Kerry Haggard works as a writer for a Johannesburg-based PR company. She cherishes the two most beautiful boys that ever there were, and embarks on adventures in baking in her not-so-copious free time. Find her on Twitter @KerryHaggard

When faced with five children and a hot muggy (but beautiful) Jozi day, I was looking for an outing that wouldn’t involve too much effort in the heat of the day, but that would be fun and appealing to all of us – from my father-in-law to my three year old son. My first thought was the Joburg Zoo (which I love), but in the interest of keeping the holiday suitably exertion free, we wanted somewhere that didn’t involve too much trekking around in the hot sun.  Friends had spoken highly of the Lory Park Zoo in Midrand, so we piled into two cars and headed north to Midrand, hoping to leave the heavy clouds and the spitting rain behind us – we all needed a change of scenery, and we were not going to let the heavy clouds deter us!

It was a bit of a hunt to find Lory Park – there are signs, but there could possibly be more – but when we got there, it was easy to find parking in the secure parking lot. It’s a bit more pricey than the Johannesburg Zoo, at R55 per adult and R35 per child, but I guess if you’re not enjoying government subsidies, you are obliged to charge a bit more. This made it a bit pricey for our party of eight, but we weren’t disappointed once we were inside.

Years back I worked on a publishing project with the Johannesburg Zoo, so I have a bit of back knowledge about the signs of a good zoo – and Lory Park has a lot of them. The animals are healthy – well covered but not fat – and the design of their enclosures attempts to replicate their natural habitats as far as is practical. The tigers and pumas revelled in their ponds and waterfalls, while the tiger cubs had a lush ‘jungle’ where they could frolic and ever-so-gently maul one another, to the great amusement of visitors. There were a few animals that were pacing, but there was no clearreason for this – these animals are all very well fed and cared for, with all sorts of stimulation devices (like ice lollies for the lions) to keep them from boredom.

The zoo has a daily programme of interactive events which is publicized on its website and on handouts at the entrance, so I eagerly sought out the snake handler and his red boa. My boys were not keen to see a snake draped around their mother (and neither was my husband!), but I valued the opportunity to get close to a creature that we all normally shy away from. I was intrigued at how warm this cold-blooded snake was, and at how it just ‘parked’ quietly across my shoulders until his handler took him back.

There’s a wide variety of animals, reptiles and birds, which meant that there was something for everyone to enjoy. There are some rareties – it’s the first time I’ve seen a honey badger close up, and it was great to be able to see the black puma’s spots on closer inspection.

There’s a cafe that serves fairly reasonably priced hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and cold drinks, and a covered area to enjoy your purchases. There are also braai areas scattered throughout the zoo, and there are covered bomas, grassy patches, benches, tables and chairs at regular intervals where you can rest or enjoy refreshments – they seem to be completely ok with you bringing your own.

We all really enjoyed the zoo – just remember that the snakes and other reptiles are kept in their cool enclosures in the heat of the day, so we didn’t see many of them on our hot afternoon, and that the zoo closes at 4 every day.  Visit its website for useful updates and opportunities to get involved in its conservation work:  www.lorypark.co.za .

We spent the day in Newtown, Johannesburg, today… at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. It’s like a science museum only cooler… way cooler.  It’s 3 floors of stuff… packed with coolness and loads to keep the kids occupied.

It was easily the most fun we’ve ever had for R30!! Seriously, that’s all it cost to get in, because Connor was “free” ‘cos he’s under 6.   We got there at 11:30am… and I managed to drag them out of there at 3:30pm!! And they were complaining that they didn’t want to go home yet.

I was in two minds about going to Sci-Bono.  The only people I knew that have been there, have got little kids.  I was worried that Bradley would get bored.  Well, I’m not actually sure who was more engaged by the centre actually.  They definitely got different things out of the day.   Connor was just interested in getting things to work.  Bradley would intently read instructions to get them to work right… but he’s not yet interested in why it works like it does… and I’m sure older kids/teens would be… so it caters for all ages.  And it’s under cover!! Perfect for a rainy day! And for those worried about going to “scary” Joburg  the parking lot is right outside with a guard

The highlight of the place was definitely the Murray and Roberts construction site.  The boys kept coming back here.  There was a “site office” where they had to get kitted out with hard hats and bibs.  There were piles of foam bricks and cement to build walls between steel structures…

I managed to tear them away to get them to a science show at 12:30pm.  And on the way we got sidetracked by this machine that showed pressure in a chamber when you used a lever to spin a soccer ball

The science show was fabulous.  They used chemicals to produce fires and all sorts of cool things for the kids to see… in this experiment she blew cake flour out of a funnel and lit it… I did not know that flour could burn like that! Then she made bubbles with liquid nitrogen and I can’t remember what else .

Then it was time to see the dinosaurs.  They were awesome, and roared and moved when you pressed a button.  Really cool for the kids!

Both boys loved the Eskom section where they played with circuits and currents… this one used batteries to get a train to move around a track.

This was them running to get back to the construction area after being through all 3 floors of magnetic, electric and musical fun….

We’ll definitely be back.  Connor wants to go there again tomorrow… LOL! And I’ve definitely decided that this is a definite party venue for one of them this year!

We all remember the Adventures of the lovable and fearless Tintin and his cute dog, Snowy, but the movie elevates Tintin to a whole new level of excitement and adventure!  Tintin has been all over the world, but he has never been to the big screen, so prepare yourself for the thrill of thrills.

The animation is absolutely amazing and at times I had to remind myself that the characters were NOT real people J And the 3D action brings the screen to life like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

When Tintin (voiced by Jamie Bell) buys a mysterious model ship from a flea market stall, he and Snowy discover there is more to the ship than meets the eye, as they find themselves being drawn into the middle of a centuries old mystery.

Enter Ivanovitch Sakharine, the bad guy, who wants the ship more than anything else on the planet and doesn’t care who he has to annihilate to get it.  Sakharine (voiced by Daniel Craig) believes that Tintin has stolen the ship, a priceless treasure, from a pirate named Red Rackham, and Tintin is on the evil villain’s hit list.

Tintin and Snowy team up with the constantly inebriated, entertaining Captain Haddock (voiced by Andy Serkis) and Scotland Yard’s finest two detectives (NOT!!!), to solve the mystery and outwit Sakharine.  This results in a rip roaring adventure on land, sea and in the air, travelling across continents to find the remains of the Unicorn, a shipwreck that they believe holds the key to a fortune in gold, and an ancient curse.

Thrills and danger galore will keep you wondering until the very end, when all is revealed.  Or is it?

This movie is a real classic from the Master of epic movies, Steven Spielberg, and in Spielberg’s own words “As soon as I read my first of the books, Tintin never strayed far from my thoughts and heart.  I knew Tintin and I were destined for some kind of collaboration …a journey of discovery”.  He was right!

The movie was released at cinemas countrywide just before Christmas.  Put it on your “to do” list for 2012.  Kids and adults alike will be enthral

My daughter, husband and I had the incredible priviledge of experiencing what Montecasino calls their  Show and Stay Package including dinner, bed, breakfast, show tickets and a programme. Wow, what a treat, one I would recommend to anyone needing a holiday around the corner.

In as long as it took for us to reach the palatial splendour of Montecasino we felt the strains  and stresses of every day life melt away and were transported into another world.

First booking into a room that elicited oohs and aahs from my daughter who examined everything, the mirrors, square basin, a little stint trying out the bath and of course watching TV. Then down to the dining room  for a delicious meal.

Then onto the show performed by the award winning Imperial Ice Stars. From the word go the colourful costumes, grand sets and most of all unbelievable ice skating sequences had us captivated.

Yes, it lives up to the blurb on the Montecasino website. It is ” choreography that further raises the bar, with ever more breathaking high-speed leaps and throws and awe-inspiring, acrobatics, coupled with the most graceful and sublime ice dancing”

After all the excitement, what a pleasure to simply catch the lift to our soft comfortable beds upstairs and then awaken to the most divine breakfast before returning to the humdrum of daily life

Thank you Montecasino for  a a great Show and Stay.

SHOPPING MALLS WITH KIDS FUN

The following shopping malls will be open, offering activities for kids right through until the day before Xmas. 2 exceptions are Menlyn Park and Irene Village Malls who will be running kids holiday programs right through until school starts pretty much.

EAST RAND:
Crafts, Carols & Holiday Fun at East Rand Mall, Boksburg North, Dec 1-24
Festive Fun Lakeside mall, Benoni, Dec 9-23.

JOBURG
Fourways Mall Xmas Carnival, Fourways, Dec 12-24.
Children’s Treasure Island Irene Village Mall, Pretoria, Dec 1 -Jan 9
Santa at the Centre Brightwater Commons, Randburg, Dec 9-24
Season for Giving Northgate Mall, Randburg, Nov 29-Dec 24.

PRETORIA
Menlyn Park holiday program, Menlo Park, Dec 2 -Jan 15.

WEST RAND
Clearwater Mall holiday program, Roodepoort, Dec 10-24.

DECEMBER 16th FAMILY TRIPS

We have an incredibly long list of venues we found that are open on this public holiday  including child friendly restaurants, museums and places to see animals and action activities. Here are a few:

MUSEUMS
Apartheid Museum Ormonde: 10am-5pm: adults  R55,  kids  R40, under 7yrs free
Hector Pieterson Orlando East, Soweto: Adults R25, free  under 13yrs, students R5

James Hall Museum La Rochelle: Free 9am-4.30pm,  adults 25, kids R15
James Hall Museum of Transport (JHMT) is a thematic land transport museum covering various modes of transport dating back some 400 years and is the largest museum of its kind in South Africa. We have steam driven vehicles, trains, trams and trolley busses, fire fighting vehicles, early bicycles, animal drawn vehicles and cars.

Museum of Military History, Saxonwold 9am-4.30pm, adults R25, kids R16
The Museum’s collection of more than 44 000 items are divided into 37 separate categories and include the official South African war art and photograph collections. The Museum library has a unique collection of books, journals and archival material. Interviews are regularly conducted in the library as part of an ongoing oral history collection project. In this way, it ensures that previously unrecorded experiences of ordinary servicemen and women are preserved for posterity.

Origins Centre Braamfontein, adults R75, under 12yrs, R35, 9am-5pm
The Origins Centre tells a story of how all humans began in Africa, developed tools, language, art and spirituality. The Centre contains the latest interactive multi-media equipment. (Hologram and virtual rain animal).Workshops for bushman art and shadow dancing, story telling, shadow puppets, music, dance and more

Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Newtown – Adults R20, kids R10,  9am -4.30pm
From LEGO pits and mini-construction sites to understanding the principles of electromagnetism, the exhibits cater for curious minds of all ages
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Transvaal Museum CBD Central. Adults R20, kids R10
This is a small Natural History Museum which even if a little outdated provides a memorable interactive experience for the whole family. The museum currently houses a vast taxidermy collection as well as a number of fossils. There are four exhibition halls; Genesis of Life, The Austin Roberts Bird Hall: collection of SA birds, arranged according to their number in the Roberts Bird Guide. The Geoscience Museum: collection of different minerals, crystals, and gemstones in SA and the Discovery Centre: hands-on experience about nature and science

RESTAURANTS AND PLACES WITH ANIMALS
Croc City Crocodile Farm, Fourways.
Joburg Zoo Family Day, Parktown.

Restaurants in Joburg, Pretoria and the East Rand that have playgrounds and activities for kids.

The action takes place long before Puss met Shrek, and is the story of how the Spanish Kitty Cat achieved notoriety, and ultimately became a hero!

Many of our favourite childhood fairytale and nursery rhyme characters come together, albeit with a new twist to their original stories, to make this adventure exciting and amusing.

The story starts when  Puss (Voiced by Antonio Banderas) escapes a bounty hunter,  and whilst having a drink (milk of course) at a local bar,  learns that the giant outlaw couple, Jack and Jill,  have managed to find THE magic beans he’s been looking for since he was a mere kitten!  Puss knows that these beans will grow into a massive ladder, leading to a giant’s castle in the clouds, where the mysterious golden egg laying goose resides, so he sets out to try and steal the beans from Jack and Jill’s hotel room, while they are asleep.

However, he unexpectedly encounters a masked cat in their room, who appears to be on the same mission. Neither of them manages to pull the heist off, but Puss has a massive surprise in store for him!  The masked cat, burglar Kitty Softpaws is a GIRL, (Voiced by Salma Hayek) and further more she  is involved with Humpty Alexander Dumpty  (Voiced by Zach Galifianakis), his long-lost childhood friend from the orphanage where they were both raised. He is enchanted by the gorgeous Kitty Softpaws, and the threesome set out on a rip roaring adventure, in search of the beans and the golden eggs!

There is a lot of adult humour in the film that will have the moms and dads giggling, but will fly over the heads of the kids. But, the story and the fabulous animation will be a treat for kids of all ages. And, all this in 3-D!

This masterpiece from DreamWorks Animation is directed by Chris Miller and produced by Joe M. Aguilar and Latifa Ouaou.

I know that the kids have been eagerly awaiting the release of this movie and I promise they will not be disappointed!

Classified PG, the movie hits the big screen on Friday, 03 December, just in time for the school holidays, so grab some popcorn and prepare for 90 minutes of fun and fantasy.

This week I have 4 events and 4 great party ideas for you. Lets start with something that’s on this weekend and next.

You can take your family:
Mulberry Picking at Trees Eco Fun Park, in Benoni.  Bring the kids ,a container and be sure to wear old clothes as Its a bit messy!  Entry fee includes the best tips to remove mulberry stains from clothes and kids!  Open from 10 am – 5pm, R25pp.  That’s today through until next Sunday.

Then there are 2  ballet performances that open this week In Joburg and Pretroria.
In Joburg at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City you can see the ballet, Don Quixote until  October 23. The production features leading South African and Cuban ballet dancers.

Then there’s

Stars of the Ballet Moscow at the State Theatre, in Pretoria, which opens on Oct 21st and runs until the 23rd. The Show consists of a troupe of 10 dancers selected from different Moscow theatres. The artists are considered to be among the world’s finest classical dancers.

And then for something a little different,

You can go on what’s called a nocturnal walk at Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort in search of Spiders& Scorpions . You’ll be given UV torches to show up the scorpions in green. That’s taking place on Friday  Oct 21st in the evening at 6.30 pm.

Since the party season is around the corner over the next few weeks we want to share some great ideas with you for kids, teen and adult  parties.

This week our focus is car or circus parties

CAR PARTIES
Kids Traffic Land  Balfour Park Is a new venue in Highlands North  at Balfour Park Shopping Centre which has been turned into a mini city with roads, traffic lights and tunnels, and motorized little cars. it’s a great party venue and day outing for 4-7yr olds

Fun Prix Race PartiesThis is a mobile party that comes to your venue with tracks and remote cars for the party goers to race each other.  Great for slightly older kids say from 6-12yrs.

CIRCUS PARTIES

Boswell Wilkie Circus PartiesTake place In the big top in Randvaal, in the Vaal Triangle. The children get dressed up as clowns, acrobats you name it and become part of the circus for a few hours.

Green Lizard EntertainmentI offers a mobile circus school that comes to you with silts, tightropes, unicycle,s balls and transforms your venue into a circus school. They travel to  Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Remember you can find more ideas of what to do with your family in the Gauteng region on www.Jozikids.co.za on your computer or your cell phone.

On October 11th t that’s Wednesday here’s a free support group for moms organized by the Family Centre in Bedfordview. They meet once or twice a month. The next meeting is Oct 11th. Its called Mom’s Circle of Support , Bella Vida in Bryanston organizes something similar, so check them out on Jozikids to find out more.

Next Thursday October 13th, there’s a talk called  Bridging the Digital Divide Its about helping parents who do not understand the internet and all the new technologies kids are into understand how to embrace and deal with these.  The speaker and organizer here is Nikki Bush of the Bright Ideas Outfit based in Douglasdale , Sandton.

Finally we have 2 more parenting courses taking place on October 19th.

The first one is run by  Practical Parenting called the Power of Play teaching parents and child minders about age appropriate  stimulation and play for children.  The venue is the Field and Study Centre in Parkmore and takes place on Oct 19th.

Raising Readers is a 2 hour course, designed to help parents to nurture reading at home, equip parents with techniques to develop their children’s reading skills and empower parents with information about reading. Organised by Cherise’s Little Music Studio in Sundowner on Oct 19.

SHOWS & EXPOS THIS WEEK

2 great  family events for you today , an outdoor picnic and a toy expo.

11th Annual Teddy Bear Picnic –on Sunday 9th from 1-4pm at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort. Picnic in the Garden and enjoy entertainment for the whole family by the Marimba Band, the Endangered Animal Character show, children’s magic show, train rides, face painting, sand art and also attend a Teddy Bear Workshop. Remember to bring along a ‘spare’ teddy bear to leave behind for donation to The Teddy Bear Clinic for abused children, our principal beneficiary,

There’s  fabulous toy expo at the Sci-bono Discovery Centre in Newtown this weekend. Its called the  Gizmos & Gadgets remote control & techno toy expo, There’ll be model plane, train and automobile demonstrations, interactive science shows, obstacle challenges, and family workshops. Remote controlled planes demonstrations are scheduled to take place in the Newtown Park and model car raceshappening in  Miriam Makeba Street. Cost is only R10 for kids and R20 for adults.

Also next Sunday

Midrand used to be abundant with the mighty bullfrogs, but their numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate. Pyxi Conservation Day at Lory Park Zoo  is to create awareness about this wonderful animal. There will be loads of fun activities for kids to enter, like the hopping on one leg race, leap froging and lilly pad dance competition, so come dressed in green on October 16th

Remember you can find more ideas of what to do with your family in the Gauteng region on www.Jozikids.co.za on your computer or your cell phone

In Pretoria- this weekend

Rose Festival Ludwig’s Rose Farm, in Pretoria North  from Oct 1-9. The festival brings you exhibits of garden roses and Drayman’s Beer fresh from the keg. A stand of German food, Leberkaes, Bienenstich and Lebkuchen more will keep the hunger at bay. For rugby lovers we’ve added a big screen in support of the BOKKE! Restaurant is open with the best cakes, coffees and rose delights. Free tractor train rides every hour, jumping castle to keep the kids happy in our huge play area. The Butterfly Garden is back in flight after the winter rest. Thorns ‘n Things, the rose boutique is the perfect place for early Christmas shopping.

2x Shopping Centres in Pretoria have quite a bit on offer this weekend.

Ama Baby Bok Wold Cup Play Area at Wonderpark Shopping Centre  until Oct. 9. There will be a play area with interactive games, winners workshop, magical movie time, colouring in, play dough, LEGO puzzles and much more Bok entertainment.

The Smurfs are coming to Menlyn – Oct 1,2 . Join us for a Smurfalicious event when the Smurfs visit Menlyn Park. The National Roadshow will be hosted at the exhibition court just outside the Nu Metro Cinemas. Expect nothing less than all blue fun and a full day of activities including the following: Blue face painting, colouring in activities, fun blue play dough, Smurf PlayStation gaming, crafts & workshop, modelling, dance competition, meet & greet with the Smurf characters, MC hosted games & competitions & free gifts & prizes.

SHOWS FOR NEXT WEEKEND

The Nutcracker the ballet, State Theatre, Pta Oct 7-9. The Classical Christmas Ballet performed by Student from The Sheron Viljoen School of ballet,

The African Boma National Eco Expo at Botanical gardens, Pretoria, Oct 8-12 . The Expo focuses on nature conservation and the sustainable utilization of natural resources and offers entertainment for the whole family. Activities, shows and displays: A cheetah show; lion cubs (if available); live snakes; birds of prey; quad bikes; 4X4 vehicles; paintball; rock climbing; steam train rides; life entertainment by various artists and talks byfield experts and role players in various fields of expertise are on the menu

Joburg International Motor Show 2011 at Nasrec Expo Centre, Oct 8-16.

UJ Choir & Tygerberg Children’s Choir Rosebank Catholic Church, Rosebank, Oct 8. These highly talented children participated in the world’s flagship choral competition, the 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China, where they received two gold medals and were crowned Double World Champions – in the Religions of the World and Folklore categories.

RUGBY VIEWING – FAMILY RESTAURANTS

In Pretoria & Centurion
Jingle Jangle Tea Garden Moreleta Park, Pretoria
Watch the “Bokke”fight it out at our family friendly restaurant/tea garden with a petting zoo for kids. Our facility includes the use of all our jungle gyms, sandpits, trampolines (1 enclosed), plastic scooters, jumping castle, swings and large play area. We also have pony rides. Our menu is extensive ranging from breakfasts to our very popular slow baked lamb shank or finger licking king size prawns served with our special Italian sauce.

Villa San Giovanni traditional Italian food, Wonderboom Airport,Pretoria. Join as at our family friendly restaurant to enjoy delicious traditional Italian food and watch the rugby on one of our screens. Kids are also welcome in our special dedicated play area.

Purple Cow Restaurant Midfield Clubhouse, Midstream,Centurion
Come and watch the World Cup Rugby matches at Purple Cow Restaurant! Ice cold beer, promos, lucky draws and much much more! Kids can play while mom and dad watch the rugby – safe, plenty space to run around and new menu items to die for!

Johannesburg
Alek’s Kitchen Family Restaurant w/ grazing animals, Chartwell
We’ll have 2 normal TV screens available for rugby watching on Sunday ( sorry no plasma ones). Bring the family and enjoy a delicious meal in this unique setting with a relaxed atmosphere. While your meal is being freshly prepared, watch Springbuck and Blesbuck graze. The children can work up an appetite on the swings and jungle gym We have a special kiddies menu for hungry tummies.

Zoo Lake Sports Club Parktown, Jhb
We’ll have several large TV screens up for you to watch while your family enjoys their meal with us. We also have a large secure playground with jungle gyms, slides, swings, a trampoline and more for your kids to enjoy while you get into the business of supporting our team.

TSG 4 Ways Mediterranean Grill Cafe, Fourway
Join the fans to support your favourite team at our family friendly mediterranean grill cafe. A dedicated play area housing playstation and DVD’s to offer comfort and fun for children who can amuse themselves in this space at length

Johannesburg & Pretoria
Primi Piatti with Primi Pods for kids in Jhb & Pta
Come to Primi Piatti -Eastgate, Cresta, Fourways, Irene, Menlyn, Randpark Ridge, Sunninghill and Stoneridge, with the whole family and catch your team LIVE in action during the Rugby World Cup. With Primi PODS for the kids, they’re part of the experience – they can make their own pizzas, play with dough, colouring in and just having fun! A special kiddies menu is available.

Vaal Triangle
Stonehaven on the Vaal garden restaurant, Vaal
We’ll have big plasma screens in our garden restaurant for you to spurr our team on while your kids play. Our children’s play area is designed so that you can enjoy your meal while watching your children thrive on all the kiddies activities including jumping castle trampoline, pool, tree house, jungle gym, sand pit.

JOBURG ZOO & BOKKE MONTH

And then the Joburg  Zoo is celebrating from Friday to Sunday. They’ve called it Bokke Month. Zoo visitors who wear Sringbok jerseys on Fridays and match days stand a chance to win spot prizes. They’ll also be running animal enrichment activities about the zoo’s very own bokkies. On weekends there’ll also be face painting for kids.

KIDS THEATRE STARTING THIS WEEK.

We’ve got 2 new kids theatre productions to tell you about that open on tomorrow September 12th in Joburg.

The Pied Piper and other Tales opens at the National Children’s Theatre in Parktown and runs until October 15th. It’s a fantastic interactive adventure filled with  song, dance, magic, love, laughter and a happy ending. There will be 2 shows a day  from Monday to Saturday at 10.30am & 2.30pm

Fun, Magic and Tales from Africa also starts on September 12th  at the Peoples Theatre in Braamfontein. It runs until October 9th. This is a theatre production of African fairytales. Each tale has a strong moral or social message and the professional cast involve the audience in a fun performance. From Monday to Friday the show will be performed at 9 and 11 am in the morning and on Saturdays at 10.30 and 2.30pm

Here’s wishing everyone a wonderful day and I’ll be back next Sunday with ideas of what you can do with your kids.