School holidays are upon us and I remember all too well the scramble to find accessible activities to fill a whole two weeks, which catered to both BJ and AJ. BJ has an insatiable desire to be out every day and pop up events are my friend because of the variety they provide. There’s only so many times you can visit the same museums and attractions. However, not all of these events are accessible so I still get excited when I find activities which cater to all abilities. On my recent getaway to South Bank in Brisbane I passed one such event and on enquiring found out Snow4Kids is accessible. In fact, the day before the official opening they held a private event for families from Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital. I was lucky enough to tag along, meet some of the families and see the ‘snow field’ in action.
In this sunny land of ours it seems we are desperate for a taste of the snowy Northern Hemisphere winter. In reality, the majority of Australia has a mild winter but we’re happy to embrace the outdoor ice skating rinks and winterfest activities which are springing up all over the country.
On a 25 degree winter’s day it was wonderful to see the children playing in the snow. For the children from Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital and their families Snow4Kids provided time out from hospital appointments and a chance to play as a family.
A white carpet makes it easy for wheelchairs to access the ‘snow field’ and gets kids up close to the snow. Most of the kids transferred from their chairs to sit on the snow field so I advise taking a rug or something to sit on. Although it’s man-made snow, it’s cold!
One addition I’d love to see at these winterfest events is table top play for children who cannot get out of their chairs. This would add to the accessibility and I’m sure other children would use it too.
Snow ball making tongs (who knew there was even such a thing?) allowed kids to make perfectly round snow balls which they could then use to try and knock down the snow men who were lined up like bowling pins in an alley.
Kids can also take aim at their parents and siblings who safely stand behind a Perspex bubble. It doesn’t seem to lessen their joy when they see the person in the bubble flinching as the snow ball slams against the Perspex.
The toboggan is tricky because access is via the snow. It’s slippery which is difficult for children who aren’t steady on their feet but I saw many parents supporting, or carrying, their kids to the top. There were big smiles from both the kids and adults as they whizzed down the hill. It’s steep enough to give the kids a good ride but not scarily steep.
“Let it go”, from the movie Frozen, was playing at top volume and I’d say the kids visiting from the hospital had well and truly let go of any thoughts of appointments, even if only for a short while.
Thank you to the families who chatted to me and allowed me to take photos.
TICKETING
There are two tickets available to visitors.
1. SNOWMAN MAKING
Snowman making sessions run half hourly and are in a fenced area to the side of the main Snow4Kids park.
Buckets of snow are provided for families to make their own snowman with accessories like hats, bottle top eyes, carrot noses, hats, scarves and thongs available to personalise the snowman. We visited with our two little country cousins aged 8 and 4 years old and they had a wow of a time making and then breaking their snowman.
Wearing the snowman gear while building the snowman is optional but I can say it looks very cute in photos!
The Snowman Making is $15 per child. This will also cover entry for one accompanying adult. Every child entering the park requires this ticket type regardless of how many adults are accompanying them. ADDITIONAL Adult tickets are $12.50 for each accompanying adult that exceeds the number of children (i.e. 1 child + 2 adults = 1 $25 ticket + 1 $12.50 ticket).
2. SNOW4KIDS PARK
The Snow4Kids Park ticket gives visitors the opportunity to make snow balls, toboggan and enjoy playing in the large ‘snow field’. Snow4Kids Park sessions run hourly.
The Snow4Kids Park is $25 per child. This will also cover entry for one accompanying adult. Every child entering the park requires this ticket type regardless of how many adults are accompanying them. ADDITIONAL Adult tickets are $12.50 for each accompanying adult that exceeds the number of children (i.e. 1 child + 2 adults = 1 $25 ticket + 1 $12.50 ticket).
Sessions – Monday – Friday 9-4pm
Saturday & Sunday 9-6pm
TIPS
Snow4Kids is popular and booking tickets online is recommended.
The snow is cold so dress warmly. Pack a spare set of clothes because I did see lots of little wet bums from sliding in the snow.
Gloves, gumboots and beanies are available to purchase at the venue.
Accessible bathrooms and baby change facilities are available behind the venue at South Bank Piazza.
Snow4Kids runs from 24 June to 9th July 2017 at
The South Bank Piazza
Cnr Glenelg & Little Stanley Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101
We received free entry to review the event but as always, our opinions are our own. Our little country cousins definitely gave it a big thumbs up staying for the full session in both the Snowman building and Snow4Kids Park.
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