Stuck for ideas these school holidays? We’ve put our heads together in the Diary office and also asked friends of our Warrandyte Diary Facebook page to help us come up with these beaut suggestions.
Bounce into action
Are your kids bouncing off the walls at home? Well why don’t you take them somewhere where bouncing is actually encouraged and loads of fun! Bounce is a massive indoor trampoline park with more than 50 trampolines and giant airbags with slam dunk arenas, wall running and dodgeball courts rolled in. The kids will never got bored here and there is a café so you can chill out while the kids go wild. Or you can jump into the action too. Bounce is at 22 Joseph St, Blackburn North.
More: bounceinc.com.au/locations/blackburn-north
Go to the movies
Want something a little bit more relaxing? Croydon Cinemas is just around the corner! I know what you’re thinking: “I would love to take my kids to the movies but they’re so expensive.” Well, not any more! Croydon Cinemas tickets are really affordable – children’s tickets are $9.50 and adults just $12.50. There are heaps of great movies to see including Minions, Inside Out and if you’re kids are a bit older, Jurassic World. Croydon Cinemas are located at 1,3-5 Hewish Road, Croydon.
More: www.croydoncinemas.com.au
Load up on lollies
Of course you can’t watch movies without some yummy snacks, so head over to see Francesca and the team at Warrandyte Lollies and Treats for the most delicious confectionery that all kids will love. She has great sweets from all around the world including Hersheys and Ben & Jerry’s from America, Speculaas and Syrup Wafers from the Netherlands, Walnut Whips and English Cadbury from England, Quavers and Monster Muches from Scotland, and don’t forget the good old Aussie treats such as Sherbert Fountains, Liquorice Logs, and Timeless Drops from Sovereign Hill. They have an unlimited selection over at 207 Yarra Street, Warrandyte. How could you ever just drive past, especially with hungry kids in the back seat!
More: www.warrandytelolliesandtreats.com.au
Jump on a horse
If your kids are animal lovers, and in particular horse lovers, then we have two fantastic suggestions. Head to the Ponyland Equestrian Centre for an amazing horse riding experience where you can ride in a group through the beautiful native bush with experienced leaders – your kids will never get lost or bored. These horses are as tame as they come and they love people, especially kids. Ponyland Equestrian Centre is at 35 Osborne Road, Christmas Hills (make sure to pack the carrots and apples!). Otherwise, Tandivale Equestrian Centre and Pony Club Holiday Program in South Warrandyte is going to be a big hit over the next fortnight. Even if your kids have never ridden a horse and they just want to have a go, the school holiday program at Tandivale covers it all. Your kids will learn the basic skills they need to groom, saddle and ride their own horse or pony for the day. The day runs from 9am to 4pm with a BBQ lunch provided. Give your children an experience they will remember these holidays at 88 Johansons Road, Warrandyte. Karen Paine and Marnie Kruyer sent Tandivale’s School Holiday Program into us over Facebook. Thanks for the great suggestion!
More: www.tandivale.com/holidayprogram.htm or www.yellowpages.com.au/vic/christmas-hills/ponyland-equestrian-centre-13672134-listing.html
Go 10 pin bowling
If you’re feeling like a little bit of competition these holidays then you should head over to AMF 10 Pin Bowling and challenge your kids in a game of this great activity that everyone in the family will love. They are running a special offer for these school holidays: two games of bowling or laser PLUS 5 arcade tokens, shoe hire and a $5 return game pass for only $19.90 per person. What better time to head over to the Forest Hill complex or the Knox complex, so get striking! Thanks to Sheya Atherton who made this great suggestion and many others on our Facebook page. Check them out at our Facebook page
More: www.amfbowling.com.au
Head for the Dark Zone
Are your kids more into the athletic, skill and teamwork sort of activities? Then you should be in your car heading to Box Hill for games of Laser Tag at Dark Zone! Dark Zone is one of the only Laser Tag centres in Australia to offer the latest Helios Pro Laser Tag technology as well as having the biggest and best multi-level arena in Australia. Dark Zone offers the best variety of deals for all groups from kids events and birthday parties to corporate events and overnight lock-in. They also have many deals for these holidays. Head to 942-946 Whitehorse Road in Box Hill for a crazy, fun time.
More: www.darkzone.com.au/beta
Visit chocolate heaven!
Are you and your kids chocoholics? Then Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is definitely for you! Enjoy free delicious chocolate tastings and watch some of their European chocolatiers create over 250 of their incredible chocolates. They also have a range of ice creams for you to taste and enjoy. If the kids are getting a bit tired then scoot over to their café where they specialise in amazing sweets. Once the kids have fueled up on chocolate then they can run around and play on the beautiful lawns and gardens. What’s not to love about a place where the kids are entertained and you get to indulge in chocolate? NOTHING! So get in your car and head over to 35 Old Healesville Road (Cnr Melba Highway), Yarra Glen.
More: www.yvci.com.au
Spin those wheels in a Go Kart
Those looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, and you’re willing drive a bit further, should set your GPS sights on 55 Waterview Close, Dandenong South to experience Le Mans Go Karts Melbourne. With more than 23 acres and four massive tracks you’re bound to have a great day! Le Mans Go Karts provide you with all the safety equipment you need so don’t worry if you don’t do this often, you’ll be safe. With great prices and ultimate experiences, everyone in your family will love a day out at the track.
More: www.lemansgokarts.com.au
Get ready to be splattered with paint
Looking for a bit of fun with your kids where you can shoot them? Then Melbourne Indoor Paintball is the place to go. But don’t worry, it’s all in the name of good fun. Even though the drive is a little long, the experience and fun is totally worth it. The address is 25 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne, and just five minutes from Melbourne CBD. There are many exciting fields, fully carpeted and with a sniper tower and surround sound. What better way to entertain the kids for a day.
More: www.melbourneindoorpaintball.com.au/index.html
Read a good book in our beautiful library
Are your kids books worms or have always wanted a PlayStation? Then visit the Warrandyte Library at 168 Yarra Street for a quiet but fun afternoon. The library has such a variety of books for kids to choose from and now with the PlayStation kids can take turns playing fun interactive games. There are also DVDs for the kids if they’re keen to borrow a free movie. The library has some great holiday activities for the kids and staff are always happy to help them find books. So c’mon, book lovers, visit the Warrandyte Library. Sheya Atherton and Michele Petalas both suggested this one on our Facebook page.
More: www.wml.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_id=848
Join the Circus Oz team
After a fantastic and funny show for the kids? Well you’re in luck because Circus Oz is back in Melbourne these school holidays from June 17 to July 12 at Birrarung Marr. The new show is reportedly one of the company’s best shows yet, full of fun, laughter, jokes, comedy and of course circus tricks. This would be a great show for any kids but especially for kids who are interested in the arts, gymnastics, dancing and acrobatics. Hurry! Tickets are going fast.
More: www.ticketmaster.com.au/section?tm_link=tm_header
A day out at the theatre
Looking for a more gentle, relaxing outing? One is certainly on offer at the Regent Theatre where The Lion King is on until July 3. Tickets are selling out very fast for this incredible show and before long they’ll all be gone. Don’t miss the opportunity to take your children to what must be one of their favourite movies recreated into an amazing live theatrical performance.
Visit Edendale
Rug up and take your kids over to Edendale farm at 30 Gastons Road, Eltham. Meet and feed some of the farm animals, try out the new activities revolving around patterns, pictures and textures or book into one of the wildlife or art school holiday programs.
More: www.edendale.vic.gov.au/Visit_Edendale/School_Holiday_Activities
Whatever floats your boat
Want to take your kids to some place fun where they probably haven’t been to before? Inflatable World is the place to go. They say it’s all about having fun, so bring the whole family and bounce on in to Inflatable World. It’s not just for the kids – they encourage the parents to have fun too. Sessions are for two hours per single entry fee after which time you will be pooped anyway. You can play on the inflatable activities as many times as you like during the session and supervisors are there to make sure everyone is safe and gets a fair go.
More: www.inflatableworldoz.com.au/stadiums/oakleigh
Lots on in Nillumbik Shire
Nillumbik Shire Council has many events running throughout these school holidays. If your kids are interested in helping out with the environment and have a real green thumb then these are perfect: Backyard chooks for beginners, Stories of Place – Heritage Walk, Energy Freedom workshop 5 – solar electricity, Beekeeping – a taster, Set up and maintain a worm farm, and so many more. Don’t let your kids sit at home and do nothing these holidays, get them involved and actively learning while having fun in the outdoors.
More: www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Environment/News_Activities_and_Events/Activities_Program
Warrandyte Basketball holiday programs
It has been another great term of basketball in Warrandyte and while the holidays are a fantastic time to get a little rest, they are also perfect if your kids want to stay active and participate in some basketball extension activities. There are some wonderful opportunities open to the Redbacks and Venom players, some of which are Warrandyte Basketball-based and some are offered by external organisations.
Grab a DVD and chill at home
Can’t take your kids out but can’t keep them entertained at home? Video Ezy at The Pines could be your best friend. They have a wide selection of movies for all ages including the new Cinderella movie, Paper Planes, Big Hero 6, Paddington and so many more. What kid doesn’t enjoy sitting and watching movies all day? NONE! So head over to Video Ezy and grab some movies for great prices and pop the kids down in front of the TV for the day and they’ll stay out of your hair.
More: www.videoezy.com.au
A big thank you to all the people who made excellent suggestions on Facebook.
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