It’s school holiday time in Melbourne and Eastland is the place to be, with an awesome line up of Winter activations and activities to keep all the family entertained.
Located in Ringwood, Eastland is a beautifully renovated shopping centre which is home to a great range of local and international retailers, dining precincts and entertainment galore. If you haven’t had the chance to visit, the chilly months are the perfect time, because they have school holiday fun covered and also – BIG NEWS – their Ice Rink is popping back up until the end of August.
I’m super excited to be teaming up with my local centre again to bring you highlights of all my favourite things to do and experience over the next couple of months, so read on and be sure to round up your friends and family to plan the ultimate day (or night) out in the East.
Eastland School Holiday Fun
SNOWSTORM MAZE
When: Wednesday 4 July – Sunday 15 July, 2018
Cost: FREE
(Sessions are free however a gold coin donation will be welcome to support the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, one of Australia’s most respected children’s charities, and is dedicated to protecting children from violence and its devastating impact)
The Snowstorm Maze is the ultimate winter experience for kids these school holidays. It’s a journey of the senses for little tackers, where they can walk, roll and play through the Frozen Forest, finding a spot for their snowflake sticker, making their way through the Snow Blizzard (with foam snowflakes) and Igloo Hideout, with a final stop in the gorgeous pink ball pit, which is filled with clear “snow” balls.
Once they have exited the maze and ‘survived the storm’, they can colour away at the crafts table – a huge hit with my son Jack this morning and I know your kids will love it too!
OTHER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN
The fun doesn’t stop after you’ve had a visit at the Snowstorm Maze. There’s everything from Story Telling to a Kids Burger Masterclass with the Grill’d team. We were also lucky enough to be invited to experience one of the Sisko Chocolate Truffle Making classes.
Jack had the best time creating his own chocolate truffles with an array of delicious toppings, including sprinkles and gold stars. I’d highly recommend you book your kids into their next class (which is at 11am on July 11) and treat yourself to one of their amazing hot chocolates while you wait. Yum!
Be sure to visit the Eastland Events website for all the info on the highlighted workshops, and to make your booking asap (be quick, because all sessions fill up really fast).
Eastland Ice Rink
SKATE INTO WINTER AT EASTLAND
When: June 23 – August 26, 2018
Where: Ringwood Town Square
Times: Skate sessions run for 45 minutes (Mon-Sun)
Cost: From $12.00 for children and $22.00 for adults
(FREE entry for guests who spend $20 at any Town Square retailer)
Bookings: To check availabilities and book your time slot, visit Eastland’s website here.
I was so happy to hear that the Ink Rink was making a come back at Eastland again this Winter. After the fun I had with my family last year, my kids (and my husband and I) were super-excited to return for a session on the ice last weekend. It’s the perfect family activity to do this season to combat the winter blues and it operates through all weather conditions – rain, hail or shine.
This year, the rink is 20% bigger and they’re hosting a great line-up of themed days and nights including Throwback Tuesdays, Tiny Tots Thursday, RnB Fridays, and Sunday Family Funday (the ultimate day out with face painting, children’s entertainment and family friendly music). On Sunday mornings the rink will also be open to children and adults with special needs to encourage participation on the ice in a safe and secure environment, which is such a beautiful initiative for our local community.
My advice to you is to book yourself and your family/friends into Ringwood’s Town Square for lunch or dinner and fill your belly’s with some tasty seasonal treats. If you spend $20, you’ll score a free ticket to the Ice Rink, so then you can book your Ice Rink session and get your skate on, making for a fabulous day out in Melbourne.
My top Town Square dining picks:
• 400 Gradi – best Margarita pizza in Melbourne.
• Huxtaburger – be sure to try their Cheesus burger (with a side of fries of course).
• Ang Ang – best Curry Laksa in the East.
• Abacus All Day – perfect spot for coffee and brunch.
• Lavezzi Gelato – chocolate and pistachio gelato, in a sprinkle pimped cone (drooooool)
• Pacos Tacos – Nachos and tacos all day!
If it’s your first time visiting Eastland, you can have confidence knowing that the centre has heaps of under cover parking (parking is free for up to 3 hours), as well as being accessible by train – just jump off the Belgrave/Lilydale lines at Ringwood.
Tip: I always park near the Coles entrance off Warrandyte Road, it’s my go-to for fast entry and exit.
There’s also a Valet Parking service if you’d like to make the most of a special day out for you and the kidlets. If you have a baby, their Parents rooms are wonderful for feeding and changing facilities.
See you at Eastland this Winter!
This post is brought to you by Kate & Co and Eastland.
