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Reviews - Products, Services, Food and Travel
Want to shop local, but don’t have the time for research? Welcome to our Reviews page! Here you’ll find reviews of products, services, travel, food and dining covering Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.
Unbiased reviews and everything personally tested by kids and parents, we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to.
Featured Reviews
4 Winter reads you'll want to cosy up for
4 Winter reads you'll want to cosy up for
Sunshine Coast’s Bricks 4 Kidz: We put the LEGO party to the test
We had a chance to test out the Bricks 4 Kidz Lego Birthday Party at the new LEGO Creativity Centre recently ... here's our review!
The Queensland holiday park you need to add to your family staycation list
The Aussie holiday park is having a revival and we visit BIG4 Holiday Park Gold Coast to find out why.
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort - the ultimate family staycation
Looking for an amazing staycation? The gorgeous Novotel Resort Sunshine Coast is exactly what every family needs right now.
Pew pew… pew pew! We throw a kids party with Laser Tag in a Box
Looking for an easy solution, fun kids party? We test out the perfect COVID birthday party solution - Lasertag in a Box.
Back to School: The BEST lunchbox combos for the new school year
Dreaming of the perfect lunchbox combo? The experts over at Coastal Kidswear share their pick of the best lunchbox gear for 2022.
Do your kids want to fly? Our tribe takes to the skies at iFly Indoor Skydiving
Do the kids dream of flying? A bunch of our KIDS tribe hit the skies at iFly Indoor Skydiving in Brisbane to make that a reality.
The best back to school resources are at the library!
Getting set for the 2022 school year? We’ve scoured the library shelves for the best back to school resources for the whole family!
Pilanky all-in-one kid’s bed
Designed and made in Australia for kids aged 1 to 6, this gorgeous all-in-one kid's bed is perfect for childcare, travelling, camping and sleepovers.
Which camera is best for kids this Christmas?
Stuck for Christmas gift ideas for the family? Cameras make the perfect gift! The experts are here with their favourites for 2021.
When should a baby learn to swim?
Wondering when your baby should start swimming? It’s far earlier than you think and There are many benefits to diving in early.
A family guide to K'gari (Fraser Island)
Thinking of heading to K'gari (Fraser Island) with the kids? We visited Kingfisher Bay Resort to check out this family friendly paradise.
Free activities for kids on the Gold Coast
Gold Coast Libraries run a wide range of free activities for kids, from early years programming to school holiday activities.
Make a splash this summer
As Queenslanders, learning to swim is top of the priority list for our kids. But swimming lessons are about more than just strokes.
The Latest Reviews
4 Winter reads you’ll want to cosy up for
4 Winter reads you'll want to cosy up for
9 Educational apps that are great for kids
9 educational apps that are great for kids
Sunshine Coast’s Bricks 4 Kidz: We put the LEGO party to the test
We had a chance to test out the Bricks 4 Kidz Lego Birthday Party at the new LEGO Creativity Centre recently ... here's our review!
The Queensland holiday park you need to add to your family staycation list
The Aussie holiday park is having a revival and we visit BIG4 Holiday Park Gold Coast to find out why.
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort – the ultimate family staycation
Looking for an amazing staycation? The gorgeous Novotel Resort Sunshine Coast is exactly what every family needs right now.
Pew pew… pew pew! We throw a kids party with Laser Tag in a Box
Looking for an easy solution, fun kids party? We test out the perfect COVID birthday party solution - Lasertag in a Box.
Get Social
Strap on your skates as our friends at Iceworld have 4 family passes to WIN for their public ice skating sessions! ❄️
The prize includes skating and a food/drink combo for each person. Check out all the deets right now. link in Bio.
While some teens have clear goals and ambitions, there are those who don't. And that's OKAY!
You don't have to have all the answers at 17 or 18 years of age. It's okay not to know what you want to do when you graduate from high school. 👩🎓🧑🎓
If you aren't sure university is for you or you want to explore your options before settling, we've pulled together some alternatives. [Link in Bio ☝️☝️]
#Education #Kids #Teenagers #Parenting #University #Tips #Inspiration #HighSchool #Graduation #KidsOnTheCoastMagazine
Ticket Discount: Sunshine Coast Lightning vs NSW Swifts, Tuesday 17 May.
Head on down to the USC Stadium for this mid-week clash against the reigning Suncorp Super Netball premiers, NSW Swifts.
Use code KOTC10 for $10 off any ticket purchase to the game.
Check out all the details right now! Link in Bio.
Often when we think of getting creative with the kids we picture onerous activities with a mess of paints and a tangle of craft supplies. Not so!
We caught up with Karen Gawen at @sclibraries, who says most creative fun for kids doesn’t require tedious planning or a lot of special supplies.
Check out her top tips [link in bio 👆👆] for making the daily grind an opportunity to get creative ...
🛀 when kids are in the bath
📚 when you're at the library or reading at home
🍲 when you're in the kitchen
🌳 while you're at the park or outdoors
😴 during those quiet moments in your day
🌙 and when kids are ready for bed
#Kids #Creativity #Fun #Craft #Home #Free #Parenting #Parenthood #Inspiration #Tips
The forecast this weekend is looking wet ⛈, wet ⛈, wet ⛈... And no, we aren't talking about the popular 1980s Scottish rock band.
If you're looking for things to do that will keep you and the kids out of the elements, consider heading to one of the Sunshine Coast's indoor play centres.
We've even done the hard work for you and come up with this handy list... [Link in bio 👆👆]
#PlacesToGo #SunshineCoast #Indoor #Play #Kids #Fun
Calling all young LEGO fans on the Sunshine Coast. Show off your brick building skills in the first-ever Junior Model Builder Competition!
With all this wet weather around, it makes for an ideal weekend activity. Oh, and it's incredibly easy to enter too!
Full details link in bio ☝️☝️
👦👧 Open to kids aged 5-10 years
🦈🤿 Must recreate child's favourite aquatic animal or underwater scenery
📷📹 Send photo or video of creation
#Kids #LEGO #SunshineCoast #Competition #Fun #TheWharf #Mooloolaba #SeaLifeSunshineCoast #MerlinEntertainment
DISCOUNT TICKET OFFER: Sunshine Coast Lightning vs West Coast Fever at USC Stadium, Sat 14 May!
This is great day out for the entire family with lots of fun activities, giveaways, food trucks and so much more!
Check out all the deets today. Link in Bio.
[SUNSHINE COAST] Work on a cool new playground at Homestead Park, Coes Creek is underway. Sunshine Coast Council councillor David Law saying the installations at the Nambour playground are sure to be popular.
The playground will include:
🤸♀️A new multi-play tower
🤸♀️A new double swing
🤸♀️A new multi-play rocker
It will also be shaded and fenced.
#Playground #Play #SunshineCoast #Nambour #Children #HomesteadPark #CoesCreek #Fun
"With a heavy heart, the Organising Committed decided ... that our Festival will not be able to go ahead in 2022."
The Goomeri Pumpkin Festival has been cancelled for 2022 amid ongoing recovery issues from February's deadly floods.
[Link in bio 👆👆]
#Goomeri #PumpkinFestival #Events #Brisbane #Queensland #SunshineCoast #Cancelled
Sunshine Coast artist Sophy Blake has transformed the iconic Ginger Factory at Yandina into a joyous explosion of colour.
The aptly named Rainbrella Project features almost 1,000 umbrellas ☂️☂️ over 200m and took local artist more than 100 hours to create! 🤯
WHAT: The Rainbrella Project
WHERE: The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina
WHEN: 9am to 5pm daily
#WhatsOn #SunshineCoast #Yandina #TheGingerGractory #TheRainbrellaProject #Happiness #Kids #Free #Family #Fun
Mother's Day is such a special day for so many, but it can also be a difficult day for some.
If you find it a day to be endured, rather than celebrated, know that we are thinking of you.
We are thinking of the women waiting for their miracle. We are thinking of those mothers who have suffered a pregnancy loss and those mothers who have suffered stillbirth. We are thinking of those mothers who have lost children. We are thinking of those whose mother is no longer here, and those whose mothers are still here but are lost to dementia. We are thinking of those who find today difficult because you have a broken relationship with your child or your own mother.
Mother’s Day is to honour the women who nurture, support and love us. While some of us might do an upbeat celebration, there are others who need quiet, respect and compassion.
If you think your friend might have a difficult Mother’s Day, reach out. Any act of kindness and acknowledgement will go a long way in comforting them.
For those who need support, please contact:
📞Lifeline 13 11 14
📞BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
💻 @motherlessdaughtersau
Would you know the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Sunday, May 8, isn't just Mother's Day ... It's also World Ovarian Cancer Day.
Ovarian cancer is a silent killer among women. The symptoms can be so vague that by the time you receive a diagnosis, the cancer is often at an advanced stage. Roughly 280 Queenslanders are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year.
[Link in bio ☝☝]
@cancercouncilqld
#Health #Queensland #Brisbane #OvarianCancer #Cancer #Women
Looking for a last-minute Mother's Day gift that will melt your mother's heart? We've got five quick and easy ideas that could do the trick!
Link in bio ☝☝
#MothersDay #Gifts #Craft #Handmade #Homemade #Kids #KidsOnTheCoastMagazine
Want to know what's happening for Sunshine Coast kids and families this weekend? Here are some of our favourite activities and events from Friday, May 6 to Sunday, May 8.
Don't forget Mother's Day on Sunday! We've got a couple of ways you can make the day special.
[Link in bio ☝☝]
👉Check out the Nurture Festival
👉Test your skills at the Brazilian Soccer Skills tryouts
👉Table tennis anyone?
👉Handmade markets
👉Fresh produce
#WhatsOn #SunshineCoast #Kids #Free #Families #MothersDay #KidsOnTheCoastMagazine
FRIDAY FRENZY ticket sale!
Revisit the Round 3 clash of Sunshine Coast Lightning vs Adelaide Thunderbirds at USC Stadium on Sat 7 May!
Use code KIDSFREE when you buy one adult ticket and you'll get a junior ticket for FREE! Link in Bio.
Messy Play Matters Sunshine Coast event is BACK at Nambour Showgrounds, Thurs 19 May 9.30am to 12pm thanks to our friends at Play Matters Australia (formerly Playgroup Queensland).
Explore messy play experiences galore! Cheeky Little Monkeys Soft Play, Jumping Jokers Jumping Castles, Live Music, Coffee Vans, Sausage Sizzle, Cup Cake stall, raffle and so much more!
Tickets are FREE but you need to register to attend. Link in Bio.
The Premier's Reading Challenge is about to kick off! 🤓📚 It's an opportunity to encourage your child's love of reading. Now and for the rest of their lives.
What was the last book your child read?
👇👇 Some of the suggested books on the Premier's Reading Challenge book lists.
FOR KIDS AGED 0-5
📖 Busy beaks by Sarah Allen
📖 What do you call your grandma / grandpa? by Ashleigh Barton
📖 Oi Aardvark by Kes Gray
📖 Big love by Megan Jacobsen
FOR KIDS AGED 6-10
📖 Help wanted, must love books by Janet Johnson Sumner
📖 The rock from the sky by Jon Klassen
📖 Wandi by Favel Parrett
📖 Songbird by Ingrid Laguna
FOR KIDS AGED 11-14
📖 The year the maps changed by Danielle Binks
📖 My brother Ben by Peter Carnarvas
📖 Paws by Kate Foster
📖 Mixed feelings by Declan Miller
📖 Off the map by Scot Gardner
#Education #Reading #PremiersReadingChallenge #QLDEducation #Kids #Literacy #AmReading
Parenting can at times be hard work no matter who you are. What if you are parenting a highly sensitive child though?
Highly sensitive children require patience and consideration. Raising a highly sensitive child presents with a unique set of challenges. But their temperament gives them the innate capacity to become compassionate and meaningful leaders.
Find out more [Link in Bio ☝]
#Parenting #HSC #HighlySensitive #Kids #Children #parenthood
❄️Hot water bottles
🔥 Heat packs
☀️️Electric blankets
These are the household items an Aussie mum and former paramedic has told parents and caregivers to be wary of when wanting to warm the kids in winter.
Instead, she says you should consider:
✅ Layering kids in singlets, onesies or sleeping bags
✅ Choosing a sleeping bag TOG that matches the room temperature
✅ Getting the room warm before bedtime if it's especially cold
✅ Ensuring your kids' hair is dry thoroughly before they go to bed
❤️ Giving plenty of cuddles at bedtime (it warms your heart too).
#Home #Health #Safety #Kids #Winter #StayWarm #TinyHeartsEducation #Warning
CONGRATULATIONS! Matthew Flinders Anglican College principal Stuart Meade was both shocked and delighted recently. Having dedicated more than 30 years to the Australian Schools Rugby Union, he was invested as a Life Member.
From the cricket pitch to the pool and all in between, there is an impressive cohort of young Matthew Flinders talents.
#MatthewFlinders #Sport #ASRU #StuartMeade #LifeMembership