Spring 2021 school holiday activity guide

The spring school holidays are just around the corner. Lockdown may be preventing us from taking a much needed holiday (again) or hitting up Sydney’s museums, galleries and zoos, but there are lots of ways to make the school holidays fun. Check out our guide to online classes and in-person vacation care programs, many of which are run by local businesses. There are ideas for all ages and interests.

Some of these businesses accept Active Kids or Creative Kids vouchers, so don’t forget to ask when you book!

Julie Peadon Art
These full day and half day art workshops for primary schoolers and teenagers span painting, clay and mixed media. Themes range from street art to Matisse’s goldfish, clay pot making to animal portraits.
When: September 20 to October 1
Price: Full day workshop $100 and half day workshops $50. This includes a take-home art pack with fine art materials. Contactless pick-up from Drummoyne or packs can be shipped.
To book: Visit juliepeadonart.com/art-for-children/#workshops

Kidz Artworx
Learn how to draw sea creatures, toucans, Manga portraits and so much more in these three hour Zoom art workshops. The classes have been designed for kids aged 5 – 12 years, but older children are welcome too.
When: Monday to Friday, from September 20 to October 1
How much: $49.50
To book: Visit kidzartworx.com.au/product-category/september-october-school-holiday-workshops-2021/

Speech and Language Sydney
Join a holiday games group or a Roblox social skills group in online classes run by the speech therapists at Speech and Language Sydney. There’s also a Preschool Language Group (ages 3-5) focused on language skills and school readiness.
When: Various dates and times.
How much: The Preschool Language Group is $100 for four sessions. The Roblox Social Skills Group (held in week one) and Holiday Games Group (held in week two) are priced at $250 each, for five one hour sessions.
To book: Email info@speechandlanguagesydney.com.au

Milk & Honey Photography
This local photography business has developed an online course on ‘How to make your photos stand out on social media’, aimed at kids aged 8 to 14. It will cover lighting, storyboarding, styling and backdrops, composition and perspective, as well as how to put all these elements together.
When: The course launches on September 27, then go at your own pace. There are five modules of instructional videos and workshop activities, plus the chance to ask questions.
Price: $100
To purchase: Visit milkandhoney.com.au/shop/photocourse/

Paper Rock Scissors Art Studios
Make a mermaid grotto, mad monsters, pussy cat bag, and other creative curios using a holiday craft kit from Paper Rock Scissors. Each kit comes with a video tutorial. Some kits are for ages 4 and up. Others for ages 8 and up.
When: Pre-order a kit for delivery prior to the school holidays.
Price: $30-$100
To purchase: Visit paperrockscissors.com.au/shop

Artest Art School (pictured at top of page)
Learn how paint Australian flora, corals and jellyfish, or fancy flamingos, in these classes for ages five and up. Or master a more challenging technique such as drawing hands or reflections, in classes for teens. The workshops are delivered via Zoom and run for one to two hours.
When: September 20 to October 1.
Price: From $20.
To purchase: artest.com.au/courses/delivery/School-holiday-activities-sydney

O’Grady Drama
Get audition ready with this online class on how to prepare a monologue or play script for presentation. For children aged 10 to 16.
When: September 30, from 9am to 12pm.
Price: $50
To book: Email sydneyeast@ogradydrama.com.au or call 0435 566 248. Visit the website: ogradydrama.com.au/

Early Start Discovery Space

Wollongong University’s children’s museum has been running interactive Zoom sessions between an educator and two families during lockdown (you and a friend!). Their school holiday program includes Lego robot building, an art workshop inspired by Japanese artist Yayoi Kasuma and superhero school! These are suitable for preschoolers too.
When: 21-30 September, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. All sessions are 30 minutes long.
Price: $12.50 per household. Invite another family for $7.50.
To book: Visit earlystartdiscoveryspace.edu.au/visit/discovery-school-holiday-program/

VACATION CARE

Gymkidz Gymnastics

Learn how to cartwheel AND play balloon volleyball. Or build a giant fort AND learn tumble tricks. These gymnastics holiday camps are for children aged four to 12, and pack in a lot of fun!
When: September 20 to October 1, from 9am to 3pm
Price: $90 per day per child
To book: gymkidz.com.au/holiday-camps

Flying Yogis
Yogi Olympics is the theme of the Flying Yogi’s holiday camps for the spring school break. Activities include yoga, gymnastics and dance. Plus art and music sessions. Open to primary school students.
When: September 20 to October 1. From 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (or 8.30am to 5.30pm with before and after care).
Price: From $100 to $110 per day, get five days for price of four (check website for pricing conditions).
To book: Visit flyingyogis.net.au/annandale-school-holiday-camps/