School holidays come around so quickly and can be a daunting prospect for busy parents of active children. Luckily, there is a wide variety of things for school kids to do in Mosman and beyond during July.
If you’re looking for ways to entertain the kids over the winter break, at home or away, read on.
Winter holiday activities in the Mosman area
For activities close to home, the Mosman Council website is a good place to start. You’ll find some excellent options for everyone from budding actors to future IT whizzes.
The award-winning Bop till you Drop kids programme is running a two-day Performing Arts Workshop for 5 to 12 year-olds in the first week of the holidays. This action-packed class includes a wide variety of activities designed to build self-esteem and teach creative new skills. Your child will come away having experienced the thrill of acting, singing, dancing, craft-making, cooking and science.
Do you have a budding young actor or actress at home? Older kids in years 3 to 6 interested in drama might enjoy the Roald Dahl-inspired Beastly Rhymes workshop on offer by NIDA. This 3-day programme runs from Wednesday 17 to Friday 19 July from 10am to 4pm.
If your child is more into baking, they will love having a go at a cupcake decorating class (perhaps you can take the day off to join in). The Classic Cupcake Co. in Mosman is putting on workshops on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 July. The 90-minute classes are aimed at children aged 7 to 15. Your mini-chef will learn a variety of cupcake baking tips, from piping techniques to fondant-crafting.
Art activities
You’re never too young to develop an appreciation for the art world and young art-lovers are spoilt for choice these holidays. If you’re looking for short, locally hosted art classes, choose from the following:
* As part of NAIDOC week, Mosman Library will be exploring Aboriginal history and art through talks and workshops by JustArt Australia. These are a great way to encourage an understanding in kids of Australia’s indigenous people and their creative legacy.
* Watercolour Resist Painting and Art Attack – Colours, Patterns and Shapes are both aimed at 5 to 8 year-olds. These classes explore colour using different materials and styles and are sure to keep your little ones occupied and happy.
* The Art Attack series hosted by Mosman Art Gallery will give 9 to 13 year-olds the choice of a couple of 2-hour workshops. These will focus on portrait painting and the depiction of shadow and light using charcoal.
Robotics workshops
Mosman library is hosting several robot-building workshops for children aged 9 to 13 during the July school holidays:
* Project Goldberg and Build a Bot are on Monday 15 June and Tuesday 16 June respectively. These sessions will teach participants how to build robot frames and supports, as well as how to program robot controllers, sensors and motors.
* Battle Bot is on Thursday 18 July. Here, the kids will put the programming and building skills they have learnt into practice by aiming to come up with the winning robot.
Winter Sailing School
If your child has never tried sailing, Middle Harbour is the perfect tranquil spot to introduce them to this fun and exciting sport. Middle Harbour Yacht club offers school holiday programmes for all ages.
Winter fun in the city
Why not take the whole family on a wintry city adventure? Start with a visit to the French-style Christmas Markets in July at the Rocks. Held from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 July this is a chance to give the kids a taste of Europe at Christmas time.
You and the kids will love the snow machines, fairy lighting and delicious gingerbread on offer. Then head to Cathedral Square for some magical ice skating under the stars.
Snow and skiing
A little further from home, it’s hard to beat a ski holiday. Most resorts like Thredbo and Perisher have kids’ clubs, so you can have a few hours to enjoy the slopes while the children learn to ski and make new friends.
Queenstown is only a short flight away and boasts some high-end luxury accommodation as well as boutique hotels. Make sure you book somewhere close to the slopes. Otherwise find a place close to town, overlooking the majestic Southern Alps and glacial Lake Wakatipu.
With so much to do, the holidays are sure to fly by. Just be sure to book ahead so your child doesn’t miss out.
