School holidays start in some parts of Australia this coming weekend – and it’s time to start thiking about what the kids can do to keep them occupied.
Here’s 3 suggestions if you’re in Melbourne.
1. Wildlife Wonderland at Docklands
One of Melbourne’s favourite interactive attractions for 4-12 year olds, the Wonderland Fun Park and Spiegeltent, is even more fun these holidays as they’re joined by the ABC TV’s Chris Humfrey and his Zoo Keepers.
Wonderland Fun Park has a two-week exclusive season of Wildlife Down Under with 24 shows across each day through the September school holiday break. Your kids can take a bit of a ride on the wild side as everyone’s favourite TV zoologist lets them experience close encounters with furry – and not-so-furry – friends, as well as meet and interact with a wallaby, koala, frog, turtle, possum, lorikeet and more.
When: Saturday 21st September – Sunday 6th October
Where: Wonderland Fun Park & Spiegeltent, Docklands
Cost: $15 for the show, or Super Pass for $35
Bookings: www.wonderlandfunpark.com.au or 03 9602 1311
2. Raspberry Drop Rebellion
Forget the Rum Rebellion! These holidays, Ballarat is being taken over by raspberry drops!
The Redcoats are taking over Main Street and kids aged between 7-12 years can join the British Army in a fun re-enactment of the daily life of a Redcoat soldier at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat.
And to top it off? Sovereign Hill’s famous Raspberry Drops will be the taste on everyone’s lips at real life lolly-making demonstrations.
But if that’s not enough, there’s also music lessons, gold panning, mine tours, coach rides and a new version of the original pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.
A great day out – and only 90 minutes drive from Melbourne with ample, free parking.
When: Saturday 21st September – Sunday 6th October
Daily from 10am
Where: Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Ballarat
Cost: Adults - $47, Children (5-15 years) $21.40
Further info: www.sovereignhill.com.au or 03 5337 1199
3. Football with Heart
A-League club, Melbourne Heart, hosts four junior football (soccer) clinics suitable for different ages and levels. Try one of them:
Girls with a Heart
- FREE clinics for girls aged 13-17 years
- Wednesday 25th September, 11am-2.30pm
- Parkdale Secondary College, Mordialloc
Goalkeeper Clinic
- For the number 1 ‘keeper in your household aged 10-16 years
- Thursday 26th September, 1pm-4pm
- Howard Glover Reserve, East Geelong
- $80 / $95
Mate’s Mates
- Especially for the younger ones, aged 5-13 years
- Thursday 26th September, 10am – 12 noon
- Howard Glover Reserve, East Geelong
- $35 / $45
Gala Day
- Bring along a team, your friends and whoever else for the annual gala day for boys and girls, aged 8-9 years
- Friday 27th September, 9am – 2pm
- Epping Soccer Stadium, Epping
- $55 for a team
All Bookings: www.melbourneheartfc.com.au or call Louisa on 03 9457 1765