Free Stuff for Kids! Remembering Why I ♥ Brisbane

 

Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Dublin 2009

Loc and I lived in Dublin for a few months in 2009.  As half-residents, half-tourists we always seemed to have our eyes and ears open for free things to do around the city.  We spent our weekends at free festivals and performances, at art galleries, in parks and at markets by the sea.

Street Performers at a free festival in Dublin

When we moved back to Brisbane we were resolute that we would continue to engage with our city the same way we did when we lived in Dublin.

Performers at Denny's Big Day Out, a free festival in Dublin

But, then after a short while back 'home' we started to settle into our old habits. We began working in our 'career-ey' jobs again and in our spare time were more inclined to watch a DVD on the couch than venture out into this beautiful city of Brisbane... We might have told ourselves "we're just homebodies", but a lot of the time we were just plain lazy.

I wrote previously about how hard it can be to plan, get organised and get out of the house with a little one, but at the same time getting out of the house and exploring the world is such an important a part of Archie's life - and one that he relies entirely on us to make happen.  I don't want to limit Archie's exploring to his playing with new toys hanging above the playmat in our lounge room, or his looking out at the view from our front patio (although many days it seems much easier to stay home and do just that).

Being asked to take part in this Bloggers Project during the haze of my first three months of motherhood is a bit of a kick in the pants.  It's reminded me of what Loc and I valued so much about being in 'new' cities while we were travelling.  The whole of life is 'new' to Archie it's up to me to make the choice each and every day to so something that helps him explore and learn.

Festivals can be expensive.  Theatre can be expensive.  Taking a family out almost *always* is expensive.  However, Out of the Box has a HEAP of free events making it much more accessible for a cheap family day out in Brisbane.  You don't have to see a ticketed show to have fun at OOTB!  

Here are some of the free events that I am looking forward to the most...

The Sticky Maze

How cool is this!  An entire maze made of sticky tape that you and your kids can add to, play in, and hang out with the Polygot Theatre performers who will take you on trips through the maze.

The Under Age Stage

Free performances every morning from Tuesday to Friday, and then all day Saturday and Sunday on The Under Age Stage.  I think this is where we might just 'hang out' in between all the things we're doing through the week.  Check out what free shows are on when here.

Baby Loves Music and Movement

This sounds like it's gonna be a big free music show and dance party for little ones.  In the eeni meeni miini moh marquee, I love that this is one for little bubbas too and I really hope we can get to see it.  Our day is a little too busy on Tuesday but fingers crossed we can squeeze it into another one of our festival days.

...

Golly gosh, there really is so much more.  Fly Away Home sounds amazing...  The Odde-Tour-eum sounds amazing...  The Tent of Tall Tales sounds amazing!  I actually can't believe the number of free events that are running.  Out of the Box really is a massive festival and we're so lucky to be able to take our kids to so many excellent things for just the cost of transport (oh, and a packed lunch!).

Click here to see all of the OOTB Free Events!!

Now is probably a good time to say that I'm not getting paid to say any of this stuff!  I know it probably sounds like advertising, but I really am just that kind of excitable person and I do think this is REALLY AWESOME!