EDIT: School Holiday Activities for JANUARY 2010 can be found here. The post below lists activities from 2009.
Melbourne is just bursting with children’s activities during January, it was difficult to narrow it down to just ten this month. Most sites that I link to are offering more than one event over the school holidays, so be sure to take a look around.
Here are the highlights for me for kid’s activities during January:
(1). Action Attack
Suitable for children five to 12 years, they will be instructed by expert coaches and elite athletes to have an opportunity to learn fantastic skills in their favourite – and new – sports.
The program runs at Fawkner Park, South Yarra from 12th January until the 15th January – 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM. This is a free event. Bookings are essential for groups of 10 or more.
(2). Fairy Fanfare
Set near the Fairy Tree in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne take your little ones dressed up in their fairy costumes and get ready to join in the song and dance fun.
There are two shows daily at 10.00am and 12.00pm running from January 2nd to 17th January. This is a free event.
(3). Moomba Waterfest Parade Enviro Craft Workshop
The workshop uses weird and wonderful recycled materials to build fantastic floats, props, masks and costumes. It is free drop-in workshop and you just might see your work appear in the Moomba Waterfest Parade in March!
The activity is aimed at 5 to 12 years (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult). There is no need to book. However arriving early is recommended as there is a limit of children allowed to participate at one time.
(4). James and the Giant Peach
Running from 6th until 23rd of January, with two shows daily, Monday to Friday 10:30am and 1:00pm is the RMIT Union Arts ‘Summer Children’s Theatre Production of the Roald Dahl book James and the Giant Peach.
Recommended viewing for ages 6 – 13 years old. Tickets will be on sale from the Malthouse Booking Service on 9685 5111 or online.
(5). Hocus Pocus – City Museum
“Hocus Pocus assembles the souvenirs of sorcery with twists at every turn. Authentic tools of the magician’s trade coalesce with artefacts, artworks, and moving image, forming an extraordinary brigade of wonderment. With a plot as grand as the wildest fairytale Hocus Pocus is a kaleidoscopic romp through the magical melting pot of Melbourne. ”
This exhibition is complemented each Wednesday during January, with a magic show at 2pm. Each week will feature a different magician. The show is free with entry to the exhibition (Adult $8.50, Concession $5.00 and Family $18.00).
(6). River moves, garden grooves
Scheduled for three dates in January – Wednesday 14 January, Saturday 17 January and Thursday 22 January at 4.30 – 6.00pm, this show:
“brings a unique blend of ‘eco-rap’ tunes and stories as he takes you on an journey along an imaginary river to find a place you can call home. The fun continues with movement games and gardening-based activities in the Children’s Garden.”
This show is at the Royal Botanical Gardens, meeting at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate. Bookings required on Tel: (03) 9252 2429. Cost: $12.50 children, $12.50 adults, $40 family.
(7). Twilight Highlights
This children’s activity is at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Cranbourne on Thursday 15th January from 7.00 – 9.00pm.
“Explore the bushland of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne at dusk with our experienced guides. Look out for native wildlife as wombats, wallabies and possums emerge as they wake for the evening. Watch the sunset over Melbourne from Trig Point Lookout. Bring along a torch and dress appropriately for the weather on the day.”
Bookings required on Tel: (03) 5990 2245. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $15.50 adult and $11.00 conc/child.
(8). Setting the Scene – Make your own Chronicles of Narnia
Another fantastic free school holiday event from ACMI:
“Using green screen technology, our state-of-the-art studio will be transformed into the fantastic worlds created by C.S. Lewis and adapted by Disney for the big screen. Kids will delight in being able to follow in the footsteps of Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, and of course, Prince Caspian himself!”
Drop in at Studio 1 at ACMI between 12 – 4pm on these dates:
– Mon 12 to Fri 16 Jan 2009
– Mon 19 to Fri 23 Jan 2009
(9). Summer By The Sea – Live Life on the Edge
“Our coastal plants and animals are amazing survivors – life on the edge can be difficult for our precious biodiversity. Come and learn more about our coast, and the challenges we all face in keeping it beautiful. ”
The Department of Sustainability and Environment provides a number of fabulous activities for children to explore the coastal environment near to them.
The activity programs run through January. Some programs do require bookings and a minimal cost, so check the website for details.
(10). Birrarung Yarn
“Birrarung Yarn brings Indigenous culture to children at this hands-on workshop. Face painting representing animals, tracks and symbols is a great way to touch on the meanings in Indigenous art and Indigenous languages. And of course, red, black and yellow, the colours of the Aboriginal flag will be at hand. Suitable for children three to 12 years.”
Located at Birrarung Marr (near adventure playground) at will be held on 11, 18 & 25 Jan from 10.30am – 12.30pm.
What ever children’s activities you choose to do in January, I hope you have a fun and safe time.