After a trip to San Francisco during winter where my kids discovered the delights of outdoor ice-skating, our whole family has become a little obsessed about winter activities but a little reluctant to actually head to the mountains. Leading up to the winter school holidays, there were lots of pleas from the kids to find something that they could enjoy outside that involved ice without having to go very far from home. We were delighted to hear about Parramatta Winterlight and super thrilled when we were invited to enjoy a skate and slide.
While Parramatta Winterlight is pretty spectacular at night, we decided to head over just before lunchtime during the first week of opening. Parking was a breeze, although metered (four hours = $10.00) and I noted that there was barely a crowd at this time. Perfect for a family who likes their personal space, right?
I thought we would head straight to the ice-skating rink but the kids spied the ice slide and were overcome with excitement. I always feel a little anxious when my kids head towards attractions that are likely to be a little fast and outside my control but the organisers have truly thought of everything with hard hats provided for the ride (they didn’t have those in the USA!), real toboggans and a nice soft landing area. If they’re going to try tobogganing, this is the place to start! The slide is 20 metres long, made entirely of ice and the only one in Sydney this winter! Master R could easily have remained here all day! Each ticket is worth 3 rides per child and costs $8.00.
After our toboggan experience on the ice slide, we headed to the ice-skating rink. My kids are able to skate independently, so we chose the main rink. The kids rink provides a shorter session time (only 20 minutes per session) and is recommended for children under 12 who haven’t skated before. It is also under cover. The main rink provides 45 minute sessions in a larger, open air rink. The ice isn’t swept between sessions (from what I could see) so it isn’t a fast surface, perfect for us!
Again, the organisers have thought through the experience that they want visitors to enjoy. There are plenty of benches to change into your skates, and around the rink there are tables and chairs so spectators can watch what’s happening comfortably from the sidelines. SmoothFM tunes float across the air providing a lovely ambience to skate. Our chosen session time became busier as the time ticked over, but there was always plenty of room to skate even with a number of penguins entering the rink.
Before we knew it, 45 minutes had passed and our skating time was up. The kids returned their skates and we regrouped to discuss what to do next. Master R was super keen to return to the Ice Slide. Miss N wanted to check out the rides (she’s our dare devil girl after all), so we split up.
There are a plethora of rides to choose on for the kids. They are mostly suited to your preschool to primary aged children rather than teenagers. You can purchase tickets for $1.00 each which provide entry to a number of rides HOWEVER the rides are set at different prices (some are 5 tickets, some are more) so check this out before you decide on the amount you need to buy. 20 are included in the VIP package.
I reluctantly agreed to hop on the Dream Wheel with Miss N and was rewarded with a lovely view over the park. I bet it’s spectacular at night! The cabins were actually quite stable and I was comfortable despite my fear of heights!. I think it was $14.00 for the two of us.
By lunchtime, we were starving. The Alpine Food Village provided a number of options for us to choose from including pizza, German hotdogs, Parisian-style crepes and pulled pork buns. They even have an outdoor bar!! What to choose! We found the seating plentiful, but you may need to be a little strategic nabbing a spot during the busier evening sessions. Did I mention alcohol? Yep, some of you are going to be impressed by the mulled wine on offer!
Around three hours after arriving I thought we would be ready to leave. Somehow the kids twisted my arm and we headed back to the Ice Slide for a few more turns. Master R has asked if he can have one in the backyard for his birthday!
Parramatta Winterlight is running every day from now until Sunday, 17 July 2016. You can pre-purchase tickets straight from www.winterlight.com.au to avoid the lines. For the latest news, don’t forget to head to the Parramatta Winterlight Facebook page. They have a onesie evening coming up!
Thanks to Parramatta Winterlight for the invitation to attend and tickets to skate and slide.
Parramatta is a magical place for children…and some adults.