State Library of Victoria - Play Pod : Mr Chicken Arriva a Roma Review

We love the State Library of Victoria's Play Pod here at Busy City Kids. You may have read our previous review of the Play Pod inspired by the Treehouse series by Andy Griffiths. We featured a photo recently of the new program on until the 30th of November so we thought we'd fill you in on what to expect from the new theme!

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

The new Play Pod theme invites children to join Mr Chicken on his journey through Rome. Inspired by the Mr Chicken Arriva a Roma book by Leigh Hobbs who recently received the Australian Children's Laureate.

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Activities include dressing up in a chicken costume, riding a Vespa, making a simple camera with paper, wool and a silver patty pan, splashing in the Trevi Fountain (blue cellophane and a light table), building your own Colosseum, making your own Mr Chicken and more! 

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Children and carers can even sit quietly in a snug corner and choose from a wide selection of books on the theme of travel and discovery.

Thank you Kate for the cute pics of your little ones at the Play Pod, they sure look like they had a perfect time in Roma!
Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Photo credit: @kateflatman for @busycitykids

Kate's tips:

  • Entry is FREE, woo hoo!

  • The space isn’t big and can get quite busy on weekends and school holidays – so go early when the library opens at 10am.

  • Be aware that the doors into The Courtyard stay open at all times.  If you have a little one who likes to go off exploring (like Master Arlo!) you will have to keep an eye on them going into the Thescowthick Information Centre.  Although this did provide ample entertainment for the Library staff member at the help desk!  

  • No food or drink is to be consumed within The Courtyard, except for bottled water.

  • Pram parking is available in The Courtyard or you can check them into the Cloakroom at the Welcome Desk on level one.

  • State Library of Victoria is very family friendly with designated baby-change and feeding areas located adjacent to The Courtyard.

The Play Pod is free at the State Library of Victoria and open every day (except public holidays) and this theme is on until the 30th of November 2016.

To checkout the Play Pod's other themes, head to our reviews.

Our tips:

  • Entry is FREE, woo hoo!

  • The space isn’t big and can get quite busy on weekends and school holidays – so go early when the library opens at 10am.

  • Be aware that the doors into The Courtyard stay open at all times.  If you have a little one who likes to go off exploring (like Master Arlo!) you will have to keep an eye on them going into the Thescowthick Information Centre.  Although this did provide ample entertainment for the Library staff member at the help desk!  

  • No food or drink is to be consumed within The Courtyard, except for bottled water.

  • Pram parking is available in The Courtyard or you can check them into the Cloakroom at the Welcome Desk on level one.

  • State Library of Victoria is very family friendly with designated baby-change and feeding areas located adjacent to The Courtyard.

If you're interested in our other Play Pod reviews, head to this link.

For more ideas of what to do with the kids in Melbourne, checkout our Daily Spots ListCBD Spots or Blog.

For more information on the Australian Children's Laureate Leigh Hobbs, checkout their website.