IT’S the school holidays in central Victoria and that means children and their families are looking for activities to pass the time.
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With the sun set to be shining, there are events that allow families to take in the rays and warmth of summer and other activties that give children and parents the chance to cool off indoors.
School holidays run from December 22, 2018 – January 29, 2019.
Do you know of a school holiday event that isn’t on our list? Let us know by emailing: addynews@fairfaxmedia.com.au or phoning editorial on 5434 4470.
FREE EVENTS
CAMPAPSE LIBRARIES
Campaspe Regional Library Services will cure your child’s boredom with four weeks of school holiday activities.
Various activities will be held in the Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester, Rushworth and Tongala libraries with highlight events such as Animals of Oz, The Curious Creatures Summer Reading Club and many more.
For a full event list, please click here. Bookings are required, please phone 5481 2400.
Where: Campaspe regional libraries.
When: Month of January.
SECRET SUMMER MOVIES
Beat the heat these holidays with an afternoon movie at a local library.
All movies are family friendly and all are welcome to attend.
No bookings required.
Where: Bendigo Library, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.
When: Tuesday, January 8 and Wednesday, January 23, from 10.30am.
MONDO LOUNGE PROGRAM
Is your child stuck inside these holidays? Are they keen to escape the house and learn something new?
Mount Alexander Shire Council is offering free activities for youth to help them build skills and have fun as part of the Mondo Lounge holiday program.
Mondo Lounge is a council initiative funded by the Victorian Government’s Engage! program.
The events include a two-day barista course, skateboarding for beginners, a baking session, pool party and more.
To see the full program, click here. To book and for more information, email: youth@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or phone 5471 1700.
Where: Various locations in Mount Alexander Shire.
When: Wednesday, January 9 – Friday, January 25.
MINIBEAST DISCOVERY
Head along to this event and explore what might be lurking beneath a lagoon.
Go out with a ranger and search for the tiny creatures that call the lagoon home.
Get to know the minibeasts, how they live and see their world through a magnifying glass.
This activity is suitable for children aged 6-12. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear enclosed shoes.
Bookings essential, click here to book.
Where: Meet at the Echuca Moama Visitor Information Centre, Heygarth Street. A short walk to the Aquatic Reserve will follow.
When: Friday, January 11, 10am-11.30am.
GOLD RUSH ADVENTURE
Discover the history of Forest Creek Historical Gold Diggings and try your luck at gold panning.
This activity is suitable for children aged 6-12. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear enclosed shoes.
Please note, children may get wet and gumboots are recommended.
Bookings essential, click here to book.
Where: Meet at the Forest Creek Historical Gold Diggings, corner of Prendergast Street and the Pyrenees Highway, Castlemaine.
When: Monday, January 14, 9.30am-10.30am.
FAMILY WORKSHOP
La Trobe Art Institute is excited to deliver a free National Gallery of Victoria Kids on Tour workshop.
Drop into LAI Bendigo and get creative with the team.
Inspired by M. C. Escher’s prints of optical illusions, children will be seeing stars.
This workshops allows for you to learn the tricks behind the illusions and try some hands on activities.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration or bookings required.
Where: La Trobe Art Institute, 121 View Street, Bendigo.
When: Wednesday, January 16, 11am-1pm.
- Related: Kids art to be auctioned May 13
COME AND TRY CHEER
Thinking of starting cheerleading but want to try it first? Head along to Cheer N Dance for a free come and try session and see what all the fun and fuss is about.
No previous experience is necessary and all are welcome to attend –females and males.
Please wear activewear and runners. Please do not wear jewellery and have hair tied up.
For more information, or to register, email: info@cheerndance.com.au
Where: Cheer N Dance, 3/78 Hattam Street, Bendigo.
When: Tuesday, January 15, 4.30pm-6.30pm (children aged 3-11 years) and Tuesday, January 22, 4.30pm-6.30pm (12 years to adult).
WILDLIFE DETECTIVE
Learn the secrets of the bush and become a Wildlife Detective for a day.
Discover who and what hides out of site and use clues to find what’s in the park when no-one is looking.
This activity is suitable for children aged 6-12, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear enclosed shoes.
If you have a pair of binoculars please bring them along.
Click here to book.
Where: Meet at Torrumbarry Weir, off Torrumbarry Weir Road and Torrumbarry Weir Holiday Park.
When: Friday, January 25, 10am-11am.
SUMMER FUN
Join in for some summer fun at this local shopping centre.
There are heaps of events and activities to keep children entertained, ranging from making pencil toppers, making fidget spinners, foam friends and much more.
For more information and a full list of events, click here.
Bookings essential.
Where: Infront of OPSM, Bendigo Marketplace, Mitchell Street, Bendigo.
When: Monday, January 14 – Saturday, January 26.
KIDZ PLAY FUN DAY
This summer in the parks session is a perfect activity for children these school holidays.
Hosted by Zfit Studios, this event features dance, fitness and circus activities for those aged 3-10 years.
Join in or come and watch demonstrations.
Where: Civic Gardens, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.
When: Sunday, January 27, 11am-1pm.
UNDER $20
OUTDOOR CARNIVAL
Head along to The Zone and enjoy this Outdoor Summer Carnival with over two hours of entertainment.
There will be loads of activities including giant water slide, water zorb balls, the Big Baller, the Zip Line, rock climing and much more.
The barbecue area will boast a bar and there will be a selection of snow cones, slushies, ice creams, cold drinks and sausages available for purchase.
Parents and guardians can kick back, relax and watch the cricket on an outdoor lounge.
Where: The Zone, Gildea Lane, Bendigo.
When: Every Thursday in January, 6pm-9pm (except January 31).
Cost: $15.
- Related: Children embrace the holidays
KELLY MINI SPORTS FUN DAY
Needing to keep your children entertained in the new year? Perhaps they’ve expressed an interest in taking up a new sport? Head along to the Kelly Mini Sports Fun Day.
This event allows for children to participate in a 45 minute indoor sport session, focusing on tennis and cricket.
There will also be parachute activities and lots of fun games.
Cash only event, no bookings required.
Simply come down to 4 Hamelin Street, White Hills and pay cash on arrival.
Where: 4 Hamelin Street, White Hills.
When: Wednesday, January 23, 9.30am for ages 2 ½ and under, 10.30am for 2 ½-5 year olds.
Cost: $15 – pay at event.
OVER $20
ARNOLD STREET GALLERY WORKSHOPS
PROTEA COLLAGE
Develop and create a largescale collage Protea using painted paper.
This workshop will be conducted by Natalie Newman and involves the use of paint and paper to design, colour, paint and collage.
All equipment and materials are supplied, along with snacks and drinks.
Suitable for primary and secondary students.
Click here for more information or phone 0439 571 054.
Where: Arnold Street Gallery, Arnold Street, North Bendigo.
When: Thursday, January 10, 10am-1pm.
Cost: $47.29.
BIG BUNNY WATERCOLOUR
If watercolour is your thing or you’ve been looking at doing something new, take part in this workshop these school holidays.
This event includes processes involving the use of the body and hands to work with materials, developing design, colour blocking and painting.
Please bring a smock and covered shoes.
Art materials, snacks and drinks supplied.
Click here for more information
Where: Arnold Street Gallery, Arnold Street, North Bendigo.
When: Friday, January 11, 10am-1pm.
Cost: $47.29
ELECTRONICS WORKSHOP
School holiday workshops specifically for children are being held by members of Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club.
These workshops will be held in both Castlemaine and Longlea, with the aim of providing skills to the next generation of engineers.
These workshops include electrical circuits, soldering and making crickets or frogs and building FM radio microphones.
To securew a spot and to find out more details, phone Ross on 0488 109 353 or email: workshops@barec.net.au.
Where: Various locations in Castlemaine and Longlea, phone for details.
When: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, January 14, 16 and 17.
Cost: $25 – $45.
HARRY POTTER CUPCAKE CLASS
Allow your child to express their creativity at this no bake cupcake class.
Each child will get to decorate four cupcakes in Harry Potter style and will learn to use fondant techniques, different decorating tools and simple decorations.
All tools, icing and decorations will be provided.
Decorated cupcakes are allowed to be taken home to be enjoyed. Please inform of any food allergies or medical conditions.
Parental supervision for children under 8 is required. Please wear enclosed footwear.
Please arrive about 15 minutes beforehand, to ensure the class starts on time.
Any questions or to book, phone 5442 1022.
Where: Red Fox Party & Bake Boss Bendigo, 97 Mitchell Street.
When: Tuesday, January 22, 10am-midday.
Cost: $39. Click here to book.
DEADLY 60 DOWN UNDER
After sell-out Australian tours, Steve Backshall, the star of the ABC ME TV show Deadly 60 returns to Australia with his show, DEADLY 60 DOWN UNDER!
Don’t miss this show, featuring some of Australia’s deadliest animals live on stage.
There will be loads of audience participation, on stage fun and many opportunities to ask Steve questions.
To book for this not to be missed show, click here.
Where: Ulumbarra Theatre, Gaol Road, Bendigo.
When: Tuesday, January 22, 1pm-2.30pm.
Cost: $39 – $49.
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