The school holidays are here again!
For many families, the spring school holidays will provide a well deserved break from the challenges of home schooling and a long term indoors.
Whether you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained or chomping at the bit to return to your favourite haunts in light of regional Victoria’s easing restrictions, Central Geelong has the answers.
The Central Geelong Kids Fun Program is perfect for those families on the hunt for activities to stop the kids from climbing the walls. With more than 30 fun, educational and entertaining online and downloadable activities including storytelling, arts and crafts, dance tutorials, music, circus, puppet and magic shows, there’s something for children of all ages.
Check out some of Central Geelong Marketing’s program highlights below and head to www.centralgeelong.com.au/school-holiday to download your FREE Kids Fun Guide containing more details on dates, sessions times, links and how to register.
Make and Create Activities
Platform Arts and Central Geelong Marketing will present four, one hour art and craft workshops via Zoom, designed for kids 12 years plus. Held on Tuesday, September 22, Wednesday, September 23, Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1, these workshops are hosted by experienced artists and creators and will cover four topics including ‘Create Your Own Poster’, ‘Collecting and Collage’, ‘Express and Create’ and ‘Weaving’.
And let’s not forget the mini makers in your family. Even the youngest family members can get creative with textiles and yarn with the National Wool Museum’s online activities and collection of step by step activity guides that show you how to finger knit, make pom poms, weave a cloud and a rainbow.
The Geelong Arts Centre is offering six new craft-based ‘how to’ video resources and worksheets by local teacher and artist Liz. From making a pirate hat to a peg shark, there’s plenty of craft activities for kids from prep to grade 6.
Riot Arts and Craft and Lincraft have a plethora of ‘how to’ activity sheets and tips and tricks videos on their websites. They can also supply you with project materials and equipment at their online stores at www.riotstores.com.au and www.lincraft.com.au
Baking Bliss in Ryrie Street has created a super fun activity for your budding young bakers to complete at home. Choose from a ‘Cupcake Decorating Pack’ complete with cupcakes, buttercream and decorations or a ‘Paint Your Own Cookie Kit’ including cookies, paint strip and paint brush to decorate.
The Geelong Gallery is offering two virtual experiences for kids to enjoy. Join in ‘Eye Spy Art Adventures’ and learn how to create a Jacky Redgate – HOLD ON inspired photograph using teddy bears, dolls and objects from around your home.
Or create your very own personalised avatar inspired by Geelong Gallery’s digital guide ‘Orby’. Learn basic 3D plasticine modelling and stop motion animation to bring your avatar to life.
If you’re still looking for more, check out the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre’s website www.grlc.vic.gov.au for a range of fun and engaging activities and digital content.
Music & Performances
Bebop Circus and Krazy Koala Puppet Show Nicholas Dacomb (aka Nicholas Ridiculous) is a talented performer with more than 10 years in the industry, specialising in puppetry and circus. His Bebop Circus is designed to introduce kids aged 5-10 years to the magic of circus. Nic has recorded basic circus skills videos especially for the Kids Fun Guide that includes juggling, balance, stability and clowning. Plus, there’s a very special Krazy Koala puppet show where kids can meet a bunch of charismatic puppets.
Bebop Circus – High Wire Show
Don’t miss this mesmerising high wire show where we get a glimpse of what it’s like to walk a high wire three metres above the ground. Nicholas Ridiculous will show you his skills on the wire, filmed in a special location high up in the beautiful Otway mountains.
The Mik Maks – Working the Farm
Revisit the Mik Maks performance at the Geelong Arts Centre last school holidays. Here’s every little Mik Maks fan’s chance to help the dynamic duo and their lovable friend Drums the Panda complete tasks for Grandpa and dance along to classics such as Bellybuttons, Groovy Mover and Working on the Farm. If you listen closely, you may even hear some brand-new songs!
Our friends at Ballroom Baby Geelong in Ryrie Street are offering dance tutorials for the whole family. Learn to cha cha, jive and samba for free in the comfort of your own home.
And in case you missed Dazzling Dan the Magic Man’s show last school holidays live-streamed from The Piano Bar Geelong, you can watch the show on demand.
Go Cats Word Search Competition
The school holidays are not complete without a chance to win! We’ve organised a fun Geelong Cats-themed word search activity and competition to celebrate our partnership with the Geelong Cats and to support them in the lead-up to the finals. By entering the competition, you have the chance to win a Geelong Cats guernsey for you and a friend.
And for those planning to get back out and about, be sure to visit Central Geelong, the vibrant heart of our wonderful region. With all shops and service businesses permitted to reopen once again and cafes and restaurants able to offer some table seating, it is a wonderful time to venture back into town and continue to support our local businesses who have done it so tough this year.
Now the sun is also out, head to one of Central Geelong’s 10 play spaces and wear the kids out! Grab yourself a latte and an easy lunch from Moo Mouth Coffee in Little Malop Street on the way and settle in for the afternoon. Their Kids Lunch Box covers lunch, a drink and dessert for just $10!
Or how about an ice-cream and a stroll along our incredible waterfront? Lic Lollies Ice Cream & Coffee in Yarra Street has more than 37 delicious flavours and more than 90 pick and mix lolly varieties to choose from.
To find out more about the Spring Kids Fun Program activities including dates, times and how to book and to see special offers from Central Geelong businesses visit www.centralgeelong.com.au/school-holiday or download the Love Central Geelong App.
