Fun activities for the kids this September holidays in Hume

The holidays have kicked off and there’s heaps of family-friendly fun in Hume to keep everyone entertained over the school break. From a new young explorer program and cookie decorating to mini manicures and footy activities, you’ll be spoiled for choice this September.

Hume Mayor Carly Moore with sons Lachlan and Hudson are taking on Hume Council's HumeXplorer program this school holidays. Picture: James Ross

The September school holidays have kicked off and it’s time to get out, about and explore in Hume.

Hume Council has launched a new young explorer project to encourage kids to get outdoors.

HumeXplorer is just one of an abundance of activities being offered across the city these school holidays, and along with cookie decorating, mini manicures and footy activities, children will be spoiled for choice.

Mayor Carly Moore said HumeXplorer was a great tool for families and encouraged children to enjoy nature.

HumeXplorer features three elements — nature play events, a walk with words, and an adventure passport that has many activities to tick off.

Mayor Carly Moore with sons and HumeXplorers Lachlan and Hudson at Anzac Park, Craigieburn. Picture: James Ross

“This program is a great way to encourage and inspire kids to unplug from digital entertainment and rediscover what is waiting for them in our outdoor spaces,” Cr Moore said.

HumeXplorer is best suited to children aged 3-8 but has been designed to get the whole family involved.

Pick up a guide at a Hume library, council customer service centres, visit the website or try one of these other fun activities:

WEEK ONE

NAB AFL Auskick Footy Frenzy

Finals fever is here and Westfield Airport West is bringing Auskick Frenzy to life. Auskick coaches will give future footy stars a taste of match play in a safe, fun and indoor environment.

Future footy stars a taste of match play in a safe, fun and indoor environment at Westfield Airport West. Picture: Jason Edwards

Clinics are free in the event zone opposite Aldi and run until September 27, 11am-2pm. The 11am session is more suited to children aged 5-8, 12pm for kids aged 5-12 and 1pm for children aged 9-12 Maximum 20 children in each session, bookings available here but walk-ups will be available each day.

To celebrate the AFL Grand Final, complimentary face painting will be available on September 27.

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Leisure centre fun

From boxfit for kids and a singstars and dance workshop, to basketball clinics and a pool inflatable, Hume Council leisure centres have put on a nine-day program featuring 22 different events and activities.

All programs cost $8 per person apart from Bricks 4 Kids and Junior Engineers which are $15. Click here for a full program.

Hume Council leisure centres week one school holiday guide. Picture: Supplied

Craigieburn cookie decorating and mini manicures

Craigieburn Central is providing a large variety of free and low-cost entertainment and activities to keep the kids busy while parents shop until they drop.

First week highlights include free arts and crafts with Pinoy Tayo Asian Grocery, cookie decorating with Muffin Break, free mini manicures with Four Seasons Beautique and babycino decorating with Gloria Jean’s Coffees.

Activities run until September 27, 9am-5pm. Check out the full program of events here.

Banksia Gardens youth development program

The Banksia Gardens school holiday program offers young people a combination of recreational and educational activities including sports, art and crafts, cooking, excursions to the city and elsewhere and music.

The program aims to develop young people’s sporting, leisure and practical life skills and experience activities and visits they may not normally have had access to. It runs from September 24-26 and October 1-4, 10am-3pm for kids aged 6-16. Visit Banksia Gardens for more information.

Reptile encounters returns to Broadmeadows Central from September 23-26.

Reptile encounters

Meet unique wildlife up close and learn amazing facts about all kinds of scaly friends with Melbourne’s own free mobile zoo.

Reptile encounters is back at Broadmeadows Central until September 26, 11am-2pm opposite the customer service desk.

WEEK TWO

Ugly Doll interactive zone

The Ugly Dolls interactive zone is coming to the Craigieburn Central Target Quadrant for the second week of the school holidays between 11am-2pm.

The fun-filled zone offers kids a chance to interact with their favourite characters from the animated adventure movie Ugly Dolls. Visit the website for more of what’s on during week two at Craigieburn Central.

The Ugly Dolls immersive zone is coming to the Craigieburn Central.

Build-a-bear workshop

Bring to life your very own teddy at the build-a-bear workshop. Your furry friend will be pre-filled with just the right amount of cuddliness, ready for you to bring it to life with a heart and personal touches in a fun-filled, hour-long session at Broadmeadows Central.

Bookings are essential. Sessions cost $10 and start at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm. Visit the website for more information.

Hume leisure centre fun week two

Hume Council leisure centres week two school holiday guide. Picture: Supplied

Spring craft workshops

Release your inner craft queen or king and join in free craft workshops with See Make Play at Westfield Airport West from 11am-2pm each day in week two of the September holidays.

Make your own royal paper flower crowns or create a rainbow of sunshine with paper plates, pegs and streamers in the event zone opposite Aldi.

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