THE words that every parent dreads are coming soon.
“I’m bored.”
But with Bluey and Bingo, dragons, Harry Potter, LEGO challenges, native wildlife, cupcakes, crafts and even a fart detective descending on the Redlands Coast, keeping the kids occupied these September school holidays might be a little easier than usual.
A packed two-week program will stretch across libraries, IndigiScapes, the Redlands Coast Museum, Redland Performing Arts Centre and other venues, with plenty of activities that will not cost families a cent.
Whether the kids want to build, bake, explore, create, get messy or simply burn off some energy, there is something happening for almost every age.
Teenagers have not been forgotten either, with Teen Trivia at Victoria Point Library on September 22 and for the littlest Bluey fans, Bluey and Bingo will provide the inspiration for mornings packed with crafts and activities at Victoria Point Library on September 23 and Capalaba Library on September 24.
Families keen to swap screens for the outdoors will find plenty happening at IndigiScapes in Capalaba.
Children can build their own native bee hotel, become nature detectives, meet Australian animals during Wildlife Unleashed, create robotic wildlife headgear and tackle a morning of Backyard Play featuring wobble boards, balance beams, ring toss, juggling sticks and games.
Things get even wilder on October 1 when Martin from Geckoes Wildlife and Ranger Stacey host an interactive experience focused on Australia’s threatened species.
The $25 session for children aged eight to 14 combines a wildlife show with an up-close animal encounter, while teaching youngsters about conservation and the incredible adaptations animals use to survive.
Over at the Redlands Coast Museum, week one will feature Rock Art Story Stones inspired by the Fifty Years of Deadly NAIDOC exhibition.
Children can choose a stone and create their own story through symbols before the museum switches gears in week two with a transport-themed activity.
For children who prefer their creations edible, Cordies Cake Supplies at Capalaba will be busy throughout the holidays.
One of the biggest weekends of the break arrives on September 26 and 27 when RedFest takes over Cleveland Showgrounds with live music, performers, dancers, market stalls, sideshow entertainment and a dedicated children’s program.
There is something for the youngest holidaymakers too, with Cleveland Library hosting Kids Alive Water Safety Story Time on September 29.
Stories, songs and activities will help children aged up to five learn about staying safe around pools, beaches, rivers and waterways.
Then it is time to swap water safety for wizardry.
Capalaba Library will open its doors to witches, wizards and muggles for its annual Harry Potter afternoon on October 1.
Children aged six to 12 are encouraged to pull on their robes, grab their wands and dress in their most magical outfits for two hours of Harry Potter-themed games, crafts and activities.
The event is free, although bookings are required.
The final Friday on October 2 will offer one last chance to get messy, with free Craft Craze sessions at Cleveland, Victoria Point and Capalaba libraries, while Point Lookout Library hosts Clay Creations and the Redlands Coast Museum continues its transport badge activities.
With wildlife encounters, crafts, STEM challenges, festivals, sweet treats, wizardry and plenty of opportunities to make a mess somewhere other than home, there should be few excuses for hearing those dreaded school holiday words: “I’m bored.”
Many activities are free, although bookings are required for selected sessions and places may be limited. Parents and carers should check individual event details before attending, with children aged 12 and under required to be actively supervised at council library activities.
