When: Open, except public holidays, 8.30am - 5pm (approx.) but please click here for complete information.

Where: Cnr Roberts & Stewarts Sts, Brunswick East, click here for map

What: cafe, organic market, play areas, walks, education programs (from professional workshops to cooking classes to yoga), performances and events, plant nursery and more

Cost: entry is FREE

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Thankfully since the new buildings were completed there is on site car parking - a great bonus when driving as street parking is a bit limited.  

We have never attended a class (but there are many - mostly aimed at adults or teens, check the website for more information www.ceres.org.au) as our visits to CERES are usually to catch up with friends who live on that side of town - it's a great place to let the kids run about as well as grab a coffee and say hello to the chooks.

Once the site of a rubbish dump - this fantastic facility is now both park and organic farm. (If you read recent media coverage about unsafe levels of toxins in the soil this was incorrectly reported - unfortunately no one reads the corrections bit of the paper and so this has been a bit of a PR nightmare for CERES).  Produce from the farm is available for purchase at the market.

There are two cafes on site - the one nearest the nursery is located in the organic market area.  Often on weekends there is live music happening in the cafe/market area so it's a jolly spot to soak up the atmosphere.  And on the weekends there is also a general market as well - stock up on hand made soaps etc.

The second cafe is located in the heart of CERES (click here for map) and has a playground located next to it.  The playground requires a little parent supervision (depending on child's age) as there is a steep hill... we are hoping the new playground isn't too far away (click here for more information) as it's desperately needed - not that the kids mind at all!

FYI if you have a wandering toddler you will need to keep a little eye out as there are some open water spots within the CERES parklands.  And if it's been raining I highly recommend you wear gum boots - it is a farm after all!

When: Indoor pool 8am - 11pm daily, click here for more details for different facilities.

Where:  200 East Boundary Road, Bentleigh East

What:  25m indoor pool, 50m ourdoor pool, indoor water playground, two indoor waterslides (which extend outside the building) one is a body slide and the other is for a two person raft, wellness pool, spa, sauna, steam rooms, gym, stadium facility and childcare... and more.

Cost: Adult swim $8.50, child $6.40 - memberships and concessions available, click here for more information.

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Review

Only an insane person would head off to an indoor water playground on a weekend, a week after opening!!  But a very last minute plan/invitation from a friend came about and we had no idea what we were walking into.

But wow - GESAC is impressive.  A completely new facility which, evident by the crowd in there today, I am sure every local has been watching being constructed and hanging out for it to hurry up and open already.  

We arrived to a full car park - I should have read that as a cue to turn back for home... but we lucked a car spot and having seen those amazing water slides coming out the side of the building it would have taken more than not getting a rock-star parking spot to deter us.

I suspect we fluked it as when we walked in there was no queue at the front desk, we asked lots of questions.. and only had one bum steer - info about the lockers (see at end).

The water playground was heaps of fun... but I must admit with it being so crowded I was having a mild anxiety attack every 30 seconds as it seemed I would blink and one or both my kids had disappeared.. and the insane noise level (water fountains, 1000 kids screaming, 300 parents yelling, water slide etc) meant that even at the top of my lungs from about 3m distance it was impossible to be heard.. so I did a kind of lunge/water jog work-out racing about in knee deep water in a zig zag fashion.. and just when I'd spotted them some (insert expletive) child would squirt me in the eye with a water cannon.  So even though I didn't actually fully immerse myself, my eyes were burning for the rest of the day.

Anyway - when the hype calms down this place will be AMAZING.  And while I might not have had the best time ever personally on this occasion, the kids had a ball and loved pulling ropes, turning wheels, setting off fountains and all the other amazing interactive water play activities... 

And it was warm - I am a cold fish and so being wet but only knee deep in warm water would have been torture for me.. but the air temp was really warm, warm enough that I lasted the whole visit (1.5hrs in the pool) without feeling cold or chilly.  And once I was dressed again I was boiling!

Much to my disappointment we didn't have a go on the waterslides.. Charlie was 2cm too short (minimum is 115cm) and, well Immi was just a bit too chicken to go without me, which I guess is fair enough as you did have to climb three flights of stairs to get to the top... I figure this is a perfect excuse for us to get out of any theme-park holidays for the moment.

So just so you are in the know - currently (May 2012) only half the lockers are working.. hopefully in the near future there will be double the amount of lockers.  Turns out we were super lucky as we actually got a locker, despite some confusion over how much it costs.  FYI it's $3 and the machine takes gold coins.  You can also re-enter the machine without having to pay again, but it is not a free service (so no return coins when you check out).  The lockers are located near the change rooms down at the end of the 25m pool.. and on a busy day it is slightly awkward as not only do you have to queue to get in and out of your locker, the lockers are located in the entrance to the change rooms - so major thoroughfare.  Anyway we survived.. and I imagine our circumstances were worst case scenario.

When: Saturday 19 May to Sunday 3 June 2012, 10am - 4pm.  (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

Where: ArtPlay, Birarrung Marr, behind Federation Square, Melbourne.  Click here for map.

What: Seven cardboard structures to explore, three of which are kids only spaces - no grown ups allowed!  Also on display are scale models, background information and the opportunity to vote for your favorite structure. Suits children 4+. There are also workshops included - highly advise you book in advance for these, click here for more information.  Or email Bobby-Leah at ArtPlay: Bobby-Leah.Napier@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Cost: FREE

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Review

What happens when you get a group of architecture students from Monash together with a whole pile of cardboard and the ArtPlay Artist in Residence Kathy Howloko - loads of cardboardy fabulousness.  

We made a flying visit in and out of ArtPlay to check it out - but it seemed 30 minutes was a perfect amount of time for the kids to explore all the nooks and crannies of these cardboard sculptural spaces.

The workshops looked like lots of fun - so if you're interested in creating then touch base with Bobby-Leah and book a spot ASAP.

And don't forget, just outside is the fabulous Birarrung Marr playground.

When: Daily from 10am - 4.30pm, except Good Friday and Christmas Day

Where: Scienceworks Museum and Melbourne Planetarium, 2 Booker St, Spotswood 3015.  Click here for map.

What: In 1992 the Science Museum moved from the State Library, in Swanston Street, to its very own home and also gained a new name - Scienceworks.  A museum filled with all sorts of science related concepts presented in an engaging, interactive and easy to understand manner.  As a child I loved visiting the Science Museum part of Melbourne Museum - and Scienceworks really taps into the whole learning through play philosphy... I am a big fan and I can see we will be spending much time visiting Scienceworks for many many years to come.

Cost:  Adults $10, children FREE, members FREE.  Click here for more information.

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Review

Scienceworks is extensive - and for younger children I would advise not attempting to see everything in one day as there really is a lot of ground to cover.  In the last 12 months we have been three times and I still feel like we've only seen the tip of the iceberg.  And if your family is anything like ours - your return visit/s will also require returning to the favorites from last time, add to that the temporary exhibitions changing (every 6-12 months), different daily events and a program of other events - no one visit can be the same.

Downstairs is a mixture of temporary and permanent exhibitions that appeal to all ages.  Upstairs is the Nitty Gritty Super City - specific to 3 to 8 year olds.  This is a must visit for us every time (see photos above).

Then there is the outside area (cafe, grassy space, playgrounds), the Planetarium and then the pump station and lightening room - both of which we are yet to visit.

The Planetarium is a great thing to add onto a visit - there are a number of different shows during the day, suitable for most ages.  Sit back in a comfy chair for 45 minutes and take a journey into space, check out the southern sky for the night ahead and test your knowledge of the local constellations - after a visit in the museum the kids are usually pretty happy to kick back for some quiet time.

Every day at Scienceworks is different - when you enter at the front door you will be passed a sheet outlining the demonstrations, exhibitions and shows happening on the day.  This information is also available online, so if you want to plan your day in advance, click here.

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Playing with Light - until 3 February 2013, included in admission, click here for more information.

If you're looking for a coffee outside of Scienceworks, local friends pointed us to The Duchess of Spotswood, 87 Hudsons Road (click here for map).  The babychinos were generous, and parking is available on the street right outside - and the coffee worth mentioning.

When: Daily, 19 May - 11 November 2012, 10am - 4.30pm

Where: Scienceworks Museum and Melbourne Planetarium, 2 Booker St, Spotswood 3015.  Click here for map.

What: Explore the house of Wallace and Gromit and in the process learn about intellectual property and inventions.  Great interactive experiences for all age groups (from using computer programs to having buttons to press) as well as behind the scenes insights into set design and design ideas.

Cost:  Non member adult $19, child $6, Museum Victoria members adult $7.50, child $4.50.  If you are thinking of joining up as a MV member then new members currently get free entry with their membership!  For more information about concessions etc, click here

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Review

We went along to the Wallace & Gromit exhibition with our friends, so the ages of our kids ranged from 3 to 8 years.  We went on a Saturday and did the 10.45am session (sessions start every 15 minutes, so only a certain number of people are allowed to enter at a time - ensuring the visitor numbers are controlled and comfortable).

We spent an hour moving about the space - and had done a pretty good job of inspecting everything thoroughly in that time.  

There was plenty to look at - for the little ones there are things to open and shut, switches to flick, exhibition cabinets to inspect, plasticine to play with, interactive games, a slide (which was actually a drain) screens showing footage from shows - and for the really little ones there was a play area as well (mind you all our guys had to try that out too!).  

For bigger kids there is loads of information about all areas of invention - from historical (like did you know the first power drill was invented in Melbourne in 1889 - it was a mining drill, but the first hand held drill was also developed in Melbourne in 1967) to current and of course some Wallace & Gromit inventions... or half baked ideas.  There are also computers set up with opportunities to try your hand at invention on site.

The layout of the exhibition is great - it's not following a particular path, so invites the visitor to explore, revisit and stop and enjoy.  And the fact that it's not overcrowded meant that everyone had plenty of turns of everything, only having to wait for one person in front of them before having a turn.

Another plus is the gift shop is included inside the Museum shop - not inside the exhibition.. I am sure many parents will appreciate this when visiting with more than one child!

We included a visit into Scienceworks and the Planetarium, click here to read.  

And our friends recommended a great local cafe for a coffee - The Duchess of Spotswood, 87 Hudsons Road, click here for map.  The babychinos were generous, and parking is available on the street right outside.

When: 9am - 5pm (entry gates close at 3.30pm) every day of the year

Where:  If you are driving, from the Princes Fwy take the exit for Werribee South to K Road, click here for more information about public transport options and a map.

What:  A perfect outing for a half or full day - the zoo combines walking jungle paths, animal viewing windows and the fabulous safari tour.  From toddlers to adults there are plenty of things to stop and engage with during your visit.  We loved the new gorilla enclosure.  For more general information about the Werribee Open Range Zoo  click here.

Cost:  Zoo members FREE, child 4-15 years $12.60, adult $25.40, click here for full concession listing.  Entrance includes the safari tour.

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Review

It's been just over a year since we last visited Werribee Zoo and there have been a few changes -

• there is a new gorilla enclosure (the boys look to be enjoying their new home and outlook) 
• the addition of the gorilla's now gives visitors a greater reason to walk the full circuit of the Pula Reserve Trail, parts of which have been re-landscaped 
• a new bus station provides much more space (and cover) for those waiting, toilet facilities and an added bonus (for me anyway) is you don't have to walk directly passed the cafe on the way thus (potentially) avoiding conversations like "mum can we have an ice-cream"
• the new open air bus is still in its trial phase - if you are a Zoo member there are opportunities to be part of this trial period.  When the trials are complete these buses will pull two carriages and will also include padding on their safety bars.. Here's hoping they also add heating to the seats - by the end of our 40 minutes I was beginning to feel a little chilly, well it was a crisp autumn morning.  So dress appropriately - especially considering the rhino decided he didn't like the look of the new bus the day we visited, which was quite exciting for us as he had his tusk pressing against the front tyre for some time.. naturally I was wondering what the management plan might be for a punctured tyre and angry rhino, but I suspect tusks aren't strong enough to puncture tyres that size - and even if they could I am sure the bus still can be driven even with a puncture!

We made our visit on a morning during the week in school term and enjoyed having the zoo almost to ourselves.  Other than the hippos all the animals were out and about and in no hurry for us to go.  I guess I have no expectation that wild animals should have any agenda to interact with me (other than to possibly eat me or keep me away from their young) but the enclosures and viewing areas feel so natural that sometimes you have to wonder who exactly is the exhibit! (If that is even the politically correct terminology.)  

This was my 5th visit to the Werribee Open Range Zoo and I can't fault it.  While our kids are still young it's a perfect half day trip - we do an hour or so of following the walking trails and visiting lions, monkeys, wild dogs, gorillas and so on and the 40 minute safari tour allows us to not only see the animals living more naturally - but the guides are informative and each time it's a different experience.  (This time the feisty rhino, last time the rhino had a bowel movement that my then 2 year old is still talking about, and the time before we saw an antelope being born.)

I can't wait for the kids to be a little bit older - the wild encounters* and slumber safari (aka glamping) sound like heaps of fun.  And of course it would be easy to spend a full day at the zoo taking time to stop and explore all the different areas, I know there are two walking trails I am still yet to do.

*There is a wild encounter option for the five and unders - but, for example, if you want to get up close and personal with a lion you need to be 8 or older.  There is also no age limit restriction on the slumber safari, but at $245/child I'd personally want my child to be old enough to remember it.

Neptune Street Adventure Playground

Where: Off Neptune Street, St Kilda.  Click here for map.

When: This playground has a dedicated staff member and is only open to the public at specific times.  During term: Monday to Friday 3.30 - 5.30pm, weekends and school holidays: 11am - 5pm, public holidays: 11am - 3pm.  FYI these times can change due to special programs and so it is recommended you call to avoid disappointment (613 9209 6348).  For more information click here

What: Like it's sister Skinners the Neptune Street Adventure Playground offers children a huge range of play options.  Neptune Street is on a smaller allotment - but it's equipments and grounds are in much better condition, and with many new additions to play equipment this playground has much "wow" factor.  When we visited during the Easter holiday break we were overwhelmed by the number of people - it was like we'd walked into a huge birthday party (my friend who came with us is a school teacher and she said there was easily 300 kids & parents in the space as it felt just like being on yard duty).  Maybe the beautiful sunny day had everyone out of their homes and down at Neptune Street - and being such an awesome playground I can totally understand why!!

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When: Saturday mornings at 10am for about 20 minutes

Where: My Bookshop by Corrie Perkin, 513 Malvern Rd, Hawksburn. Click here.

What: Stories read by Corrie's daughters, suitable for pre-schoolers.  If you're lucky you might be able to have a browse around and check out some of the beautiful books while your little ones are entranced!  My children love this shop because of the lovely books, the fab toy boxes down the back and (possibly mostly) because of the lolly jar on the counter which is only shared with boys and girls who are well behaved - at least that's what I tell my kids :)

Cost: FREE

Coco read us The Highway Rat (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler) and Sam the Cat (Sam Bowring and Andrew McLean).

Skinners Adventure Playground

Where: 211A Dorcas Street, South Melbourne.  Click here for map.

When: This playground has a dedicated staff and is only open to the public at specific times.  During term: Monday to Friday 3.30 - 5.30pm, weekends and school holidays: 11am - 5pm, public holidays: 11am - 3pm.  FYI these times can change due to special programs and so it is recommended you call to avoid disappointment (613 9209 6352).  For more information click here.

What: Established in 1978 as a backyard space for the children living in the local public housing, Skinners is also shared with general public who are looking for a play environment that offers controlled challenges and risks to the 5-12 year old age group.  Charlie (3) and Immi (6) had a brilliant time when we visited Skinners.. after two hours of adventure, exploring, imaginative play and general excitement we managed to say good bye!  This playground evoked memories for me of friends back yards (the ones whose dads made cubbyhouses) and our old tyre swing that hung from a tree.. quite the opposite experience of many of those boring risk-averse playgrounds local councils are legislated to install.  Only enter if you are not afraid of rouge spiders and splinters - it's messy, fun, random and, while no longer the case, has clearly been made with love by local families.  Not advised for helicopter or anxious parent.

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Chocolate cake

It's raining outside... there's nothing exciting in the cupboard - let's do some cooking mummy!

Master Chef Jr (3) and I tried out a new chocolate cake recipe today... and it's is quite a good one - other than sifting the dry ingredients we only had to add everything else to the bowl and beat for three minutes.  The hard part was waiting 45 for it to cook**.

Here is the link to the recipe we used: Big Oven

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rainy-day-let-s-bake-bthsqhFGGkvJyhkIAfFA.zip (266 KB)

Tips

• Buttermilk is just milk with vinegar... add one teaspoon white vinegar to one cup of milk, voila: buttermilk
• This recipe is also listed on the Big Oven iPhone app - I used "chocolate sponge" as my search.. but this cake seems too moist to really be called a 'sponge'.
• If making this again I would set my fan forced oven to 165/170C
• The recipe makes two round cakes... one to share, one to freeze or, if you're feeling decedant, perfect for a sandwich of jam and cream or chocolate frosting to make a big cake

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Here's the final product - just in time for after school snack :)  

**Too bad the chef (who insists he doesn't need a lunchtime sleep) has fallen asleep waiting for it to come out of the oven!  More for Immi and I.. yummm.