The Easter school holidays are just around the corner, and parents will soon be on the lookout for activities to keep their families entertained over the break.
Ipswich City Council Chief Executive Officer Sonia Cooper said there is a strong science theme across activities this holiday period, with council putting out a call for children to join its Science Squad in Tulmur Place daily between 10am and 2pm from 8 to 12 April.
“The best place for Ipswich families to start their search for fun-filled and educational activities is the Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich Central,” Ms Cooper said.
“You can explore Ipswich in all directions, starting from the precinct and discover cafes, shops and boutiques as well as the Ipswich Central Library, Ipswich Children’s Library, the Ipswich Art Gallery and the Ipswich Civic Centre, which all have great activities these holidays.
“The Nicholas Street precinct also has an undercover carpark, with the first three hours of parking free, and many of the restaurants in the area will have school holiday specials running.
“Curious youngsters can join the Science Squad in Tulmur Place with clouds, coloured fire, crazy bubble painting and much more. There are three science workshops to select from – snow, lava lamps or slime.”
For more information about the Tulmur Place workshops, visit Nicholasst.com.au/event/science-squad/
Ms Cooper said the fun is not limited to Ipswich Central with free Big Bang Science Workshops being held at Rosewood and Springfield libraries as part of Ipswich Libraries’ holiday program.
Alongside the science-based activities, there is plenty of other fun to be had including Puppet Avatar Drop-in Workshops at Ipswich Children’s Library as well as at the Rosewood, Springfield Central and Redbank Plains library branches.
For the littlies, Proudfoot and Friends will bring their sing-along story time to the Springfield Central Library and the Ipswich Children’s Library.
Full details about school holiday activities at Ipswich Libraries branches are available at the Ipswich Libraries website.
There will be visual delights on stage with The Big One-Oh Junior, based on the book of the same name, being presented by Fusion Arts Inc and the Ipswich Civic Centre, running for three shows across 3 and 4 April with tickets on sale now.
Also on stage is the Magical World of Crazy Science at the Ipswich Civic Centre on Sunday 7 April, offering a unique mix of science, magic and the arts with a touch of comedy hosted by award-winning entertainer Richard Scholes. Visit the Ipswich Civic Centre website for information and tickets.
At the Ipswich Art Gallery families can get hands-on with STEAM-based exhibitions and activities throughout the school holiday period.
Drop into a Vibrant Vessels weaving workshop and make a woven vessel. This free activity is open 10am to 1pm on weekdays during the holidays.
Children can then explore shape and design at the interactive all-ages exhibition Pattern Play, open 10am to 5pm daily until 14 April (closed Good Friday).
The Ipswich Nature Centre in Queens Park is always a school holiday favourite with local and visiting families.
It will be open daily (closed Good Friday) during the school holidays from 9.30am to 4pm with free admission, however, a donation of a gold coin is always appreciated as the money is used to care for the animals.
Council’s Active and Healthy Ipswich program has 54 activities across 19 locations to choose from and for active kids who are interested in the outdoors, there are a range of holiday pursuits including gymnastics, mountain biking, frisbee throwing, camping, circus skills and sports.
All residents need to do to take part is go to the Active and Healthy Ipswich section on council’s website and sign up.
Once signed up, residents will automatically receive an invitation to download the Active and Healthy Ipswich app and then follow the prompts to find the activities on offer.
The autumn school holidays start on Friday 29 March and finish on Sunday 14 April 2024.
