The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival 2018 will be kicking off in a few weeks. From 24-28 October, the well-known annual literary gathering will be held in and around Ubud. While the general program is aimed at grownups, the Festival also features a children’s program. On offer, is a series of hands-on workshops focusing on writing, drawing, poetry and performance. Some of this year’s offerings include workshops such as: Spin Your Own Story, Let’s Write, In Memory of My Feelings and The Power of Words. Professional authors and teachers work with children in small-group settings to empower them with writing and expressive skills.
The Ubud Writer and Readers’s theme this year is Jagadhital, which translates as ‘the world we create.’ One of the workshops offered – Small Acts of Kindness – will lead pre-teens and teens, aged 12-18, through writing a short story about an act of kindness that impacted their lives.
Most of the workshops are free, although you still need to register and reserve a space. The children’s workshops always fill up by the time the Festival launches so go to www.ubudwritersfestival.com and search for the Children & Youth Program page and follow the links to book tickets.
******************************************************************
A new fitness center, Titi Batu, (Jalan Cempaka, Banjar Kumbuh, Mas) has opened near Ubud, across from the Pelangi School. The center is for both adults and children. Facilities for kids include a multi-sports court, skate park, large family pool with jumping bridge, a playground, coffee shop, restaurant and classes in ping pong, badminton and other sports. There is also a toddler pool and mini-soccer field. Titi Batu is currently offering 50% off all classes until construction finishes (hurry, they’re almost done!) and good deals on memberships. Check out their website at www.titibatu.com, or call them on 0813 3845 1161. You can also message them on their Facebook page, which you can find by searching for TitiBatuUbud.
******************************************************************
Tony Raka Gallery and Art Lounge (Jalan Ray Mas No 86) in Kedewatan has launched a series of monthly art activities on Sundays for kids. Children get to work together with real, working artists to create their own memorable piece of art and have fun in the process. The last class featured slime making and painting. Cost is 250,000 for the class plus a special kid meal afterwards. Contact the Tony Raka Gallery on (0361) 7816785 for information on upcoming classes.
******************************************************************
Celebrate kids birthdays or just come to play in water at Big Garden Corner in Sanur (Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Kesiman).
The park features a large waterpark pool for kids, and a separate playground. There are gardens to roam in with ponds and sculptures made from recycled trash. Entrance fee is 100,000 per kid (or 75,000 per kid for locals or KITAS holders.) Parents only need to pay rp 50,000 per person for entry, and receive a free bottled drink.
Trip Advisor reviews describe Big Garden Corner as a ‘beautiful hidden attraction’ and ‘a fun outing for the whole family.’
Open daily from 9:00 -9:00. Contact: (0361) 938 1543 or 081238102983.
*******************************************************************
The Ensiklomusika Music School in Sanur offers a range of classes and musical playdates for kids of all ages, from toddler to teen. The classes include: Mini Melody Group (18 m – 3 y), Little Mozart Group (4-6 y), Piano (4 y and up), Ukelele/Guitar (6 y and up), Singing (6 y and up) and Folk Fusion Group (12 y and up).
The Mini Melody group is a short ‘play date’ that uses fun musical activities to help develop cognitive, motor and social skills in very young children. Younger children will need to be accompanied by a parent.
You can find the Ensiklomusika Music School on the bypass next to Hatten Wines Sanur (Jl ByPass Ngurah Rai No. 9). Call Andrea Suluh at the school to find out class dates and times. Bookings are essential. Contact: 081802195999 or send a message through their Facebook Page (Ensiklomusika Music School).
*******************************************************************
Every weekend in October, Balinese students, from elementary (primary) schools all the way up to University level, will be performing traditional Balinese dance and music, as well as newly choreographed pieces. This is a great way for families and children to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Balinese culture and how it is moving forward in the modern age.
All performances take place at Werdhi Budaya, Denpasar Arts Center, Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar. Shows start at 7.30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Entry is free for all shows, with no tickets required.
You can find the full schedule at: