How To Keep Kids Entertained During School Holidays

Are you looking for free or fun kids activities to entertain the little ones?

Here's a list of fun activities and games for the kids (and the whole family) to enjoy this Easter holidays!

Free Easter Bunny Game

Travelling this Easter? If you need something free and fun to keep the kids entertained, download this highly addictive, cute bunny app to their smartphone or tablet for hours of fun.

Visit here for the bunny game via Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/

Free Craft Ideas

Have hours of creative fun with pipe cleaners to create creatures, aliens, trees, characters, bugs and more. Or for the girls, a beautiful cut-out fashion doll with clothes for hours of mix-n-match fun!

Visit here for pipe cleaner crafts: http://www.messforless.net/2013/05/20-pipe-cleaner-crafts-and-activities.html#more

Visit here for reindeer craft: http://spoonful.com/crafts/rudolph-red-nosed-handprint

Visit here for fashion doll cut-outs: http://foldingtabs.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/paper-dolls-by-siyi-lin.html

Free Slime Recipe! 

Have your kids always wanted to make slime and goo? Follow this simple recipe for the best slime ever!

Visit here for full instructions: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/09/kids-in-the-kitchen-slime/

Free Books to Read

Want to read free story books to your kids? Are you travelling and want to bring downloable books?

There are plenty online that you can download for free - from classics such as Wizard of Oz, Madeline, The Little Engine that Could, Frosty The Snowman and more.

Visit here for books to download: http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/finding-free-kids-books-online-books-for-kids

The Royal Easter Show

It's that time of the year for baby animals, fairy floss, rides and showbags time! Here's a list of fun activities to do at the Easter Show.

1. Farmyard Nursery

Baby ducks, chicks, goats, puppies and lambs – oh my! Open every day during the show, the farmyard nursery is one of the highlights for many nippers. Barwen Ave. Mon-Fri 9.30am-6.30pm. Sat, Sun 9.30am-7pm.

2. Milking Barn

Watch cows being milked by hand the traditional way and see butter churn. Kids can hand-milk one of Luke and Jess’s good-natured cows. Hordern Sprung. Daily 9am, 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 4pm. Ages 4-12 years.

3. Sheep shearing

Over 250 sheep will be shorn over the two weeks, and youngsters and the young at heart can try their hand at shearing a sheep or watch shearers demonstrate their skills on stage. Sheep and Fleece Pavilion.

4. The Food Farm

Collect eggs, dig for veggies, roll pastry and mill grain at the Food Farm. Authors of Yum Yum, Where Does Our Food Come From? Cathie and Emily Colless, will be at the Farm for a storytelling session. Food Farm.

5. Kids’ stage shows

Meet Dirtgirlworld, Shaun the Sheep, Puss in Boots, Alvin the Chipmunk, Bananas in Pyjamas, all the best Moshi Monsters and a host of star-studded entertainers. Big Top Amphitheatre. Daily at various times.

6. Rides

Tea Cups! Double-decker carousels! The Jurassic Coaster! As always, there are fairground rides for every showgoer, from the thrillseeker to the little ones racing each other down the rainbow lanes of the Super Slide.

7. Cute baby animals

Each year, there are close to 14,000 animals on site, ranging from alpacas to cattle, horses, dogs, piglets, goats and many more. Get the chance to pet baby chicks, piglets, ponies, bunnies, you name it they have it!

Cost: Adult $38.50 | Child $23.50 | Family $111.60 | Concession $28.50

More info: http://www.eastershow.com.au/

Minecraft 100 Kids’ Workshop

Welcoming all age groups and Minecraft skill levels, this full-day workshop will occupy a custom Minecraft game space in the Powerhouse Museum – and create a few of the blocks, textures or elements and you’ll be part of a massive building collaboration with over 100 players.

Cost: Price from $90.00

Where: Powerhouse Museum 500 Harris St Ultimo 2007

When: 12-27 Apr - Open Daily, 10am-3.30pm

More info: http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/thinkspace/course/minecraft-100/

Easter Egg Hunt, 19th-Century Style

Decorate an Easter egg basket and put it straight to use in the annual Easter egg hunt around the gardens and grounds of the beautiful Elizabeth Farm. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Price includes one accompanying adult.

Cost: $15.00

When: Sun 20 Apr | Open 11am-noon, 1-2pm

Where: 70 Alice Street Rosehill 2142 (Nearby Station: Parramatta)

More info: http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/events/great-egg-hunt-elizabeth-farm

Get Active!

Want to take the kids out for an adventure?

Kids in the Park is massive fun for kids of all ages, whatever their passion. School holiday activities happen every day from 12 to 27 April 2014 at the Sydney Olympic Park. Kids in the Park offers the largest range of school holiday activities in NSW and is your one-stop shop to keep the kids happy and entertained. Best of all there are heaps of FREE and affordable things to do for $20 or less.

Here are a mix of the awesome activities on offer:

Drawing Artexpress:

http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/Artexpress_Kids_in_the_Park_workshops_school_holiday_activities

iSkate Monster: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/iskate_Australia_@_monster_school_holiday_activities

BMX Club Racing: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/sports_to_play_events/sydney_bmx_club_racing_day

G.A.M.E.S. Sports Centre:

http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/g.a.m.e.s_school_holiday_activities

Flying Trapeze: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park_events/flying_trapeze_school_holiday_activities

• Cost: Check each activity - some are free, some have fees
• Where: Sydney Olympic Park, NSW
• More info: http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/whats_on/kids_in_the_park

TreeTop Adventure

TreeTop Adventure Park in Abbotsbury is one of three eco-friendly treetop obstacle courses in New South Wales, with flying foxes, climbing nets, dangling Tarzan-like liana branches, monkey bridges, rafts, trapeze bars and ladders. And it’s lots of fun.

• 

Cost: Price from $25.00 to $45.00

Time: Open Daily, 9am-6pm; from Apr 27 to Sept 18: Sat, Sun 9am-4.30pm

More info: http://www.treetopadventurepark.com.au/

Wannabees Family Play Town

Wannabees Family Play Town is an indoor play centre that enables children to role-play at their dream jobs – from police officers and fire fighters to TV producers and postal workers. Wannabees has created a mini-city where kids can dress up and play with mock tools and equipment, like buying and selling at the mini supermarket, sliding down a fire pole or pretending to style their friend’s hair in the mini salon. 

Where: 1-3 Rodborough Rd Frenchs Forest 2086

When: Mon-Tue 9.30am-2pm, Wed-Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9.30-5pm

Cost: from $12.90 to $15.90

More info: http://www.wannabees.com.au/

Wizards Workshop

Create a magical collage, complete with cauldrons, cobwebs and fantastical creatures, where your wizard works on his spells and potions. 

For ages: 5-12 years

Cost: FREE!

When: Wednesday 16 April @ 2pm - 3pm

Where: Marrickville Library - Cnr Marrickville & Petersham Rds, Marrickville 2204

More info:

http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/Global/Library/Events%20and%20activities/Holiday%20activities%20Apr%202014_Children's%20Services_flyer_web1.pdf

Ahoy Sailors! 
Visit the Australian Maritime Museum to be a sailor for a day OR check out the amazing sea creatures:

Kids On Deck: Every Sunday during term | 11 am - 3 pm daily

• A fun-filled activity and art-making space for primary-school aged children and their families. In March be inspired by our navy vessels and make your own badges, periscopes, temporary tattoos, paper submarine or destroyer. In April and May dive into the world of amazing cetaceans with creative art making and science activities, dress ups and interactive games.
• For ages: 5-12 years
• Cost: $8.50 per child, FREE members/Big Ticket. Adults general museum fees apply
• Bookings: No bookings required
• Opening times: Every Sunday during term. Hourly sessions 11 am - 3 pm
• More info: http://www.anmm.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1242

Amazing Cetaceans Science Show: Sunday 13 - Thursday 17 & Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 April | @ 10.30 am, 11.30 pm and 12.30 pm

• Investigate the incredible biology of ocean mammals with weird and wacky experiments in our interactive science shows.
• For ages: For all ages!
• Cost: Free with museum entry
• Time: Sunday 13 - Thursday 17 & Sunday 20 - Thursday 24 during April school holidays at 10.30am, 11.30 am & 12.30pm
• Booking: No bookings required
• More info: http://www.anmm.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=1242

New Perth Zoo Additions are Otter-ly Cute

New Perth Zoo Additions are Otter-ly Cute

Four new members of the world's smallest otter species – the Asian small-clawed otter – have made their public debut at Perth Zoo.

Perth Zoo Chief Executive Susan Hunt said the tiny pups are part of an Australasian breeding program to help protect a wonderful species that is threatened in the wild.

"The otters at Perth Zoo have now had 16 otter pups which is four litters in the past two years.
"These latest pups are the third litter for parents Asia and Tuan," Ms Hunt said.

Asian small-clawed otters are highly social animals who pair for life. Males play a critical role rearing the pups, including nest building, swimming lessons and supplying food.
Older siblings also take a role in the care of new pups and two older sisters are currently helping rear the new babies.

The four pups were born on December 27 and recently started swimming lessons.

At this age, the pups are being carried out of the nest box and taken into the pool by the adults and then carried back inside again – but they will soon start venturing out by themselves.

The pups lined up for their first medical check on Monday by Perth Zoo veterinary staff to weigh, sex, microchip, vaccinate and examine their general health.

The vets identified two females and two males ranging in size from 520grams to 560grams.

Asian small-clawed otters weigh just 3.5kg when fully grown. They are native to parts of India, southern China, Malaysia and Indonesia.

10 Things to Do in Ipswich on the Weekend

1 A Day Out With Thomas

• The Workshops Rail Museum, North Ipswich

IT IS the final weekend to see Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends at The Workshops Rail Museum at North Ipswich and enjoy some circus-themed fun.

The iconic train has been at the museum since December 26, but will depart on Sunday.

Guests can meet the iconic train, the Fat Controller and friends of Thomas, build tracks in the Thomas Play Pit, take part in circus-inspired activities and much more.

The museum is open from 9.30am-5pm.

For more information phone 3432 5197 or visit theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au.

2 Movies in the Park

• Robelle Domain Parklands, Springfield
• Tonight, 6.30pm - 9pm

PACK a picnic and get outdoors with the family at a free outdoor screening of animation hit Despicable Me 2. The Movies in the Park event is part of a series of family films being shown in public venues during the next few months. The film - the sequel to 2010 film Despicable Me - is about reformed super villain Gru, who helps track down a super criminal who has developed a serum that turns people into evil monsters.

If cancelled owing to wet weather, movie will be rescheduled for February 8, same time and place. For more information, phone 3810 6666.

 

3 Fernvale Markets

• Fernvale State School Oval, Brisbane Valley Hwy
• Tomorrow, 6am - noon

THIS country-style market features homemade baked goods, fresh produce, arts and crafts and plants, second-hand goods and much more. Food and drinks are available on site and entry is free.

For more information, phone 5464 3863.

 

4 Springfield Organic Market

• Robelle Domain Parklands, Springfield
• Today, 7am - 1pm

THIS great community event held each Saturday is a destination for foodies, as there are stalls selling fresh organic and conventional produce. The markets also host local artists and designers selling unique handmade products. In addition to the shopping, the location of the markets is also pleasing as children can enjoy the shaded playground and water park and parents can relax at the nearby Robelle Cafe.

Entry is free and parking is available on site. For more information, visitorganicfoodmarkets.com.au.

 

5 Beach Party

• Swifts Sports Club, Booval
• Tonight, 7.30pm - 11pm

JUST Rock Ipswich is set to host a Beach Party Dance with a live musical performance from band Atmosphere.

The dance will be held upstairs at the club and all are welcome to attend.

Tickets are $12, or $10 for members, and are available at the door.

For more information, visit jri.com.au/ or phone 3389 8098.

 

6 Ipswich Cinemas

• Cinemas located across Ipswich
• All weekend, opening times vary

WITH Oscar best film contenders like The Wolf of Wall Street, 12 Years a Slave, Gravity and American Hustle out at the movies at the moment, why not head to one of Ipswich's new cinemas?

Reading Cinemas is located in Redbank Plaza Shopping Centre, Limelight Cinemas is located in Riverlink Shopping Centre, and Event Cinemas is located at the Ipswich Mall.

For more information, phone 3818 8044 (Reading), 1300 792 579 (Limelight) or 3281 8887 (Event).

 

7 Showplace Markets

• Ipswich Showgrounds, Warwick Rd
• Tomorrow, 6am - 11.30am

COME along to the Ipswich Showplace Markets held every Sunday.

There is a lot to see and browse.

A huge array of stalls offers tools, toys, clothing, home-wares, arts and crafts and much more.

You can even come and have some breakfast and grab yourself a coffee before you start to wander for some fantastic bargains.

For more information, phone 3281 1577. Onsite parking is available.

 

8 Park Run

• Catherine Morgan Park, Augustine Heights
• Today, 7am

SPRINGFIELD Park Run will take place with all walkers, runners and families invited to take part in the free, timed 5km event.

The runs take place each week in pleasant parkland surroundings.

Events are suitable for people of all ages and fitness abilities.

For more information or to register, visit parkrun.com.au

 

9 Choir Music Event

• Riverlink Shopping Centre, Nth IpswichToday, noon - 1pm

COME and enjoy the vocal harmonies of a variety of choirs from the Blackstone Ipswich Cambrian Choir.

The group will perform a variety of numbers, including Rivers of Babylon, What a Wonderful World and many more.

The performance will take place at the shopping centre's food court.

 

10 Splash out at Swim Centres

• Centres located across Ipswich
• All weekend, opening hours vary

BEAT the summer heat with a trip to one of Ipswich's popular swim centres.

A trip to the pool is more than just a swim these days.

Centres provide a number of facilities that make a trip to the swimming pool a full day outing.

The four centres include Goodna Aquatic Centre, the Rosewood Swim Centre, the Georgie Conway Leichhardt Community Swim Centre and the Bundamba Swim Centre.

For more information, phone 3381 8240 (Goodna), 5464 1246 (Rosewood), 3281 8743 (Leichhardt) or 3282 2801 (Bundamba).

SUNfest Encourages Youngsters to Try New Activities

SUNFEST is getting kids off the couch and encouraging them to be active with lots of sports available to try.

Last week kids at SUNfest got a chance to try out different sports including squash, abseiling, indoor rock climbing and skateboarding.

Week two of SUNfest is shaping up to be very active.

On Monday youths around the region tried their hands at water sports including: surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in Seventeen Seventy.

Head to the hockey grounds for Hook in2 hockey, a program teaching kids the basic skills of hockey to get them involved in Gladstone's hockey scene.

If hockey isn't for you then head next door to the Gladstone tennis/squash complex to give tennis a go.

Or head to the Awoonga headwaters adventure day to learn more about the environment while swimming, walking and canoeing.

WHAT'S ON

TODAY

• PCYC master chef day.
• Summer Reading Club Craft Gladstone City Library. Time: 9.30am.
• SUNfest photography workshop at Canoe Point. Time: 9am-noon. Cost: $15.
• SUNfest hot shoes/flash mob dancin' in the street at St Stephens Lutheran College, Time: today and tomorrow 9am-3pm. Cost: $30.
• SUNfest Lil' Kids klay kreetures clay workshop at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Time: 10am-noon. Cost: $10.
• SUNfest Lil' Kids wirework wildlife at Tondoon Botanic Gardens and Calliope Community Centre. Time: 10.30am-12.30pm (Gladstone), 2-4pm (Calliope).

TOMORROW

• PCYC Rockhampton Zoo excursion. Cost: $12 addition to standard day fee.
• Scrapbook Fantasies, 2pm cardmaking and 3.30pm scrapbooking.
• SUNfest Hook in2 Hockey, at Rigby Park. Time: 9am-noon. Cost: $6 (booked ticket).
• SUNfest recycled lanterns at PCYC. Time: tomorrow and Thursday 10am-3pm. Cost: $20 for both days.
• SUNfest Awoonga headwaters adventure day. Meet up at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Time: 8am-5pm. Cost: $35 (booked ticket).
• Summer Reading Club Craft, Calliope and Agnes Water libraries 9.30am.

Lion King crowns Sydney capital of theater

SYDNEY, Dec. 14 (Xinhua)-- Opening this weekend to packed houses and civic excitement, the Lion King stage production has seemingly completed Sydney's ascension as the Asia-Pacific's capital of the stage musical.

Sydney's usually dour Taxis are painted as giant Simba Lions; children are dragging about lion soft-toys and even the local government has been keen to bathe in the warm glow of popularity that the latest in a string of international productions has created in Sydney.

The locally created production of one of the world's most popular stage musicals, The Lion King, opened its Australian exclusive run this week at Sydney's Capitol Theater, seemingly crowning Sydney as a major live performance capital of the world.

A thrilled State Minister for Tourism, Events and the Arts, George Souris, told Xinhua that the show would out perform even the most successful shows to have toured through Sydney in the last years -- and that includes world-beaters like Wicked and Phantom of the Opera.

"Fans of this phenomenally successful musical, from Sydney and across Australia, have welcomed The Lion King with open arms, resulting in record breaking ticket sales," he said.

The Minister's office anticipates that the Australian production entirely exclusive to Sydney - will generate about half a million ticket sales, with around 50,000 interstate and international patrons traveling to Sydney to see the show.

The State's tourism and events unit, Destination NSW, told Xinhua that the number of visitors alone means an injection of 28 million Australian dollars into the state economy.

The Disney organization anticipates that the cumulative economic impact to NSW will be about 100 million Australian dollars confirmation that the stage musical sector is booming and only likely to grow in the coming months.

That bodes well for the launch of the musical adaptation of one of Australia's most loved and iconic films Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, which will hit the stage here next year.

The build-up to Strictly Ballroom's long-awaited arrival has reached fever pitch after delays have pushed back the opening night because of Luhrmann's constant tweaking of his Hollywood blockbuster The Great Gatsby; and an already packed stage calendar with the two Kings -- the King Kong musical in Melbourne, and Sydney's Lion King taking precedence.

When Strictly Ballroom was released, it gained 13 Australian Film Institute (AFI) nominations, winning eight categories.

The Lion King by comparison is an international blockbuster and the highest-grossing stage show in the world, with more than 70 million people having enjoyed the musical since its Broadway premiere in 1997.

The highly-regarded live show is the winner of more than 70 major international awards including, six Tony Awards in 1998 and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.

Sydney's Lion King is the 22nd production worldwide and the 10th production running concurrently, the highest number in the show's history.

Certainly, this is one of the biggest productions ever to open in Sydney and the capacity of these events to drive tourism, create jobs and grow the local economy is never missed by decision makers.

Now in its 16th year, The Lion King continues to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.

Since its Broadway premiere on Nov. 13, 1997, 21 global productions have been watched by more than 68 million people and, cumulatively, run a mind-boggling 96 years.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/entertainment/2013-12/14/c_132967855.htm

Carols Under the Bridge 2013

An authentic carols event beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge

One of Sydney's biggest and fastest growing Christmas events, Carols under the Bridge (that's the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in case you were wondering) is a relaxed carols event that's all about the festive season. There's no celebrity host, no showbiz singers, just music, food, activities for the kids, and 4000 fellow revellers.

Kids Stay FREE at Metro Apartments Darling Harbour

The event will take place on Saturday December 14 at Bradfield Park in Kirribilli. It's organised by the local Church by the Bridge, and co-presented with Anglicare, who will be running a stall and selling candles to raise money for their Christmas appeal.

Two concerts will be taking place over the course of the day. The first will start at 5.00pm, with performances from Dave Halls Band, who are a seven-piece jazz band. While they are playing, there will be face-painting and games for the kids.

Children are encouraged to attend the event

At 7.30pm the more traditional Christmas carols concert will begin. It will run until 9.00 and everyone is encouraged to sing along to classic carols like Silent Night, The First Noël and O Holy Night. Free songbooks can be collected as you arrive.

Throughout the evening there will be food stalls selling all sorts of beverages, snacks and meals on the Milsons Point side of the event. You may also choose to get something to eat at one of the local cafes and restaurants.

If you're thinking of attending this year's Carols Under the Bridge, public transport is the recommended way of getting there, as the thousands of people who are expected to attend should make your chance of finding a place to park your car pretty slim.

Tyrannosaurs Exhibition - Australian Museum Sydney

Tyrannosaurs' is the first exhibition in the world to shine a light on this legendary dinosaur family. If you thought you knew tyrannosaurs, guess again. 

While the most famous member of this family was the mighty T-Rex, tyrannosaurs come in all shape and sizes, including Guanlong, the 'Crown Dragon' and the diminutive Dilong, the 'emperor dragon', with a skeleton that is only 1m long. 

With fossil specimens from China and North America that have never been seen in Australia and stunning life sized skeletons and models, Tyrannosaurs tells the story of this celebrated dinosaur family in a completely new way. Using cutting edge technology, 

Tyrannosaurs is the first exhibition in Australia to feature augmented reality, and hands on and multimedia experiences that will engage and excite children and adults alike. 

Tyrannosaurs tells the story of this celebrated dinosaur family in a completely new way. Using 'cutting-edge' technology, augmented reality, hands-on and multimedia experiences that will engage and excite children and adults alike.

Don't be late. Book now! Exclusive to Sydney for a limited time at the Australian Museum! Stay and see packages from $86*per person per night
From prices based on twin share midweek ticket   at 3-star property. Prices cannot be guaranteed.

Exhibition from: Sunday 23 November 2013 - Sunday 27 July 2014
Block out day applies for Christmas Day.

Don't be late. Book now! Exclusive to Sydney for a limited time at the Australian Museum!

For more information: tyrannosaurs.com.au

Where:

Australian Museum

6 College StreetSydney, 

NSW  2000 

tyrannosaurs.com.au 

Phone: (02) 9320 6000