Weekend activities to restore your sanity.

By ARIELA BARD

I have this idealistic notion of what the weekend should be like.  In my mind our family’s weekend activities would consist of something like this:

I rise at a respectable hour (that’s anytime after 7am) to a breakfast of paper-thin crepes prepared by my husband, an endless pot of tea accompanied by the weekend papers. I not only read an article in the Good Weekend from beginning to end but I also finish the crossword.

We stroll down to Wiley’s Baths where the children frolic in the water and don’t complain that it’s too cold or their feet are too hot or their eyes hurt or they want to go home.

Next a trip to Surry Hills market where I find some charming wooden toys for the children, a vintage dress, and a claw foot bath tub that will magically fit inside my closet-of-a-bathroom.

“I’m thrilled you’re spending money on these vintage items, darling,” my husband says to me. The children hold hands and gaze up at me adoringly.

Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by The Aerogard Great Gran and Grampout. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.

Reality:

The kids wake at 5am screaming for cartoons and cocoa pops for breakfast. I try to plan a trip to the beach because there is no chance of reading the paper in peace and quiet. As I search for sun cream my husband announces that he would like some time to work on his novel and heads out to the garage. I turn around to see my son roll himself in a sheet of bubble wrap entirely naked while my daughter gyrates to One Direction in front of the mirror and wonder if it’s too early for wine.

I’ve searched for a way to nudge my weekends closer to the fantasy they’ll never be and have come up with the key to nailing weekend activities:

Have one fun thing on your agenda that everyone will enjoy.

To help save your sanity, and your weekend, here is a list of fun weekend activities to do in your capital city.

SYDNEY

What? Aerogard Great Gran and Grampout

When? Saturday

Where? Any backyard or camp spot in Australia

They say grandchildren are the reward for the hardships of parenting. Celebrate three generations of family and watch your children and their grandparents spend quality time together by having your own Grampout in your backyard, or even at a favourite camping spot. Register your Grampout for Saturday night at www.aerogardgrampout.com.au. And don’t worry you won’t be alone gramping! Aerogard is holding their showcase event on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island, where hundreds of families are gramping under the cities twinkling lights where Grandma Games such as sack races and tug o’war will be played as well as lots of campfire activities.

MELBOURNE

What? Things You Should Buy

When?  Saturday 10am -5pm

Where? Toorak Primary School

More than 70 hand picked local artisans and emerging independent designers will be displaying their unique, handcrafted creations. Support local artists, do your Christmas shopping, spruce up your home, pick up a plump Xmas tree or just treat yourself to the delectable spread of gourmet food, live music and picnic grounds.

PERTH

What?  Rooftop Movies

When? Sunday

Where?  City of Perth Roe Street car park.

Is there a better way to celebrate the onset of summer than with a trip to the open-air cinema? Yes, make it a trip to see Wes Anderson’s The Fantastic Mr Fox. Bam.

ADELAIDE

What? Adelaide night market

When? Sunday 4pm – 8pm

Where? Between King William Rd and Kintore Ave

Who wants to cook on a Sunday night? Head down to the Adelaide night market and chuck some tacos at the kids, watch them dance and make new friends on the grass while you breathe in the scent of locally crafted candles, listen to the sounds of local musicians and pick up some bargains while you’re at it.

HOBART

What? The Red Queen

When? Saturday and Sunday

Where? MONA

Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s character from Alice in Wonderland, the kids will love this exhibition. Catch the ferry over and make a day of it. Don’t forget to take advantage of the play area in the library.

CANBERRA

What? Australian Fossil Family Activity

When? Sunday

Where? The National Dinosaur Museum

Get your dinosaur on and hit the National Dinosaur Museum this weekend. Children and adults can take part in fun and educational quizzes on the prehistoric past and search for answers that are hidden throughout the museum. Each child will receive a certificate and a real, 50-million-year-old fossilised shark tooth to take home!

BRISBANE

What? Gordon Hookey Kangaroo Crew

When? Saturday and Sunday

Where? Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art

Based around Gordon Hookey’s classic The Sacred Hill and featuring an interactive display and reenactment of the tale of four kangaroos as they battle the Mynah birds to take back possession of their territory.

DARWIN

What? Art Stories

When? Saturday

Who?  Darwin Visual Arts Association

Where? Casuarina Library

Escape the heat and head down to the library to see this exhibition comprising of stories by Darwin school children, inspired by local Darwin artists. These stories and images will be displayed side by side as part of the month long celebration of 30 years of the Darwin Visual Arts Association.

What weekend activities do you have lined up?

Aerogard is launching a nationwide Grampout – “The Aerogard Great Gran and Grampout” to celebrate 50 years of protecting Aussie families, and being part of all those happy summer memories you cherish!

We are encouraging Aussies to Grampout in  their own backyard, or favourite camping spot. . By registering your Grampout for the 30^th of November – or on any evening through the summer – at www.aerogardgrampout.com.au grampers will have the chance to win $5000 worth of ‘Backyard Giftcards’*. You will also receive your free ‘Gramping Guide,’ a digital pack that includes camping tips, games and ghost stories.

*Terms and Conditions apply. Visit aerogardgrampout.com.au.Authorised NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/07905, ACT Permit No. 13/03625