We are almost – and I say almost, but not completely, at the end of the school Summer holidays over here in Melbourne. For my kids, school starts on the 4th of February 2011; a FRIDAY! So, if you’re like me, at wits end as to what to do to keep the kids busy and entertained, here are some suggestions. Some are free and some are not.
I LOVE this place – why? Just because it provides FREE entertainment and activities during school holidays. Yippeeee! This time they’ve got the “Small Worlds” Exhibition over at the NGV Kids Corner. It takes your little ones on an adventure, exploring the tiny object like teapots in the guise of houses, wheeled toys, quirky figurines and even a TIWI family car (no idea what that is really). The admission is FREE and this exhibition is on until the 31st of July 2011. You and your child can view this on Tues-Sunday from 10am-5pm.
Then, there’s the Musicalla – Singing and Dancing on Screen run by ACMI. Your child can be a star in their very own musical experience. The use of digital technology and green screen will amaze them as ACMI transforms their green screen studio into a musical wonderland. This is suitable for kids aged 5 – 13 and is FREE. The dates available are the 17-21 January and 24-28 January. Check out their site for the drop in times.
For paid activities, check out their Dreams Come True exhibition, which showcases works featuring the Disney Fairytales, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, the Little Mermaid and even Tangled. Click here for ticket prices and opening hours. Or for some CHEAP movies, why not bring the kids to the ACMI’s Kids’ Flicks. Tickets are only $6 and there is a string of great classics and I think this holiday it’s mostly fairy tales and magic. Check here for the films and session times and dates.
If your child loves colour, art and illustration, then this exhibition is great for him/her. A free event that showcases illustration, photography, objects and other artworks. The exhibition runs until the 26th January and is open from 10am-2pm weekdays and 12pm – 4pm weekends. Check the exact opening hours and days here.
On Australia Day, why not bring your child over to ArtPlay and discover the intriguing world of Shadow Portraits. Admission for this workshop is free and it starts from 12pm through to 3pm.
Ok, so it’s not free for us adults, but entry is only $8 and kids are free. Why not explore their latest exhibition, “The Dynamic Earth“. You can see Australia’s third largest gold nugget, or experience what it feels like being in a volcano, with its immersive 3D theatre! This exhibition is on until the 6th February 2011 and opening hours are from 10am – 5pm.
In the Bunjilaka Gallery, until the 29th January, why not sit in and enjoy Aboriginal stories, activities and performances. Starts from 11am through to 3pm.
There’s free entertainment for the kids over at Habour Town. From Thomas, to Dora and even Ben 10! From the 10th – 16th January, meet Thomas & his friends. Shows are on at 11am and 1pm. Ben 10 live show is on from the 17th January - 22nd January, same show times as the Thomas shows.
If your kids LOVE animals, they have Bush babies from the 20th to 22nd Jan between 11am-4pm and pony rides from the 22nd to the 26th of January over at Habour Town.
This particular activity is a paid one, but it costs $4.50 per child and $2.50 per accompanying adult. Once upon a time is a program that would excite any child who loves fairies, dragons and all those from the enchanted world. Your child can come dress as a fairy or dragon and will delve into the world of creating their own fairytale storybook. This program runs until the 30th January from 9am – 5pm.
More fairies and dragons – only this time it’s a FREE event! The Fairies and Dragons Happily Ever After Party is on at the Cook’s Cottage on the 30th January – to celebrate the end of the school holidays (YEAY!! About time!). There’s free workshops, a sausage sizzle, games and prizes!
Great for those who love nature, targeted for children between the ages of 5-12, this free activity also runs when it rains! YEAY! Just be sure to have your child in cover toed shoes, and bring a raincoat along. This runs until the 21st January from 10am to 11:30am and I think it’s best to book ahead. Ring 9658 9658 for more enquiries. This is a fun way for children to learn about Melbourne’s Wetlands and they might even get to make their own habitat to take home.The activity takes place at Trin Warren Tam Boree (Bellbird Waterhole) over in Oak Street , Ross Straw Pavillon in Parkville.
At $5 per child and adults free, your child can enjoy some strange and fascinating stories with their Super Silly Story Time from INSIDE the Como mansion itself! You can even bring your favourite mug, so that you can enjoy some good old fashioned lemonade provided by the story tellers. Runs on the 18th and 25th January and bookings are essential.
If your child loves history and discovering what it feels like to live in the 19th century, then they can try the Rewind & Replay program. Cost is $15 per child and bookings are essential. This is on the 18th and 25th January between 10am to 1pm.
That’s all I can fit into this post. Be sure to also check out your local councils for any events they might run during the school holidays. Some are free and others are not. If you’ve got other ideas please feel free to share them in the comments section.