Maybe you’ve heard of Monty the Monkey through Westfield Kids’ Club. Or maybe you’ve noticed the group of busy children gathered around tables, crafting, playing with LEGO DUPLO and meeting other kids.
Held at Westfield’s Albany, St Lukes and Manukau shopping centres in Auckland and at Riccarton in Christchurch, Monty Mornings are a chance for parents and under-fives to do something fun. There’s a new activity every month and, best of all, it’s free – although maybe what’s best of all is the free coffee!*
Last month at Westfield St Lukes, kids joined into the spirit of World Ocean Day by crafting sea creatures – it was perfect for a wintery day.
“My eldest is eight now,” says Karina Wong, who brought her little nephew along to meet Monty. “So we’ve been coming to Monty Mornings for years. We like that it’s under cover, so great for rainy days.”
Like lots of parents, Karina makes the most of the mornings by meeting up with friends and family. “You can stop by the supermarket or go to the bank,” she says.
“The kids can make a mess and then you can leave it here!”
Looking around the low tables filled with little ones, parents and grandparents, the relaxed atmosphere is like a parent group. But something’s missing – where’s Monty?
A moment later, Monty the Monkey arrives, to the delight of some of the children, others stare with wide eyes. Every session Monty helps the kids get into the arts and crafts or joins them at the LEGO DUPLO table. The team at St Lukes Monty Mornings also hold a few prize draws – on World Ocean Day it was stuffed-toy ocean animals and colourful children’s books.
“I’m not usually so lucky!” says Rainbow Kwok after winning a book for her son. “I used to bring my older son, who’s at school now. Now it’s my younger boy’s turn – he loves the crafts and the LEGO [DUPLO], especially the LEGO [DUPLO].”
Come along and join us at the next Monty Morning near you!
*Terms and conditions apply. See in-centre for more details.
