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Planning activities to keep your kids amused these school holidays is easy thanks to the plethora of things to do in and around Ballarat. Sure, there’ll be days when they need to create their own fun at home, but once you’re all itching to leave the house, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
The Art Gallery of Ballarat’s school holiday program is an opportunity for students to work with local professional artists to expand their art knowledge and skills while having some fun. Classes happen between 10am and 3pm, are supervised and involve artists with Working with Children Checks, and activities are aimed at various age groups .
For instance, Packing Room Surprise on September 29 is for children ages 6-10. Participants will use photographs and their own artwork to create a miniature art prize exhibition.
Artist Jodie Goldring will guide kids aged 9-13 to sculpt a portrait on September 21, with students picking their favourite Archibald Prize finalist from the exhibition catalogue and recreating their own version using recycled cardboard and foam core, with layers then glued together to create a 3D surface to paint and decorate.
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M.A.D.E aims to nurture cultured kids during its school holiday program, with events such as the spring scavenger hunt, which takes place throughout the entire school holiday period from 10am-5pm. This is an opportunity for kids to take charge, with a spring-themed hunt that will have them searching high and low.
The Bush Flavours Sessions on September 22 are at 11am and 2pm and will have kids exploring using sight, smell and taste. They’ll also learn about Australian spices and have an introduction to bush flavours and ingredients at Saltbush Kitchen.
Amalgamating food and fun of a different kind, the Robin Hood Hotel has a spacious kids playground area, kids meals and during the school holidays, a range of daytime activities for them to enjoy, including pizza making to face painting.
If you feel like taking the kids for a drive, head along the Western Highway to Ararat’s Gum San, a unique tourist attraction that blends history, culture and education. Bringing to life the story of the immigrant miners on the Victorian goldfields during the mid-1800s, Gum San helps kids and adults understand the influence of Chinese culture on Australia’s economic, cultural and social development. From panning for gold, to learning the art of calligraphy and playing traditional Chinese games, it’s a truly interactive experience for visitors of all ages.
Alternatively, if you’d rather sit behind the wheel but not travel too far at all, RPM Indoor Carts in Mitchell Park is a fun option. After all, tearing around a go-cart track with a bunch of kids is a great way for everyone to release their pent-up energy!