Family Fun Day At The Sydney Family Show

30 Mar 2012: Everyone loves a good carnival, the smell of fairy floss and popcorn in the air, the sound of kids' laughter and the look of excitement on their faces, as they gaze around at the rides, showbag pavilions and baby animal farms that are just waiting to be explored.

I always feel like a kid again when I go to a carnival, unfortunately though, when I was younger, I couldn't go on as many rides as I would've liked to, but even just being at one now brings back a sense of child-like innocence, and reminds me of easier times, where there were less cares and responsibilities in life.

For me personally, I'm not a big fan of crowds. I'm not sure if it has to do with being so far down to the ground, or just my general claustrophobic tendencies, which pop up every now and then, but sometimes I just feel all panicky when there are tons of people around me, not that this has ever stopped me from going somewhere I'd love, like; concerts, theatres and carnivals.

However, if YOU prefer to enjoy the fun of a fare, without the stress of feeling like a sardine, crammed into a tin can, then I may just have a solution for you...

In April, in Sydney, we have the super-fun Royal Easter Show at Homebush Bay, where the Sydney 2000 Olympics were held, the show runs for two weeks. It's a ball of fun, and I absolutely LOVE going, but sometimes, it can get quite crowded.

This year though, I have been told about a similar show, which seems to be smaller, and more suited to those who enjoy a quieter, less congested show experience. The Sydney Family Show, which has been around for three years now, is situated in Moore Park, close to the city, running from April 5th – 22nd.

The Sydney Family Show is running a special day, especially for people with disabilities. On opening day, Thursday 5th April, it will be called Disability & Carers Day, where the show will be offering free and discounted rides for people with disabilities and their ‘carers', and free entry into the show's Animal Nursery.

Entry to the show, on any day, is free, and rides are paid for with coupons, which cost $2 each, and rides require about 1-6 coupons. But, there is a wristband, which covers entry onto most rides, for a period of 5 hours for $40. However, for the Disability & Carers day, the wristbands are $20 for people with a disability, and their ‘carers' can ride with them for free. If you're going on another day though, and still wish to receive a discount, you can pre-purchase the wristbands online, or at Moshtix, before Wednesday 4th April, for only $30, and you'll be able to go on most rides, an unlimited amount of times, for a 5 hour period.

Rides that will be included at the Family Show include; giant slides, dodgem cars, flying swings of all sizes, for the young and young at heart, a thrill ride called the Music Trip, which will leave you spinning, giant inflatable clear bubbles, which will allow you experience what it's like to walk on water, an all-ages bucking bull, small and large Ferris wheels, a trackless train, cup and saucer, carousel, bumper boats, horse-o-plane, bungy trampoline, inflatable slide/castle, an inflatable obstacle course, so there's clearly something for almost everyone.

If you are unable, or unwilling to try out any of the rides, there is plenty of other things to do at the show; like sideshow games, a farmyard animal nursery, pony rides, arts and crafts exhibitions, psychic readings, markets stalls, and loads of showbags that will suit everyone, ranging in price from $4 - $30.

If you love animals, like me, there is plenty to entertain you. There is a reptile and snake pit, duck fashion parades and duck racing, a rabbit competition, to determine which rabbit will be named ‘Best In Show'. On Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th and Sunday 15th April, you will have the chance to meet Celebrity veterinarian and author, Dr Katrina Warren, who will be revealing training tricks and tips, with her ‘Wonderdogs', and will be signing copies of her new book of the same name.

If you buy a copy of the Sun Herald this Sunday the 1st April, you will receive lots of info about the show, and a free The Pirates, Band of Misfits in 3D, pirate eye patch, which show organizers are hoping every little tacker will wear to the show on Saturday 7th April, when a world record attempt will be made, for the largest group of junior pirates in one location, which coincides with the release of the new Sony Pictures animation movie, The Pirates, Band of Misfits.

If you'd like any further information on the show, you can visit their website, by clicking on this link: www.sydneyfamilyshow.com.au or pre-purchase your discount ride wristband by visiting Moshtix's website here: www.moshtix.com.au

Sydney Family Show