School’s out this spring and there’s plenty of hands-on activities available during the holidays at Orange City Council’s facilities.
Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair Mel McDonell said there was sure to be something to keep the kids entertained.
“The staff at these centres work hard to create amazing fun and educational activities every school holidays, and these next two weeks are no exception,” Cr McDonell said.
“Head to council’s events calendar and check out what’s available. The program will appeal to children of all ages and interests, and many of the activities are free.”
ONE DOOR TO RULE THEM ALL: Elves Tam, Jennifer and Bek peek out from Orange City Library’s Hobbit door.
These school holidays Orange City Library is celebrating the 130th anniversary of the birth of JRR Tolkien, the English writer, poet and academic famous for penning The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
While most of the free workshops are already booked out, the library has a range of activities children can join in at any time, as well as craft, puzzles and games available every day.
Children can join in the Library Scurry to find images hidden around the library and go in the prize draw or play Magical Eye Spy to find all the listed items, while the Middle Earth Quest fantasy puzzle game encourages children to follow the clues to uncover the magic word to win a prize.
Young people over the age of 12 can hang out at Orange Youth Hub, which will be open from 10am to 6pm every weekday during the school holidays except for the public holiday Monday 3 October.
The centre will also host movie trivia tomorrow Wednesday 28 September, with prizes and snacks available, and a field trip to Federal Falls on Friday 30 September.
Next week young people can enjoy a spa morning on Tuesday 4 October, and a doubles pool tournament in the afternoon with prizes for the winners. A 2×2 basketball competition and barbecue will be held on Wednesday 5 October and on Friday 7 October, kids will make animal toys and take them to the RSPCA shelter.
Orange Regional Museum’s school holiday activities are inspired by the exhibition Mulaa Giilang: Wiradjuri Stories of the Night Sky.
On Tuesday 4 October, families can head to the Museum roof and take a peek into space with members of the Central West Astronomical Society. Safely view our sun, planets and bright stars, read stories about the night sky, take part in craft activities and wander through the free exhibition. Stay for as long or as little as you like.
On Wednesday 5 October, join the Family Tour of Mulaa Giilang from 10am to learn more about Wiradjuri stories of the night sky and join in a mini dance workshop with special guest musician Ricky Ah See. There will also be drop-in craft activities until 11.30am.
Orange Regional Gallery is offering a range of creative workshops with local artists in the second week of the holidays.
On Tuesday 4 October young artists can create sculptural insects with Heather Vallance, inspired by Heather’s artwork which is currently showing as part of the exhibition Material Measure.
On Wednesday 5 October, artist Jaq Davis will guide participants through an experimental drawing workshop using mixed media and found objects, and on Thursday 6 October young artists can harness the power of the sun to create art with artist Steve Cavanagh, inspired by his cyanotype installation on display in Material Measure.
Orange Aquatic Centre will be offering intensive swimming lessons for levels 1-4, as well as preschool 1 and 2. The centre is a multi-accredited swim school with Austswim, Swim Australia and Royal Life Saving qualified swim instructors.
Head to Orange City Council’s school holiday events calendar to see what’s available, and to book your spot.
