Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Being the last week of school in Victoria, we’ve hunt around for various ideas to help you fill the term break with:
Paid Fun
This one started on the 19th of June and will be ending just as the holiday starts, but, on the 26th June (Saturday) at 11:30am, they do have the Kid’s Program, which showcases a number of animated shorts from various countries. Cost: Adults & Kids at $6 each.
The exhibition runs from the 24th June until the 10th October. If your child loved Alice in Wonderland, they also have a FREE Kids In the Studio event, where they will get to “go down the rabbit hole” using the amazing green screen technology. Cost to view the exhibition is $55 for a family of 5.
- Royal Botanical Gardens
Suitable for kids aged 5 -8, this program teaches your child about planting potatoes, coupled with the story of the Potato People and they can even make their own potato friend. Costs: $12 per child. 30th June, 2 & 8th July.
If you have younger children, catering for those aged 3 – 5, both you and your child will hear the story of Pumpkin soup, get to plant a vegetable soup garden, take home your own vegetable and drink some yummy pumpkin soup with bread roll. Cost: $15 per child & $5 per adult.
- Zoos Victoria
Zoos Victoria have got a range of school holiday programs. You have a choice of the Melbourne Zoo, Weeribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. They each have their own fun-filled activities. The Melbourne Zoo Adventures for example, offers a full day program for kids from the ages of 5 – 12. They get to experience behind the scenes, craft and activities and much more. Cost starts from $55 per child and varies according to the different programs. Go to http://www.zoo.org.au/Learning/Public_Programs/Holiday for more information.
- Wonderland Fun Park Melbourne
This school holiday, the Wonderland Fun Park over at the Docklands are having a Circus theme, so if your child is into some carnival fun, why not hop on the train and walk on to the Docklands. There are 3 daily shows and if you purchase the unlimited rides pass for $27.50 per person, you get a free entry into the circus. To find out more go to http://www.wonderlandfunpark.com.au/schoolholidays.html
- Artplay
From circus acts to theatre to animation, Artplay has a range of programs tailored to suite most children. Cost varies according to activities. For bookings, enquiries more information visit http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/artplay/whatsonartplay/Pages/July.aspx
- CERES
Located on the banks of the Merri Creek in East Brunswick, CERES runs holiday programs for primary school aged children on the last week of the school holidays. You can choose to book them into a full, 3/4 or 1/2 day program with activity choices from the cultural or environmental aspect. Cost ranges from $11.00 to $19.80. Bookings are essential and to learn a bit more why not visit them at : http://www.ceres.org.au/holidayprograms
Free Fun
- Local Libraries
Check out your local libraries, they usually have some fantastic holiday programs on
- Home cook-off
Invite a few of your child’s friends over (if you have more than one child, then probably let them choose a friend each), and have a cook-off. Simple dishes of course. Muffins, Vietnamese (no cooking) rice paper rolls, and then have them set the table up and have a little tea party of their own – at home! And yes, even boys can get into cooking! You’ll be surprised by how much enthusiasm the children will have with this idea.
- Science & Exploration Day
This you can do with your own children, or invite a few of their friends over – it’s really up to you. Explore the many different simple yet interesting aspects of science. This page by CSIRO gives you a huge variety of ideas to explore with your child, choose from the numerous activities to explore some interesting scientific knowledge.
http://www.csiro.au/resources/DIYScience.html
If you have any other ideas, do share with us, especially if it doesn’t cost a thing.