Easter school holiday activities

Published: 04 Apr 2019

There is plenty to do over the Easter school holidays… Bring your friends and family to Artspace for lots of fun making cardboard creations to add to the Artspace cardboard community, hop into your local library to create some Easter crafts and buckle up and take the whole family on a fun-filled Kids’ Day at the MECC, plus much more!

> Artspace Mackay

Build a community from card

Tuesday, April 9 – Thursday, April 18
Artspace Mackay, Workshop Room

These Easter holidays, no matter your age, bring your friends and family to Artspace for lots of fun making cardboard creations to add to the Artspace Mackay Cardboard Community! The completed pieces will be included in Take root (Colony): Project Another Country, a huge installation by world-renowned artists Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan which will be installed in the FIELD Engineers Gallery, later this year. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours, it’s free for all, no bookings necessary.
NB: To attend, all children must be accompanied by an adult and parental supervision for children under 13 is required. Artspace hours: 10am – 5pm Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 3pm Saturday & Sunday

> Bluewater Lagoon

Open 7 days, 9am – 5.45pm
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. Kids will love the waterfall, drop-bucket and wading pool! For more details visit mackay.qld.gov.au/bluewaterlagoon

> Friday River Street Twilight Market

Friday, April 12, 4pm – 8pm
River Street, Mackay

A community market for all to enjoy and meet local producers, value adders, creators and bakers along with many support business operators from our region. Families, couples, singles and young ones are invited to enjoy the space near the river, bring a blanket and relax on or take a walk through the markets... then head into Mackay City Centre to explore more and dine at local cafes, bars and restaurants. http://bit.ly/2C6iFUR

> Greenmount Homestead

Monday to Friday > 10am – 2pm
Last Sunday of each month > 10am – 2pm
Greenmount Road, Walkerston

Take a step back in time and educate your children on the history of our region. Explore the iconic Greenmount Homestead. As one of Mackay’s most valued historic attractions, the grounds contain several buildings including a 1915 Queenslander homestead which houses a collection of more than 20,000 historical items. Entry fees: adult $7, concession $5, student/child (5-18years) $3.

> Libraries

Bedtime Stories

> Thursday, April 11 at Gordon White Library, 6pm to 7pm
> Thursday, April 18 at Dudley Denny City Library, 6pm to 7pm

A fun evening for all children and their families during the school holidays featuring nursery rhymes, stories, songs and a craft activity. Don’t forget to wear your PJ’s! No bookings required.

Easter Craft

> Monday, April 8, 10am to 11am at Walkerston Library
> Monday, April 8, 2pm to 3pm at Mirani Library
> Wednesday, April 10, 10am to 11am at Gordon White Library
> Thursday, April 11, 10am to 11am at Dudley Denny City Library
> Friday, April 12, 10am to 11am at Sarina Library

Hop in to your local library and have fun creating fantastic Easter crafts! Activities are for children in prep to year 6.  Bookings are essential for this event and can be made online at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/whatson

National Youth Week

> Monday, April 8, 2pm to 3.30pm at Sarina Library
> Tuesday, April 9, 10am to 11.30am at Walkerston Library
> Tuesday, April 9, 2pm to 3.30pm at Mirani Library
> Wednesday, April 10, 1pm to 4pm at Dudley Denny City Library
> Thursday, April 11, 1pm to 4pm at Gordon White Library  

It’s National Youth Week and we’re playing in the dirt! The theme for 2019 is ‘unlimited’. Libraries have teamed up with the clever people from council’s Parks and Environment team so we can play with seed bombs, identify weeds, and chat about careers in the great outdoors!  For young adults aged 12 – 18 years.  Bookings essential and can be made online at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/whatson

> Mackay ARC

Monday to Friday - 5:30am to 8pm
Saturday - 6am to 6pm
Sunday and public holidays - 8am to 6pm
193 Boundary Road, Ooralea

Cool down and splash around or utilise the athletic facilities with the whole family www.mackayarc.com.au

Come and try

Saturday, April 13, 11am – 2pm
Mackay ARC

Mackay ARC is holding a 'come and try' day at our brand-new Aquatic and Recreation Complex. Experience the newly launched 'Go Swim' learn-to-swim program, or our Splish Splash (aqua playgroup) program. Register and get free entry to ‘stay and play’ for the day: www.mackayarc.com.au/event. The day will be filled with FUN for the whole family; jumping castles, track and field activities, and much more! Simply come down and you will have the chance to win some great prizes, in our draw for both members and guests! Prizes include: one full access annual membership, six free Go Swim lessons, and free entry passes. (Winners must be on site between 11am -2pm to collect their prizes).

Easter Intensive Holiday Swim Program

April 8 - 12, 9am - 11.30am  
Mackay ARC

Looking for something to keep yourself and the kids active over the holidays? Intensive programs are a great way for children to gain water confidence and allows for rapid progression of their swimming and survival skills. Five lessons over five consecutive days. Available for ages two and above. Bookings are required. $70 for five lessons ($14 a lesson). Book your spot today on 07 4847 5400 or marcswim@belgravialeisure.com.au. www.mackayarc.com.au

> Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

Kids Day at the MECC

Saturday, April 13, 9am & 2pm
The MECC Plenary Halls
$20 Admission, $68 Family Pass (2A+2C), optional $6.50 Kids’ Snack Box

Buckle up and take the whole family on a fun-filled adventure day at the MECC! Be welcomed through the doors by Australia’s Prince of Circus and Physical Comedy, Dandyman, and immerse yourself into the wonderful world of performing arts. Take a trip in a giant time machine and travel back to the era of dinosaurs. Sit back and relax, enjoy a snack box and a movie - Rumpelstiltskin filmed live on stage! Let your creativity run wild and make your own marvellous, glowing puppets. Or let Guru Dudu take you on a silent disco tour through the secret corners of the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, and dance like no one is watching. Kids Day at the MECC is not just a show, but an experience – we will see you there! Kids Day at the MECC is not just one show, it’s hours of fun & adventure!

Main Stage > Dinosaur Time Machine Stage Show, Dandyman Stage Show, Local Entertainment
Mini Cinema > Rumpelstiltskin Live on Stage
Neon Junk Puppets Workshops
Guru Dudu’s Silent Disco Tour

Session 1 > 9am – 1pm
Session 2 > 2pm – 6pm
Kids’ Snack Box includes > Kids’ wrap, popper, carrot cake

Please note > Register for free workshops to avoid disappointment on the day. Pre-order your snack boxes as they may not be available on the day.

> Mackay City Centre

Active Kids in the City

If you are looking for something fun and free or low cost for the kids to do these school holidays, check out the Active Kids in the City school holiday program!  For more details, please visit: www.mackaycitycentre.com.au

Monday, April 8
> Face painting and balloon twisting, Sydney Street Markets, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Tuesday, April 9
> Zumba Kids, Bluewater Quay, 9am – 10am (years 4-12)
Wednesday, April 10
> Smarty's  ACTIVE Squirtz, Bluewater Quay, 9am – 10.30am (years 2-5)
Friday, April 12
> Time out Tai Chi, Bluewater Quay, 10am – 11am (years 2-12)
Monday, April 15
> Face painting and balloon twisting, Sydney Street Markets, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Tuesday, April 16
> Zumba Kids, Bluewater Quay, 9am – 10am (years 4-12)
Wednesday, April 17
> Plaster sculptures, Bluewater Quay, 8am – noon

> Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

What’s in the box? Seed discovery

Weekdays, 9am to 5pm
Tropical Shade Garden

Use your sense of touch to identify the seeds inside six numbered boxes. Activity sheets available at Gardens Administration. Cost: free.

Bocce with a buddy

Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Malta Gardens

Enjoy a game of bocce on our sand bocce court.  Bocce sets are available for hire from Gardens Administration. $5 to hire a bocce set.

Guided walks

Every Friday, 10am
Meet at the Gardens Administration

Join us on a walk to discover the Gardens. Walks are available every Friday during April – October, booking are recommended. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information or to book a spot, please call 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au

> Sarina Sugar Shed

School holiday activities

Open 7 days a week, 9am – 4pm, closed public holidays
Field of Dreams Parkland, Railway Square, Sarina

Sarina Sugar Shed tours are a delight for all ages! On the tour, you will see the special miniature sugar processing and distilling equipment that has been sourced from all over the world! Along with the processing mill, there are multimedia presentations, souvenir shop, picnic areas, easy parking and wheelchair-friendly access. Tours run at 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm, visitors will need to arrive 15 minutes prior to tour. Tours can unexpectedly fill up. To avoid disappointment, please call through to secure your booking. Entry prices are $12 - $25, family and group booking rates available. Children receive free fairy floss and non-alcoholic ginger beer as part of the tour as well as free educational handouts. For more information or to book a tour online visit www.sarinasugarshed.com.au .

Colouring in competition

Until April 18
Field of Dreams Parkland, Railway Square, Sarina

Drop into Sarina Sugar Shed over the school holidays for a tour and the kids can enter a ‘sweet’ colouring competition! There’s three cool kids packs up for grabs. Terms and conditions available in store and competition closes 4pm, Thursday, April 18.

> Sarina Youth Centre

School holiday activities

Sarina Youth Centre
Activities run daily from 10am until 2pm for youth aged 10-18 years old. For more information contact the Sarina Youth Centre on 4961 9277 or email sarinayouthcentre@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Monday, April 8 – Pool competition
Tuesday, April 9 – Inside games da (cards, dice and board games)
Wednesday, April 10 – SYC garden sand art  
Thursday, April 11 – Make marshmallow Easter bunnies  
Friday, April 12 – Movie day, free popcorn & movie, $2 soft drinks
Monday, April 15 – DIY Easter bath bombs  
Tuesday, April 16 – Bake hot cross buns  
Wednesday, April 17 – Table tennis  
Thursday, April 18 – Deadly choices community day at Junior Rugby League  
Friday, April 19 – Good Friday – Closed

> Orchid House

Open Monday to Friday, 10am – 11am and 2pm – 3pm, Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Queens Park, Goldsmith Street, Mackay

Kids and adults alike will love the display of beautiful and rare orchids on display at the Ken Burgess Display House (commonly known as the Orchid House). Stroll through the display which houses an astounding variety of orchids, all flowering at different times of the year. Enjoy the natural surrounds of Queens Park whilst you explore the Orchid House. Make a day of it and bring along a picnic and let the kids enjoy the playground.