It’s easy to think of school holidays as a time to be ‘survived’ but with so much to do around Perth, maybe it’s time to flip that idea on its head.
From the Perth Royal Show to the Awesome International Arts Festival, sport clinics to drama workshops - there is something to cater for almost any child, whether they are a budding cricketer or an aspiring artist.
With lots of free holiday activities on offer this spring, you won’t need to worry about burning a hole in your pocket as you embark on your quest to entertain the kids! Here’s our top picks for the Spring School Holidays.
Workshops and Clinics
Scorchers Cricket Clinics
WHEN: Oct 1-11
COST: Free
If the kids love a hit of cricket, why not up their batting game with WA’s cricketing legends, the Perth Scorchers? Join the Scorchers at sporting grounds across Perth for a free fun-filled day of cricket activities, games and a chance to meet mascots Blaze and Amber. Open to girls and boys aged 5 – 12 years, they'll be swinging the bat like a champ in no time! Bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen and your friends.
Register here
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Barking Gecko Drama Workshops
WHEN: Oct 7-9
COST: Free
If you’ve got a budding thespian in your family, look no further than Barking Gecko Theatre. These immersive three-day workshops at Subiaco Arts Centre are designed to fuel imaginations in a joyful, supportive environment as youngsters learn about movement, comedy, character building and more. Barking Gecko’s professional teaching artists will facilitate the learning of fundamental skills as the kids have a whole lot of fun.
Find out more here
Festivals
AWESOME Arts Festival
DATE: 5-18 October
COST: Some FREE events
Ticketed events: $10 - $30 per person.
Family passes $54 - $84 per event
With the Awesome International Arts Festival kicking off during the spring hols, you’re in luck this season. This annual festival showcases a huge array of events including theatre, dance, early childhood activities, music, film, literature, visual arts and creative hands-on activities. For all ages up to 12, AWESOME Arts presents high-quality, layered programming at Perth Cultural Centre and the University of Western Australia.
See the program here
SPRINGarts
WHEN: Oct 1-13
COST: $20 - $30 per child
UWA’s Cultural Precinct is really turning it on for kids, with SPRINGarts offering a jam-packed program of hands-on activities. With a wide variety of creative and educational activities for the young and young at heart, the SPRINGarts program includes a series of art-making workshops at Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery that are sure to keep the school holidays crafty and fun.
View the program here
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Muddy Hands Festival
WHEN: Oct 13
COST: Free
What child doesn’t love jumping in muddy puddles? Get them outdoors to play and enjoy the spring weather at the Kent St Weir in Cannington. Featuring mud kitchens, giant mud pits, cubby building, ochre face painting and mud sculpting, this event is a dream for any kid who likes to get covered in mud – plus there’s a high ropes course! A collaboration between Nature Play WA and City of Canning, this event is aimed at kids between 3 and 15 - but everyone is welcome.To encourage sustainability and love for the environment, bring water vessels and keep cups!
Find out more here
General fun
Pixar Putt
WHEN: Sep 27 – Nov 3
COST: $20 - $40 per person
Get the ball rolling at the hotly-anticipated Disney-Pixar themed mini-golf, which has finally popped up in Perth at RAC Arena. Pixar Putt pays homage to some of Disney-Pixar’s most adored films including Toy Story, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Ratatouille, Monsters Inc., Wall-E, Inside Out, Coco, The Good Dinosaur and more.
Players have the choice to putt their way past all their favourite characters over 9 or 18 holes. Find out more here.
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Perth Royal Show
WHEN: Sep 28 – 5 Oct
COST: $11 - $13 per child
Family pass: $74
With a brand new rollercoaster on offer, the IGA Perth Royal Show promises to be bigger and better this year. Whether it’s thrill-seeking in sideshow alley, cuddling their favourite furry friend at the animal nursery or watching the fireworks, there is endless fun to be had by kids and adults alike. This year, the show is offering a sensory day on Tuesday October 1, when the ride sounds and lights will be turned down to cater for children with special needs. Plus, there'll be a twilight session at reduced cost.
Find out more here
