FIVEWAYS TO KEEP THE KIDS BUSY

JULY school holidays generally take a little more imagination to keep the kids entertained because of the wintry weather, but there’s no excuse for boredom.

Get the kids off their screens and let them shake off their winter blues with a range of indoor and outdoor activities. A lot of programs are on offer in the next couple of weeks for all age groups. Here are a few to get the kids moving.

1. LITTLE DESIGNER CLUB

Myer is hosting pop-up design studios at its stores across the country, giving kids aged three to 12 the chance to design their own unique bag or jewellery. The Little Designer Club is not just for the girls, as guys can design bags for ipads, library books, you name it. The program runs from 11am to 3pm until July 14 in the children’s wear section of the Hobart store. Prices vary and parents can book an hour slot. In busy times kids who have booked will get preference to non-bookings. Go to https://littledesignerclub.com/popup

2. NATURE BE IN IT

It’s a pioneering nature school holiday program with wild play experiences which aim to teach children some bush skills. Kids build resilience, confidence and STEM skills, all while having a ball outside. Options during the program include building shelters, safely using a real pocket knife and making things from natural resources. Run in partnership with Greening Australia, the program is based from the Sustainability Learning Centre at Mt Nelson and runs until July 19 at various times. Go to http://naturebeinit.com/

3. GETTING MESSY

The State Library of Tasmania has been running programs for years and these school holidays are no different. At Kingston Library, children can learn the beauty of paper marble art with local artist Jenny Blake. This will allow them to get messy while discovering the magic of shaving cream and dyes. Children have also been able to take part in a robotic coding activity and learn how to weave an Ojo de Dios, or Mexican God’s Eye. Programs will run till July 21 with a full list available at www.linc.tas.gov.au

4. OUTDOOR PLAY

We keep saying it. Hobart has some of the best playgrounds in the country. Try Aberdeen St for climbing frames to challenge the kids; Long Beach has swings and slides and shelter; Cornelian Bay is suitable for all ages with a fencedoff playground for youngsters and bike paths for older kids; Cascade Gardens is great for grandparents with younger charges and Caldew Park needs no introduction, everybody knows it as the West Hobart train park. To find out more about these parks, go to http://www.aroundyou.com.au/articles/ best-playgrounds-in-hobart

5. DEEPER THINKING

Want to get the kids thinking about social justice or maybe a young one just needs to build confidence? The YMCA is running a Kids AntiBullying School Holiday Workshop designed for children five years and above. They will learn a variety of techniques that may help them gain confidence to deal with antisocial behaviour. Bookings are essential and $10 payment is required at the time of booking. The YMCA also offers a range of physical activities including Ninja Fit, Kids Zumba, Self Defence and Table Tennis. Go to https://hobart.ymca.org.au