Science Alive!

I have to admit that the first time I went to Science Alive was about a week after it first opened, way back in the early 1990s. I was working in the building next door and so got a freebie. It was okay, but I didn't consider it anything to rave about.

But now, I've got kids and they were begging me to take them to Science Alive. Thinking it would be kind of expensive, I finally gave in and off we went. And WOW! Seriously, it was worth the $37 admission (1 adult, 2 school aged kids) and has got bigger and better! We've now been twice in six months.

Firstly, don't go there unless you've got a minimum of about 2 or 3 hours to spare. The pass is an all-day ticket, so you can come and go as you want all day - this is great if you want to pop out for lunch, or even go and see a movie at the Hoyts cinema next door.

Secondly, it's really aimed at school aged and older kids, but there is actually quite an awesome preschoolers/parents' chill out room (complete with magazines to read) -and thankfully anyone can go in there, as my kids love checking out the real bee hive, the turtle, and other goodies. You do have to pay for your preschoolers, but the price is kept low (and under 2s are free - yay!).

Thirdly, book in for the rock climbing wall - as long as your kids are about four or five or older (I think there's a height limit) then they can do this half hour workshop. Great fun!

Fourth, try to see the daily show that is put on. We've now been to two - one was about the human body, which was slightly boring but at least it was projected onto the inside of an inflatable dome (which was cool!); the second one was about liquid nitrogen, and was absolutely fascinating!

Right, so you're in there, take your time and look around. On the ground floor there is a scary slide, a gyoscope, the rock climbing wall, and the earthquake house (especially fun after Christchurch's recent big shake! For the record, I reckon our 7.1 was somewhere between the "moderate" and "large" on their scale). The preschooler's room is also there, plus heaps of hands on exhibits to play with. I particularly like the giant satellite dishes at either end of the room - stand at one, send your kid to the other, and you can whisper into the dish and hear the other person incredibly clearly.

DON'T FORGET TO GO DOWNSTAIRS!

There are three more awesome rooms down there!

Firstly, have a play on the magic harp.



Then check out the mini golf (in total blackness except for an ultraviolet light and fluoro balls and holes). There are two other rooms with great hands on exhibits and brainteasers. Don't forget to check out the giant kaleidoscope - it's not often you get to see yourself reflected in millions of mirrors!

And my current fave exhibit is the phosphorescent wall - stand in front of the wall, turn on the strobe lights, wait five seconds, then walk away. YOUR SHADOW STAYS ON THE WALL!

The exhibitions change every three to six months, so there is always something new and interesting to see. They also do birthday parties!



Where: In the Hoyts 8 building on Moorhouse Ave (the old railway station) so park around the back in the free carpark.
392 Moorhouse Avenue
Christchurch
Phone 03 365 5199

Cost:

Adults: $15

Kids: $11

And there's actually a whole range of other various prices for unaccompanied kids, parents with preschoolers, family passes, etc etc, so check out their website!

Hours:

10am til 5pm daily.

http://www.sciencealive.co.nz/

Children's theatre

Every school holidays we are lucky in Christchurch to be able to take the kids to the theatre for a reasonably price.

The Court Theatre, The Mill, and The Malthouse all hold regular school holiday performances. Prices are good - usually around $7 or $8 per ticket.

The Court Theatre is in the Arts Centre in town, and the actors are professionals, which usually makes for a great show.

The Mill is in Wise Street, off Lincoln Road in Addington, and the shows are usually of a good standard.

The Malthouse is at the South end of Colombo Street, and the actors are often teenagers doing drama courses, so the quality is a bit more amateur. It's called "cushion theatre", as everyone sits on the floor with a cushion (BYO, although I think some are provided).


The Court Theatre shows are good for kids aged 3 til around 9 years old. The Mill's Playbox is best for the 1 to 5 year olds and the Malthouse is similar. Most of the shows only run for 45 minutes to an hour, so aren't too long for the little ones and their little attention spans!

Check out the theatre's websites for details of current shows and booking details.

The Art Gallery

Oh we love the Art Gallery!

There's nothing better on a rainy day than to spend a pleasant hour or two wandering around the various galleries. My kids are aged 6 and 4 and they really love it too.

We usually park in the basement carpark ($1.10 per half hour). We peruse the downstairs exhibits (the temporary exhibits - by the way, the current Daniel Crooks exhibit is AMAZING! Well worth a visit!) before heading upstairs to the more permanent rooms.

There is a gallery set aside especially for kids, with plenty of interactive activities for them. It's great (not to mention educational)!

But even the main galleries are well worth a wander. My kids enjoy taking in all the different types of artworks, trying to decide what the picture is of, or what the artist was thinking when he or she made it.

There's a cafe downstairs if you fancy a snack (although to tell the truth, we avoid it when we have the kids with us as it just seems too fancy and I'm scared they'll break something!). There's also a gift shop which sells all sorts of exciting things (I was very excited to see my favourite painting on a gift card, mine for the very reasonable sum of $3).

Occasionally the gallery has shows and concerts on in the gallery foyer - last week we happened across a fantastic brass band concert, another time we came upon a hiphop dancing show.

And of course, admission is free - fantastic!

Visit the Art Gallery's website for more information on current exhibits and other bits and pieces.

The Art Gallery is in the central city, on Montreal Street, between Worcester and Gloucester Streets (the carpark entrance is off Gloucester Street).

Canterbury Museum

It was a cold rainy day so where better to go than to the Museum!

Unfortunately, nearly half of Christchurch and three quarters of all the tourists in town that day had the same idea. The place was heaving!

However, it was great.

I love the museum - it's such an interesting place to visit. The kids and I usually try to go along a couple of times a year, and even though it's usually always the same exhibits, it never gets boring.

We usually park in the Botanic Gardens carpark (free for up to 3 hours, and even if you stay longer there is no-one watching as far as I can see...) and walk through the gardens to the museum (about 5 to 10 minutes).

Once inside we go through the early New Zealand and Maori exhibits - the displays are always excellent!

Then we head through the old Christchurch streetscape, through the transport section, and we zip upstairs to the Egyptology, geology and dinosaur exhibits.

All of these different areas have plenty of hands-on stuff for the kids to enjoy - they get to sit on a horse in the old Christchurch street and go inside an olden-days toy shop. They get to ride in an old carriage and sit on a penny farthing in the transport section. There are magnet headdresses to put onto Egyptian pharoahs and you can touch meteorites and quartz in the geology section.

Then you come to the Discovery room - it is an added extra, especially for kids, and it costs $2 per person (free for under 3s). It is well worth it. (You can also pay an annual membership, about $15 if I remember rightly, which gives you unlimited access for the year).

We easily spend up to an hour in the Discovery Room - there are puzzles, books, magazines, toys, and a myriad of stuffed animals and pinned insects and butterflies to look at. My favourites are the jars upon jars of preserved specimens, including animal foetuses and even a human hand! The kids particularly like the animal figurines and the hands-on activities. We both really like opening up all the many specimen drawers to see what's inside.

My only complaint with the Discovery Room is the computers - they are loaded with The Magic Schoolbus games, but every single time we've tried to use them they seem to go SOOOOO SLOWWWWW. Plus the volume is set very low and we usually end up giving up in frustration after a few minutes.

Continuing on around the museum, there's the bird hall - always interesting. Then there's the boring room of Asian artifacts. Then there's the very interesting Canterbury environment exhibits - I always want to spend ages reading every single panel, but the kids always hurry me along as they're not that keen.

Last but not least is the Antarctic exhibit. Now, having just been to the Antarctic Centre a couple of weeks ago, I have to say that this exhibit is great. Save your money and just visit the museum instead.


Then there's the Museum Cafe. I have got good memories of this cafe - when I was a bored younger mother with two toddlers in a pram we used to come here during the quiet weekdays. The large picture windows give a lovely view of the Botanic Gardens and there were magazines for me to read while sipping my coffee. Plus there was a fantastic kids' play area, complete with baby friendly options also.

Then came this latest visit. Hmmmm.

Admittedly, it was a VERY busy Sunday afternoon. There were only two young women behind the counter, both working flat out, trying to serve the long queue. Unfortunately this meant that the cafe was disgustingly dirty. None of the girls had a chance to come out to clear and wipe tables. Every table was laden with dirty dishes.

I ordered a mocha coffee, which took about 10 minutes to arrive (due to the woman making coffees being snowed under in orders). It was the worst coffee ever. Luke warm, with a huge solid lump of grainy chocolate (inedible) at the bottom which made the last quarter of the cup undrinkable.

We also had a piece of chocolate fudge cake. Seeing as it was obviously made earlier in the day I figured it couldn't go wrong, right? Wrong. Worst fudge cake ever. It was disgusting and had the texture of sawdust.

I could have gone and complained, but those poor girls looked very unhappy to be there anyway. We just quietly left.


So that was my only disappointment, and it was a REAL disappointment after my previously good encounters in this cafe.


But overall, the museum is GREAT.


Cost - FREE!!!! (Donations accepted). $2 per person for the Discovery Room.

Allow - 2 hours minimum, but you could easily spend 3 - 4 hours there.

Location - Rolleston Ave, central Christchurch.

Visit the website for more information!

The Antarctic Centre

I must say in advance that I've always been a bit biased against the Antarctic Centre, ever since the first time I ever went there, in about 1997. I couldn't believe then that I had to pay the HUGE sum of about $12 to get into what I thought was nothing more than a boring museum about snow. Hmmph!

So over the past ten years I've refused to go back. "Overpriced!" I'd mutter. "Boring!" I'd snarl. "Tourist entrapment!" I'd yell.

But finally we decided to go for a visit, mainly because my five year old son had been BEGGING me to take him, so that he could see the penguins (he's a wildlife nut). And the reason that finally broke down my defences was that there was a half price special for locals on. So, I gritted my teeth, bundled the 5 year old boy and the 4 year old girl into the car, and off we went.

My first impressions were AWFUL. As I pulled into the carpark I nearly had a fit when I realised that you now have to "Pay and Display". This is a new thing, it certainly hadn't been there a couple of years ago when I came out here. I was LIVID.

I left the carpark immediately, deciding to park on the street. Well, that was no good, as there were now yellow no-parking lines everywhere. I could possibly have got a free park a few kilometres away if I really wanted to. Muttering murderously I reluctantly returned to the carpark.

I calmed down a bit once I went to put my money into the machine. Firstly, it was only $1 an hour, which wasn't exorbitant (I was fully expecting the centre to be charging something crazy like $4 an hour). Secondly, I only had a $20 note on me, which the machine didn't accept, but a nice woman gave me a couple of dollars and said "Enjoy yourselves!" I know she's not part of the Antarctic Centre's experience, but hey, she made me feel better.

(In hindsight I realise why the Centre has to now charge for carparking - the airport is only a ten minute walk away and I'm sure that they would have been having problems with people parking at the centre for free and then walking to the airport).

We went in and paid our money. The four year old was free (free for under 5s), the five year old cost $10 and I cost $15. Remember, this was half price admission - it would normally have been $50 for us to get in.

We headed straight to the penguin room, as they were being fed. My son was initially disappointed as the penguins were Little Blue Penguins. I guess he had been expecting Emperor Penguins or something! But the penguins were cute, and the viewing rooms gave views both above and below water, from three different angles, so that was cool.

We then went back to the Snow and Ice Room. We put on our warm jackets and overshoes (provided) and went in. It was cold. It was about minus 8 degrees celsius in there. There was an ice slide, that looked rather dangerous to me, but the kids seemed to enjoy it. There was also an igloo thing and a Antarctic tent. Then there was a countdown to the "storm", which built up slowly to a crescendo of wind and temperatures dropping to minus 20. It was a bit scary for my four year old, but it was exciting nonetheless.

Back out again, the rest of the time was spent looking at the static displays. There's heaps to look at, and a LOT of information about Antarctica and Scott Base in particular. My kids weren't into reading up all the scientific information on the display boards so we skimmed most of it and focussed on the visual displays. My son liked the Antarctic aquarium as well, with its non-moving fish and starfish.

The car parking machine had suggested that most people stay at the centre for three hours. I only paid for two hours, as I know my kids. I was right - we left after being in the Centre for an hour and 45 minutes. If you were to read every information panel you could easily be there for three hours.

Our admission was just the basic one. You can also pay more and get a ride on a Hagglund (overland transport truck used in the Antarctic). You can also pay more and actually go inside the penguin enclosure with the keepers. See the website for more information on these.


So, what did I think? Was it worth the price we paid?

Well, it was okay. I paid $25 for the three of us, and I felt it was only slightly overpriced. If I had paid $50 I would have felt ripped off.

I think that if you are REALLY interested in Antarctica and the scientific side of what happens down there, then you'll love it and will find it value for money.

I like the Snow and Ice Room - that's a great idea (except the ice slide) and the storm is good. The penguins are a nice addition.

But in general? Well, let me just say that we won't be visiting again for another ten years (time to save up).



For more info visit the Antarctic Centre's website.

Antarctic Centre - half price for locals in June 08

I've been wanting to go to the Antarctic Centre for ages (mainly because my 5 year old son keeps pestering me about seeing penguins) but the exorbitant (in my opinion, anyway) cost has always made me balk.

BUT! For the month of June 2008 the centre is offering half price admission for local residents, which makes the prospect of a day out much more affordable.

Just take along some proof of your local resident status (power bills with your address, library card, etc) and make the most of the offer. I'll be going along later this month and giving my opinion.

(And just for future reference, the Antarctic Centre's website has a page on it specifically for local special deals - yes, they do have them occasionally!)

The library!

Some people might think that the thing I'm about to suggest is about as exciting as watching paint dry, and for them that may just be the case. (I'm also surprised that these people can read are reading this at all, but there you have it.)

We LOVE visiting the library. Myself and the kids visit at least weekly. We have a card each, each cardholder is able to take out up to 20 items a time, and so we're usually walking out of the local library each week laden down with 60 books/DVDs/posters/videos in several carrier bags.

If you have preschoolers then the Storytime sessions are a great source of free entertainment for an hour each week. For parents who're bored stiff and know no other parents, they're also a great way to meet new people. (I should know - nearly all of my best friends were collected at the library).

Once a month the Storytime hour is taken over by a Music and Movement hour - again, totally free and great fun for the little ones.

If your little ones are REALLY little ones (i.e. under 2) then there's also Babytimes - these are monthly sessions and even sometimes end with a laid-on morning tea, with the emphasis on the parents getting to know each other.

I *heart* our libraries!


Christchurch has a huge number of libraries, and just about every suburb has easy access to one. Some are in stunning locations - I have spent many a relaxing half hour reading magazines while sitting on the sea-view seats looking out over the Pacific Ocean at the New Brighton Library.

Libraries are no longer all about books - on a rainy day you'll find plenty of people playing computer games, surfing the net, reading magazines, and even playing Playstation games (only in some libraries!). You can borrow movies (kids' ones are free!), posters, CD roms, talking books, puzzles and more.

If you have preschoolers, and are at a loose end, then try to find a Storytime session. Relaxing, easy, back to basics stuff.


Library locations in Christchurch:

Central, Bishopdale, Halswell, Fendalton, Hornby, Linwood, Lyttelton, New Brighton, Papanui, Parklands, Redwood, Shirley, South, Spreydon, Sumner, Upper Riccarton.

For Storytimes session details visit here.

Swimming at the CCC pools

Swimming - perfect for those hot sunny days when you just need to cool off, but also great for those cold winter days when the thought of a hot spa and sauna makes your toes tingle with anticipation.

Christchurch has plenty of great pools, but I'm only going to write about the ones I go to regularly - QE2, Centennial and Pioneer.

My favourite is DEFINITELY QE2. It is amazing value for money!

There's the 50m lap pool. The diving pool. The preschooler's pool. And then there's the main leisure pool, complete with Pirate Ship (with nice little water slides perfect for the little kids), lazy river (with crazy whirlpools), and REAL LIVE WAVES every half hour or so (my kids' eyes nearly popped out of their heads when the waves first started on our first visit - they'd never had so much fun!).

And then there's the spa pools, the sauna and the steam room. Mmmmmm.

Oh, and did I mention the hydroslides? These have a minimum age limit (not entirely sure what it is) and you have to pay extra, but from what my nieces and nephews say, they're well worth the cost. (I haven't yet had the chance to experience the hydroslides, but that's because my kids are too young to leave them unattended!).

Anyway, so QE2. Crazily good value. Myself, my 5 year old and my 4 year old get in for $5. Yes, you heard me right. $5 for ALL THREE OF US.

Of course, if I were to go all by myself it'd cost about $5 as well. But then at least I'd get to actually go into the lap pool, do a few laps, then chill out in the spa, sauna and steam rooms without having to keep eagle eyes on my two little ones.

The only con I can think of with QE2 is the location - WAY out in deepest darkest... ummmm, what is it? Burwood? North Brighton? Queenspark? One of those Northern suburbs anyway.


So, if you're stuck in town, without transport, then head to the Centennial!

It's right in the central city, and it also has a kid's pool (with lazy river), a lap pool, a spa, a sauna and a steam room. Again, such good value and only five minutes walk from Cathedral Square.

The only "con" with the Centennial is that, being in the central city, you have to pay for parking.


And if you're out in the southern suburbs? Then the Pioneer's the place for you. The facilities are pretty much the same as the Centennial, but the parking is FREE (as is QE2, in case you hadn't realised).



There are heaps more pools in Christchurch, including some outdoor ones, but these are the ones we like to go to.

As I have both a boy and a girl, another bonus is the family changing rooms in these places. My 5 year old son is telling me that NO WAY is he going to be getting buck naked in the GIRLS' changing rooms anymore (fair enough), and NO WAY am I letting him go to the BOYS' changing rooms all by himself. So these wee private family changing rooms (complete with private shower) are a godsend. All the CCC pools have them.

Oh, and if you're that way inclined, these pools all have gyms associated with them and they do awesome packages that include unlimited pool and gym use. Great value!


THE LOWDOWN:

Cost:
Adults $5, Child $2.50, Parent with preschooler $2.50 (so it's cheaper for you to go with your little one than to go by yourself!). There are plenty of other prices so check the website for info.

Hours:
Generally between 7am and 8pm.

Location:
Check the website!

Suitable for:
EVERYONE!

Allow:
A couple of hours - or at least until your fingers and toes have gone pruney.


My rating: 9 out of 10