Finding new and different things to do with the kids in the holidays is no easy task. We have put together a list of ideas and contacts to help prevent the boredom setting in.
Go to a park and have a picnic with the kids.
Take advantage of the open space and fresh air. Pack some lunch, ball games and a good book for yourself. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart even has an indoor discovery centre, so you can visit in any weather.
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Get your kids in the kitchen and cook something simple.
Try Banana Muffins – even young children can stir the mixture and mush up the banana.
Ingredients
½ cup oil
¾ cup milk
2 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
¾ cup sugar
1 large or two small bananas
2 ½ cups flour
Method
Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius. Combine oil, milk and eggs in a bowl. Add the baking powder, salt and sugar, stirring well. Mix in the flour in two batches. Mush up the banana and add to the mixture. Stir in gently. Spoon into greased muffin tray to ¾ full. Bake for 20 mins.
Note: you can substitute any fruit for the banana, such as blueberries, raspberries, sultanas, or any combination.
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Do some gardening with the kids.
Dress your kids in old clothes and give them an area in the garden so they can plant some plants and watch their plants grow. If you don't have space at home, they could volunteer with a local landcare or bushcare organisation and help the community at the same time. You can find one in your area by calling your local council.
Paint their playroom/bedroom - we have some great
ideas about ways to use paint in your child's bedroom.
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Make playdough and play with it!
Use 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of plain flour, 1 cup self-raising flour, 2 tablespoons crème of tartar, 2 tablespoons of oil, 2 cups of boiling water, colouring.
Mix salt, flour and crème of tartar together in a large bowl. Add oil and colouring to boiling water. Pour over dry ingredients and mix into a smooth paste. Leave until firm and cooled. Knead playdough ready for play.
Activities at the library for kids.
The State Library of Tasmania has book readings and holiday programs throughout the state.
Find out what's happening at Kidzone, the State Library's website just for kids!
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Chalk art on concreted areas around your house.
This can be done in the front or backyard, on brick walls and ground/floor surfaces around your house. Best of all, it washes off!
Take a tour with the kids.
In the south try the Cadbury Chocolate Factory Tours. Great for the kids and adults. Visit the on-site chocolate shop. Ph: (03) 6249 0333 for more information.
In the north west, you can visit the Don River Railway, one of the largest steam preservation railways. Ph: (03) 6424 6335 for more information.
In the north, why not learn about the local sea life and absorb the area's maritime history and culture at Seahorse World? It's free!
Seahorse World is located at
Inspection Head Wharf, Beauty Point ph: (03) 6383 4111
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Visit a wildlife park with the kids.
In the north:
Trowunna Wildlife Park is located in the Great Western Tiers, set in natural surrounds with picturesque views.
Trowunna Wildlife Park
Mole Creek Rd, Mole Creek
ph: (03) 6363 6162
In the south:
Zoo Doo is an exciting wildlife experience located just a short drive from Hobart and the historic Georgian village of Richmond.
Richmond Zoo Doo Wildlife Park
620 Middle Tea Tree Road, Richmond
ph: (03) 6260 2444
Entry is free.
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Try ten-pin bowling.
In the north:
AMF Bowling Centre
20 Innocent St, Kings Meadows
ph: (03) 6344 9933
In the north-west:
Burnie Tenpin Bowl
159a Bass Hwy, Cooee
ph: (03) 6431 7122
Devonport Tenpin Bowl
103 William St, Devonport
ph: (03) 6424 7688
In the south:
AMF Bowling Centre
162 Main Rd, Moonah
ph: (03) 6272 9810
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