Commonly asked questions from 2004

Q. I have two children, Vanessa and James aged 10 and 13 years old respectively – are they too old for Kids Universe?

A. Absolutely not, no-one is ever too old to have fun! But to reassure them we have put together this list of cool, funky activities for the 'older' child. There's sports of every kind, basketball, soccer, rugby, little aths, ball games, handball; there's mini golf and driving ranges, cool as magic schools, fast as remote controlled cars, tattoos, awesome hair styles, make-up-wounds and scars to hurt for, break dancing, science labs, funky hip hop, ultra-normous bubbles, sensational circus performers and radical entertainers. Plus Kids Universe Idol - your chance to be famous. Great authors like Emily Rodda, Jackie French, John Heffernan……. more than a kid can stand!

Q. My children are always "bored" during the school holidays. What will be at Kids Universe for my 7 year old very active boy and 6 year old (going on 15) daughter?

A. At Kids Universe we cater for every child, every ability and every interest. Maybe they are into puppetry - then if so we have a fabulous puppet workshops where kids make their own puppets and produce their own puppet show. What about tye-dying, sports workshops with your favourite celebrities, sewing, decoupage or beading, T shirt design and kite making. Cooking is also a favourite, make some sushi, decorate a cake or simply cut out your favourite 100's and 1000's design. Painting is fun too, especially fine arts. Funky fashion is always hot, as is total make-up although we know from experience that the festival favourite is forever the festival farm.

Q. I am always very interested to understand the educational elements within holiday activities, can you tell me more please?

A. Kids Universe is kids learning whilst having fun. There are so many terrific educational aspects to this event with the CSIRO undertaking great science activities, the defence forces and TAFE educating our kids as to career options (but in a fun interactive way, of course), motor skills being challenged and enhanced with pois, all the sports and dance workshops; learning how to care for your precious teeth, developing a love of gardening by potting a plant and learning how to recycle great art and craft materials by making them into dynamic creations….. Not to mention Reading Rocks where all Australia's best authors and illustrators gather for the benefit of our kids.

Q. Our family is growing. We have 3 children aged 6 and a half, 4 years and the baby is 4 months old. How much will it cost us and will there be enough to do? Do you have facilities for our baby?

A. Kids Universe pricing structure has been especially designed so that the whole family can have a great time playing, creating, making and being entertained together. You do not pay for the baby (under 12 months) as they will probably spend most of their time asleep (and the parents area with changing facilities for the toddlers can certainly help here), whilst the ticketing group of four will be appealing for your family structure. All the activities, all the performances, all the entertainment, all the workshops are appealing to kids of all ages - everyone (even the old, old kids!!) will have a great time. However, we have chosen some specific performers you and your family may want to see - these include the Dorothy the Dinosaur Show and Jakers - the Adventures of Piggly Winks. This age group will also love just painting, bubbles, kids crafts, jewellery and beading, masks, model trains, games and toys not to mention the trillions of pieces of Lego to play with.

Q. My twin sons, aged 11, and their friends, want to go to Kids Universe — do you think they will have a good time?

A.My 11 year old son is so hard to please - everything has got to be branded, cool and in. Will he be at Kids Universe? absolutely - because he can't wait to show how good he is at all the sports (and maybe pick up a skill or two), get in the rollerblades and learn some cool tricks, scare his mum with fake wounds, have a try at Universe Idol, Conan the Bubbleman and Circotrix. Your twins are sure to have the best time with their friends and you, their parents, will have the best time playing with them.

Q. We have been told that once you pay to come into the event, everything is for free — is this right?

A. Yes it is, the only costs above and beyond the ticket price are purchases you choose to make, so you can come to Kids Universe for 8 hours and not spend a cent!! Things you may wish to buy include lollies from the famous lolly shop, books from Reading Rocks, food and drinks (and coffee for parents) toys and Kids Universe memorabilia - the choice is yours. Alll entertainment concerts, materials e.g. paints, masks, woodwork, jewellery, beads etc. are free. Your kids can take home what they make.

Q. Do parents have to come to Kids Universe with their children?

A. Yes, the festival states that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Chances are though, that the parents will have just as much fun as the kids!! - oh to be a child again!

Q. What facilities are available in terms of refreshments, prams and disabled amenities? Is the festival all indoors?

A. The Sydney International Children's Festival - Kids Universe is all under the one roof and indoors and spans 18,000 square metres. The venue is suitable for pram and wheelchair access with wide isles and walkways within the event. During concerts we do ask that prams be kept to the sides or back of concert halls. The festival will have many varieties of food and drink available for purchase including cold and hot drinks, lollies, fruit, and selections of cold and hot foods.

Privacy

We respect your family's privacy.

Please check that your child has asked for your consent to join the Kids Universe Club and check out our privacy policy.

Parent-Friendly

Kids Universe has been designed to be very parent and kid friendly. There are wide aisles, activities and entertainment for all ages in a safe environment. We have supervisors in all the activities and entertainment areas, with a chill-out zone to relax with your child. In addition we have parents/kids' change rooms. Queues are minimal due to the enormous number of activities to choose from. Activities are indoors and they run all day, every day. Keep an eye on the STARS page to check out the daily performances.

For great tips on making parenting easier, visit KidsLife online, proudly brought to you by our presenting sponsor The Australian Scholarships Group.

Transport

Trains run every day of the week, every 10 minutes between Lidcombe and Olympic Park Station, 7am - 11pm. A limited service also operates direct from Sydney Central to Olympic Park Station.

Bus services services run regularly from Strathfield Station and Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park.

Ferry services services operate from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Parramatta to Homebush Bay Ferry Terminal where it connects with the 401 Bus to the Visitors Centre at the centre of the site.

For more information about public transport timetables call the Transport Information Line on 13 15 00 or visit www.131500.com.au.

Accommodation packages

For Stay & See Accommodation Packages call 1300 658 009.

Food & refreshments

Food and refreshments are available at the venue and we have endeavoured to keep costs to a minimum.