Making the most of the school holiday “fun”

By Sheree Hoddinett 

It’s the time all parents dread when it comes to entertainment for the kids - school holidays. And once again, it’s fast approaching – June 25 is day one to be precise. While it’s not always the greatest time of year when it comes to the weather (rain, wind, cooler temperatures), there’s still plenty to do both in the great outdoors and indoors if you need a little respite time. If you’re already planning ahead and looking for some ideas to help keep your cherubs somewhat entertained, here’s a few things to help bust the holiday boredom.

If you want to get outside, here’s a few picks that will get you a little closer to nature and everything it has to offer:

• Bribie’s amazing beaches While we may be at the start of winter, if your kids are feeling brave enough to dip their toes in the water and it’s warm enough, they can have a swim. Otherwise if the sun is shining, you can take a walk along the beach, play in the sand or enjoy a nice picnic with beautiful seaside views. Whether it’s down by the surf at Woorim or the peaceful waters of the Pumicestone Passage at Bongaree or Sylvan Beach, there’s plenty of spots to hang out with the kids.

• Whale Watching

It’s time to catch the humpback whales in all their glory as they begin their migration north from mid-June through until November. If you’re lucky enough, you could just catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures from land (headlands or open beaches with binoculars at hand) or on one of the many tours on offer along the coastline. If you haven’t yet experienced whale watching in all its glory, you can’t go past the slap of a fin, a tail wave or the mesmerising power of this large creature when it breaches. 

• Bribie Butterfly House 

This is one you have to time well, as they’re only open on a Wednesday and Sunday (10am-4pm). The butterflies love sunny days and are likely to be more active than overcast weather. You’ll find them at 208 First Avenue behind the Orchid Society Hall.  Visit their website for more info www.bribieislandbutterflyhouse.org

• Abbey Museum – Kids Dig It! 

These school holidays join the medieval family fun at the Abbey Museum for a week (June 27 – July 1) of hands-on and educational fun for the whole family. Activities include practice archery, uncovering medieval artefacts and visiting a miniature medieval village.  Visit abbeymuseum.com.au for tickets and other information.

• White Ridge Farm

A fun day out for young and old where you can feed the animals, play a round of putt putt or go for a pony ride.  They’re open every day during the school holidays from 9am-3pm.  Visit whiteridgefarm.com.au for all the details. For some indoor entertainment and fun:

Visit the city and/or Southbank for the day. Check out:

• Carnival of the Animals at QPAC – a production by Circa and QPAC’s Out of the Box Festival, Carnival of the Animals (playing June 29 – July 2) whisks you away on a thrilling circus escapade inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns delightful salute to feathers, fur and fins. 

For all ticketing and event details visit qpac.com.au

• QUT The Cube - one of the world’s largest digital interactive learning and display spaces consisting of 48 multi-touch screens and soaring across two storeys in QUT’s Science and Engineering Centre. 

For further info visit www.thecube.qut.edu.au

• Queensland Museum visit qm.qld.gov.au to see what’s on.

• Queensland Gallery of Modern Art – with a variety of exhibitions and areas to check out including the Children’s Art Centre. 

Visit qagoma.qld.gov.au for further info.

Don’t forget all the usual suspects from ten pin bowling, laser tag, mini golf, movies (no longer at Morayfield so other than Bribie, you’ll have to travel further afield), shopping, local parks, hiking, picnics and the good old play centre. Not to mention all the bigger fun parks on the Gold Coast (Dreamworld, Movieworld, Seaworld and more) or Australia Zoo and Aussie World closer to the Sunshine Coast. Whichever activity you decide to undertake, have loads of fun!

**PLEASE NOTE - As with any event or business, dates, times and ticketing information is all subject to change. Please check with the event or business closer to your visit to ensure details remain current.**