How To Train Your Dragon is sure to be a hit for kids during the school holidays. Source: Supplied
THE school holidays have kicked off and you need to find something to do to keep the kids entertained.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of events all across Melbourne so you’re sure to find something to keep the little (and not-so-little) ones happy.
WEST
There are a range of activities at Melton and Caroline Springs libraries. On offer are movie afternoons, Lego activities, loom band workshops, storytime and more. Numbers are limited. For a full list of activities and times, visit melton.vic.gov.au or contact the library on 9747 5300.
Catering for children up to the age of 12, Get Activated includes basketball, volleyball and soccer in a fun environment. The program will be running from 10am-noon on July 2 at the Caroline Springs Leisure Centre and July 9 at the Melton Indoor Recreation Centre. Cost is $3 a child and a parent or guardian must be present to supervise their children at all times. melton.vic.gov.au
Melton Council will be hosting a school holidays multi-sports day on Friday, July 4. Activities will include gymnastics, AFL, arts and craft and the Kids Fit Kindergym. Contact 9747 7200.
Secondary school aged youngster who live or go to school in the City of Melton have a range of school holiday activities to choose from. Included are horse riding, bowling and laser tag, and tobogganing. Costs range from $10-$30 and pick up can be arranged across the municipality. melton.vic.gov.au or call 9747 7200.
Bringing cookbooks to life, the Colourful Chef will be at Melton and Caroline Springs libraries on July 3 to allow children smell, touch, see, cook and taste a range of fresh, colourful ingredients. The Making Food Fun classes run for 45 minutes. Bookings essential. Call 9743 1168 or 9747 7200, Details: foost.com.au
A free children’s writing workshop will be held at the Deer Park Library, on the corner Neale and Station roads, on Tuesday July 1 from 1.30 to 2.30pm. Author Michael Wagner will explore the basics of storytelling in a session suitable for 8-12 year olds. Details: 9249 4181 or writersfestival@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Brimbank youngsters will be able to take part in one of three Reuse, Recycle and Reinvent workshops on Wednesday, July 2. Children will be able to make art out of recyclables at the classes, which will all start at 2pm. The program is at Brimbank Council’s libraries in Keilor Village, Sydenham and Sunshine.
Popular Australian author Sofie Laguna will host a free Kids Writing Workshop at the St Albans Library, 71A Alfrieda St, on Wednesday, July 2 from 11am-noon. The event is suitable for 8-12 year olds. Details: 9249 4181 or writersfestival@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Brimbank libraries are set to host a FIFA 2014 World Cup PS3 Tournament from Wednesday, July 2 until Saturday, July 5. The first game will be on at the Deer Park Library from 5-7.30pm on July 2. The Deer Park, Sunshine and St Albans libraries will later host PS3 FIFA finals for participants aged between 5 and 25.
Lego lovers can get a fix at Watergardens. Source: Supplied
Lego lovers need look no further than Watergardens for a free brick fix. Marvel at Lego models such as the huge Apollo 11 rocket, Love Boat replica and Sydney Opera House or try your hand at your own Lego creations in the Brick Zone. The event is at Watergardens, 399 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes, until July 13. Watergardens.com.au
Learn to play the didgeridoo at a workshop at Williamstown Library, 10am and 11.15am on Thursday, July 3. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
A performance of songs inspired by the book Still Awake, Still, by Elizabeth Honey and Sue Johnson, for children aged 4-8 years old, on Saturday, July 5, 10.30am and 1pm, at the Wyndham Cultural Centre. Details: 8734 6000
Watch fire shows, toast marshmallows, view shadow puppets and explore the zoo after dark with Werribee Open Range Zoo’s Wild Nights, 5.30-8.30pm, June 28 to July 12. Details: zoo.org.au/werribee
Stow away on a Solar System Odyssey with this animated Planetarium Show, at Melbourne Planetarium in Spotswood, June 28-July 13, noon, 2pm and 4pm. Tickets: $6/$4.50. Details: 131 102
Bundoora Park’s new addition. Picture:Angie Basdekis Source: News Corp Australia
Aussie the goat is the newest addition to Bundoora Park’s children farm. Meet Aussie and friends at the farm, which has a wide array of farm animals and activities, including pony and tractor rides. Details: bundoorapark.com.au
Inflatable fun at Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, Mondays, Wednesdays, 1-3pm, and Fridays, 1-3pm and 3-6pm, during the school holidays. Included in entry to pool. Details: 9317 0250
Decorate your own Transformers mask, noon-3pm, daily at Werribee Plaza until July 6. Meet Bumblebee at noon, 1pm and 2pm. Details: 9749 5111
Mobile art workshop at Manor Lakes Central, 11am and 2pm, July 2-4. Free. Details: manorlakescentral.com
Preston Neighbourhood House is running a school holiday program for children aged up to eight each Tuesday and Thursday during the July school holidays from 9am-2pm. Cost is $55 per child or $50 each for two or more children. Details: 9484 5806
BAYSIDE
Dinosaurs are taking over Caulfield Racecourse these school holidays! See life-size animatronic dinosaurs, chip away at your own fossil, make dinosaur sand art, listen to storytelling and have your photo taken inside a dinosaur egg. Dinosaur Adventures runs from June 21 to July 20. Cost: $27, kids under the age of three are free. Details: dinosauradventures.com.au
Dinosaur Adventures at Caulfield Racecourse Source: Supplied
Get the kids out and about during the winter school holidays with free activities at Point Nepean National Park. The Junior Ranger program invites kids aged 6 to 12 years to get involved in the Military Mysteries or Ocean Winter Games activities. Both activities will run on July 1 and 3, and July 8 and 10. Activities are free but bookings are essential at http://ift.tt/1oaNWI4.
A junior ranger program, guided spotlight walks and a telescopic viewing night are among activities for all different age groups hosted by The Briars in Mt Martha. Details: 5974 3686 and mpas.websyte.com.au
Mornington Peninsula Shire libraries in Hastings, Mornington, Rosebud and Somerville have a range of activities for children of all ages, including bookmaking with Robert Favretto, themed storytime with craft activities, movies and more. Details: ourlibrary.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is running a creative portraiture workshop, app’-ropriation digital portraiture workshop and a VCE folio development workshop. Bookings essential. Details: 5975 4395
A child friendly live magic show for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy is at Frankston Arts Centre function centre on Monday, June 30, at 11am (cafe open from 10am). Tickets: $22.50, family (two adults two children) $80, children under two years free. Details: 9784 1060
Popular children’s favourites Harmony and Rhapsody are stretching their wings and warming up their wands, getting ready to laugh, dance and sing with Barnaby, Elf and Wizzy, and explore what it takes to become a real, true fairy at Frankston Arts Centre on Wednesday, July 2, at 11am and 2pm. Tickets: $27.50, Groups of 10-plus $25 (under 18 months on adult’s knee free). Details: 9784 1060
Phoenix Festival of Dance Showcase Spectacular is on at Frankston Arts Centre on Friday, July 4 at 7.30pm. The three-hour event is a spectacular evening full of entertainment from local and greater Melbourne dance studios. Tickets: $15. Details: 9784 1060
It’s winter, so get out the skates. Source: Supplied
Carrum Downs, Frankston South, Frankston North, Karingal, Langwarrin and Seaford Youth Hangouts have day trips and activities for teens including a ghost tour, sports day, Gravity Zone, ice skating, laser tag and more. Details: http://ift.tt/1pXYJ9P
Frankston and Carrum Downs libraries have activities for children including movies, poetry, mobile making, magic shows, storytime, Star Wars papercraft and more. Details: 9784 1020
Jim Coad Workshops for children aged 5-11 can take part in this Video Architecture Colouring Competition at Frankston Arts centre on Wednesday, July 2, 1-3pm. Cost for the first child in each family is $10, additional children $7 and all children to be accompanied by an adult. Details: 9784 1060
Children aged 12-15 can learn the techniques involved with Rotoscope — which is used in almost every motion picture to clean up frames and create animation — at Frankston Arts Centre on Thursday, July 3, 10am-1.30pm. Cost: $15 and $10 for additional child. Details: thefac@frankston.vic.gov.au
SOUTHEAST
Roll up, roll up
What better place for some school holiday fun than under the big top at Circus Royale, Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, cnr Princes Highway and Brechin Drive, Narre Warren. Tickets start from $15 for children. Details: 0410 669 253
Explore 363ha of wetlands and woodlands at Cranbourne’s Botanic Gardens these school holidays. The gardens are home to thriving bird and animal life, including several rare endangered species. Open 9am-5pm daily, cnr Ballarto Rd and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne. Details: 5990 2200
A tawny frogmouth. Source: Supplied
Animal lovers of all ages can see everything from koalas and tawny frogmouths to pythons, dingoes and Tasmanian devils at Moonlit Sanctuary these school holidays. Enjoy free daily presentations or book a spot on an evening tour at the award winning, eco-certified centre, open every day from 10am to 5pm at 550 Tyabb-Tooradin Rd Pearcedale. Details: 5978 7935 or info@moonlit-sanctuary.com
Have fun and raise money for multiple sclerosis in the 24 Hour Mega Swim. Teams of up to 15 people compete and swim laps to raise money and spread awareness about the disease. The event runs from noon on July 5 until noon on July 6, Casey RACE, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne East. Details: 1300 705 341
Original, unique and ridiculously funny family show Still Awake Still! is on at Dandenong’s Drum Theatre on Thursday July 3, at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Cost: adults: $19.50, concession: $16.50, children: $14.50, Drum members: $14.50, family: $55. Details: 8571 1666 or 8571 1666
Enjoy a barbecue after planting at Dandenong wetlands. Source: News Limited
Do your bit for the environment and connect with nature in an indigenous planting day at the Dandenong wetlands, Stud Rd, Dandenong North. It’s on July 6 from 10am-1pm, followed by a free barbecue. Participants are advised to wear warm clothes, gloves, and suitable footwear. Details: 8571 1702
THE Cheltenham Community Centre has an action packed program of school holiday activities for primary school children. Activities include a movie fun day at Village Cinemas, Southland to see Rio 2; Kids Space and Lego Funday: a Silly Science day and much more. Visit chelt.com.au for details and bookings.
The ever popular Little Devils Circus in Moorabbin has plenty to keep the littlies occupied for a few weeks. Choose from a two-hour quick-fire introduction to the world of circus skills; Circus Bootcamp — an all-day crash course or Tiny Taster for 3 to 4 year olds — 50 minutes stuffed with plenty of play and parent participation. Visit littledevilscircus.com.au
Cheltenham Library is hosting a film day on July 2 or join Sci-fi writer George Ivanoff for some fun interactive writing activities and get those brain juices flowing at Clarinda Library on July 3. For ages 8-10. Visit http://ift.tt/1pXYLid for more holiday events.
Disney On Ice, Gravity Zone, Jump Factory, MCG Tour and National Sports Museum, Ice Skating and much more are on offer through Mordialloc Community Centre. The program is available now at mordialloccommunitycentre.org.au
If the kids prefer more watery adventures, Kingston’s leisure centres have plenty to offer. Splash Attack, with the giant inflatable obstacle course, an Aqua Disco and the action packed On A Wave activity program are all available at Waves, Highett.
Glen Eira council has organised a series of fun and educational workshops for 10 to 16-year-olds during the holiday. The events are in Caulfield, Caulfield South and Bentleigh. For details call 9524 3333 or email arts@gleneira.vic.gov.au
Glen Eira libraries have a Holiday Mania program for all ages including cartoon drawing workshops, dance events, console gaming and a loom-a-than. Visit gleneira.vic.gov.au
EAST
You don’t need real snow to create your own snowman. At Eastland Shopping Centre’s craft village you can make and paint your own 3D snowman. There are plaster workshops running from 11am-2pm from Monday, June 30, to Friday, July 4, outside Dick Smith. Cost: $5. Details: eastland.com.au
A 3D snowman. Source: News Limited
Roola Boola is a festival of fun at Prahran’s Chapel off Chapel, with music, dance, theatre, circus skills, magic tricks, singing and puppetry. Workshops run from July 1-4, 10am-3pm. Parents must attend with kids, but entry is free for them. Details: chapeloffchapel.com.au
Awe inspiring, immersive 3D shadow puppetry performance about one man’s riveting romp through a swamp, with acclaimed puppeteer, Jeff Achtem, suitable for ages 7 plus and their families, at Karralyka Centre, Ringwood East, Friday, July 4 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets: $25/$84. Box office: 9879 2933.
Karralyka Centre is offering a range of performing arts based workshops for children aged 5-14 years, including those with special needs, on July 1, 2 and 3. Cost: $32 for 1 session, $90 for 3 sessions. Bookings: 9879 2933.
East Vic Roller Derby’s upcoming bout, Block Stock and Two Smokin Jammers, Knox Netball Centre, Dempster Rd, Ferntree Gully, Saturday, July 5, doors open 5pm. Tickets: $12/$6 at the door or eastvicrollerderby.com
Masters hardware store in Knoxfield is holding fun, free, workshops on Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6, for kids aged 5-10 sessions are fully supervised. Details: 1300 337 707
Westfield Knox is holding a fun day at the shopping centre on Saturday, July 5, to support families living with disabilities. Fun and entertainment.
Fun and games at the Ferntree Gully Community Centre, Burwood Highway at 10.30am Tuesday, July 1. Try your hand at a musical bike, pole percussion and rubber glove bassoon. Additional sessions 11.30am and 1pm All ages. $6 per child, $10 per family. Adults free. Bookings essential: 9758 9180
Come to the Rowville Library at the Studfield Shopping Centre, Rowville at 11am on Tuesday, July 1. CARP Productions Theatre Group presents their show, Captain Cheesy Grin and the Pirates. Meet Captain Cheesy Grin and the evil Walker D Plank. Ages three and above. Cost $4 per child. Bookings: 9800 6443
Monash Council libraries will host free and low-cost activities for children from June 30 to July 11. Free activities include: A bookmaking workshop for ages 7-10 on Tuesday, July 1 at 2.30pm at Mt Waverley Library; Computer fun for ages 5-8 on Thursday, July 3 at 2.30pm at Clayton Library; Bug-themed stories and craft for ages five and up on Friday, July 4 at 2.30pm at Clayton Library. Bookings required. Details: 9560 1655 or monlib.vic.gov.au
Vermont Uniting Community Centre, 640 Canterbury Rd, will run a drawing workshop on Wednesday, July 2 and a card-making workshop on Thursday, July 3. Each session costs $20 and runs from 10am-noon. Details: Melanie, 9874 2058
NORTH
Make your own terrarium at Watsonia Library on Thursday, July 3, 10.30-11.30am. Bring a 2-litre plastic soft drink bottle with a kid and no label. Bookings required. Details: 9435 2397
“Under the Sea” themed story time at Diamond Valley Library on Tuesday, July 1, 10.30-11.30am. Recommended for ages 3-10. Details: 9434 3809
Create an “underwater” collage with art therapist Desiree at Diamond Valley Library on Wednesday, July 2, 10.30-11-30am. Recommended for ages 3-12. Bookings required. Details: 9434 3809
Libraries all across Melbourne are offering storytelling over the school holidays. Source: Supplied
Special story time with two storytellers talking about gardens and presented in words and signs at Eltham Library on Thursday, July 3, 11am-noon. Afterwards, make a large paper flower to take home. Details: 9439 9266
Recycle bottles to make a jet pack worthy of an astronaut at Lalor Library on Monday, June 30, 3-4pm. Details: 9465 2353
Local expert Peter Roberts will lead a special walking tour to discover the environment of Mill Park from Mill Park Library on Wednesday, July 2, 1-3pm. Find out what natural wonders are hidden in our own backyard. BYO cameras and iPads to record the experience. Ages 13-18, bookings required. Details: 9437 8189
Make buildings out of cardboard boxes and race to see who can make the longest paper chain at Mill Park Library on Thursday, July 3, 2-3.30pm. Details: 9437 8189
Come and plant some yummy fruits, vegetables and flowers at Thomastown Library on Tuesday, July 1, 1-3pm. Details: 9464 1864
Mark Cairns from Endangered Species Recovery will bring some native wildlife to Thomastown Library on Thursday, July 3, 10.30-11.30am, and will talk about caring for them and their environment. Details: 9464 1864
The Active Moreland program has activities for Year 7, 8 and 9s, and young people not currently attending school. Activities include horse riding, movies, a treetop adventure, go carts, excursions and bowling. The program caters for 20 young people, including four spaces for young people with low to moderate support needs. Details: activemoreland.com.au
Moreland libraries have activities for primary school children during the holidays, including performers, craft and book-related programs. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer during all activities. Bookings are essential. Details: http://ift.tt/1oaNXvn
Children can get their hands dirty at Northcote Pottery Supplies this school holidays, with opportunities to participate in children’s wheel, throwing and hand building on Mondays and Thursdays during the break, starting June 30. Northcote Pottery Supplies is at 142-144 Weston St, Brunswick East. Details: northcotepotterysupplies.com.au
Get up close and personal with guide dog puppies. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Corp Australia
Seeing Eye Dog Australia will run its first holiday program at the Kennel and Puppy Centre in Kensington. Children can cuddle with puppies, which are being trained to help people who are blind or vision-impaired. Sessions run 10.30am to 12.30pm on July 1, 3, 8 and 10. The program costs $20 a child and $15 for each additional child, with money going towards Seeing Eye Dogs Australia. Bookings: 1800 037 773.
Get creative this school holidays with nail art, a chance to splash some colourful designs on your fingertips, on Tuesday, July 1, or stretch out with children’s yoga on Thursday, July 3, at Bowes Avenue Community Centre, 27-31 Bowes Ave, Airport West. Limited spots are available and bookings essential. Details: http://ift.tt/1pXYLP7
A host of activities will be offered at Flemington Community Centre, 25 Mt Alexander Rd, Flemington. Activities cost $2 per person and include Pizza Perfecto! from 10am on Monday, June 30, and Funfit circus and dance workshop from 10.30am on Friday, July 4. Details: 8325 1800
CENTRAL
Abbotsford Convent is running a raft of workshops including pizza making, book publishing, jewellery making, African drumming, shadow puppetry, circus skills and dance. The workshops range from $15-$90. Bookings essential. Details: abbotsfordconvent.com.au
Kids cooking will be some of the fun events at Abbotsford Convent. Source: Supplied
Everyone’s favourite talking trains are coming to the Arts Centre from July 2-5 in the new musical Thomas and the Hidden Treasure. Will Thomas and his friends find the pirates’ treasure? The show runs for 90 minutes, with a 15-minute interval. Details: artscentremelbourne.com.au
Snag a sausage and keep the kids entertained with a jumping castle, roving entertainers and face painting at the Fitzroy Officeworks sausage sizzle. Running from 10.30am-4pm on June 28-29, the event is raising money for Endless Horizons, which helps at-risk young people. Details: http://ift.tt/1oaNYzr
Anyone over the age of six can jam with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for free on Saturday, June 28, at Federation Square. Bring your own instrument or borrow one to develop an original piece of music with the orchestra. The workshop will culminate in a performance open to the public. Details: mso.com.au
Ever wanted to star in your own adventure and save the day? ACMI’s free school holiday workshop Step into a Fairytale allows kids to perform in front of a green screen to transport themselves into a magical world of colourful characters. Sessions are recommended for kids aged 7-10 and run Monday to Friday during the holidays at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Drop in 10 minutes before the hour for your session. Details: acmi.net.au
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