School’s out: what you can do around the state these school holidays

Stuck for ideas on how to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? We’ve put together a bumper list of fun things to do around the state. See the list.

Making ochre at a recent school holiday program at Kingston Library. (Supplied: Natalie Mendham)

Making ochre at the local library is not something Jacqui Gangell pictured would be a school holiday program at Kingston Library.

As a Library Services Officer, Ms Gangell helps to run some of the Library’s school holiday programs and said she is amazed at the uptake in interest in their Indigenous program.

“We have a packed program,” she said.

“Kids and adults have been so interested to learn the skills and knowledge from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

“The wonder on kid’s faces in seeing the ochre-making process was great to see.”

A highlight of Libraries Tasmania’s school holiday program is the sessions run by the Aboriginal Education Services team.

Aboriginal Education Services Manager Bobby Pedersen said the program collaboration between Libraries Tasmania and Aboriginal Education Services has seen a “beautiful two-way opportunity” for all to grow their knowledge and skills.

“The Aboriginal Education Services team have provided opportunities for learners to grow in their understanding and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures,” he said.

“They have loved engaging learners in their deepening knowledge and increased respect in this space.”

Kingston Library is continuing its successful Indigenous program these school holidays, with most activities free of charge.

Twining and basket weaving, bush foods, First Nations story time and nature play will be in the first week of school, with Libraries Tasmania offering this program and over 180 other activities across the state during the school holidays.

A strong focus on science, arts, crafts, games and activities suitable for children from birth to 12 years, as well as activities catering to young people in high school, are on offer – the Energy on the Move with Hydro Tasmania on Tuesday, October 9 a highlight of the fortnight.

Councils around Tasmania are also releasing their fun-filled school holiday programs, many free to the public.

The Mercury has found some of the highlights from around the state to keep boredom at bay these holidays.

School holiday activities

• Clarence City Council will have a free fencing workshop on Tuesday, October 10, as an introduction to the sport and a snake and reptile workshop run by Snakes Alive Tasmania bringing slithery fun to Clarence’s Youth Services Centre on Tuesday, October 3.
• Launceston City Council has a range of activities on offer for children of all ages, with the Leisure & Aquatic Centre opening its outdoor pools and 65m water-slide just in time for the school holidays and plenty of shows lined up at the ever-popular Launceston Planetarium.
• Circus skills and silent discos are taking over the Glenorchy City Council’s Moonah Arts Centre for the school holidays, with opportunities for kids to get crafty through a series of free open days.
• Kingborough Council will feature an exciting new event for young people in October, a Youth Beat BBQ Bash event at Kingston Park on Friday, October 13, featuring a spray art stencil workshop, chalk art competitions and a half-court basketball tournament for young people aged 12 and over a great day to get outside and active.

  Excursions run by Kingborough Council to Richmond Maze and outdoor laser skirmish are more activities to get children out of the house.

• Budding dancers are invited to Hobart City Council’s Youth Arts and Recreation Centre for a K-pop dance class to STAYC’s Bubble on Tuesday, October 10, led by professional dancer Gwen.
• Searching for platypus in Hobart’s waterways might be a day well-spent on Monday, October 9, with children from 7 to 10 years old able to walk along rivulets and understand and learn about care for these unique creatures.
• Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery will also bring its school holiday magic from October 4 to 7 with its annual Festival for Children and Young People Lift Off!

Featuring an augmented reality trail of the Hidden Creature Gallery and a banquet feast where children can prepare meals to contribute to the feast, children of all ages and interests are guaranteed to find something wondrous at the festival.

If you think you know the perfect place to bring the kids or have any favourite school holiday spots and activities, send your suggestions to the Mercury Facebook page.