Packing for the Kids? Just make do with MAKEDO

With the new luggage restrictions for flying, it is quite the impossible task packing your kids' toys, games and favourite teddies. Enter MAKEDO...

Yep that is it! Makedo is made of three simple parts - a connector, a hinge and a construction tool. Together these are used to make... well pretty much anything from the materials around you. So let your imagination, and your kid's run wild and keep hold of those egg cartons, fruit boxes, and fallen leaves to make costumes, cubby houses, play animals and so much more.

And just when your kid gets bored of that toy you can pull it apart and start again, making something completely new.

Check out www.makedo.com.au for hours of eco-friendly entertainment!

Seachange, Treechange? Long term living away from home with a young family - Two great books telling it how it is!

I have always fantasised about moving away from my comfy surrounds in suburban Melbourne for a period of time. Now that kids are in the picture I filed that dream under "...could've, would've, should've..."

But maybe that isn't the case! 

Here are two excellent reads where people have lived away from home for an extended period with young kids on board. Might just be the inspiration I (and you!) need:

China Cuckoo by Mark Kitto

An interesting read about the trials and tribulations (much more of the former) when setting up shop in China as a foreigner. Mark discovers a haven in the country and an idyllic life to bring up kids.

For Better For Worse, For Richer For Poorer by Damian Horner & Siobhan Horner

A husband and wife's combined accounts of navigating the French canals from Calais down to Spain with two small children. A constant laugh-out-loud because you have "been there, done that". 

Know anymore? Please add in the "comments" section below...

Airplane mode - iPhone I heart you!

What is one of every parent's worst fear - flying with young kids! Here are three free iPhone apps to download before your next trip:

1. Peek-A-Boo Baby Rattle: animal noises and pictures are activated by pushing the smiley face or shaking the phone
2. Super Memory Match Free: simple game of memory using animal noises an pictures, up to 4 people can play
3. Baby Flash Cards: over 200 flash cards including categories such as animals, objects, food, numbers, shapes and colours

Fun and educational! 

Port Douglas – an easy (and excellent) option!

A little slice of heaven in our backyard and it ticks all the boxes when traveling with young kids.

1. A short and easy flight from anywhere is Australia - book your bassinet early because there is plenty of competition)
   
2. A beach with no waves and shade all afternoon
3. Plenty to do in town (Sunday Markets, bike hire, kid-friendly water sports, parks)
   
4. Plenty to do out of town (Two of Australia's must sees Daintree & Great Barrier Reef, plus plenty others like Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation - easy to hire a car for the day with a car restraint, do a crocodile river cruise)
   
5. Baby-friendly everything!!! (Literally everything is geared to young families; fully qualified babysitters recommended at all accommodations, kiddy hire equipment everywhere, take your pusher into any restaurant at any time of the day or night - it is a nice change from city-snubbing)
   

Kids will enjoy best:
Between May to October has great weather (high 20’s, very little rain and low humidity) and there are no stingers!

Kid-Friendly Accommodation

Peppers

• One block from beach and main street
  
• Great man-made beach
• Onsite restaurant for snacks by the pool
• Room is pricey and small
  

Cayman Villas

• Two blocks from beach, one block from main street
• Huge rooms with high chairs provided
  
• Toddler pool (but only concrete surrounds)
• Strange but fairly harmless management...

 Some other good options

• Sheraton Mirage (slightly dated and located out of town)
• Self service accommodation (Check Stayz for some good deals at kid-friendly places)
  

Holiday fun in and around Melbourne, Australia - 10 things both YOU and the kids will enjoy!

1. Collingwood Children's Farm - where visitors can milk the cow, bottle feed young lambs (seasonal), help with farm chores, go into the paddocks with the sheep and goats, cuddle a guinea pig, waddle with the ducks, feed the chooks, look for eggs or sit and eat at The Farm Cafe. Open all year round! Check website for weekend market dates.
   
2. Chadstone Shopping Centre - Whoever said it is just about the kids?! All the best fashion stores Melbourne has to offer and plenty of convenient fun for the kids; play equipment, cinemas, childrens shows, bowling, cafes, baby change rooms and more...
   
3. MSAC - Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre has indoor and outdoor pools as well as toddlers’ pool, water slide and wave pool. And just outside the complex is Albert Park Lake where you can feed the ducks or have a picnic. Around the lake are several Melbourne-chic and family-friendly eateries; Carousel Cafe on the water and Mart (with wooden maze and play equipment next door).
   
4. Phillip Island Penguin Parade - Phillip Island is about 1.5 hrs from Melbourne and the Penguins don't march until sunset. So make a day of it and buy a 3-Parks-Pass (including the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and The Nobbies Centre).
   
5. Luna Park and The Esplanade Sunday Market - Amusement Park by the beach and an artist's market with over 150 stalls. There is a great vibe around here so just stroll around the shops and drop into a cafe like The Vineyard for afternoon brews and a park next door.
   
6. Healesville Wildlife Park and the Yarra Valley - Head 1 hour out of town to get up close and personal with over 200 native Australian species at the Sancutary. Then head to one of the local wineries or into Healsville town (award winning eateries Giant Steps and The Healesville Hotel are both located in town). Check out what is on in the area before you visit at http://www.visityarravalley.com.au/
   
7. Puffing Billy and The Dandenongs - go for an historic steam train ride through the mountain district followed by some scenic nature walks, enjoy a picnic in Sherbrooke Forest or spend time at the local cafes or antique shops in Sassafras - simply stunning!
   
8. Arthurs Seat Maze and the beach - A beautifully manicured maze with plenty of variety for the whole family - really! Then head to the coast for a splash in the bay - no waves and plenty of shade - and if time permits head all the way to Sorrento for some fine dining.
   
9. Queens Victoria Market - This entertainment mecca is located in the heart of Melbourne. Head in on a Sunday for the best array of stalls, rides, activities and open-air cafes.
   
10. Very Melbourne very kid-friendly Restaurants/Cafes - Cowderoy Dairy, Family Life, Ceres Cafe, Kanteen, Belgium Beer Cafe just to name a few...
    

Whatever the day, time or season, Melbourne is always alive with action

Visit ThatsMelbourne.com.au for daily event guide

Old London Town - Here We Come, Kids and ALL

The Athenaeum - HOT hotel and kid-friendly!!! Who would have thought...

• A Kids Concierge - to take care of all your kid's needs...therefore YOUR needs
  
• Kiddy sized bath robes and slippers - essential
  
• Age-appropriate toys in each room - including Wii, playstation and more - genius!
  

Some other London tips:

• Kids activities in London