We have put together hints and tips for how to have the best time at the Royal Easter Show with kids in tow.
Get the Easter Show App – it will help you to be in the right place at the right time and you will get the very most out of your day. Download the App here.
Parking – if you are driving, arrive early to get a parking spot, and if possible, pre-book your parking.
Catch the bus – the easiest way to get to the show is to use public transport. Grab a Showlink ticket online or at Woolworths and let someone else negotiate the traffic.
Set limits – save arguments and agree on spending limits with your children before you go. For example, give them a Show Bag allowance and once it’s spent, it’s spent. Or tell them they can go on x number of rides only. Agree on all of these in advance and hopefully you will avoid some drama.
On a budget? Tuesday 2nd of April is Kids Day, with tickets starting from $16.
Showbags – buy your showbags early while the Showbag Hall is quiet. Then put them in a locker for the day so you don’t have to carry them all day… just don’t forget to collect them before you leave!
Snacks – whether you are planning on buying food at the show or are taking your own, pack plenty of snacks and don’t forget a drink bottle as there are plenty of refill stations. A lot of our mums like to purchase the fresh cut fruit from the Woolworths Hall and use that for their snacks throughout the day so they feel like they’re supporting the traders but still having something healthy to snack on. And don’t forget to make the most of all those yummy free samples on offer in the Food Pavillion.
Don’t get lost – write your mobile number on your child’s arm so you can be easily traced if they get lost in the crowds. Or even better, visit the Salvation Army stand at the Main Entry and make a donation to receive a Fluro armband which you can pop your number onto. One Mum even had the amazing forethought to obtain armbands for her children’s soft toys! No one wants a tired and VERY upset child at the end of the day whose favourite stuffed toy has been lost!!
Another great tip that we hope no one will ever need is to take a photo of your child as you arrive at the Show if the worst-case scenario happens and your child is lost, authorities will know exactly what they are wearing and hopefully, it will help find them sooner.
Ticketed arena shows – pre-purchase the arena tickets for nighttime shows for a hassle-free guaranteed seat.
Ride tokens – don’t underestimate the number of rides your family will want to go on. If you under-buy and have to keep topping up with more it’ll cost you more in the long run.
Don’t get burnt – it may not be summer any longer but the sun can still burn if you’re out and about all day so don’t forget hats and sunscreen or take an umbrella for shade.
Clean hands – there are lots of animals to meet, and let’s face it, the bathrooms aren’t always as clean as we’d like so don’t forget antibacterial wipes or hand cleaning gel!
Around animals – we all love to see the animals at the show and their owners and trainers are usually more than happy to talk to you and have you pat their animal but always ask nicely first. But please remember that the animals are often prepping for a competition or show so there may be times when their owners would prefer you just to look.
Have lots of fun everyone!