Boredom-busting ideas for the school holidays

Your local library has plenty to keep kids busy for the autumn school holiday break

Are you looking to keep your kids occupied with fun activities that won’t break the bank these autumn school holidays? Your local library is a great place to start.

Woollahra Libraries spectacular Double Bay library is a lovely, leafy oasis for your kids to read, create and play. For convenience, there’s also an assortment of online activities you can access from the comfort of home. From storytime sessions to craft projects and educational activities, there’s plenty for children of all ages to enjoy.

Make a day of it and drop in early – your children will love spending time in the dedicated junior zone with its extensive collection of books and DVDs. They can also check out the Secret Garden Play area and Beehive Craft area before taking a turn or two on the slippery slide. After exploring all the library has to offer you can treat them to a hot chocolate or snack at one of Kiaora Place’s child-friendly cafés.

Here are some highlights of the upcoming school holiday program:

Get creative with holiday crafts

Younger children aged 5-8 can enjoy a morning in the library making some super-cute and creative jungle-themed craft projects. Make (and take home) a frog fly catcher game and other crafty creatures using cardboard rolls and a variety of other recycled goodies. Bookings are essential but all materials will be provided.

Move and groove to African beats

Kids from ages 5-9 can get down and groove to the rhythms of Africa in this fun vocal, percussion and dance event. Learn about the language of movement and music and its ability to unite people of all races, religions and ages. No prior dance experience is necessary but you need to book ahead to join in.

Play fun online games with library friends

Is your child a young Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast? Sign them up for a real-time role-play adventure with Dungeon Masters that will lead them through the world of the Forgotten Realms. Meet fantasy heroes, fight evil and slay monsters! This online event is for kids aged 10-16 and will be hosted and supervised by library staff.

Explore mindfulness through drawing

Have you heard of Zentangle? It’s a unique creative activity that uses mindfulness to create beautiful drawn patterns, and it’s perfect for kids. This calming activity will help you cope with school holiday stress and could even become a regular hobby. Your young ones (aged 10 or over) can find their “zen” in a two-hour introductory Zentangle techniques workshop led by a certified instructor. Prior drawing skills are not necessary.

Catch a classic movie at Friday Flicks

Come into the library on a Friday afternoon and enjoy a Friday Flicks screening of Disney's classic jungle tale, “Tarzan”. All ages are welcome but children under ten need to be accompanied by a parent or carer. Register here.

Make reading a habit

It’s never too early to make reading a habit and the school holidays are a great time to encourage your child to start reading regularly. The library’s comprehensive children’s collection has something for all ages and tastes – from fun and colourful books for junior readers through to the latest in Young Adult titles.

After school holidays are over, make library visits a continuing priority by checking in on the library’s regularly scheduled events. During term time, the library’s monthly Mini Makers Club sessions provide a fun way for young school aged children to learn about science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.