12 ways to have a blast on Southern Downs this school holidays

From exciting inflatable parks to craft workshops and meeting the kids’ favourite Disney characters, the Daily News has you covered on keeping the whole family entertained these school holidays.

The September school holidays are finally here and there are plenty of activities and events to cram in over the two-week break.

Here are 12 fun family-friendly activities your kids can enjoy these school holidays across the region:

Foam printing class

Learn how to print and make your own artwork with this foam printing at the Stanthorpe Art Gallery.

Your kids will learn a new skill, and with a bit of practice could be hanging their own pieces in the house before you know it!

WHEN: Thursday, 10am - 11.30am

WHERE: Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery at 56 Lock Street, Stanthorpe

COST: $5 per child

BOOKING: To RSVP email [e-mail] or call [phone]

Make paper sculptures

If one crafty workshop isn’t enough for the budding artists in the region, this paper sculptures class could fit the bill.

Students can learn how to fold, tie, bind, and dye paper to create vibrant 2D and 3D artworks.

WHEN: Thursday, September 30, 10am - 11.30am

WHERE: Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery at 56 Lock Street, Stanthorpe

COST: $5 per child

BOOKING: To RSVP email [e-mail] or call [phone]

Meet Elsa from Frozen

For your chance to meet with the snow queen herself, head down to the Granite Belt Christmas Farm.

Take some happy snaps with Elsa as a memory you can cherish and the kids will love.

You can also pre-order a kids’ pack which includes a bag of animal feed, a kite kit, activity bag and DIY slap band for the kids to enjoy during the visit.

WHEN: Saturday, 10am - midday

WHERE: Granite Belt Christmas Farm at 321 Aerodrome Road, Applethorpe

WIRAC trainers Nat Webb, Brooke Price, and Sam Scotney and the team will be hosting a range of fun activities these school holidays.

Ninja Warrior course and swim

This high-energy boredom buster is sure to keep the kids entertained for hours on end these holidays.

Kids can channel their inner Ninja Warrior and tackle the challenging but fun obstacle course at WIRAC.

WHEN: Monday, September 27 - Wednesday, September 29 from 10am - midday

WHERE: WIRAC at 29 Palmerin Street, Warwick

COST: $5 per child

BOOKING: No bookings required but for more details contact the centre on [phone]

Inflatable park and swimming

With the weather warming up and spring well and truly in swing, cool off these holidays with the inflatable park at WIRAC.

Make a splash on the fun slides and climbing walls across the inflatable park.

If you and your family are after a more relaxing swim, take along your own pool toys and take a dip in the pool on your own time.

WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays during holidays

WHERE: WIRAC at 29 Palmerin Street, Warwick

COST: $5 per child

BOOKING: No bookings required but for more details contact the centre on [phone]

Balloon modelling

Rose City Shoppingworld is hosting a range of fun activities these school holidays, kicking things off with this balloon modelling workshop.

Kids can learn how to turn balloons into a variety of wacky shapes such as a dog, flower, or sword.

Each workshop will run for about 20 minutes.

WHEN: Wednesday to Friday with start times 11am, 11.30am, and midday

WHERE: Rose City Shoppingworld in front of Coles

COST: Free

THE MAGIC OF BUBBLES: Catch Magic Glen these school holidays at Rose City Shoppingworld.

Magic show

Bring some magic to these school holidays and catch a magician performing at Rose City Shoppingworld.

Warwick favourite Magic Glen will host the magic show after his balloon animal workshop, continuing the fun for kids of all ages.

WHEN: Wednesday to Friday from 1pm - 1.30pm

WHERE: Rose City Shoppingworld in front of Coles

COST: Free

Pick your own apple blossoms and strawberry

For a fun day out for the whole family head down one of the region’s most popular apple and strawberry orchards.

Pick your own strawberries and apples straight from the source, and grab some happy snaps of the family in the Instagram-worthy blossom-filled orchards.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 1pm

WHERE: Eastern Colour at 244 Aerodrom Road, Applethorpe

BOOKINGS: Message Eastern Colour’s Facebook page to RSVP

COST: $5 per car to visit the apple orchard and $6 per kg of strawberries. There is no entry fee for the strawberry picking.

Movie screening

The Little Theatre will be screening the movie The Secret World of Arrietty.

The G-rated animated movie is about a tiny teenager who lives with her parents in the recesses of a home, but a secret friendship with a 12-year-old human could spell danger for Arrietty’s family.

Take some popcorn and don your comfiest outfit as you settle in to watch a movie on the big screen.

WHEN: Thursday , 10.30am to midday

WHERE: Stanthorpe Little Theatre at 20 Connor Street

BOOKINGS: To book click here

COST: Free for Stanthorpe Little Theatre members

Cabaret class

Learn how to dance in the cabaret in this beginners class.

Dance your heart out in this fun, upbeat and groovy session while walking away with a new skill up your sleeves.

The class is designed for ages 14 years and up.

WHEN: Friday, 12.45pm - 1.45pm

WHERE: 111 High Street, Stanthorpe

BOOKINGS: To RSVP follow this link

Theatre class

Learn some theatre activities to build your stage skills, confidence and voice projection in this “play in a day” workshop.

Kids will kick the session off with some games and vocal warm-ups, and by the end of the day be able to showcase a short performance for their parents and friends.

Participants are encouraged to bring ideas, costumes, props or musical instruments to include in the performance.

The class is for ages five to 18.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 28 from 10am - 3pm

WHERE: Stanthorpe Little Theatre at 20 Connor Street

BOOKINGS: To book, email [e-mail]

COST: $25 for non-members, $10 for Stanthorpe Little Theatre members

Originally published as 12 ways to have a blast on Southern Downs this school holidays