MAKE MOST OF LAST WEEK OF HOLIDAY AND WIN PRIZES
Beat the hot summer days by getting into some indoor activities
THE last week of the 2017/18 school holidays is about to begin and while many families are winding down and think- ing about school and work, there are still a few long days which need to be filled.
Bowling, trampolining and the movies offer some excellent ways to beat the heat and spend a few hours of family bonding time together.
A couple of those activities will also burn some energy and make for a peaceful afternoon.
And what if you have reached the end of your budget’s capacity?
There are plenty of ideas inside for free, interesting activities the whole family will enjoy.
Whether it is chasing Pokemon or finding hidden caches in the suburbs, searching for native wildlife from the beaches, or finding a great playground or spot for a swim, there is no end to the things parents can entertain their kids with for little or no cost.
Don’t forget to find this week’s codeword to go in the running for a fantastic school holiday prize.
AS the summer heat intensifies and the rainy season sets in, a cool place to spend a day or a few hours with the kids shoots up to the top of the priority list over the holidays.
Although the Far North is famous for its outdoor lifestyle including hiking trails, waterholes and beaches, sometimes, a break from the heat is just what everyone needs.
Luckily, the city has plenty to offer in that department.
Jump Mania general manager Alice Balsillie said the Manunda recreation outlet was very popular at this time of year.
“We’re super cool and airconditioned. It’s a great way to get fit and keep active and healthy and mum and dad can have a coffee upstairs while they watch the kids,” she said.
“It is very busy in summer, especially when it’s raining.”
The centre is used by gymnasts for training with some of the most popular sections being the air track and tumble trampoline.
The champion trampoline zone where participants can run up walls of three different heights is also a favourite.
Edmonton PCYC’s basketball after dark session on January 19 wraps up the centre’s holiday program and provides a chance for some competitive fun in the cool of the evening.
Youth development officer Melanie Lizotte-Steponavicius said the game gave children and parents the opportunity to meet other people from the community.
“They get to work on their basketball skills, get coached and it keeps them off the streets.
“We provide some refreshments and snacks and the police get involved as well so that helps breakdown barriers between teenagers and the cops.”