Family Guide to the Sydney Royal Easter Show 2021:
How To Have A Great Day Out with your Kids at the Show
It’s that time of year again! This year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show is from the 1st to the 12th of April 2021. I have two very excited twin boys who cannot wait to go. With hundreds of fun rides, animal shows and show bags, it’s an Easter holiday highlight for every child.
The reality can be far less fun for parents. Show bags and rides can come at a hefty hit to the wallet. The crowds can also be a lot to contend with.
Here’s our six tips to ensure the entire family has the best day whilst staying safe at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Plan your travel ahead
Whether you wish to drive straight to the event or avoid carpark nightmares and take public transport, be sure to plan ahead. The closest train station is Olympic Park. From Concord West station, it’s an easy 15-minute walk. From Lidcombe station, it’s 25 minutes.
It’s also worth noting, unlike previous years, this year’s Royal Easter Show tickets do not include free public transport.
Pack a lunch
Dagwood dogs, hot chips, fairy floss. All your Royal Easter Show favourites are available but at inflated prices. While these snacks are what makes great childhood memories, they don’t necessarily fill up children’s tummies.
Packing a lunch with sandwiches, fruit and snacks will keep your children’s energy levels consistent throughout the long day. You’ll also save time from long line-ups at food vans. Go for the hot dog or ice cream as a special treat.
Don’t forget to bring a water bottle. There are water refill locations throughout the showground.
Agree on a meeting spot…just in case
As soon as you walk through the entry gates, you are guaranteed your children will go wild with excitement. Before they get completely carried away with the hype, pick a landmark. Explain to them that if anyone gets lost (God forbid), that without hesitation, they need to make their way back to that particular spot and wait.
Attach your mobile number to your children
Taking my boys to the Royal Easter Show when they were infants, I was petrified about losing them in the crowds. Especially when one of my twins is a classic “runner”.
At the entrance, volunteers have permanent markers handy for parents to write their mobile phone numbers on children’s wristbands. The showground will also have a Lost Persons Centre.
Keep it small
It may be hard to resist inviting other relatives and friends to come along. The reality however, is that the larger the group, the bigger the logistical nightmare.
There is always one member needing to go to the toilet and everyone waiting for them. Then another wanting to see a show that no one else has any interest in.
I have enough trouble keeping my family of four in order, constantly doing a headcount after a ride or a show. Don’t take on more responsibility than you need to.
Empower Your Kids with ZAAP
A Haunted House ride here, a few Pokémon and Bertie Beetle show bags there. Next thing you know, you are frantically searching for the ATM again!
ZAAP is a kid’s pocket money card that also comes as a Tap and Go wristband. With a secure wristband, parents no longer have to worry about kids losing their money or leaving it carelessly behind. Its contactless payment makes ZAAP cleaner and safer than cash, allowing kids to make payments without touching surfaces.
Children have the freedom to buy their own extra ride vouchers. They can grab that special show bag they’ve been specially saving up for with a simple “Tap and Go”.
No need to panic about overspending. Your children’s funds are limited to what you have transferred into their ZAAP ‘Child Wallet’.
So go out there and enjoy! These tips not only prepare you for a long day at the Royal Easter Show. They will help create lifelong memories and joy for your entire family. Have fun!
Click here to get a ZAAP kids debit card or wristband for your child.
About the Author:
Grace is a freelance writer with over 25 years experience in business, having held senior roles in marketing, finance through to sales.
Graduating from the Australian National University, Grace spent 10 years working with multi-nationals in Asia. She is multi-lingual, fluent in Japanese and Bahasa Indonesia.
On returning to Australia, she then carved out a successful career in financial services, IT and telecommunications.
In addition, Grace has run her own small business focused on issues such as parenting, financial literacy and digital security.