School Holiday Boredom Busters: our round up of activities for Canberra kids
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Ok, so we’re officially into school holiday territory as at 3pm-ish, and that means parents around town are often looking for something (anything) to keep kids of all ages entertained. You might be surprised just how much is on offer…here are some of our favourites!
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Blooming great fun!
It’s certainly not just about the flowers…there is always something fun for kids at Floriade! They will love the chaotic and high-energy antics of the festival’s feature performers, meeting their favourite baby farm animals and keeping busy with sporting activities and circus workshops. Check the online program for full details.
Bush Magic Storytime: Flower Fairies and Magical Folk
With bees buzzing, butterflies flitting from one flower to the next and new life emerging from winter hibernation, there’s no better time to visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a story, short walk or craft activity with Bush Magic Storytime: Flower Fairies and Magical Folk in a special spot within the gardens. Perfect for preschoolers, storytime takes place on the first Friday of the month.
afterDARK Scavenger Hunt Tours
What will you find in the Australian National Botanic Gardens at night? Gather your family for a night-time botanical scavenger hunt with treasures and treats to be found. Take your torch, follow the clues and discover the fascinating plant, insect and animal life in the Gardens at night. Be the first to complete the scavenger hunt challenge and take home the coveted ‘super-sleuth’ prize. Finish your evening enjoying supper and toasting marshmallows over the open-air fire. afterDARK Scavenger Hunt Tours are not suitable for children under five years. Bookings essential. Visit the website for more information.
Breakfast with the Birds
Discover the Gardens’ birdlife followed by breakfast in the Cafe on every Saturday and Sunday from 19 September to 12 October. Bookings essential.
Adventure Playground
Take the children along to the adventure playground in Kambah to let off some steam. If they want a challenge then this is the place. The playground has been designed to meet the needs of toddlers, juniors and teenagers. A swing for kids in wheelchairs is also available in this park. Phone Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 for information on how to get the key for entry. You can find the Adventure Playground on Springbett Street, Kambah.
GET CREATIVE!
Kids Spring Digital Photography School
Let the kids develop their digital photography and digital imaging skills using Adobe© Creative Suite imaging software at Photo Access’ school holiday workshops. These guided three day courses include a short field trip to capture images, and computer based workshops to learn Photoshop fundamentals and develop images. Each participant will take home two large format prints. Suitable for 10 to 16 year olds. Kids own cameras welcome. Lunch not provided. On Wednesday 1 to Friday 3 October 9am to 4pm, OR Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 October 2014 9am to 4pm. Visit the website to enroll.
Cook up some fun with Kids Pantry!
The Kids Pantry holiday program runs from 9am–4pm each day during the Spring School Holidays; from Tuesday 30th September until Friday 10 October. There will be three sessions per day in three age groups: 5-8 years; 9-12 years & 13+ years. Check out their timetable and book now!
Then on Friday 3 October, Kids Pantry are heading off to the Eucumbene Trout Farm! Kids can join in on a fun filled day of fishing, cooking and eating. Learn the art of catching a fish and watching how to clean them. After our catch of the day has been prepared, we will then throw them onto the BBQ for a delicious lunch. What a fantastic ‘lake to plate’ concept. All KP excursions are completely organised with transport by bus, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included in the price. Please note: You will need to notify us with any food allergies when booking your child. All day excursion on Friday 3rd October from 9am until 4pm. Cost is $150.
School holiday paper making workshops
Head to the Australian National Botanic Gardens these school holidays and have fun making paper out of old jeans! Join Paperworks Inc. and learn how to make your own paper and craft items from a range of recycled materials. From Tuesday 30 September to Tuesday 7 October. Spaces limited, online bookings essential. Workshops suitable for children 7 – 12 years. All materials supplied. Spaces limited. Online bookings essential.
Make Your Own Zine
Put aside some time to let your creativity run wild. Make it yourself, make a zine at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The Zine Lounge is open every day!
A zine (pronounced ‘zeen’) is a handmade, self-published magazine, often photocopied in black and white, and with a limited print run. Document your story. Write your own narrative. Who else will tell your story in your own words? You have a voice, use it!
EXPLORE OUR INSTITUTIONS
National Library of Australia School Holiday Activities
Kids can enjoy Spring Storytime and My Neighbour Totoro these school holidays at the National Library of Australia. Share your love of reading and stories with some funny and charming tales from the Library’s collection. Take lunch and stay for the movie My Neighbour Totoro. When two girls move to the country to be near their sick mother, they have adventures with the forest spirits who live nearby. This film from Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, will be screened in its English-language version. On Thursday 2 October from 11:30am.
Spring into the school holidays with fun activities at the Arboretum
The National Arboretum Canberra will host a variety of exciting activities throughout the September and October school holidays including rides on a horse-drawn carriage, kite making, bonsai workshops and much more. The Arboretum is open every day of the ACT and NSW spring school holidays (Saturday 20 September to Sunday 12 October 2014) to allow interstate and local visitors the chance to enjoy the Arboretum during their break.
For the first time at the Arboretum, visitors can ride in a Clydesdale horse-drawn carriage and enjoy a special 30 minute tour of the Arboretum for $10 per person, with family discounts available. The tours will run from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday 27 to Monday 29 September and Sunday 5 to Monday 6 October, departing from the Canberra Discovery Garden on the Events Terrace.
Spring School Holiday Workshop – Mini curators: mischief making and protest
Find out how artists use silliness and humour as a form of protest at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. . Use your knowledge to create a room installation with artists. On Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 October 2014 from 10:00 – 11:30am. Recommended age: 5 years and over with an accompanying adult. Book on 6270 8282 or events@moadoph.gov.au
Whilst you’re there, create your own Tony, Julia and Kevin tales with the Heads and Tales puppet theatre, then make your way around the exhibition with the Heads and Tails board game. Plus, with this stunning spring weather upon us, explore the beautiful heritage gardens with the the outdoor Family Action Pack.
Or discover special and iconic spaces inside the building with the MoADventure Trail, designed for the young and the young at heart. The whole family can get involved in these adventures, learning and having fun along the way. Ask the friendly staff for your own action pack or trail when you arrive. Read more here.
Pop back again after you’ve attended the school holiday workshop see the your very own work on display in Play Up – the fabulous new permanent exhibition curated by children, for children. Stand up, muck up, dress up, make up, think up and step up in a fabulous space that has turned the traditional idea of what goes on in museums completely on its head. Read more here.
Check the MOADOPH website to find out more. Entry cost is $2 for adults, $1 for children and concessions, $5 per family.
Build your own capital
Budding designers can create their own capital using Lego and Duplo blocks at the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point. ‘Brick By Brick: Build Your Own Capital’ allows visitors to create a new National Capital or replicate iconic buildings in Canberra, designed for people of all ages and abilities.
Construction sheets are available for visitors to copy the design of some the national institutions and buildings. For details on Brick By Brick session times, please visit the National Capital Authority website.
LEARNING MADE FUN
Leap into your local library
Your local library is a treasure trove…not only are there free books and resources, there are regular amazing events! Giggle & Wiggle with your little ones (up to 2 years) and help them learn through language play using interactive rhymes, songs, games and stories. Looking to improve your English and make new friends, then head along to your local library for one of the informal English conversation groups. For more events and info check them out here.
Perception Deception
Does your brain play tricks on you? Is one person’s reality the same as yours? Answer these questions and more with the Perception Deception exhibition at Questacon. Surprise your senses and challenge your mind with over 60 hands-on and multimedia exhibits featuring perceptual test and illusions.
This family-friendly exhibition reveals how our brains process information from our senses to form our perception of the world around us. Sometimes all is not as it seems! On now until 2 November 2014.
National Dinosaur Museum School Holiday Tours
Join in the fun these school holidays with a guided tour of Australia’s largest display of dinosaurs at the National Dinosaur Museum. Every day during ACT and NSW holidays fun and educational 30 minute guided tours will be commence at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Experience the Mesozoic – the age of the dinosaurs – and touch genuine fossilised dinosaur and prehistoric marine reptile bones. Learn about the significant geology and palaeontology of our region, handle fossils unearthed locally including trilobites, brachiopods, coral and fish fossils, and discover their geological histories.
Suitable for all ages. Free with museum admission. Visit their website for more information.
MUSIC, MOVIES AND THEATRE
The Gruffalo
Based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, The Gruffalo comes to the stage of Canberra Theatre Centre from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September.
‘A mouse took a stroll through the deep, dark wood…’ Whether their favourite food is roasted fox, owl ice cream, scrambled snake or Gruffalo crumble, audiences eat up this delectable tale about the adventures of a clever little mouse in a forest full of predators. Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in this big scary monster of a show.
Tickets from Canberra Ticketing.
Pete the Sheep
Pete the Sheep is a brand new 50 minute musical based on Jackie French and Bruce Whatley’s quirky and quintessentially Australian picture book. Pete the Sheep will be at The Street Theatre from Tuesday 7 October to Saturday 11 October. Visit The Street Theatre’s website for more information.
Let’s make a rock song
The Canberra Symphony Orchestra and NewActon are at it again! Parental Warning: your kids are about to become rock witches and wizards! In April, a hilarious conductor, clown and 12-piece orchestra played with the fun side of music. In July, Mr Tim and the Fuzzy Elbows got the kids dancing and singing funny songs. On Family and Community day, it’s rock time. This is a BYO-C event, so please bring a cushion (or rug) for the whipper snappers. Chairs will be set for adults.
The fun’s happening on Monday, 29 September – Family and Community Public Holiday at 11am and 1pm (choose your preferred time) at Nishi Gallery, NewActon. $10 for children, $15 for adults. Prices exclude booking fees. This show is ideal for 5-12 year olds and oldies with a sense of humour. Visit their website for more information.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Bring the kids to see a free viewing of Finding Nemo at the National Portrait Gallery these school holidays. Finding Nemo (2003) is rated G. Directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich, the film is set in the waters off the east coast of Australia. From the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney, Finding Nemo follows the hilarious journey of a loving clownfish named Marlin who is desperate to find his son Nemo; suddenly taken far from home. Showing from Saturday 27 September until Saturday 4 October at 3pm.
Spend your school holidays with Dendy Cinemas
Dendy Cinemas Canberra has some great value family films these school holidays. Before and after the film each day, kids can enjoy a range of activities including puzzles, colouring in pages and competitions. There is also a colouring in competition to win a PLANES FIRE AND RESCUE prize pack and extra activities every Sunday through out the ACT School Holidays, between 9am – 12pm. For more information visit the Dendy website.
CONSTRUCTIVE COURSES
Victoria’s Models Holiday Course
Victoria’s Models offers courses for all ages to improve life skills, self confidence and presentation, as well as training for the modelling industry. The experience and professionalism of our trainers ensures you will receive the best possible advice and gain the knowledge necessary to succeed in modelling, or your chosen profession. With an improvement in self esteem and confidence, you will enhance all areas of your life.
Victoria’s Models next school holiday course is being run from the 7-10 October, and is aimed at 12 – 16 year old students. Call 6282 8700 to receive more information on what Victoria’s Models courses has to offer.
Design the Light Rail Station of the future!
Do you know any students in Year 9 or 10 who would like to take part in a free design ideas workshop and competition for Canberra’s light rail station of the future? The ACT Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, in collaboration with Capital Metro, will be running a two-day workshop and competition on 30 September and 1 October.
Students can enter individually or with a group of friends in teams of five. Individual entrants will be placed in groups on the day – first prize is $2,500. Groups will be partnered with a University of Canberra Architecture student or graduate to develop design ideas in a creative educational environment. The design competition represents an opportunity for students to develop their design skills and explore ideas for the future of our city. At the Inspire Centre, Building 25, Pantowara St, University of Canberra. For more information, visit the website.
SHOPPING FOR FAMILY FUN?
Westfield Belconnen & Woden
Westfield Belconnen’s Centre Court is being transformed into a Disney Planes: Fire and Rescue Interactive Zone these school holidays, from Tuesday 30 September to Saturday 4 October. Join Dusty and his crew in Maru’s Workshop Arts and Crafts, Flight Training with Riplash Flyer, an on-target throwing game, and the kids can take a selfie with Dusty. Participation is free, plus each day the first 100 participants will receive a surprise gift!
Junior chefs can get creative with Yogurt Decorating at Yogurtland between 11am and 2pm until Friday 3 October, and join expert Cupcake makers, Jazz Apple, in a cupcake decorating class these school holidays from Thursday 2 to Saturday 11 October. Kids will get to decorate six delicious cupcakes to take home and treat the family. Cost: $40 per child
At Woden, it’s all things Princess – between 11am and 2pm daily at Centre Court, there’ll be tiara and hero crown making, an interactive iPad station, and Ariel’s Grotto and storytelling.
Majura Park Shopping Centre
Majura Park Shopping Centre is the place to be for heaps of fun these school holidays! Kids can meet Mr & Mrs Potato Head live at Toys”R”Us or take part in the free Beados Make & Take. There’s also the live Reptile Experience for an entire week, kids can meet the baby crocs, lizards, goannas, pythons and more, plus colour in for the chance to win a book voucher from the Book Grocer. The fun doesn’t stop there, for $10 you can have a go on the popular Waterball rides outside BIG W and there’s even donut making at Donut King. Times and costs at the Majura Shopping Centre’s website.
Childplay Toys School Holiday Activities
Childplay Toys in Phillip has a range of creative school holidays: from a Brio Train set Extravaganza, to band and ring making; from sticker fun to loom bands and Djeco Parachutes. Contact the store on 6282 0050 or childplaytoys@bigpond.com for times and costs.
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