteri Harbour we saw a shuttle bus with Johor Premium Outlet (JPO) picture all over it. We had planned to go JPO from LBC, but did not know about the shuttle. The fare  was RM 3.40. It was a total bargain as the distance is quite far, near the airport. This shuttle bus (coded JPO 2) route was Legoland - Hello Kitty Town (LBC) - JPO - Airport.

Legoland Malaysia

Travel Date: Sunday, 23 June 2013 
Places of interest: Legoland Malaysia : http://www.legoland.com.my/
Airport: Senai International Airport : http://senaiairport.com/index.asp
Airline: AirAsia : http://www.airasia.com/id/id/home.page
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I, first, heard about Legoland Malaysia from a friend who went there during their holiday to Singapore. You can reach Johor from Singapore by car. She also told me about the Hello Kitty Land and Little Big Club. Then I went to search it online. Google is my best friend, Lol! So, I found plenty of hotels offering package with Legoland and Hellokitty (Little Big Club), the rates varies on the hotel room type, transport inclusion, and theme park ticket types.

Legoland
We arrived at around 9:50am at Medini Mall where Legoland was located at the end of it. As it was about to open (10:00am), the employee did a bit of opening show with the dinosaur mascot. 

Once we got in, we tried to decide which way to go. I wanted to do the spinning chair, but aL wanted to join which was not allowed. So, my husband told me to find some other activities. Then as we found "The Forestman Hideout", treetop hideout that aL could get busy with, I went to the rollercoaster near by. It was good to scream out loud, haha!

There are shops around the park so you could cool down from the sun heat! I am telling you, it was BOILING HOT! The tree hasn't really grown all around, so hat, umbrella, and water will totally help.

Kids starting 3 years old are able to enjoy the activities provided. aL had lots of fun riding "Royal Joust", playing at the Duplo Playtown, and drove 10 (yes, TEN!) laps at the Junior Riding School! We had a hard time getting him out of that car.

As a family, we went on with the observation tower. We could see Legoland's 360degrees view from top which was awesome! After that, we went to watch 4D movie at Lego Studio where was nearby. The real effect of water, spray, bubbles were really exciting for kids, and they can sit on their own. We had our lunch at Pizza Mania, surprisingly it was tasty.

As aL went on his nap, my husband and I went around the Miniland where it has miniature of landmarks around Asia. It was incredible to see how many Lego were put into those amazing creations, and all those man hours and effort. 

Finally, around 3:00pm, we got to the end of our park by going into the Big Shop and do what female does best, shopping! You seriously need to stock up here, the prices are cheaper! At least compared when you are buying in Indonesia. They have items that are only available at Legoland. If you have their lunch box or keychain, you can get it engraved there for additional RM10. I wished I had brought mine. 

Overall I had an enjoyable, fun time there. Hope you enjoy my post on Legoland. Feel free to drop me comments / questions.

Enjoy your day :)