Things to do with kids in Brisbane

If you can't make it to the slopes this winter, then chill out at one of the Lipton Chai Latte Winter Festivals instead. Brisbane, Bondi, Melbourne, and Fremantle are all in for an icy treat, with alpine entertainment coming right to the city, right in time for the school holidays.

Having never ice-skated before (I know—where have I been all my life?!) I thought it was about time to get my skates on and give it a go. After all, the kids keep asking me why we have never taken a trip to the snow before, and I figured it would be easiest to let them see for themselves how awkward and uncoordinated I am without spending the time and money of travelling all the way to Thredbo or Perisher to show them. Besides, I felt confident that the rink in Brisbane's King George Square wasn't too far away from the emergency room at the Royal Brisbane hospital, and at least they'd all be able to come visit me while I recovered from whichever damage I would inevitably do to myself.

We decided to make an afternoon of it, arriving at lunch-time, ready to explore the yummy food options. Being a cold, wintry day, the hot pizzas, pies, and pretzels all sounded tempting, but it was impossible to go past the German sausage stand. Followed with a plate of sugary churros, and washed down with a cup of FREE Lipton Chai Tea, we all felt ready and raring to hit the ice. I just hoped that I wouldn't be hitting it quite that literally...

Well, of course, it turned out that I had nothing to worry about. I made my way—tentatively—on to the ice then took off like a pro. I cruised around the rink, never stumbling, never faltering, just relishing the frosty wind in my hair and the feeling of freedom as I glided smoothly across the glistening surface. Yes, toddlers and octogenarians zoomed past me, but I didn't care. I was having too much fun to worry about how slow and ungainly I looked. Some might say that my success on the ice was down to the fact that I was pushing my child along on one of the funky Bobby skating aids the whole time, but no, no, I'm certain it was just raw talent surfacing. For sure. Definitely. Positively maybe.

For a first-timer, the Winter Festival experience was a brilliant way to try out this wonderfully fun activity, and a novel experience for the kids on their first day of school holidays. The hot chocolate in the alpine tent afterwards was just ice-ing on the cake.

The Lipton Chai Latte Winter Festival continues in Brisbane until 1 July, then kicks off at Bondi Beach and Melbourne from 29 June to 15 July, and Fremantle from 6-22 July. Ticket prices start from $10 for kids under 6 (weeknight sessions) with an extra charge for use of the Bobby skating aid. Special packages are available for families, or including food, drink, or champagne. Check the events page on their website or facebook page to find out when ice hockey demonstrations, Disney on Ice characters, and other fun activities are scheduled.

If you don't fancy skating yourself, relax in the alpine tent overlooking the rink and enjoy a Glühwein or schnapps. You might not be able to make it to Austria this year, but The Lipton Chai Latte Winter Festival will certainly give you a taste of being there.