The summer school holidays are here and children across the state are rejoicing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So how ill you keep them occupied until they’re back in uniform? We’ve compiled a list of free activities to do with the kids around the north.
Share your secrets to surviving the school holidays by emailing sarah.aquilina@fairfaxmedia.com.au with your tips.
Storytime at the LINC
Get the kids reading these holidays with storytime at the Launceston LINC.
Trading hours will be slightly different during Christmas, with the Launceston LINC closed from December 25 to 26, it will be open from December 27 to 29 from 9.30am to 5pm and December 30 will be open as normal.
The LINC will close on January 1 and reopen on January 2.
Rock & Rhyme runs Tuesdays and Thursday from 10.15am to 10.45am. It is half an hour of fun songs, action rhymes and short stories.
Storytime is held on Wednesdays from 10.15am to 10.45am. Enjoy stories and rhymes as well as the occasional craft activity.
Activities at the LINC are free and suited to children aged two and up.
Launceston LINC is located at Civic Square, Launceston.
Regular opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 7pm, Friday from 9.30am to 7pm and Saturday 9.30am to 2pm.
For more information go to www.linc.tas.gov.au/ or phone (03) 6777 2446.
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
There’s plenty to do at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery’s Phenomena Factory.
The hands-on, interactive science centre provides educational fun for kids of all ages.
Free guided tours of The Blacksmith Shop run on Sundays at 1pm. Meet your tour guide at the reception desk.
QVMAG is open daily from 10am to 4pm, with opening hours extended until 5pm in January.
The museum is located at 2 Invermay Road, Invermay, and the art gallery is at 2 Wellington Street, Launceston.
Contact QVMAG on (03) 6323 3777.
Bunnings Warehouse DIY workshops
Keep the kids’ creative side active with Bunnings DIY workshops at the Kings Meadows and North Launceston stores.
On January 6 the North Launceston store will hold a kids’ school holiday program workshop from 10am to 3pm. Book your kids into the workshop via the Bunnings’ website.
Contact the North Launceston store, which is located on the corner of Lindsay and Goderich street, on (03) 6345 0200 for more information.
Kings Meadows Bunnings will also hold kids’ school holiday workshops from December 30.
To book a spot at the Kings Meadows store, which is located at 90 Connector Park Drive, phone (03) 6345 2400 or visit the Bunnings’ website.
Punchbowl Reserve
Let the kids run wild on the outstanding play equipment at Punchbowl Reserve, while you cook lunch on the free barbecue facilities available.
Pack your bikes and go exploring on the trails available around the reserve or bring your backyard cricket set and battle it out on the field.
There’s also sealed and unsealed walking trails available, toilets, shaded areas and parking.
Punchbowl Reserve is located at 102-134 Punchbowl Road, Punchbowl.
Visit the monkeys at City Park
It’s a tradition that never gets old, visiting the monkeys at Launceston’s City Park.
Whether you live in walking distance or heading to town is a special treat, taking the kids to see the monkeys at City Park is always a barrel of laughs.
After visiting the monkeys why not stop and say hello to the ducks, tackle the playground or sit and enjoy the greenery.
The park has barbecue facilities, or take the day off cooking and enjoy lunch at the cafe.
Swim at Cataract Gorge pool
Cool off these summer holidays at the Cataract Gorge pool.
Lifeguards will be on duty at the First Basin pool every weekend from 11am to 4pm from December 2, and then every day between 11am and 4pm from December 18 through until March.
Go for a wander through the stunning scenery or sit and take in the panoramic views.
The First Basin has toilets and a car park. The cafe is open daily from 8am.
Located at 67 Basin Road, West Launceston.