FAMILY FUN THIS FORTNIGHT

Monday 17 - Sunday 23 November

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MCA Art Baby
This is a social program for parents and carers with babies. Join MCA staff for a lively one-hour guided tour of the exhibitions, followed by coffee and biscuits in the MCA Cafe. It costs $12/$10 MCA Members (children under 2 free). Sessions over the summer are on Tuesday 9 December, 10 – 11.30am; Tuesday 13 January, 2– 3.30pm and Thursday 19 February, 10 – 11.30am. This program is very popular and can book out in advance. Bookings essential, ph 9245 2484 or email education@mca.com.au. You can also join the Art Baby e-list.

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Children’s Christmas Colouring-in Competition
One lucky Sydney child, the winner of the this competition, will turn on the lights of the 22-metre tall Martin Place Christmas tree on Thursday 27 November. Children can download the Christmas stencil from www.sydneychristmas.com.au. A Dear Santa letter writing competition has also opened online. The winner will light up the Hyde Park Christmas tree at the Christmas on the Green event on the same night. Entries to both competitions are open to children 12 years-old and under and need to be submitted by Friday 21 November. Competition winners will be contacted via telephone on Monday 24 November. For more detail on Christmas in the City of Sydney visit www.sydneychristmas.com.au

This week
Circus Royale, Hawkesbury Showgrounds
The two hour show features International circus stars and acclaimed Australian performers performing death defying high wire walking, hand balancing, acrobatics, fast paced juggling, an aerial act, Australia's only 'Man in the Bottle', clowns and six animal acts: camels and llamas, technicolour birds, horses, geese, a dog, and 4 black and white cows. The season runs from Wed 19 - Tues 25 with the session times: Wednesday 19 - Saturday 22 at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2pm, Sunday 11am & 2pm and early 6pm shows on Mon 24 and Tues 25. Ticket prices start at adults $25, children $12 and a family (2a, 2c) $65. Book on 0410 669 253 (10am - 7.30pm) and the onsite ticket office opens at 10am on show days. For more information, visit www.circusroyale.com.au.
Trees for Children 2008, Circular Quay
Prominent artists and personalities have come together to create unique, festive-themed tree sculptures for the Trees for Children exhibition, supporting the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Art Program. They are on display in the forcourt of Customs House from 20 Nov – 3 Dec. Notable Sydney identities designing Trees for Children include: Bryan McFadden (musician), George Gregan (Wallaby Captain), Hi-5 (Children’s Musical Group), Imam Abdul Moez Alnafti (President Australian National Imams Council), James Tomkins (Olympian, Rowing), Jaynie Seal (Television Presenter), John Konrads (Olympian, Swimming), Kylie Kwong (Chef), Malcolm Turnbull (Leader of the Opposition), Michael O'Loughlin (Sydney Swans) and Olivia Wood (Sydney Children’s Hospital patient). Artists creating Trees for Children include: Darren Bloomfield, Geoffrey Ricardo, Jasper Knight, Joan Ross, John Walker, Kylie Stillman, Lindy Lee, Llewellyn Skye, Mai Long, Martin Sharp, Melinda Harper, Sue Soliman, Vilma Bader and Wing Lau. Donations to Sydney Children’s Hospital from members of the public visiting the exhibition are greatly appreciated. For more information, ph 9382 1188 or visit www.schf.org.au.
Current - Sculpture Projects in the River City, Parramatta
Current is an outdoor exhibition hosting an impressive 17 contemporary artists, located along the Parramatta Riverbank and throughout the City, showcasing 13 projects including many new site-specific works. It' showing until November 24 and is free. For more information, visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au.
Australian Theatre of the Deaf (ATOD) presents The Wild Boys, Kensington
The Wild Boys is a story about two very different boys from worlds and times apart who view the world through similar eyes. One was brought up in a forest in southern France in the late 1700’s who lived and behaved like an animal. No language. No emotion. The other is a deaf boy brought up in western Sydney today with the instincts of a wild child; with little language and little emotion. Through an innovative theatre language of body expression and physical prose, these divided worlds bond to deliver The Wild Boys – this is their story. This play may suit late primary school and secondary school kids and their families and plays at the Parade Playhouse, NIDA Parade Theatre. It previews on Wed 12 and then plays Thursday 13 November – Saturday 29 November with evening performances on Tuesday 18 & 25 at 6.30pm and Wednesday to Saturday at 8pm and matinees on Saturday 15, 22 & 29 at 2pm and Wed 26 at 11am. Tickets cost adult $30 and concession $15. To book, ph 1300 795 012 or visit www.ticketek.com.au.

Tues 18
Puppet Show at Puppeteria, Castle Cove
Puppeteria is the home of the Jeral Puppets. Today pre-schoolers and play-group aged children can see 'Circus Time' at 10.30am and tomorrow it plays at the same time at Randwick. Tickets cost children $10 and adults $13; to book, ph 9371 7328. For more information, visit www.puppeteria.com.

Wed 19
Puppet Show at Puppeteria, Randwick see Tues 18
The Entetainment Quarter, Moore Park
Kidz Zoo (an animal farm) is at EQ every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 3pm. There will be cuddly guinea pigs, rabbits, chicks, kid goats, sheep, lambs, plus larger varieties like alpaca and calves. Entry costs $5.
Bungy Trampoline is open from 10am-4pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays on the Showring (weather permitting). Jumpers must be between 10 and 85 kg. It costs $10 for a 4 minute ride. You can also try the High Wire Rope Walk - walk the high wire and land on a bed of air! It costs $10 for 3 attempts.
Hoyts Mums & Bubs Movie Sessions are on a Thursday twice a month (check your local cinema for the session time) and any adult carer is welcome. It costs $9 for adults and kids under 5 are free. There's a place to change a nappy and the lights stay dimmed for feeding.
Other attractions at EQ are Strike Bowling Bar - bowling, pool & karaoke; Plaster Painting Studios and Lollipop's Playland - for kids up to 9 years.
For more information, visit www.eqmoorepark.com.au/kids.

Thur 20
RSVP for Generationext, The Museum of Contemporary Art see Sun 23 below

Fri 21
The Rocks Markets by Moonlight
Every Friday night in November the Markets By Moonlight will run from 6pm – 11pm and feature free live performances by two of Australia's top funk, soul and pop artists plus DJ Sveta. Performing tonight are The Ray Mann Three and Andy Bull. On November 28 see Custom Kings and TZU. For more information, visit www.therocks.com.

Sat 22
Aboriginal Womens Business, Botany Bay National Park South
Celebrate Aboriginal Women's Culture with indigenous Discovery Rangers. Learn how they use the natural resources in the environment for basket weaving, bush tucker and medicine. Opportunity to try your hand at weaving and to taste some bush tucker. This activity is for women and girls only. It starts at 10am and runs 2hours. The walk is graded easy and costs adult $12, child $8 and a family $35. For more information and to book, ph 9542 0666.
Puppetshows @ Paddo, Paddington Market
On Sarturdays (until December 13), enjoy family puppet shows at the Uniting Church in the heart of the Paddington Markets at 11am and 1.30pm. The performances are presented by Ross Browning's Puppetease (today) and Sydney Puppet Theatre's Sue Wallace and Steve Coupe (Nov 29 - Dec 13). Today see Puppetease at 11am and Funky Fins at 1.30pm. On Sat Nov 29 see Oh Rats at 11am and 1.30pm, on Sat Dec 6 see Things with Wings at 11am and 1.30pm and on Sat Dec 13 see Power Puppets at 11am and 1.30pm. Tickets cost $9 + 50c booking fee from MCA ticketing: 1300 306 776, www.mca-tix.com.au. Bookings are recommended but there are also cash door sales available before every show. For more information, colour photos & preview movies of all the crazy zany puppets visit www.puppetease.com and www.sydneypuppettheatre.iinet.net.au.
Hi-5 Playtime, ACER Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
This new arena spectacular will feature the Hi 5 gang live on stage in the Hi 5 toy room. Sing and dance along to old favourites and new hits from Hi 5. It's on today and tomorrow at 10am and 1pm. Tickets cost $39.50 or $29.50 and are available through Ticketek, ph 13 28 49 or visit www.ticketek.com.au. For more information on the show, visit hi5.ninemsn.com.au.
Science Made Easy Workshops, Australian Museum
This weekend's theme is 'Water, worms and waste'. Discover how great (and gross) being green can be. Come along, get your hands dirty, find out how to make a positive difference to your world. Today and tomorrow there is a workshop for 5 – 7 years at 3pm – 4.30pm and tomorrow there is a workshop for 8+ years from 10am –11.30am. The workshops include scientific investigation, hands-on activities and take-home material. The cost for each workshop is $20 members, $30 non-members. Bookings and prepayment are essential, ph 9320 6225 or book online at www.australianmuseum.net.au/members.
Heritage Craft Evening Fair, St. Ives Showground
Only 2 fairs until Christmas (also in the day of Dec 7) and Santa will be there. BYO camera for photos of the kids with Santa. Wander around 250 stalls of quality Australian crafts with no mass produced, second hand or imported items. For the kids there are face painting, plaster painting, animal balloons, train rides, pony rides, bungee trampoline (most months) and craft activities. There are also craft demonstrations, entertainment and tucker available. There is no entry fee and parking costs $5. The Fair is open this evening from 4pm - 9pm and is normally held on the first Sunday each month (not January) from 9am - 3pm, rain or shine. For more information, visit www.heritagecraftfair.com.au.
Cumberland State Forest at Night, West Pennant Hills
Explore the Forest and discover its nocturnal life from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. This includes a presentation and supper. It costs $11 each ($35 family rate), minimum age 6 years. Bring a torch for every person. To book, ph 1300 655 687.
Family Astronomy Night, University of Western Sydney Observatory, Werrington North
Tonight's topic is "Music and Astronomy". The night will include a multimedia presentation, question time and stargazing through the University’s computerised telescopes (weather permitting). The night runs from 8pm - 10pm and costs adult $12, children and concession $8 and a family $35 (2a, 2c). For more information and to book, ph 4736 0135 (Mon, Tues or Thurs), email r.mccourt@uws.edu.au or visit www.uws.edu.au/observatory.
Jenolan Thunder, Jenolan Caves Grand Arch
Experience the magnificent amplification of 8 Taiko Drummers accompanied by Asian Gongs, Sumatran Flutes, Vocals and fast-paced Island log Drumming. The Rhythm Hunters are inspired by Japanese Taiko Drumming and remote music from West Sumatra, Indonesia and they fuse the thunder of taiko drumming with indigenous Islamic music from West Sumatra. If attanding the concert you need to bring a folding chair, warm clothing to wear during the concert (eg, warm jacket and maybe a knee rug for those who feel the cold) and arrive at Jenolan before 7pm with the concert starting at 7.30pm. Concert goers can bring their own food and drink. It costs adult $45, junior $25, family (2a, 3j) $120. To book, ph 1300 76 33 11. For more information, visit www.jenolancaves.org.au.

Sun 23
Sydney International Regatta Centre Family Fishing Day, Penrith
Participate in a morning of catch ‘n’ release fishing with prizes in a number of age categories for the biggest fish caught. The competition will run from 6am to 11am and you can arrive any time between those times to participate. Download a registration form at the website. Entry costs adult $6.60 and children $3.30 (under 12 years). For more information, ph 4730 0000 or visit www.regattacentre.nsw.gov.au.
A Dog's Life, Cumberland State Forest
Bring your pooch and the ranger will take you all for a walk through the Forest. Your dog must be on a lead and don't forget the doggie bags. It starts at 10am and costs $5.50 per person (children 6 years and over) and $18 for a family (2a, 2c). To book, ph 1300 655 687.
Thai Food Festival and Lebanon Folkoric Group, Darling Harbour
The Thai Food Festival is a free event in Tumbalong Park from 10am – 6pm. Enjoy a variety of Thai cuisine as well as cultural performances and craft stalls. For more information please contact Noi Ninubon on 0417 331 190.
The Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group are back for their 12th annual Lebanese Carnival showcasing the cultural history of Lebanon with traditional Lebanese performances. This free event is at Harbourside Amphitheatre from 10:30am – 5:30pm. For more information please contact Elie on 0414 750 013.
Walk in Speers Road Reserve, North Rocks
Speers Road Reserve was the site of the most successful orange orchard in New South Wales. The owner was James Pye who gave the land and provided much of the stone to build the dam at Lake Parramatta. Amongst the sights to see on this walk will be an early road and the remains of the first house built by Thomas Atkins on the property. It's on from 10am to 12pm and is free. Bookings essential, ph 9634 3163.
St Ives Annual Community Spirit Day, St Ives Shopping Village
Santa is welcomed to The Village with a day of entertainment, activities and special shows that will support local charities. The day runs from 10.30am - 3pm and the entertainment includes live music, balloon bending Clowns, juggling court jesters and magical characters all led by the Prince of Fairytales. There will be a baby animal farm, Plaster Fun House and Side Show Alley. A new $5 Fairytale Fun pack will be sold on the day and will include any 6 of the following activities ($12 worth): Side Show Alley games, one Fairy Floss serve, one Popcorn serve, one face paint, entry to the Circus skills school (from 12 noon) and Craft activities ( 4 to choose from). Additional game or activity tickets are $2 each. Santa arrives at 11am and hosts the Favourite Fairytale Show with Christmas and Fairytale characters. There will also be Punch and Judy Puppet Shows at 12.30pm, 1.15pm and 2.15pm and the Circus Workshop runs from 12 - 3pm. For more information, visit www.stivesvillage.com.au.
Generationext, The Museum of Contemporary Art
generationext is an after-hours social event especially for teenagers, linked to current exhibitions at the MCA. There willl be four floors of contemporary art, live music, artbased competitions, food and mocktails, mixed with hundreds of teenagers from across Sydney who love contemporary art. The optional costume theme this time is masquerade/role-play/extravagance. It is designed by the generationext youth committee – so there’s no teachers and no parents! Fully supervised by MCA Learning staff and drug and alcohol free. It's on from 6pm – 8pm. RSVP by Thursday 20 November to 9241 7196 or generationext@mca.com.au.
Jazz in the Garden, Vaucluse House
Bring your friends and listen to some of Sydney’s best jazz in the idyllic pleasure garden at Vaucluse House. This year’s line up features Elixr with Katie Noonan, Kristin Berardi and Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra and CSB (Crusty Suitcase Band). Pack a picnic and bring your rug or take advantage of the selection of food and wine on sale during the evening. It's on from 6pm – 9pm (gates open 5pm) and entry costs general $30, conc/members $25 and a family $85. For bookings and more information, visit www.hht.net.au
Science Made Easy Workshops, Australian Museum see Sat 22
Hi-5 Playtime, ACER Arena, Sydney Olympic Park see Sat 22