Family Summer Fun

With summer well under way and school around the corner, soak up everything the Aussie summer has to offer, with events and attractions around the country for kids and families. 

TrueBlue Magazine - December 2018/January 2019

Words by: Robin Kopf

Zip through the trees at Hollybank Treetop Adventure - Launceston, Tas

Experience Tasmanian forests from above and below with zipline canopy tours and Segway tours on the forest floor. Children as young as three can have a go on the zipline with parental supervision, and older kids can also try the KidZip ropes course. Go at twilight for ziplining in the dark.

Visit an art gallery designed for kids at the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery - Melbourne Museum, Vic

The Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery makes a day at a museum more accessible to young children. The gallery is designed for babies to five-year-olds, helping them learn through sensory experiences like touching, climbing and playing. Children can also try their hand at palaeontology with a dinosaur dig, and explore the gallery’s discovery garden.

See a Christmas lights display at the Southern Aurora Spiral Lights - Marriot Way, Morley, Perth, WA - 24 Nov-27 Dec

Christmas lights are bright and fun with no need for sun! For the first time in Perth, see the Southern Aurora Spiral Lights, a spellbinding display that’s bound to excite the whole family. Walk around the neighbourhood and marvel at the variety of beautiful, twinkling Christmas lights.

Sing and dance at Grease: The Arena Experience - Perth Arena, WA - 19 Jan, 2pm & 7.30pm

Enjoy some summer nights with the rock ’n’ roll fun of Grease performed live. Sing and dance to all your favourite songs from the musical with Danny, Sandy, and their friends at Rydell High. The production features an amateur ensemble cast of more than 500 kids and teens, making this a huge performance fuelled by an extremely proud community.

See The Nutcracker - Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Qld - 14-22 Dec

The Nutcracker has been a widely loved ballet for more than 120 years, and it is coming to Brisbane to help ring in the holiday season. Be part of the tradition and share in the magic of nutcracker soldiers, elaborate sets and costumes and Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music.

Walk on the wild side at Altina Wildlife Park - Darlington Point, NSW

The zoo-fari at Altina Wildlife Park is nothing like your average zoo. Ride in a horse-drawn or motorised cart on a guided tour through the park while you watch all kinds of animals graze and prowl during their daily feeding times. You can even embark on a private Behind the Scenes tour for the chance to feed and pat your favourite animals. Tours are by appointment only, so be sure to book early for an exciting and wild day out. 

Ring in the season at the Sydney Santa Spectacular - Rosehill Gardens, NSW - 7-27 Dec

Experience the classic spirit of the season in this three-week-long Christmas festival. There’s no shortage of activities for children of all ages, including an ice rink, interactive enchanted forest, craft workshop, double-decker carousel, cookie decoration, winter toboggan run and Australia’s largest teacup ride. 

Experience Mechelle Bounpraseuth: Westside Story -MAMA, Albury, NSW

Take a peek at some artwork that might look as familiar as your own home! Mechelle Bounpraseuth’s ceramic still-life pieces are inspired by her everyday childhood as a first-generation Australian. The exhibition is a sweet and approachable introduction to art for children that the whole family can enjoy together.

Splash around and explore the wild at Gumbuya World - Melbourne, Vic

Imagine a water park, zoo and theme parked rolled into one – and you have Gumbuya World. One ticket is all you need to slip down a water slide at Oasis Springs, walk with wallabies at Wildlife Trail and rumble through a rollercoaster at Oz Adventure, while Outback Explorers is the perfect place for little ones to have some gentler fun with games and rides.

Play with your food at  Scoffed: School of Food and Fun - Adelaide, SA

Let the budding chefs in your family learn more about food from around the world at a cooking class. There are classes for kids, teens, adults and kids accompanies by adults. This December little ones can also participate in Christmas cookie decorating classes, making edible gifts to take home for family and friends.

Go behind the scenes at the Macadamia Castle and Animal Park - Knockrow (between Ballina and Byron Bay), NSW

During the school holidays children and teens can engage with keepers to learn about conservation efforts and providing enrichment for the animals. While the kids are playing, parents can enjoy the fine foods store at the Macadamia Castle or take the little ones to play mini golf.

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