Is it a crazy idea to take your toddler to the Ekka? No way! It can be both an educational and an entertaining experience, full of wonderful encounters your toddler (and you) will remember for years to come.
If you are looking for some reasons why vsiting the Ekka is a great idea for you and your toddler, then read on.
Talk to the Animals
The Ekka is a wonderful place to expose your toddler, in a safe environment, to animals they may not encounter on a daily basis.
Every year, around 10,000 animals come to the Ekka to take part in live displays, competitions and shows. These include around 2,500 cattle, 150 alpacas, 2,500 dogs, 300 cats and 200 fish. Not to mention all of the chickens, horses, turkeys, pigs, ducks and sheep.
A great animal event at the Ekka for your toddler is the Royal Queensland Show competition. Thi competition showcases and judges the very best of Queenslandโs beef cattle, poultry, sheep-dogs, goats, sheep and more.
Meet the Animals
The Animal Nursery is where you will find the most toddler-friendly, hands-on Ekka animal experience. Here your toddler can get up close to the animals in a non-threatening environment, and can pat and interact with them too.
There are so many ways for young Brisbane Kids to get involved with nature’s kids including patting and cuddling the gorgeous animals. Animals generally include piglets, lambs, baby goats, chickens, ducklings, guinea pigs and rabbits.
It is a busy area thought and you will probably find a considerable line up so prepare to wait or get there first thing.
There are plenty of taps and disinfectant stations outside this area for the kids and you to get cleaned up. Interacting with the animals at the Ekka is sure to create some amazing fun-filled memories for the entire family.
Food at the Ekka
The food at the Ekka is diverse and now offers more than just the traditional fare that you would remember from your childhood.
In addition to all the favourites like the iconic Strawberry Sundaes, you can also pick up a range of gourmet and healthy options. There is of course the famous cheese toastie for just a couple of bucks, delicious Dagwood Dogs and the sweet Fairy Floss.
Budget Idea: If you wish to save money, you can take your own food and drink and spend less time waiting for food and more time on the rides and in the pavilions. We tend to let our kids get a Cheese Toastie each though I personally save my money for a delicious Strawberry Sundae.
Rides and Games
Whilst many of us immediately think of a hectic Sideshow Alley when it comes to rides at the Ekka, your Brisbane toddlerโs ride experience neednโt be an expedition involving crazy crowds and super scary thrill rides.
As well as the rides, Sideshow Alley also features games like the iconic clowns and the ball toss.
Budget Idea: We tend to let our kids choose two rides each and for toddlers I personally recommend the fishing, clowns and Ferris wheel. The fishing involves some perception of skill, the clown is for novelty and the Ferris wheel provides the thrill of a ride without the fear of a roller coaster.
Showbags
Another staple of the Ekka is the popular Showbags. While showbags are no longer free, thereโs nothing more fun than checking out the showbag guide and choosing your showbag (or bags) for the year.
The showbag pavilion is an experience your Brisbane toddler won’t want to miss. Check the online or Courier Mail Guide before you go in. You will find most areas within the pavilion repeat the showbags sold, so you can often get them all by only lining up once or twice.
Budget Idea: Plan ahead and let the kids use their pocket money to purchase their own showbags. Start in advance and use it as an opportunity to show them how money adds up over time. Always use the showbag guide so your decisions are made before you arrive, not when kids are tired, grumpy and possibly demanding..
Fireworks
End your family outing to the Ekka with a bang! The nightly firework displays have a definite wow factor and will cement your toddlerโs adoration of the Ekka for decades to come.
Grab some dinner and get into the arena early to get a great seat for EkkaNITES. Your toddler may struggle to stay awake this late, but perhaps an afternoon nap in the pram will help them.
In previous years EkkaNITES has included Australia’s own FMX Riders, followed by Monster Trucks and V8 Utes. The nightly EkkaNITES Fireworks Spectacular features lasers, lights, fountains and an amazing fireworks display.
Royal Queensland Show Competitions
In addition to animal judging categories, the Royal Queensland Show competitions cover themes such as Bush Poetry, Agriculture, Fine Arts, Quilts and Wood-chopping. Generally speaking, most of these competitions are judged early on during Ekka week (or before) and are on display for all to see throughout the 10 days.
Live competitions are well worth a watch, so be sure to check out the Ekka Whatโs On guide to catch a show your toddler will love.
The Agriculture Hall is an incredible spectacle to show your toddler, with massive displays of fruit, vegetable, grass, grain, sugar cane and other agricultural products in creative ways.
The amazing cake decorating category of the Fine Arts displays is another awe-inspiring sight your toddler mustnโt miss, with far-out creations of sweetness in glass display cases they will be able to get up close to.
Facilities for Families
- There are several information booths located around the showgrounds, manned by helpful staff waiting to answer any questions you may have.
- A variety of lockers are available for hire, with the main ones being located under the John MacDonald stand.
- Toilets are located throughout the showgrounds including individual accessible restrooms on the upper and lower levels of the convention centre and one ambulant toilet within each bathroom location.
- Several parent/carer rooms are located at the Ekka.
- If you have any minor injuries several first aid stations are available.
- Prams, wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired for a fee at the Ekka, underneath the John MacDonald stand (bond required).
- Lost property is located at Guest Services on the lower level of the Royal International Convention Centre.
- Collect a free wrist band for your children from the Ekka Police Station marquee located on Gregory Terrace. When you write your contact details on it, it will help you be reunited with your child should you get separated.
- Arriving at the Ekka via public transport is highly recommended especially with introduction of 50 cent fares and the Exhibition Station now open to visitors
- To get prepared pay a visit to the Ekka website to find out more about this yearโs Ekka.
Check out Brisbane Kidsโ related posts below for more tips on planning your Ekka experience.
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