Do

Get into gear, strap the kids car seats in and hit the road friends; The History Trust of South Australia’s National Motor Museum will re-open its doors to visitors today at 10am.

Looking for something to read? We’ve got the Kiddo Community approved 12 books to read in 12 months, guaranteed page turners that you’re not going to want to put down.

Here’s our list of 31 must-see movies that will hit theatres in 2021. There’s something here for everyone, date night, girls night, family night – we’ve got you covered.

Book your babysitters, and get out of your active wear, we’re eating out! And we can have a drink too! Coronavirus restrictions have been eased a little early.

We’ve compiled a list of the best “are we there yet” proof locations for families who want to camp but don’t want to be stuck in the car with their kids for 6 hours!

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Cleland Wildlife Park has been able to reopen this week, and the animals can’t wait to see you!

An adventurous new audio-led theatre experience, Mountain Goat Mountain, has been created during isolation for families across Australia to enjoy at home. The work was created by Australian theatre company Threshold and developed with the support of Adelaide Festival Centre’s DreamBIG Children’s Festival, Arts Centre Melbourne, AWESOME International Children’s Festival and HOTA, Home of the Arts. Aimed at families with young children (aged five years and older) who miss going to the theatre, Mountain Goat Mountain is an interactive storytelling journey. DreamBIG Children’s Festival Creative Producer Susannah Sweeney: “We’re excited to be part of this project, and the great thing about Mountain Goat Mountain is that it is a totally new work and it’s perfect for the situation we find ourselves in. It’s a wonderfully fun and imaginative experience. “The artists behind this work have been part of our festival previously with Rain in 2017 and The Boy Who Loved Tiny Things last year, and we love what they create, so we are delighted to be supporting this project along with our interstate colleagues.” Through a series of activities that help families set up and step into their own magical imaginative world, participants will find themselves crawling through tunnels, crossing lava pits and swimming through underwater caves – all without leaving home. Guided by a narrative soundscape, families will embark on this 45-minute theatrical experience using only a charged audio device (computer, phone or tablet), a bed sheet (the bigger the better), a piece of blank paper (A4 will do) and their favourite pencils, pens or markers. The unique theatre experience created for children and grown-ups to share together was created in isolation by artists Zoë Barry, Liz Francis, Nikita Hederics, Tahli Corin and Sarah Lockwood for Threshold. Threshold is a new Australian company that use theatrical tools to create experiences that bring people together. Co-creator Sarah Lockwood said Mountain Goat Mountain was for families who enjoy adventure: “It’s for families needing a break from monotony and who are looking for a sense of occasion and a way to celebrate each other and this time together. Over many years I’ve been working with members of this creative team to create invitational spaces that encourage relationships to grow. When theatres started shutting down, we realised that we had a unique offering.” Co-creator Tahli Corin said as artists who live regionally and are raising small children, she and Sarah had been thinking about how to bring theatres into homes for some time: “Threshold launched in June last year, so we were already interested in how we could work to create theatre in people’s homes before the pandemic hit and made it a necessity. There’s a lot of commentary right now about what the world will be like post coronavirus, and Mountain Goat Mountain is an opportunity to imagine and explore a new world together.” Audiences can access Mountain Goat Mountain via The Show Must Go On, Adelaide Festival Centre’s new collection of online interviews and performances: adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/the-show-must-go-on Tickets cost $12.95 per family and are valid for 30 days, with all funds going to the artists who created the work. For more information about Threshold, visit: thethreshold.com.au

LA LA LOCAL – WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK So, you’re happily married, working full-time and raising kids (home-schooling at the same time, in fact, thanks to COVID-19) – but still manage to release a new single with a French label. That’s something to smile about at this crazy time. And Thom Lion has done just that. His new single “Not Your Bfrnd” was introduced to the world last Friday. Musically it was inspired by French band Phoenix who straddle the Indie Pop and Electronic genres with ease (playing in a pre-Daft Punk band and supporting AIR will do that). Lyrically, it was inspired by a doozey of a break-up. While the break-up was documented in a journal about 8 years ago it was only taken to the band last year. Rather than make it into a sad song they turned it into something effervescent and danceable. Inviting a celebration rather than a sulk. As Thom joked to me – like a Divorce party. I wonder if they’ll still be a thing post-Corona?? And for clarification, this song is NOT about the lovely TV presenter Jessica Braithwaite who is the person Thom is happily married to and raising children with. Now, this is such a good line I’m going to rip it straight from his press release – Thom Lion packs a musical punch, like Arcade Fire having a barbecue at Paul Kelly’s house – the beers are on, the songs are catchy, and each tells a moving story. And this track is no different. Note to self – look out for the little E when playing this track at home. An angry Thom knows how to let one rip. It’s only once, but it packs a punch. Thankfully the version I sourced for the ABC was clean. And while it wasn’t good news for Thom last weekend, when he lost his voice and had to postpone his Instagram performance, it might be for you. It’s on this weekend instead. 5pm on Sunday. Check him out. Now let’s rap. Or talk about it at least. I have three boys. They all love music. But their tastes vary. As do all of ours. The 10-year-old is partial to Eminem right now. And I get it. Eminem combines beats, angst and humour with ease. I can’t help but enjoy hearing him tackle the lyrics of Lose Yourself as he learns it on guitar. However, should you dig that song but prefer your kids don’t get a taste for an artist known to suggest alternative uses for staplers (in his tamer moments) I can recommend an alternative version for you to investigate. It comes from Ella and Sienna, talented young performers from Mt Barker, who well and truly support the theory that sibling harmonies are often the best. They’ve had a cracker of a year winning numerous awards and places in talent shows. And up in Tamworth Kasey Chambers surprised them by appearing out of the crowd to join them on-stage as they sang one of her tracks. Doesn’t get much better than that. Their music spans across acoustic rock, pop and contemporary country genres. So, for some family-friendly music inspiration look them up and follow them on Facebook. They’ll be streaming live from their loungeroom this Saturday night. Until next time, stay safe and healthy and support local music however you can. Kate x

This Starlight Day, Friday 1 May, Starlight Children’s Foundation needs your help to raise $250,000 to deliver fun and happiness to more than 5,000 seriously ill and hospitalised children around Australia. As Starlight’s biggest national fundraising event, Starlight Day aims to raise much-needed funds to support sick kids through its hospital services – the Starlight Express Room and Captain Starlight. With a Starlight Express Room in every children’s hospital in Australia and over 180 Captain Starlights nationally, every child admitted to hospital, regardless of their illness or injury, can access these vital services with their family. CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation, Louise Baxter, said: “Happiness is critical to a sick child’s development and to building resilience. The work Starlight does to support sick kids in every children’s hospital nationally is only made possible through the community, who we rely on for support.” “Being seriously ill shouldn’t mean missing out on the fun of childhood, especially when evidence shows happiness helps kids bounce back after going through tough times.” “While health professionals treat the serious illness, Starlight, through its hospital services (Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express Room) is there to deliver fun to sick kids and their families when they need it most.” Anyone can make a donation today on the Starlight Day website, with all donations made before midnight AEST Sunday 3 May generously doubled by Starlight’s corporate partners. To donate today, please visit starlightday.org.au. About Starlight Children’s Foundation Starlight Children’s Foundation brightens the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children and young people by replacing pain, fear and stress with fun, joy and laughter. Since its establishment in 1988, Starlight has expanded to become the broadest reaching children’s charity in Australia. There is now a Starlight Express Room in every children’s hospital in the country and over 180 Captain Starlights nationwide. This year, Starlight will be refurbishing its Starlight Express Room in Newcastle. In 2019, Starlight granted 500 life-changing wishes with 100% of families recommending a wish experience to other families. Starlight also delivered over 610,000 positive Starlight experiences to seriously ill children, young people and their families. www.starlight.org.au

Want to straighten your teeth? Been thinking of having Invisalign treatment? The smile you’ve always wanted doesn’t have to wait. And you don’t even have to leave your home. Transform Orthodontic Care are excited to now be offering free Online Consultations! And they are offering $500 off all Orthodontic treatments* and free X-rays and scans worth $164, saving you $664 in total off your treatment. At Transform Orthodontic Care, their online consultation means they come to you…via your phone, tablet or computer. And, did we mention, it’s free?! Just book online at transformorthocare.com.au, send them some photos and they’ll work with you remotely. It’s the same service…but you can relax and do it from home. You will receive a free personalised treatment plan, free scans and X-rays (worth $164) as well as free teeth whitening at the end of your treatment. TOC also offer interest free payment plans over 20, 30 or 36 months. As a Specialist Orthodontist for the past 20 years Dr Daniel De Angelis has had the privilege of being a part of over 10,000 patients’ lives and, in some cases, treating generations of family members. His patients have always been at the centre of what he does, this is why looking after his patients and providing continuity of care is paramount in these unprecedented times. This is why, during the Covid-19 crisis, they chose not to shut their doors but instead adapt and innovate. Transform Orthodontic Care are constantly looking at ways they can provide their patients with innovative, state of the art, safe treatment. Book your free online consultation now, at transformorthocare.com.au. *T&C’s apply: Minimum spend $5,000. Excludes all other offers.

BOOK A PRINCESS TO YOUR DOOR! Little party people rejoice because Star Academy is helping with your birthday happily ever after! It’s as easy as: Select a Princess/Character Select a time Princess will ring the doorbell and sing a special happy birthday to the birthday girl and boy (of course with social distaning in mind) Character will interact with the birthday girl/boy learn something in relation to the character – ie. a little dance or some superhero moves, they will have opportunity to take photos of the characters before they leave.  Star Academy is now also offering themed parties online via zoom with a character of your choice. The 50 minute parties are jam packed with dancing, singing, games, photos and more! The best part? They also come with Party Bags delivered to the Host Family to distribute to friends! You can also add cupcakes and or a personalised balloon delivered to your door. If you want to be even more extra, they are even offering party grazing boxes (party food delivered to your door)! Iso Kids Party Boxes You can also add an ISO PARTY BOX to your party (or they can send these on their own) – a themed box filled with everything you need to host a mini party at home – themed cups, plates, cups, decorations and little favours. Send to a friend – or to your child!  Choose from the following themes – Frozen – Ballerina – Disney Princess – Unicorn (my fave) – Moana – Superhero – Disco (also my fave) These boxes can be added to the virtual parties OR can be sent on their own OR.. can be delivered by a PRINCESS/CHARACTER… adelaidevirtualparties.com.au

ENTRIES NOW OPEN 2020 DESIGN A MINI FLOAT COMPETITION Entries are now open in the 2020 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Design a Mini Float competition. Children aged from 5 to 16 years of age are encouraged to put pen to paper and draw their ultimate Pageant design. The winning mini float will be built and take part in the 2020 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant to be held on Saturday 14 November 2020. First introduced in 2007, the Design a Mini Float competition calls upon students to enter a world of fun and fantasy with a Christmas theme. Since 2007 the competition has had thousands of designs submitted. Brian Gilbertson, Pageant Director, National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, said children are invited to let their imaginations run wild and take inspiration from the world around them. “Be inspired by fantasy, fairy tales and magic all with a look and feel for Christmas,” said Mr Gilbertson. “We’re looking for an original mini float that will bring a new theme or story to the Pageant, something that is unique from everything else already on display.” A mini float is a small mobile set that is light enough to be pushed or pulled along the Pageant route. Each entry will be viewed by a panel of judges and the lucky winner will receive a prize of $500 thanks to National Pharmacies and a reserved space for their family, friends or classmates to see their mini float debut on Pageant day. They will also experience a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Stardust Castle, the home of the Pageant where their design will come to life. Vito Borrello, Chief Executive Officer, National Pharmacies, said this is an outstanding opportunity for young South Australians to get involved with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest public parade and National Pharmacies is proud to partner with the event to continue captivating generations of Australian children. “The National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant has brought the community together and entertained millions of people since the event started in 1933, and it is a great honour for us to continue bringing the event to the people of South Australia,” said Mr Borrello. “We strongly encourage children to see what their creative minds can conjure to imagine, craft and create a Pageant mini float, whether they present a drawing, painting, model or video of the design process,” he said. Entries are now open and will close on Tuesday 30 June 2020. The elves at Stardust Castle will commence building the winning mini float in July and will be announced to the public in September. Download the Design a Mini Float entry guidelines and get your entry forms from www.christmaspageant.com.au. Entries are open to children aged five to 16 years. Honour Roll – National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Design a Mini Float 2018 Lolita Casey, Port Noarlunga Primary School (Port Noarlunga) ‘The Kindness Tree’ 2017 Sophia Ivanica, Para Vista Primary School (Para Vista) ‘Snowman’ 2015 Maddy Nyp, St Michael’s Lutheran School (Hahndorf) ‘Get Well Soon’ 2013 Casey Van Heuven, Pedare Christian College (Golden Grove) ‘Ringo the North Pole Hotline’ 2011 Sharni Tansell, Woodside Primary School (Woodside) ‘Naughty or Nice Meter’ 2009 Owen Primary School (Owen) ‘Rodney the Red Bi Plane’ 2007 St John’s Grammar School (Belair) ‘Cupcake Christmas’ The 2020 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant will be held on Saturday 14 November 2020. For further information visit www.christmaspageant.com.au #adlpageant