The new mini golf course at The Beachouse is open after it’s recent refurb and we were lucky enough to head down to check it out with our mini KIDDO crew during the recent school holidays. Here’s what we thought!
Part of the littlest KIDDO crew had the exciting pleasure of heading to Funtopia Prospect during the July school holidays and let’s just say this place is just the most fun filled awesome time imaginable for little people!
The Netflix adaptation we have all been waiting for (or is that just me…?) is here. That’s right; The Babysitters Club, a book series made absolute cult classic by Ann M Martin, absolutely beloved by girls the world over, has had a reboot and is available to stream on Netflix, and let’s just say, we’re excited.
Netflix has a new show, The Floor is Lava, and it’s about to be your kids’ favourite!
Find out what Kiddo Book Club book reviewer Kate Younie thinks of Below Deck and The Safe Place.
Title: Just An Ordinary FamilyAuthor: Fiona LowePublisher: Harper Collins Book Review by Kate Younie @Big_little_words Alice is jobless and broken hearted in Melbourne. She decides to return to her seaside hometown of Kurnai Bay, where her family still reside. Her twin sister, Libby, is a successful GP who is happily married to Nick and has two adorable children. Libby also has a devoted and inseparable best friend, Jess. Libby has everything Alice always wanted; but she always found herself living in the shadow of her sister and in competition with Jess. Nevertheless, Alice slowly forges her place back into the community and her family. She begins dating and works hard to forge her independence. The twins’ mother, Karen, is supportive of her girls. She has always guided them the best she knew how. Her childhood was difficult and she tried her best to shield her girls from her past. But while Alice’s life is rebuilding … Libby’s is crumbling. As Libby’s life starts to unravel, Alice is there to pick up the pieces, but also finds herself in the middle of the destruction due to Karen’s past lies. This is a true family drama and tale of sacrifice, betrayal and ultimately forgiveness. One for the Liane Moriarty and Jodi Picoult fans.
Title: Earth HeroesAuthor: Lily DyerPublisher: Nosy CrowRelease: October 2019 Review by Kasey Chambers “The future is ours for the making. You too can change the world.” When faced with climate change, the biggest threat our planet has ever confronted, it’s easy to feel as if there’s nothing you can do… but this book shows we can all make a difference. Lily Dyer’s collection of twenty inspirational stories celebrates the drive and determination of people from all walks of life to make a difference in their communities and on a global scale. Featuring famous activists Greta Thunburg and Sir David Attenborough, Earth Heroes also showcases activists who you might not know, from Mohammed Rezwan, an architect of floating schools and clinics in his local Bangladesh, to Doug Smith, who helped reintroduce wolves to Yellowstone National Park and Isatou Ceesay, who transformed the growing plastic waste problem in the Gambia to provide incomes for women. Faced with a relentless news cycle of negative stories, it can be difficult to find the good things that are happening to combat climate change. Dyer’s Earth Heroes is a timely reminder that across the planet, people are using knowledge, skills, passion and innovation to transform our world. Perfect for bedtime reading, your little activist will find themselves dreaming of ways they can change the world. Featuring the stories of David Attenborough, Isatou Ceesay, Andrew Turton and Pete Ceglinski, Yvon Chouinard, William Kamkwamba, Renée King-Sonnen, Ellen MacArthur, Stella McCartney, Chewang Norphel, Mohammed Rezwan, Rok Rozman, Bittu Sahgal, Marina Silva, Doug Smith, Isabel Soares, Amelia Telford, Greta Thunberg, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Melati and Isabel Wijsen and Yin Yuzhen. Available from Dymocks
Jake Dean is a writer, surfer and bibliophile who’s counting down the days to take his six-month-old boy, Koa, for his first wave. Follow him on Twitter @JakeJDean. A Word from… Dad By Jake Dean If you’d told me a year ago I’d be a parenting columnist, I would have laughed so hard, with coffee literally seeping from my nose. But a healthy little boy, countless nappies and darkening rings under my eyes later and here we are. I surf less than I used to and I’m writing this on the train as it’s a rare moment to myself. But those annoying dad-isms turn out to be true, don’t they? “I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” I’ve said time and time again. I’m even enjoying those moments with the boys when you take stock and realise you’ve been comparing pram wheels for the past half an hour. Life comes at you fast, eh. Nevertheless, I’ve no real sage father wisdom to impart. I’ve discovered that despite thousands of well-meaning tips on raising a kid from every man, woman and dog, you really do have to fumble through this dad caper. So instead, here are three mostly un-kid-related hot tips from one sleepy fella to another. READ: On the Java Ridge, by Jock Serong: A boat-load of Aussie surfers anchored at a remote and uninhabited Indonesian island cross paths with another boat, full of asylum seekers, in devastating circumstances. Good luck putting this political thriller down until you’ve reached its punch-in-the-guts crescendo, which also might change your views on asylum seeker policies. Looking for a banger new kids book? Try The Surfing Animals Alphabet Book by Swedish illustrator Jonas Classen. It’s packed with vibrant colour, classic A-Z rhymes and 26 animals cutting sick in the ocean. Available from Dymocks Burnside Village WATCH: Manchester by the Sea: I admit this film is from 2016, but give us a break. I’ve been busy procreating. We finally finished this slow-burn drama over 25 instalments rand can confirm it’s primo Friday-night-on-the-couch-when-the-kid’s-finally-asleep fodder. Life comes fast at Lee, a brooding Massachusetts janitor, who’s faced with the prospect of caring for his teen nephew, Patrick, when Lee’s brother dies suddenly. Heart-wrenching flashbacks explain the characters’ fractured relationships and you’ll have all the feels from the cast’s stellar performances, laden with grief and intimacy. What’s this salty discharge coming from my eyes? DO: Onkaparinga River National Park: Can you recommend somewhere you’ve never been? Is that a thing? Stuff it, I’m doin’ it. I’ve seen enough Insta pics of this place, barely 30 minutes south of Adelaide, that I’m pulling the finger out and taking the fambo for an overdue nature hang there pronto. How good is it strapping the kid in the carrier and doing fun stuff while they stare in wonder or catch some zzz’s by the way? I’ll see you in the Park. Twitter: @JakeJDean Instagram: @byjakedean Blog: jake-dean.com
I Spy with My Little Eye; is a game that has been used by parents for generations and while it can help wile away the hours on a long car trip or entertain a testy toddler in a doctor’s surgery, it is also a great reminder to us as parents to think about our children’s ability to see clearly. It’s a startling fact is that 1 in 5 children have undetected eye problems and these can be nearly impossible to spot without an eye test. Children are remarkably resilient and without the knowledge that they should be able to see any other way,they will cope in many other ways. Maybe they hold their book a little closer (or farther away) from their face thannormal, maybe they tilt their head when looking at the television or squint. Theycould cover one eye when watching a movie on an ipad, or complain of headaches ordry eyes. The fact is that there are so many subtle signs, that they are easy to miss.But the way not to miss them, is to get their eyes tested by a professionaloptometrist who can asses not only their vision but their overall eye health. At National Pharmacies Optical, they believe that all children should have the brightest outlook on life so they have now introduced FREE glasses for children 12 years and over with a family membership. That means you can book an appointment at any of their 21 optical stores and your child can have an extensive eye exam and if they do detect a problem that can be corrected with glasses – thoseglasses and the lenses are completely free. So next time you’re asked to play eye spy as you’re driving down the road, consider how your child may be spying; the world and consider putting your mind at rest with a simple, no cost eye exam at National Pharmacies Optical. A Family Membership with National Pharmacies is a great way for all the family to receive more benefits, more often. In addition to free glasses for children under 12, there are also great benefits on skincare, fragrance and health items. Outside of the store, the MemberPlus program gives you access to activities and offers from great South Australian companies. There are 21 Optical Stores Across SA, Book An Eye Test Today! NORTH ModburyNorthpark SOUTH BlackwoodChristies BeachCumberland ParkGlenelgMarionVictor Harbor EAST AdelaideGlenungaMardenMt BarkerNewtonNorwood WEST FindonHenley BeachMile EndWest Lakes For more information or to become a member:2020by2020.com.au@nationalpharmacies Meaghan Coles Photography KIDDO Feature in partnership with National Pharmacies
Feel the heat at Circus Rio The only circus I’ve ever experienced firsthand is the one haphazardly performed daily in my living room as I attempt to get the kids ready for school in the morning, so when invited to attend Circus Rio, I was excited to find out what a performance underneath a legitimate big top was really like. In Adelaide for the first time ever, the team at Circus Rio did not disappoint. The spirit of the carnival is very much alive from the opening Samba number, in what is a joyous celebration of music, light, costume, colour and the remarkable capability of the human form. The athleticism of the aerialists, who dangled perilously from ropes and ribbons was enough to make anyone want to up their weights regime, with the Circus Rio team making a series of unnerving stunts look effortless. Featuring a variety of high energy acts, there is enough slapstick comedy, acrobatics and old school circus classics like juggling and rolla bolla to keep both adults and children enthralled throughout the two-hour extravaganza. A highlight of the show was undoubtedly the FMX motorbikes soaring and backflipping through the big top which left the jaws of my three, at times unimpressible, children agape. Circus Rio is definitely an event for the whole family, with both little and big people alike welcomed onto the stage after the show for a meet and greet and photo opportunities with the performers. Don’t pass up the opportunity to see this travelling troupe while they’re in town! Tickets from $19 for kids and $29 for adults Circus Rio Bonython Park, Adelaide 05 Apr – 12 May 2019 Tickets available here
Lattes and little ones At last the North Eastern suburbs have their own neighbourhood retreat boasting excellent coffee and great atmosphere. Locals Kristy Cox and Adrienne Martin have recently opened the doors of their Dernancourt coffee-shop-cum- photography-studio, with a focus on parents, caregivers and their little ones. This is the first venture of its kind for the duo, their backgrounds are far from hospitality, but you can’t tell from visiting Bean + Stork Studio as they’re nailing it. Bean + Stork Studio is a modern and simply designed space with functionality in mind. The fit out, by Danika at Design Studio, makes for the perfect atmosphere to enjoy your coffee and brunch. The shop design features predominately white and grey, paired neatly with natural wood and a touch of greenery. The ceiling has been custom designed to absorb most of the noise, so you won’t have to yell over the kids here. They offer a clean and bespoke child-focused play space so you can enjoy some relaxation time while the little ones have a play. There is a small wooden slide, teepee and more. The ner details, like low hanging clouds to help make little people feel more secure, are what make this space great. Another unique aspect is babies have also been considered in the play space, with soft mats and a gorgeous Bella Buttercup mobile to keep the very little among us happy and occupied. The small menu consists of very simple, but delicious food. On offer is an all-day breakfast consisting of sourdough toast and eggs with your choice of sides, ham and cheese croissants and gourmet toasties. There is a real focus on supporting their local community, with produce sourced from the Barossa Valley, bread from local bakery Rustico, and coffee beans from Athelstone based Mighty Mighty Coffee Roasters. Owner Kristy knows all too well the struggle of managing baby and toddler allergies and so their menu caters for all. They are allergy and intolerance friendly. Plus, they cater to vegetarians and vegans too. You can finally get a coconut latte in the North East. Feel free to linger all morning and enjoy a second – or third – cup of coffee, there are no judgements here, mama. If you suddenly find it’s the afternoon, lucky for you, the place is licensed and it’s always a perfect time for wine. Bean + Stork Studio is available for sole use on Saturday and Sunday afternoons for private functions. The space has been created so it can accommodate all sorts of events from baby showers, to birthdays and christening parties. The studio part of the name refers to Kristy’s very own photography studio. Bean + Stork Studio has been cleverly designed to allow a small studio to fit within the space. Keep an eye on their social media because Kristy will offer fortnightly mini drop-in sessions to get up-to-date photos of your little ones without the drama. Being a parent or caregiver of young children can be challenging to get out and about, but Bean + Stork Studio make it easy. There is no need to stress about noise, mess, feeding or nappy changes, they have you covered. Come, breathe a sigh of relief and relax. And if you’re not toting a baby and a nappy bag, don’t stress, all are welcome here. 3/831 Lower North East Rd, Dernancourt SA 5075Monday, Wednesday – Friday 8am to 3pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am to 1pmbeanstorkstudio.com.au@BEANSTALKSTUDIO Nick Lawrence Photography
When you’re a parent there are kids shows that are barely tolerated and some that are truly loved. Sarah and Duck has always been a family favourite, so when we heard about the live show coming to town we were expecting good things. LIVE REVIEW – Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday When you’re a parent there are kids shows that are barely tolerated and some that are truly loved. Sarah and Duck has always been a family favourite, so when we heard about the live show coming to town we were expecting good things. The live show is beautifully and accurately adapted from the popular BAFTA award winning CBeebies animation, which airs on ABC Kids.A delightful cast of 5 puppeteers seamlessly appeared and disappeared out of your consciousness and embody the characters, script and storyline to a tea. The set design is colourful, creative, cleverly crafted and the ever changing set kept the audience engaged, from the opening song to the closing finale. The costumes voice-overs and characters are beautifully bought to life on stage in the spacious Dunston Play House, and are an accurate representation of the animation. Sarah, Duck and Narrator are joined on stage by what seems like the entire cast. The Ribbon Sisters, John, Cake, Flamingo, Scarf Lady, Bag and the Shallots all join in to throw, sweet old scarf lady a ’Big Top Soiree Birthday Doo”, which sees them all come together with their own party tricks that range from tightrope walking to a spectacular Duck cannonball. There was plenty of dry sarcasm for the parents and a few adorable bum wiggles, bubbles and audience participation for the kids. If you love the animation the “Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday Live Show” is a must see and is equally as enjoyable for little people and big people!***** QUACKS Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival CentreUntil 20 Jan 2019Duration 60 minsTickets: $24.90 – $29.90adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
Author: Aziza Stevens – 13 Years Old An Epic Story of Displacement, Loss and Adapting to Different Worlds The story starts with Chloe and Hassan sent out of class for detention, they have 50 minutes figure out which one of them stole their teachers money. At the end of their time one of them will have to admit to what they have done. Amphibian has a very serious message but has some humour to less intensify the scenes and ease the silence. This particular Windmill Theatre Company production is very different form previous performances I have seen. The cast Antony Makhlouf playing Hassan and Maiah Stewardson playing primarily Chloe both have excellent acting skills. This was an interesting piece to watch because of the changing roles between the two actors. Chloe and Hassan have some things in common just not in the way you would expect it. As they tell their private stories of their life you get a deeper understanding towards both of them. The audience uncovers the uncomfortable truths of a refugees journey to freedom and safety, and also get a deeper understanding of what their lives where like and what they are like now. It wasn’t just the actors that made the show, the script, simple costuming and the pastel coloured set with thoughtful lighting made the scenes feel realistic. One of my favourite parts of the performance was in the interviewing room where they used different camera angles to emphasize the mood. The simplicity of the production is impressive. Amphibian is definitely for an older age group and it is confronting to hear the process a refugee has to go through to get a safer place. There is an estimate of 65 million refugees worldwide. I now think of the word ‘refugee’ very differently since seeing this performance. I wasn’t sure at first why the show had been named Amphibian, it could have many meanings, but for me it shows how cold blooded humanity can be. This original performance from Windmill Theatre Company is worth seeing, catch it while you can. Amphibian is showing from 12 – 15 September at Adelaide Festival Centre Tickets and more information here
REVIEW: Sir Scallywag & the Golden Underpants: Family Concert If ever I was going to be enticed into accompanying my two six-year-old children to an afternoon with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, it would be when there are bum jokes involved. I’m sorry, but that’s just how we roll. A rainy afternoon in June was the perfect opportunity to go on a whimsical adventure with composer/presenter Paul Rissman and the ASO, as a part of the 2018 Festival of Learning. Based on the book Sir Scallywag and the Golden Underpants by Giles Andreae and Korky Paul, the interactive storytelling experience with accompanying music and projected images, told the story of the bravest Knight in the kingdom, six-year-old Sir Scallywag. Courageous young Scallywag was tasked to outwit a wicked giant who had stolen the King’s underpants, which just happened to be made of solid gold; all within the respectable time limitation set by a benevolent King, of one single, solitary hour. Internationally acclaimed Paul Rissmann, accompanied by vocalist Rachel Bruerville, was the perfect storyteller; engaging and witty, he had the children in the palm of his hand. There were wide eyes and cheeky grins dotted throughout the packed Grainger Studio, with children of all ages enthralled by the story and completely enraptured by the accompanying music from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Naturally, a peel of guffaws echoed through the room each and every time the word “bottom” was used! At the conclusion of the show, many of the musicians from the Orchestra took the time to meet with children and show them their instruments, at which point I learnt the hard way that saying “that’s a good-looking oboe” sounds really dirty when I say it. [Will I never learn??] This was definitely a worthy introduction to an orchestral performance for the kids and the overarching message of the story, that being small never stopped anyone from being courageous and clever, well received by adults and children alike. Paul Rissmann – Composer & PresenterGraham Abbott – ConductorRachel Bruerville – Vocalist @the_aso @eeniemeeniemineymum
Supremely Sleek Wheels Mum of 3, Vy, is the perfect candidate to review Volvo’s premium XC60 T5. With little ones who love playing sport, she knows what to look for in a family car. Her top priorities are safety, spaciousness and design. Vy heard that the Volvo XC60 SUV won Wheels Magazine’s ‘Car of The Year’ for 2018 so she wanted to judge for herself. Find out what Vy thought about Volvo’s award winning SUV after she took it for a test drive with the family for the weekend! VOLVO XC60 T5 Inscription in Pine Grey SAFETY: The new XC60 is claimed to be not only the safest Volvo ever, but perhaps the safest car on sale today. We were amazed that Volvo has developed a collision avoidance system that allows the XC60 to steer itself away from oncoming traffic, should you drift onto the wrong side of the road. That’s even on top of a City Safety system that can detect and brake for pedestrians and animals. FEEL: Acceleration is quick, smooth and crisp, which makes overtaking a breeze and an easy drive with sleeping kids in the back. I also noticed that when Comfort mode was selected, the steering became almost as light as a feather. As well as a luxurious heating system, the leather seats also have a cooling function. That made driving home from the beach even more refreshing! DESIGN: The spacious electric boot holds 505 litres worth of goods. We managed to fit the kid’s bikes and all of our tennis gear in. One of my favourite functions was the park assist pilot. Almost effortlessly the car reverse paralleled by itself! We were lost for words, while we watched the XC60 perform this action from a Birdseye view on the touchscreen, 9-inch high-resolution centre display. OVERALL VERDICT: The XC60 T5 Inscription wins my vote. The car is beautifully crafted and the Scandinavian design goes hand in hand with the most intelligently designed car I’ve ever driven. Safety is crucial to me. Volvo’s safety systems made me feel utterly at ease whilst driving. I love the fact that the car has collision avoidance technology between 50-100km/h.On top of all of its practical features, the Inscription model is super luxurious and sophisticated. I would choose this model as opposed to other sports options. A wonderful car deserving of its Car of the Year 2018 Award! 10 Family Friendly Features ANCAP SAFETY RATING 5 COLLISION AVOIDANCE TECHNOLOGY PARK ASSIST – REAR AND FRONT ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) KEYLESS ENTRY 360° CAMERA BLUETOOTH® HANDS-FREE SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONING – FOUR-ZONE CLIMATE CONTROL SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION 12.3’’ DIGITAL DRIVER DISPLAY To test drive or to find out more information about The Volvo XC60 contact Solitaire Volvo (08) 7007 022546-52 GLEN OSMOND ROAD,PARKSIDE SA 5063 SOLITAIREVOLVO.COM.AU Photography by Meaghan Coles