I really enjoy school holidays, but even so, kids bouncing off walls is no fun for anyone. So, I asked Jo from Little Melbourne if she’d like to suggest some fun ideas for the school break. To my delight, she did, and so here are some really different, fun ideas for keeping the kids entertained.
***
If you’re in search of something that ‘little bit different‘ these School Holidays then check out Little Melbourne’s recommended activities and events happening in and around Melbourne.
A Day at the Circus – School Holiday Program
Roll up the circus is coming! During the September School Holidays, the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) is offering a series of full-day activities comprising circus skills workshops, performances by renowned children’s entertainers, fun circus games and classic circus films.
When: 26th September – 2nd October
Arts Program
Let the budding young artist in your family explore a world of creativity with three jam packed days of fun, facilitated by leading artists, including classes in music, puppetry, circus, animation, and visual arts. Held at the Footscray Community Arts Centre.
When: 4, 5 and 6th October
Northcote Kids Festival
With 55 performances over 13 days, and workshops in theatre, music & performance, there’s something inspiring for all ages at the Northcote Kids Festival.
When: 25th September – 9th October
Georgie Porgie Cooking for Kids
Georgie Porgie Cooking for Kids is a hands on and interactive introduction into cooking aimed at the 8-12 year old crowd. George will teach you about how to find the best ingredients, and the secrets behind making a delicious meal.
When: 3rd October
Petit Atelier + Twisted Tastes Holiday Program
Get your kids out of the house and into the studio, with one of Petit Atelier’s inventive Art and Craft Workshops! There’s an exciting range of activities to stimulate your blossoming artist and solve the “Mum I’m bored” dilemma!
When: 26th September – 7th October
Little Picassos in the Garden at Babycinos Cafe
Gardening 4 Kids and Mini Picassos are teaming up these September school holidays for some gardening and art workshops for the kids. Your creative little green thumbs will be kept busy with planting, garden art and story time activities.
When: Wednesday 28th September and Friday 7th October
Bollywood Workshop at The Arts Centre
Learn how to move your body and twirl your hands to the exotic sounds of India in this simple and energetic Bollywood routine with Parvyn Kaur Singh & Josh Bennett. While taking a breath from dancing, you can listen to the soothing sounds of instruments such as the sitar and dil ruba (bowed sitar) and learn how to beat-box Indian-style on the table.
When: Wed 28 September – Sun 2 October
Looney Tunes Live! Classroom Capers
This hot new musical will have you on your toes. It’s a barrel of laughs for the whole family. Starring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety, Sylvester, Taz, Marvin the Martian and Porky Pig. Don’t miss this fun-filled up-close-and-personal lesson of classic gags that made Looney Tunes a must-see class act!
When: Scattered dates over September – October
Is this where Thomas the Tank Engine Lives? Natured Kids Program
Sessions have related songs, stories, activities, craft, with time afterwards for you to relax, play and picnic in nature.
When: Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st September
The Enchanted Maze
An explosion of mind blowing 3D fun, giant twisting tube slides, towering topiary hedges, a spine tingling indoor maze, an sweet filled lolly shop serving old fashioned humbugs, acid drops and hand made boiled sweets, a cafe and stunning gardens and you’ve got yourself a great family filled day out!
When: Throughout the Holidays and beyond
The Living Library
True stories from real people.
In The Living Library you’ll meet a friendly librarian, borrow a ‘living book’ (or two or three!) and discover all kinds of true stories. Sit down together in the cosy library to hear about books’ lives, adventures and misadventures!
When: Wednesday 28th September – Sunday 2nd October
Reptile Encounters at the Queen Victoria Market
It’s not every day you come across pythons and crocodiles at the Market. But when you visit the Market during the first week of the School Holidays, you can expect to meet these as well as lots of creepy crawlies!
When: Tuesday 27th and Thursday 29th September
Crayola Creative Hub at Harbour Town Melbourne
Calling all creative kids! For the first time in Melbourne, the colour of Crayola, Australia’s number one children’s art and craft brand comes to life in a fun and interactive LIVE event. Kids can check out the ‘Lights, Camera, Colour’ tool that turns photos into a black and white colouring page for printing, then road test the latest Crayola products and take home their completed works-of-art, FREE!
When: 3rd – 9th October
By the Pond Launch at Spring Open Day
‘By the Pond‘ launch is being held at 10.30-11.30am at the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, Spring Open Day on Sunday September 25th. Alex Papps (fabulous Play School presenter, also very fondly remembered as Frank on Home and Away) will be launching ‘By the Pond’. We’ll also have an indoor/outdoor screening with live entertainment to get the kiddies hopping, buzzing and quacking about, and finish up with some craft activities.
When: 25th September
***
Little Melbourne is a great place to find out about what’s on and happening in Melbourne for parents and their little ones.
The wide range of activities means there is a little something for everyone, and budget conscious suggestions are frequently included. If you’re keen to get the kids out of the house, have a browse on this great site.
That Book You Like... 
