If you know-know, back in the day I used to make a weekly event of finishing up my extensive stash of beauty samples, known as Sample Sunday. It was a hoot, let me tell you! Being in Korea, where ‘service’ (complementary) items are the norm, especially in the high street beauty stores like Skinfood, Nature Republic et al., sometimes these samples would dwarf the actual item you purchased, both in sheer numbers but also the novelty factor. It was exciting, goshdarnit!
As I’m trying to actively and consistently work on decluttering my space/life right now, plus I no longer live in Korea, I don’t really have samples to work through no more. Granted, I do have a lot of beauty products sitting around waiting to be finished, and I will be damned if I don’t get through them all, by hook or by crook! (I do also let myself bin some these days, and feel surprisingly happy about it each time… who knew). But overall, this weekly cadence I had going on is not really relevant right now. Enter Mum Monday.
As a mum, I’ve spent a lot of time scouring the playgrounds, shops and the inner workings of my mind for ways to keep my children entertained. I would say I’m actually in a burnout period right now, and kind of quietly quitting the novelty side of this, and trying to just use what we’ve got. But overall, the past five years have completely reshaped my brain, habits and behaviours into sussing out the places, tips and tricks for keeping your sanity in check whilst fostering a bond with your sweet children — and trying to remember to enjoy this fleeting, beautiful time before it’s gone. Because we know Facebook will remind us that it will be gone SO SOON! (*panic ensues*)
So I figured I would attempt some sort of routine (another great hack for raising children btw… and one that is so simple but does not come naturally to me!) and kick off a series for mums/parents, divulging the tools and rules I use (if any) to keep us on the straight and narrow, as well as the best places to rock n’ roll with your little one. Now I’m not trying to be a Mumma Knows East (or west/south etc), but I do believe in sharing what I’ve learnt along the way, whether it’s been an easy ‘hack’ or a hard won victory. Enter MoPA.
Back when we lived in Geelong, MoPA (Museum of Play and Art) was my lifesaver. I discovered it with my first daughter, after bumping into a new friend and her casually mentioning it. Thank goodness for you, Natasha! I quickly signed up for a membership, and proceeded to attend around 3 times a week (no joke). It was amazing, and I have such fond memories of my first daughter loving life there. We spent a lot of time in the soft play area (just for under-2s, perfect), where she could roll and slide and throw herself around ’til her heart was content. The Geelong one as well is in a beautiful old mansion, that was formerly the Wintergarden cafe, and is blessed to have a beautiful high ceiling with a mezzanine landing surrounding the second floor, which is full of activities. There is also a lovely courtyard where we used to do the car painting and the water play with duplo and rubber ducks. Great times!
So you can imagine my excitement when I learnt that MoPA was opening up in Nunawading. Oh sweet Jebus yes. They had previously opened one in Sandringham, which I was so excited about but just did not get to. Reason being that it was a little too far to get to, and my baby was very screamy in the car. Not a good recipe for fun! But once this one opened, it was like the heavens had opened and were shining down on us. Slightly dramatic but still, we were thrilled!
I wasn’t sure if my older daughter was now too old for it at 4 and three-quarts, but decided to just try anyway over the Christmas holidays. It was a blast. Yes, I did have to juggle my toddler with my school girl, and we avoided the oh-so-tempting soft play area because of this (often over-2s seem to sneak in here, but my daughter would be way too active for the little babes! Plus I like to stick to the rules). The Nunawading MoPA is all indoors, which I actually like a lot, because in summer it was cool and on a rainy winter’s day, it’s all contained and the outdoors section is rendered somewhat useless anyway. Of course, there’s pros and cons to both, but I am really enjoying the latest version of MoPA that is so weather-independent.
The Nunawading contingent also boasts a few more active sections, such as a flying fox (!!) and some mini swinging bars at the back. These are a little low for my older girl, but she loves them regardless. There is also a giant ball-throwing room which is a lot of fun, as well as the tubes that vacuum up the balls and pop them out all over the place. Always a good time! There’s also the motion-sensor rainbow lights both my girls love, as well as lots of little switches to flick, bubbles to watch and lego cars to build and roll.
Of course, the Volkswagen beetle car-painting is still an iconic part of MoPA, although we don’t really feel the need to do that right now. Ebbs and flows! There’s always a reliable schedule in each 2-hour session, which I love and which keeps us on course. I especially recommend purchasing the yearly membership, which is very competitive and allows for unlimited access throughout the whole year. It really pays for itself, both in money and in sanity!
As I’m writing this post, I’m realising there is just so much to say about MoPA, least of all about the amazing staff at each location. They are really so lovely and great with kids (as you’d hope, but you never know!), and always make us feel welcome. I think I’ll need to update this post as I go, and with photos not just from my personal stash! Rest assured, if you’re looking for a fun time, as well as some educational value for your kiddies in the school holidays, weekends, or just a random Tuesday with your little one… MoPA is the place to go.