Hoppin' good times ahead these Easter school holidays
Published on 01 April 2025
There's something for everyone these Easter school holidays across the region.Make sure to check out all the activities and follow the Facebook pages of the facilities for more information and updates.
Asia Pacific Triennial Kids on Tour
Tuesday, April 15
Wednesday, April 16
Thursday, April 17
FREE ENTRY – Drop in anytime 10am to 4.30pm
Artspace Mackay is delighted to offer three days of free drop-in art activities for kids and people of all ages and abilities. The ‘Asia Pacific Triennial Kids on Tour’ program has been developed to coincide with the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial, on show now at QAGOMA, Brisbane. It features seven interactive projects produced by the Children’s Art Centre in collaboration with artists Dana Awartani (Saudi Arabia/Palestine), Etson Caminha (Timor-Leste), Harold ‘Egn’ Eswar (Malaysia), Brett Graham (Aotearoa New Zealand), Okui Lala (Malaysia), Yim Maline (Cambodia) and Rithika Merchant (India).
Bluewater Lagoon
Open 7 days, from 9am to 4.45pm
River Street, Mackay
Cool down and splash around with the whole family at the free, three-tiered Bluewater Lagoon. Overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River in the heart of the Mackay City Centre, the facilities provide the ideal stinger-free environment for kids and adults alike. For more details and operational updates visit mackay.qld.gov.au/bluewaterlagoon and its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Bluewaterlagoon.
Bookings for school holiday activities can now be made online via their website or by downloading the new MyLibrary app and transforming your library experience today!
Easter Craft Fun
Monday, April 7, 10am to 11am, Sarina Library
Tuesday, April 8, 10am to 11am, Walkerston Library
Tuesday, April 8, 2pm to 3pm, Mirani Library
Thursday, April 10, 10.30am to 11.30am, Dudley Denny City Library
Age: 5-11 years
Hop into your local library for some egg-cellent Easter fun! Join us for some easter themed craft for some-bunny special these school holidays.
Drop-in Rock Painting
Monday, April 7, 10am to 11am, Dudley Denny City Library
Age: 6-12 years
Looking for a fun and creative activity for your school-aged children? Join us for a drop-in rock painting activity. Let your kids' imaginations run wild as they paint and decorate rocks. No bookings are required - just drop in and get creative! #MackayRocks is all about having fun and expressing creativity. All materials will be provided.
LEGO Brick Day
Monday, April 7, 10am to 11am, Gordon White Library
Age: 12+ years
Calling all brick enthusiasts! Having fun and getting creative can boost your mood and your well-being. Take on one of our special challenges, collaborate with friends or let your ideas run wild. If you’re looking for ways to unwind and make time for yourself, come along and join us to find the LEGO® brick road to happiness.
Paint with Kate for Kids
Wednesday, April 9, 10.30am to 11.30am, Gordon White Library
Thursday, April 10, 10.30am to 11.30am, Gordon White Library
Age: 8-12 years
Let your child's creativity soar as they learn painting techniques from the talented local artist, Kate Kennedy! This event promises fun, creativity, and maybe some new friendships. All materials are provided, and no prior painting experience is necessary.
Bedtime Stories
Thursday, April 10, 5pm to 6pm, Gordon White Library
Age: 0-12 years
Join us for a magical evening of bedtime stories! Perfect for children from birth to eight years of age and their families. This enchanting session will feature nursery rhymes, stories, songs, and a craft activity. It's a wonderful way to wind down and enjoy quality time together. Don't forget to wear your pyjamas for extra fun and coziness!
NEW - Auslan Storytime
Friday, April 11, 9.30am to 10am, Gordon White Library
Come along and join Michaela from Awesome Auslan for a fun and interactive Auslan Storytime session. This session is for children aged two to five years. Book a spot for yourself and your child attending.
Movie Matinee
Friday, April 11, 2pm to 4pm, Gordon White Library
Join us for an afternoon movie and popcorn. Enjoy a family-friendly movie in a cozy and welcoming environment. It's the perfect way for kids to relax and have fun with friends.
Kids Easter Petography Workshop with Gee from Tropical Petography
Monday, April 14, 2pm to 3pm, Gordon White Library
Age: 8-13 years
Join us for a fun-filled workshop where kids can learn to capture adorable Easter-themed photos of their soft toy pets using smartphones. We'll cover pet photography basics, pet safety during Easter, and even share a simple recipe for pet-friendly treats. Bring your device and come along to sharpen your pet photography skills. **Note: Pets are not allowed at the library - please bring a soft toy to practice with and a smartphone.
NEW Queensland Ballet Story Time - BOOKED OUT
Tuesday, April 15, 2pm to 2.45pm, Dudley Denny City Library
Age: 2-5 years
Join us for the first of many Queensland Ballet Story Times.
Designed to support early literacy skills, and stimulate the imagination, musicality and natural movement in children aged 2 – 5 years of age, this 45-minute session will begin with the Teaching Artists reading a story, followed by creative dance movements that explore the themes and characters they have just read about.
This experience is designed for parents or caregivers to actively participate with their child and share this special experience together so please book 1 ticket for the child and 1 ticket for the adult > Book your ticket today!
All participants are welcome to wear their favorite dance costume, tutu, skirt or shoes.
All activities are free and require adult supervision. For bookings or questions, call 4952 7300.
SELF GUIDED ACTIVITIES: NO BOOKING NEEDED
Tibbles Hunt
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm (excluding public holidays)
Tropical Shade Garden
Drop into the Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre to collect the free self-guided kids' activity sheet. Suitable for kids aged five to ten years.
Botanic Gardens Scavenger Hunt
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm (excluding public holidays)
Drop into the Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre to collect the free self-guided kids' activity sheet. FREE self-guided family friendly activity.
Any day or time
Additional self-guided print your own activity resources can be found here.
REGULAR EVENTS
Free Friday Guided Walks
Friday, April 11, 10m to 11am
Meet at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre
Discover the Botanic Gardens with your guide on a free guided walk. Find what’s flowering, some of our rare and special plants and perhaps some wildlife spotting.
Bocce with a Buddy
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (except public holidays)
Malta Garden’s Bocce Court
$5 for hire of bocce set
Did you know that bocce is one of the most popular and oldest games throughout European countries? Test your skills at our bocce court in the Malta Garden. Bocce sets are available to hire ($5 per set) from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre. Bookings are not required.
Kids Fun at River Wharves - FREE Kids Activities
Wednesday, April 9, 9am to 11am
River Wharves, River Street
Don't miss the FREE kids' fun at River Wharves these school holidays with...
9am to 10.30am - Facepainting
9.15am to 10am - Active Squirtz
10am to 10.30am - Mackay Regional Council Libraries 'Storytime'
10.30am to 11am - Mackay Regional Council Libraries 'Playtime'
Follow their Facebook page to find out more
Free Family Moonlight Cinema
Friday, April 11, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Bluewater Quay
Bring your family and friends for a magical evening under the stars at Bluewater Quay, along the edge of the Pioneer River. Enjoy family favourite movie “Migration” to start at 6.30pm after the kids glam-up with facepainting and glitter tattoos. Make sure to bring your own cushions, blankets and chairs to settle in for a fun family night out. Food vans will be available including pizza, popcorn, ice cream or grab a feed from Red Dog Brewery. Follow their Facebook page to find out more and keep up to date.
Mackay Isaac's Lucky Catch and Snap
Saturday, April 5 to Saturday, April 26
20 great locations
Mackay Isaac's Lucky Catch and Snap is back again this year with cash and prizes on offer! Download the app, go fishing at one of the designated locations and catch a species on the catch list, take a snap and you could win! Visit www.luckycatchandsnap.com.au to find out more and register!
Books in the Botanics – Parker the Library Van
Wednesday, April 16, 10am to noon
Queens Park
Parker the Library Van and Kai have hit the road to bring books and library services directly to you. Packed with a fantastic selection of books and all the information you need about your local library, Parker is ready to make your day brighter. You can catch them at Queens Park these school holidays! Follow Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Facebook page for more information on this school holiday activity.
Special kids tours of the Sarina Sugar Shed
10.30am every day of the school holidays except Good Friday (April 18)
Normal tours run 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm
Cost: Adults at children’s prices $13.30 (bookings essential)
This fun, interactive session focuses on the kids, with the added bonus of adults being welcome at kids' prices!
During the 45-minute tour, the kids will discover the growing and harvesting of the sugar cane and complete a hunt for the critters that live in our sugar cane patch. They’ll enter our miniature sugar mill to see how sugar cane is crushed, and sample deliciously sweet sugar cane juice straight from our miniature mill, 'Bill the Mill Junior’.
Special stickers help the kids to understand the machines that work in the process from turning juice into sugar – they can touch and feel the different stages of the production from the bagasse to the sugar and taste the molasses! They’ll also receive a free information sheet at the end and a quick, fun quiz. Finally, everyone gets to a chance to taste our non-alcoholic ginger beer brewed onsite, and freshly spun fairy floss.
For more information or to book a tour online visit sarinasugarshed.com.au.
Easter Bunny Picnic
Tuesday, April 15, 1.30pm to 4pm (various 1 hour session times)
Cost: $16 per child (under 2 are free), free for accompanying adult
Join us for an egg-citing afternoon at Sarina Sugar Shed of craft activities, egg decorating, Easter egg hunt and face painting. Perfect for little bunnies aged 2–5 (but all ages are welcome). Find all the hidden Easter bunnies around the shed and go in the draw to win a special Easter hamper! Pre-order a Kids Easter Platter for just $15 and enjoy your treats in our picnic area or grab something tasty from our café on the day. Prefer a quieter experience? Book our sensory-friendly quiet session at 1:30pm (limited to 5 children). Don't miss out, book your session today! (Adult ticket must be selected before adding a child when booking)
A variety of school holiday activities are on offer for youth aged ten to 21 years. Bookings are required with 12 spaces available per program. Contact Sarina Youth Centre on 4961 9277 or email sarinayouthcentre@mackay.qld.gov.au. Keep up to date, follow them on Facebook.
WEEK ONE
Tuesday, April 8 - Outdoor Movie Night – Youth Week Celebrations (6pm to 8pm, Sarina Field of Dreams)
Wednesday, April 9 - Footy Training session 1 (3:30pm to 4:30pm, Senior Rugby League Grounds. Ages 13+)
Thursday, April 10 - Eco Engage (10am to 1pm at Sarina Landcare)
WEEK TWO
Tuesday, April 15 - Cooking Strong! (10am to 12:30pm, Bob Wood Cultural Hall)
Wednesday, April 16 - Footy Training session 2 (3:30pm to 4:30pm, Senior Rugby League Grounds. Ages 13+)
Thursday, April 11 - Clay Pot decorating (noon to 1pm at Sarina Youth Centre)
> Youth Week Events
Nothing says Youth Week like delicious food, an outdoor movie, a pool party and some live music. Youth aged 12 to 25 years are invited to kick back at three free events Youth Week, beginning April 4.
There will also be Youth Week events happening at Mackay Regional Council Libraries throughout the week. Download the Mackay Libraries app for all the details.
Outdoor Movie Night featuring “Cool Runnings”
Friday, April 4, 6pm to 8pm – George Johnson Park, Mirani
Tuesday, April 8, 6pm to 8pm – Sarina Field of Dreams
Youth Poolside Market Fest
Thursday, April 10, 2pm to 5.30pm
Bluewater Lagoon
Featuring free pizza and slushies, youth run market stalls, live music and swim sessions.
Youth Week Exhibition
Official opening night: Friday, April 11, from 5pm to 7pm
Jubilee Community Centre Exhibition Space
The exhibition will showcase the works of young, upcoming artists who have been working alongside a coordinated group of local artists to hone their exhibition skills and will run until April 25.