Cheap + cheerful school holiday activities

With the autumn school holidays fast approaching, many parents will be preparing to juggle work, family and other commitments around their little people. We’ve put together a great list of things you can do, make and see – at home and in your capital city – that will not only keep them entertained but also teach them a few life lessons and skills.

  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MHn9Q5NtdY[/embed]

1.  Science experiments 

From a bouncy egg to bending water, most of these experiments are very easy to do and include household items. 

  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JYNbNYqMTk[/embed]

2.  Easy recipes

Quick, simple and delicious, these basic recipes are a great way to engage with the kids in the kitchen – and teach you a few new tricks.

  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eURwb5dzc3Y[/embed]

3.  DIY toys

A super cute miniature swimming pool, DIY spinners and much more – these homemade toys and gadgets will amaze the kids (and hopefully keep them company for hours!).

  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4twrkXoVNjU[/embed]

4.  Homemade puzzles

These clever puzzles and craft ideas will entertain and educate the kids – and keep them occupied for a while.

  [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNEzrOLH5Q[/embed]

5.  Family-friendly games

If there’s one way to settle a family dispute – like whose turn it is to set the dinner table or stack the dishes – then a game of finger soccer might just be what you need!

 

School holiday events in your capital city

OK, while there are lots more ways to entertain your kids at home during the school holidays, it’s also fun to get out of the house and take in a unique kids’ experience when you can. From inspiring theatre performances and magical exhibitions, to crazy circus workshops and creative kids’ cooking classes, we thought we’d take a look at some of the exciting kids school holiday events happening in your nearest capital city.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn0qfGuyMTI[/embed] Capital city: Sydney Venue: Sydney Opera House Event: Billionaire Boy Dates: Saturday 14 – Sunday 29 April 2018 What’s it about? The play Billionaire Boy is based on the bestselling novel by David Walliams (one half of the comedy duo Little Britain) and is coming to the Opera House for the world premiere of its Australian adaptation. With plenty of songs, laughs and a heart-warming message of the importance of friendship and family, your family will love this new show from the team behind Mr Stink and The 13-26- and 52-Storey Treehouses. Suitable for kids 6+ For more information and to buy tickets click here.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=68&v=E2jPNX9MZK8[/embed] Capital city: Melbourne Venue: Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) Event: Wonderland Dates: Opens Thursday 5 April until October 2018 What’s it about? Fall down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, the eagerly anticipated world premiere exhibition celebrating the timeless stories of Lewis Carroll and Alice in Wonderland’s adventures on screen. Opening on Thursday 5 April at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Australia’s national museum of film, TV, video games, digital culture and art, located in Melbourne’s Federation Square, this exhibition will delight and surprise kids and adults of all ages. For more information and to buy tickets click here.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqNtM58i-xs[/embed] Capital city: Brisbane Venue: Brisbane Powerhouse Event: Children are stinky! Dates: Thursday 12 April – Sunday 15 April 2018 What’s it about? Off the back of five-star sell-out shows at Edinburgh Fringe, this action-packed Brisbane Powerhouse circus extravaganza is not to be missed. Against a backdrop of high calibre circus, a rocking ‘90s soundtrack and genuine belly laughs, an acrobatic duo’s attempts to prove kids stink are met with messy, ridiculous and hysterical twists. Suitable for all ages. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7vbxuHCKus[/embed] Capital city: Adelaide Venue: Festival Theatre Event: Wizard of Oz Dates: From Sunday 1 April for four weeks only What’s it about? After premiering in Brisbane and a successful season in Sydney, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s enchanting London Palladium production of The Wizard of Oz will be travelling to Adelaide in April. Developed from the ever-popular MGM screenplay, it contains all the beloved songs from the original movie, all the favourite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way. Suitable for kids of all ages. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgyZXLuKbtg&list=PLGc0C1RHLdEZEJbusdd0Si0cicH-2ed9J[/embed] Capital city: Perth Venue: The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) Event: Celebrating 30 Years Dates: Friday 13 April – Friday 20 April 2018 What’s happening? The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) celebrates 30 years this April as one of Perth’s most iconic tourist destinations and home to hundreds of species of marine life. To celebrate its birthday, AQWA will be hosting a week of exciting programs and events during the school holidays. Every day from 11.30am – 2.30pm there will be free face painting, kids’ activities, roving performers and heaps more. Suitable for kids of all ages. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.   Capital city: Hobart Venue: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) Event: 2018 Children’s Festival Dates: Tuesday 17 April – Sunday 22 April 2018 What’s happening? The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) in Hobart is hosting the annual TMAG Children’s Festival 2018 for another week of fun during the April school holidays. The theme this year is creativity and TMAG will be overrun with kids enjoying a range of free special events, displays, programs and all-round awesome activities suitable for kids of all ages. For more information and to download the incredible festival program, click here.   Capital city: Darwin Venue: Darwin Botanic Gardens Event: Circus Fun Dates: Friday 20 April 2018 What’s happening? Circus fun is coming to the Darwin Botanic Gardens these school holidays with an array of awesome free kids’ activities. Kicking off with circus workshops and an incredible show by Burning Circus, there will also be waterslides, live music, face painting, sand art, Segway rides, turtle craft activities, sausage sizzles ... and even Healthy Harold will be making an appearance! Suitable for kids of all ages. For more information about this great family day out, click here.   Capital city: Canberra Venue: Foodish Cooking School Event: Kids’ Autumn Cooking Classes Dates: Wednesday 18 April – Friday 20 April, Thursday 26 April – Friday 27 April 2018 What’s happening? In Canberra, kids are spoilt for choice when it comes to school holidays activities. But for kids who are interested in food, this has to be a winner. Foodish Cooking School will be holding kids cooking classes with each day focusing on different international mouth-watering mains and desserts, from butter chicken with Japanese fruit parfaits to burritos and churros, and more. After a tour of Belconnen Fresh Markets to source ingredients, the kids will then whip up a delicious meal they can then cook at home. Suitable for kids 7+. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.