This is a FREE event but register online if you do plan to attend.  Grab your tennis racquet and head on down to Melbourne Park for a fun morning of tennis fun.  It’s pretty crowded, but for any little tennis and Australian Open fans, this is sure to get you excited about the next couple of weeks of tennis action in Melbourne.

When:  Saturday 12 January, 8.30am – 1pm

Where:  Melbourne Park (Garden Square, Western Courts and Rod Laver Arena).  Click here for map.

Cost: FREE

Register by visiting the Hotshots website here.

Review

We attended last year and it was in full swing when we arrived, just before 10am, and a beautiful day – so if you’re not a fan of queues or crowds I suggest you arrive early!

The kids enjoyed the morning, but I think this event is really more for children who are 5+ and playing tennis (or fans of the Australian Open) as Charlie was both excited and bored at moments – neither emotion easy in a crowded environment when you are three.  This year he’s four and has played some tennis, so it could be a nice way to show him where the tennis is played given I’ll be tuning into to watch the odd match!

Interested in taking the kids along to the Australian Open itself?  Click here for our 2012 review of off court activities for families. 

LATE ADDITION

Kate from Tennis Australia emailed me some extra notes to add, sounds like they are catering to a wider audience this year.

-          Registration is encouraged but not mandatory

-          This year we are holding the Rod Laver Arena Spectacular, featuring a special performance by Guy Sebastian and a live celebrity tennis show at midday. This performance is free but it will be first in best dressed for seating in RLA (although we’re planning to livestream it on the outdoor screens)

-          We have teamed up with Nickelodeon for this year’s Kids Tennis Day, which means lots of Nick performances and characters to meet, and a special Celebrity Slam at 10.30am including Nickelodeons’ Luke & Wyatt and lots of celebrity mayhem on the court!

-          We have designed this year’s day to cater for a wider age group, so kids under 5 will be able to watch some live performances join in on plenty of activities and meet Dora the Explorer, Diego and Dorothy the Dinosaur.

-          Practice courts will also be open on Show Courts 2 & 3 and Margaret court Arena, so it’s a great opportunity for the real tennis nuts to keep an eye on the professionals gearing up for the AO (I am watching Serena practice right outside my window as I type, so you really never know who will show up at any given time!)

-          Finally this year there is more of everything, basically! There is just as much tennis activity as last year (actually, more), as well as the added entertainment. It’s a day to get kids interested in tennis and all activities have a tennis theme, but we are also offering a bit more variety for everyone.