Plenty to enjoy these holidays
With the school holidays rapidly approaching it’s time to plan activities that will keep youngsters occupied and out of mischief.
New Plymouth is alive with opportunity some of which are free and others that cost money.
The Todd Energy Aquatic Centre has a range of activities for the school holidays that begins with a pool party on September 30. There will also be of games, fun and prizes.
Puke Ariki is running a school holiday programme and has a variety of activities available for free but bookings are essential.
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre is putting on a range of activities as is the Brooklands Zoo, which is offering free Meet the Keeper talks every day at noon and 2pm.
Owner of Rumpus Room New Plymouth Helen Griffiths is expecting to get busier over the school holiday period and advised parents to book early if they were planning on taking their kids to the venue during the two-week break.
They had loads of activities planned for the kids with themed days and also a visit from Wonky Donkey writer Craig Smith on October 13.
‘‘Don’t assume just because it’s raining we’ll be busy, give us a ring first and we’ll tell you.’’
Griffiths said the second week of the school holidays was often the busiest time for them. ’’Maybe because parents are pulling their hair out by that stage.’’ she said, laughing.
Airzone trampoline park owner Craig Huffam said he was also expecting things to pick up over the holidays.
‘‘If it’s anything like last year it most certainly will be,’’ he said
Huffam has set up a range of activities and programmes for kids over the holiday period and was also planning on running a few special offers to help offset the cost to parents.
‘‘Some kids often come here and then head down to the beach or the pools nearby to cool down.’’
If all else fails and it’s a nice day head along to the Coastal Walkway or to Pukekura Park, it’s free and is a great place for kids of all ages to explore.