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Road Test :: Mr Men Little Miss Afternoon Tea

Well it’s that time of the year again folks. The two words that some parents dread “school holidays”. For some this means extra mess around the house, endless piles of washing, kids arguing over ridiculous things and of course in winter the one we all love – a touch of cabin fever!

For us school holidays are all about outings into the city and our two weeks are usually filled with visits to the movies, the museum, yum cha and a cruise around the Melbourne Emporium. One of the requests these holidays was to visit The Langham to experience their magnificent Children’s High Tea. We’ve been a few times now and Mr 5 truly finds the whole event of sharing plates of sweet treats highly enjoyable, as would most of us! It was Mr 3.5’s second visit and he was fairly well behaved, apart from some loud talking and over excitement about the fountains in the hotel’s main
foyer.

As always The Langham know how to conduct a fine high tea, the staff are extremely helpful and friendly with the children and we all walked away with full tummies.

The theme these school holidays is Mr Men and Little Miss. Kids can snack on sweet treats like Little Miss Sunshine honey joys, Mr Messy fairy floss cupcakes, Mr Daydream cookies and Little Miss Dotty fairy bread.

The chef’s and creators of the children’s high tea really go that extra mile to make it such a magical experience and the theming of all the food is so appealing for the wee ones. The kids munched their way through three tiers of goodies which was all washed down with hot chocolates and pink lemonade.

In between the fairy floss cupcakes and fairy bread the kids even got to colour in some Mr Men themed activity sheets. In all it was a fairly stress free morning with my boys and for us it was a nice way to celebrate the start of the school holidays.

So if you’re looking for a cosy indoor activity these winter holidays look no further than The Langham Children’s High Tea.

Cost
$30 per child
$54 per adult
$45 per child with take home Mr Men Activity Set

Times and Dates
30th June  – 18th July 2014
10am – 11.30am
Or 12 noon -1.30pm

Bang for your Buck – What Do You Get!
Superior High Tea Service in a Child Friendly Atmosphere
Themed Children’s Picture Book and Colouring Pack to take home (Optional)
High Chairs on Site
Change Table

Bambini Tips
Close to the NGV - South Bank - Transport available are Trams and Trains
Ideal for out of towner’s looking for the ultimate Melbourne foodie experience
Ideal birthday treat for your little man or little miss

Cafes That Host Kids Parties

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So you’ve said YES to have that party your little Mr or Miss has been begging you to have since the previous birthday. Of course it can be hard to source a venue for 5 plus ankle biters and sometimes parents just don’t have the time or energy to spend a whole week planning and fussing over cake, decorations and treats bags.

Have you ever considered having your little ones party at a café? They have the space, they have the fully equipped kitchen, more than one toilet and they also clean up the mess when you leave. The only hard decision you have to make is which venue to host your party in and of course the party date.

Here’s our top pick of cafes that can host your next kids parties

Lullabelles :: This quaint cosy café runs Mini High Tea Parties which are exclusively hosted on Saturday afternoons from 2.30pm-4pm. Mainly targeted at girls your party table can be laden with little sandwiches, fairy bread, coloured popcorn, chocolate strawberries, cupcakes and sausage rolls with a variety of kid friendly drinks on offer.
Cost :: From $30 per child with a minimum of 8 children
Phone :: (03) 9889 2314

Cubbyhouse Canteen :: Party in the enclosed park (weather permitting) and enjoy tasty eats, a trestle table and picnic rugs which are all provide by Cubbyhouse Canteen. Kids can snack on fairy bread, honey joys and homemade sausage rolls with various kid friendly drinks on offer. They can also provide you with a birthday cake for an extra cost.
Cost :: Minimum spend of $200 on food from Cubbyhouse Canteen
Phone :: 0421 173 886

The Farm Café :: Give the city kids a taste of country life in this quintessential farm setting venue with various engaging activities like tractor rides and milking cows. Once all the hard work is done kids can tuck into wholesome homemade eats, country influenced sweet treats and mini drinks.
Cost :: From $150 for the first 8 children
Phone :: (03) 9415 6581

Crafternoon :: Paste, cut and tape your birthday away at this craft influenced venue. Get your craft on with a range of crafty party packages to choose from which included cake. They can also provide the invitations!
Cost :: From $20 per child
Phone :: (03) 9077 6998

Fairfield Boathouse :: Party riverside and escape to a bush oasis which just happens to be a stone’s throw from the CBD. Kids can party by the river, explore the local park or hire a paddle boat. For festive eats and treats choose from a selection of party food for the kids, package also includes unlimited soft drink .
Cost :: From $22 per child - Boat Hire not included
Phone :: (03) 9486 1501

Jam and Cream Café :: Host the perfect high tea party for your little miss in a vintage caravan complete with crochet cushions and handmade doilies. With freshly made scones, sweet treats and petite drinks on offer your little miss and guests will have a magical afternoon in true high tea style.
Cost :: From $15 per child. Birthday Cake is at an extra cost.
Phone :: (03) 9457 3356

Oliver’s Garden :: Celebrate in the beautiful surrounds of Queens Park. With a park, a lake, ducks to feed and party food this is the ultimate casual party in the park.
Cost :: Mini Party Food Boxes from $10 per child. Birthday Cake is at an extra cost
Phone :: (03) 9372 0438

Phoenix Park Café :: Kids can explore the large adventure playground while the café can provide basic party food and drinks like sausage rolls, party pies, fairy bread and cupcakes. BYO decorations.
Cost :: From $16 per child. Birthday Cake is at an extra cost
Phone :: (03) 9563 4587

Cake Bakeshop :: This sweet little cake shop can be transformed into the ultimate Cupcake Making or Cake Decorating Party.  Your little ones big day can be planned and is hosted by the folk from Little Big Day Out who work in conjunction the Cake Bakeshop. They offer a variety of themes and food and are flexible with decorations.
Cost :: From $20 per child. Birthday Cake is at an extra cost
Phone :: (03) 5333 3384

Fussy Pots :: This adorable space is scattered with vintage trinkets and furniture to give a real homely feeling. Fussy Pots offer a variety of party themes along with good old fashioned party games, craft activities and party food. The manager of the café is only too happy to style a theme to your child’s liking to make the day a memorable one.
Cost :: From $25 per child. Birthday Cake is at an extra cost.
Phone :: (03) 9885 0439

 

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*Please Note*

- Venue pricing/menus are subject to change at any time. 

- Any special diet requirements need to be communicated via the venue.

- Birthday Cake is usually an extra cost/additional cost, please check with venue if they can supply one or if you can bring your own before the big day. Remember they may also charge you *cakeage if you bring your own cake! (*cakeage is where a venue charges customers to cut up a cake you supplied – like corkage but for cakes!)

- Our suggestions are merely suggestions to provide inspiration. We can’t control the experience on the day.  If you’re unsure of the food quality – pop in for breakfast or lunch to check out the venue before booking.

- Remember to HAVE FUN!

Muppets Most Wanted Preview

So it’s officially day two of the school holidays and we’ve already ticketed off one item from of our bucket list. 

Thanks to the lovely folks over at Nuffnang we were invited to an advanced screening of the Muppets Most Wanted movie.

I think l was more than excited than the kids as the Muppets hold a special place in my heart and l have many fond childhood memories of watching them on the telly. Remember the days when you actually had to turn the nob on the telly to tune into the Muppets, that’s how far they go back! Fast forward to 2014 and the Muppets antics and humour haven’t aged a day.

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The Muppets Most Wanted film is a fun-filled adventure. The old gang set off on a theatrical world tour and they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an european jewel-heist by a Kermit the frog imposter, and of course all your favourite characters are along for the ride. Throw in some dazzling Hollywood cameos, a bit of old footage from the TV show, some catchy tunes by the talented Bret McKenzie, (one half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords) and you have yourself a quintessential Muppet movie.

In all its fairly predictable, but the kids had a fabulous time and could relate to the characters. Mr 5 also got up in the aisle and had a cheeky boogie to some of the show tunes, just like l did when l was a wee pup. From a parents perspective l enjoyed the jokes and reliving some of my favourite characters, who just happen to be Swedish Chef, Dr Teeth, The Newsman, Waldorf and Statler. Also noteworthy was the outrageous Miss Piggy, who sported a different glamorous designer outfit in every scene – l want her wardrobe!

For a fabulous day out with the family pop the Muppets Most Wanted on your ‘must see’ list.

 

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1x Family Pass to see Muppets Most Wanted
A Muppet Movie DVD Pack which includes “The Muppet Movie” (1979) :: The Great Muppet Caper (1981) and “The Muppets” (2011)

School Holiday Bucket List

I can’t believe my little man has completed Term One of Foundation already. Did that go quickly for everyone else too? It will be really nice to spend two weeks with him, although l could be eating my words by the end of the two weeks.

I’m especially looking forward to not being out the door by 8.30am. Not that we’ll be sleeping in but l believe there will be a pajama day thrown into the mix these school holiday along with a few other activities.

Have you got a school holiday bucket list?

Visit Grandma and Grandpa on the farm

Bake Easter treats

See a movie and eat loads of fresh popcorn

Visit a Kid Friendly café

Have lunch with Daddy in the city

Get a fancy new haircut

Visit the Dentist

PJ day at home

Try a new crafty activity

Visit the Little Melbourne website for outing inspiration

Spring Clean Bedrooms, Toys and Books

Have a picnic lunch at a new park

Polly Woodside Pirate Day

What do you do in Melbourne on a 39 degree day? Well you throw caution to the wind and decide to take a tram down to South Wharf, check out the Polly Woodside and have a few cheeky ales on the side. Madness l know! Hey it may not be everyone’s cup of tea to get out and about on a hot day but we like to make the most of our weekends.

We’d generously been given a family pass to the Polly Woodside courtesy of the National Trust of Victoria in conjunction with their 100 days of summer campaign.

Now a tiny confession, l have not been to the Polly Woodside for over 30 years and based on my last experience as a child l wasn’t expecting too much. I thought we’d be in and out in about 30 minutes. Oh how wrong l was!

So unbeknown to me, the first Sunday of every month is pirate day for the kids at the PW. Kids can dress up in the spirit of the theme and join in on the various activities like pirate themed face-painting, pirate crafting, swinging from the sails, scrubbing decks, pirate tattoos and of course a cheeky walk off the plank.

The kids were totally captivated with the wonderful PW pirate crew and the activities. The staff are a real credit to the Polly Woodside – all were extremely helpful and the kids found their pirate antics rather amusing. They especially loved scrubbing the decks under the shower of water from up above, and as it was such a hot day it was the prefect activity for them. Although be careful with those broom sticks, Mr 3 nearly lost an eye thanks to Mr 5.  How ironic would it have been if we had to invest in a real eye patch after our outing!

I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience and the kids have been raving about the captain and his crew for days, they even went to bed with their pirate swords which were purchased from the PW souvenir store.

In fact the boys loved it so much we went twice in one day. Yep the kids wanted to go back after lunch. Lucky enough our lunch venue happened to be right next door at The Boatbuilders Yard, you can find all the details on this great place HERE. They have a sandpit and totem tennis to keep the kids amused and of course kids eats and cold beer (for us – not the kids!). Need l say more! It’s a fabulous spot to visit with kids.

So after lunch was inhaled and a few pots had been ingested we rolled on back for more pirate antics in the afternoon.

All in all it was such a great family day out for us, the kids had an amazing time and Mr Bambini and l got to sample some tasty eats and some cold brews. I know l say it a lot – but l HIGHLY recommend a visit to the Polly Woodside with the family. I love it when you don’t have any expectations on how a day will pan out when venturing out with the kids, especially when it was so hot, but the whole family thoroughly enjoyed our outing.

Want some quick info about this adventure?

What :: Polly Woodside Pirate Sundays
When :: 1st Sunday of every month from 10am - 4pm
Where :: South Wharf on the Yarra River
Cost :: Adult - $16.00  - Concession - $13.00  - Child - $9.50 - Family - $43.00 ( 2 Adults and 2 Children)  - Single Family - $32.00 (1 Adult and 2 Children)  - Additional Children $5.00 per child.

Road Test :: Disney's Frozen Afternoon Tea

Mr 5’s eyes always light up when l show him our invitation to The Langham Afternoon Tea preview. He was especially excited this time round as the theme was Frozen, which just happens to be Disney’s new summer film hitting cinemas this December. Yep this movie nut household is all over it! We saw the Frozen preview at the cinema weeks ago and has now gone onto the school holiday list of things to ‘see’ this summer. You can check out a cheeky preview of the film HERE.

As per usual The Langham have got the “Frozen” theme down pat. Reindeer Cupcakes, Snowflake Cookies, White Ice Lamingtons & Snowmen marshmallows paired with Fairybread are just a few of the delights that will be hitting your table. And of course they are all served with Icy lemonade or Babychinos.

This time round l decided to bring Mr 3 along for the experience too. I must admit l was a bit nervous taking Mr 3 to The Langham as he does have a tendency to ‘run around’ a bit, especially when he is excited. But to my surprise he actually feel asleep on the tram, which meant l had to lug him from St Kilda Road through to The Langham complex in 30 degree heat. (Oh yeah that was FUN!) Long story short the Langham staff were more than accommodating to help us out and we set him up on the couch to keep sleeping. They even packed us some take away treats in containers so he didn’t miss out on the goodies.

 

As always Mr 5 was impressed with the sweets selection and his colouring book.

All in all it’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon and l got to thinking that it would be the ultimate Christmas gift to give the kids. So instead of stocking up on cheap stocking stuffers this year why not give the gift of an experience.

Last school holidays it was a sell out so be sure to book your place early.

You can read about our other Langham experiences HERE and HERE!!

Cost
$30 per child
$45 per child with take home activity set & Disney Frozen Story Book
$54 per adult

Times and Dates
Monday 2nd January – Friday 31st January 2014
10am – 11.30am
Or 12 noon -1.30pm

Bang for your Buck – What Do You Get!
Superior High Tea Service in a Child Friendly Atmosphere
Themed Children’s Picture Book and Colouring Pack to take home (Optional)
High Chairs on Site
Change Table

Bambini Tips
Close to the NGV - South Bank - Transport available are Trams and Trains
Ideal for out of towner’s looking for the ultimate Melbourne foodie experience
Ideal birthday or christmas treat for your little man or little miss