The school holidays were upon us, and we were just staying around the house, generally arguing about television and time spent on the xbox. An email came in mentioning the Hunter Valley Gardens had their snow festival and as our youngest doesn't remember her ski trip as a one year old, I thought it might be fun and cheaper than hitting the slopes. The current problem for me is entertaining 3 kids with a 9 year age gap. How to find activities that keep the teen and the tot happy at the same time?
The Sebel Kirkton Park in the Hunter Valley, allowed for the four of us to fit in one room, and had the added bonus of an indoor pool, so we would spend the afternoon swimming and not spending additional money. The room rate was low, and included breakfast for the four of us. The hotel is on a sprawling estate, offering a country feel for us city folks, and was conveniently less and 10 minutes drive to the gardens.
The Hunter Valley Gardens Snow Festival is cheaper at night, so after an easy morning drive to the Hunter, and picnic lunch in the car to save some money, we splashed in the pool and roamed the fields before heading to dinner and the Snow adventure.
We arrived at the Smelly Cheese Shop at Tempus Two for some cheese and olives before heading in for a quick dinner at Oishii, a favourite with the older kids. This was not a cheap option, but it did bring smiles to all our faces and stop the fighting. The kids could run around on the huge lawn while my eldest and I watched the sunset peacefully. After a sensational dinner, we were off to the snow, and it was lovely to hear the bubbly excited chatter in the backseat.
There were dazzling fairy lights, ice skating and 'tobogganing' (which was much faster than it looked!). There was snow ball volley ball, a mechanical snowboard and space to build a snowman. And unfortunately the tunes from Frozen were on high rotation, pleasing one member of our crew no end, and driving the rest of us nuts (though it was nice to bond in our joint distaste). The entry is not cheap, but it is worth it. We were there for three hours, the queues were minimal so most times we could just do the activity we wanted to, for as long as we wanted to. Months later it is still being discussed as a favourite.
We woke early the next morning, and after a huge buffet breakfast (if you have kids you don't need me to tell you what a big deal the buffet breakfast is!), we headed to Newcastle.
It's an easy drive, and clearly marked, so an hour later we were making our way on foot along the foreshore. The destination was the Newcastle Museum, as I'd heard good things but never been. It had a huge interactive science exhibit, and we stayed for the Fire & Earth sound and light show. The whole visit was over for us in about two hours but allow three, as there was story telling and craft that we didn't partake in. This museum is very easy on the wallet, as entry is free, so other than petrol, this detour cost us little but time.
A last stop at the Newcastle Harry's Café de Wheels meant everyone was happy and full for the drive home. The pies are great and it's stress free, while enjoying the sunshine and harbour views.
It gets harder to find the middle ground for all three kids, and I find myself doing things with just one or two children, but as siblings I want them to share some fun memories, and I want to have those precious moments with all of them too. I was heartened to know that it can still be done, and with careful planning, it doesn't have to break the bank either.
Further Reading:
Sebel Kirkton Park http://www.weekendnotes.com/the-sebel-kirkton-park-hunter-valley/Oishii http://www.weekendnotes.com/oishii-restaurant/
Hunter Valley Getaway...with kids! http://holidazeandhellidaze.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/the-hunter-valley-perfect-for-gourmet.html
Practicalities:
Sebel Kirkton Park http://accorhotels.com.au/hotel/sebel-kirkton-park-hunter-valleyTempus Two http://www.tempustwo.com.au/about/
Smelly Cheese Shop http://smellycheese.net.au/
Oishii Restaurant http://www.oishii.com.au/
Hunter Valley Gardens http://www.huntervalleygardens.com.au/
Newcastle Museum http://www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/
Harry's Café De Wheels, Newcastle http://www.harryscafedewheels.com.au/location/newcastle
Linking with #TravelTuesday #SharonSouvenirs
Those gatherings when we're all together is rare, especially when the children grow older. I just love my 1:1's though, as these are full of gifts and in-depth discussions ♥
ReplyDeleteThis all sounds like a wonderful trip. I loved the Hunter and the greater Pokolbin Valley when I travelled through there. It is truly a beautiful area.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with us at #thankfulthursday. xS
The Hunter Valley is delightful at any time of the year. The Snow Festival sounds like a great event to attend too. It's wonderful to hear that your kids are still talking about it - that's a fabulous recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to visit Hunter Valley. I'm sure your kids enjoyed the Snow Adventure a lot. This seems like a very family friendly place. Thanks for joining us for #TheWeeklyPostcard blog link-up.
ReplyDeleteI'm not used to reading other people's stories of my home region. I used to think Newcastle was a boring place to grow up and spend my life, but when I see it through other people's eyes it seems like quite a good place!
ReplyDeleteOh wow what a magical little escape! I so hear you about trying to find something for all of the family to do and enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of a trip to the snow that doesn't break the bank.
And yes the Museum sounds ideal - I wished I had known about it while we were down in Newcastle - will have to add it to my list for next time we are there.
Hunter Valley is so very pretty any time of the year.
Sounds like a great wee getaway. I struggle sometimes entertaining my girls who only have a 3 year age gap so I can not imagine what it would be like with a 9 year gap!
ReplyDeleteThey call their shop SMELLY cheese shop? Lol... Great tips on how to keep to a budget you've got! To visit the snow park at night and check out the Newcastle Museum. I would never have thought of bringing kids to Hunter Valley because my impression of it is that there are nothing but wineries there. But I guess I'm wrong!
ReplyDeleteHow great gk have found a fun getaway to suit all tastes. Growing up with siblings with a nine year difference, I know how hard it is to do fun things as a family. The snow park looks fun and I just love your Hunter Valley pics. Thanks for linking to #citytripping
ReplyDeleteThe Hunter Valley always brings something to the party. We bought a lot of amazing art work at one of the wineries, which we treasure.
ReplyDeleteBuffets are something I completely turned my nose up at before having a child. But with picky young eaters, the chance to choose on their own what get to eat is fantastic and sometimes even lulls them into trying new things (sometimes it leads to pancakes and garishly bright Fruit Loops for breakfast). With teens who have big appetites i imagine they are great in a different way. sounds like a great mini-break.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful trip! I love when last minute plans just fall into place. Such wonderful families memories you're making.
ReplyDeleteA snow festival sounds like a great way to keep the kids engaged. And snow's good for all ages! :D
ReplyDeleteThe environs of the hotel sure looks like a lovely place to unwind. :)