Museum of City and Sea

Last Friday we branched out and headed down to the waterfront for an exploration of the Wellington Museum of City and Sea.

First mission - find a carpark. With horizontal blasts of polar cap hitting us sideways everytime we stepped outside the door this week, I opted for the easy option and parked in the carpark under the museum. That was my big greenie newbie city dweller mistake. Carpark buildings are NOT created equal in this town and the pricing is hugely variable. But more on that later...

We unfolded our new loan Phil and Teds in line double Buggy (flash!) with a hip-city-mother flourish of coordination. The boys alighted - funnily they fight to sit in the behind chair - were clipped in and hatted up. Up in windyville we ditched the idea of a small wander up and down the waterfront, and headed to find a small boy compatible lunch spot.

Again Im going to wander off track, but there is a difference between child friendly, and small boy compatible. Most cafes are very welcoming, but the trick is to find a place where the mother can relax and not worry if the little tykes a) roar around screaming, b)lick the salt shaker then drop it on the floor or c) drop their pants in the middle of the room then run for the toilet.
The picks of places are usually large open areas with reasonably tough looking fittings. Also called Pubs. We went to Chicagos and I was impressed they had a kids menu, and some driving machines. Seems same appeals for boys no matter the age. Great hit with the lads, they were fascinated by the adults having their friday wet lunches.

Then at last to the museum. It is free ! Top marks and very friendly. Hit all the spots for the boys - lifts, interact displays, a lion, a train, and even a captains cabin to jump around in. Ropes to tie, ships wheel to steer, and a cool 3D mythology story teller.

We returned to the car, happy with our new hangout, and then we went to pay the carparking bill. Two hours for $17. Gulp. Tried to pay and while machine faffed around, the time clicked over into two and half hours for $22. Ouch. So much for a cheap outing. Will be back to the museum but next time we coming by bus.