I love the way the Margaret River appeals to all members of my family.  We try to mix the wine tastings and breweries with equal amounts of fun activities for the kids.  This time the kids "hit the jackpot" when we visited  Xscape at the Cape Fun Park in Dunsborough.

Something for everyone:

"Wacky Putt Jokes 'N' Pranks -18 Holes of miniature golf

"Jump 'N' Tramp" Trampolines

Train rides every half hour

"Jungle Mountain" & "Tiki Mountain" 

Inflatable Bouncer

"Mine Shaft Maze"

There were two different combo packs available for the kids depending on their height. One combo for kids under 120cm, and another for kids over 120cm.  The taller kids were allowed on "Jungle Mountain", but not allowed in the "Kid Zone" and vice versa.  I loved this feature, as it meant my younger son was not going to be trampled by bigger kids, and my older children could play on "big kid" stuff without the worry of stepping on the little ones.  

The Mine Shaft Maze, Wacky Putt, and Jump 'N' Tramp Trampolines were allowed with both combo packs, so the kids enjoyed those activities together.  

There was even a small fenced in area for the really little ones to enjoy.

The kids were each given a wristband that gained them entry into each activity.  



The size of the Fun Park was perfect.  There was plenty to keep the kids busy for a few hours, but the park was small enough to feel at ease with three kids running in separate directions. 

The grounds were lovely with plenty of shade trees and places for parents to sit while the kids burned off steam.  


The buildings and surrounds made me feel as if I stepped onto a farm or small plantation. Even the toilets were charming.





The kids did not stop from playing long enough to enjoy anything from the cafe, even though I offered several times.  I did however glance at the menu and was delighted to see a nice selection of "homemade" food with very reasonable prices.  

Xscape at the Cape serves local Yahava coffee and straight from the cow ice cream from Millers Ice Creamery. YUM!  

The Mine Shaft Maze:

The kids raced against the clock and each other through the maze.

The kids loved the "vortex" entrance to the maze.

The "Kid Zone"

Hagen enjoyed playing, bouncing, and climbing around the two play zones where only kids under 120cm were permitted.

 The train leaves the station every half hour:

 Jump 'N' Tramp Trampolines:

These super bouncy trampolines had the kids flying through the air!

Wacky Putt:

This 18 hole miniature golf course was a real hoot! Each hole had a joke or a prank that had us giggling.  Be aware of spiders, and water shooting animals as you putt your way around!

When asked their favorite part of the Fun Park, my two older kids (ages 9 and 12) both said they liked the Wacky Putt and the Trampolines the best.  My three year old enjoyed riding the train.  It was a fantastic afternoon.  The kids were content and tired out, and I was surprisingly relaxed and content myself.  I didn't have that "frenzied feeling" I usually get at amusement parks.  We will definitely visit Xscape at the Cape Fun Park on our next Margaret River holiday. 

Xscape at the Cape Fun Park is located on the corner of Caves Road and Quindalup Siding Road in Dunsborough.

"Big Red Ball Slide" at Wilson Park in Safety Bay

Wilson Park Safety Bay, WA 6169

On a recent family outing to Rockingham, we discovered a park with the coolest slide.  We just had to stop and give it a go!


Wilson park is located alongside Safety Bay Road on the righthand side (if you are heading South), just beyond the Seabreeze Surf Shop and before you reach Penguin Road.

There was a play structure in the sand with swings, a flying fox, and some other basic park fixtures, but the main attraction at this park was the unusual slide.

The kids all had a blast climbing the ladders inside the large, red sphere, and then choosing one of the two yellow slides to go down.  This slide would be most appropriate for kids over age 3 as the slides were quite high with no guardrails to prevent falls.

There was a gazebo in the park which would make a nice picnic spot, as well as plenty of shade trees.
There were no BBQ facilities.
There were no open public toilets.
This park was not fenced.
There were plenty of public parking spaces available.

A Morning at Messy Mates

Hagen and I participated in Messy Mates for pre-preschoolers last week at the Cottesloe Civic Centre.  I was excited to get messy with my little mate, and not have to worry about the mess!  It was a special time set aside for me and him to just play and create.  He absolutely loved the idea of me staying with him the entire time, participating in all the crafts.  I have to admit, I loved that everything was all planned out for us, and I felt like a kid myself... gluing, painting, coloring, shaping playdough, sticking stickers, and sprinkling glitter everywhere!  

After a brief description of the crafts and activities available, we were set free with our little mates to get messy.

A cup of  tea or coffee with a cookie for mom was a super nice treat.  

There were several tables set up with different crafts and activities.  

Playdough

Mini cupcake decorating with sticky frosting and bits of candies.

Painting with brushes and sponges.  Perfect for little hands!

Gotta love the mess!

Hagen is not usually interested in participating in craft time at home or while at playgroup, so I was thrilled to see him getting into it!  I think it had something to do with the variety of the activities, and the fact that he was able to choose what he wanted to do.  

The cupcake decorating may have been his favorite!

This lovely little mate had glitter all over her hands, it was a beautiful!

A bin of toys kept the less crafty mates busy while the others finished up. 

Our session ended with a story read aloud, and a few fun interactive songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider", and "Twinkle, Twinkle  Little Star".  

Our creations had time to dry a little bit before bringing them home.  It was an hour well spent, and we both left happy with our arms full of decorations to be proud of!

First Day of School 2013

Hagen- Three Year Old Kindy
Everest- Year 5
McKinley- Year 7

Uniforms make getting ready for the first day easy, but not as fun.  There's something about picking out the first day of school outfit.  At least Hagen got to wear his favorite shirt!

This guy is ready for the world!

Watch out ladies!

McKinley's last year of Primary School.