Summer 2019-2020 School Holiday Inspiration
Our Summer 2019-2020 school holiday guide is packed with fun and educational holiday programs in and around Sydney’s Inner West in December and January. Be sure to book in advance to take advantage of early-bird discounts and to avoid disappointment, and don’t forget to use those Active and Creative Kids vouchers! (Many of the businesses listed here are registered Active or Creative Kids providers.)
AcroPals
AcroPals’ Acro Camps will run during two weeks in January, 13-17 January (Elite Week) and 20-24 January (Fun Week), from 9 am–3 pm with after care available. There will be air track tumbling, circus skills, flipping, ninja skills, contortion, cheer, acroyoga, musical theatre, dance acro, aerials and sports acro! Elite week is for experienced dancers and acrobats while Fun Week is for all ages and levels! Lunch is provided every day and there will be craft activities during Fun Week! The cost is $90 per day, $260 for three days, $330 for 4 days, $400 for one week and $700 for two weeks (that is a $200 saving!) For more information and bookings see here.
Bop till you Drop
During the September school holidays Bop till you Drop is running performing arts workshops in five locations: Mosman (14 and 15 January), Castle Hill (15 and 16 January), Lane Cove (21 and 22 January) and Waverley (21 and 22 January). These workshops are designed for children aged 5–12 years. The programs are educational with professional teachers who will gently encourage and teach your child new skills in dancing, singing and acting plus craft, cooking and science. It is recommended that your child attend both days as on the second day the children will perform in a concert to show off their new talents and they will also be awarded a graduation certificate. Regular hours are 9 am–3.30 pm. Extended care hours are available (8 am–5 pm) on the first day. Cost is $75 per day. An early bird rate ($65 per day) is available until 12 December. Use the voucher code EARLYBIRDJAN20. A sibling discount of $30 per sibling is available for two-day bookings. The sibling offer and Creative Kids voucher are only valid for two-day bookings. For more information or to book, click here.
BRICKS 4 KIDZ Inner West
During the summer school holidays BRICKS 4 KIDZ Inner West will be hosting workshops on various dates in December and January in Abbotsford, Balmain and Leichhardt The workshops will feature STEM-based fun LEGO themes and NEW robotics and coding options for ages 9+. The Abbotsford workshops will run 16-20 December and 20-24 January; the Leichhardt workshops on 12 and 13 December and 21-23 January and the Balmain workshops from 13-17 January from 9 am-4 pm. One-day workshops cost $95; two-day programs start from $190. BRICK 4 KIDZ is an approved Creative Kids provider. To book any of the workshops, please use this link.
Carlile Swimming Five Dock
Carlile Swimming is a world-renowned swim school with more than 60 years’ experience in teaching children to swim well. Teach your child essential swimming and water safety skills with the Learn to Swim specialists in a fun, safe and caring environment. For three weeks in January, from 6-24 January, Carlile Swimming Five Dock will hold swimming lesson intensives for kids aged 2.5 years and up. In addition, there will be clinics to focus on specific skills, including breaststroke, butterfly, and dives and turns. The cost is $21.75 per clinic; $94.30 per week. To book, phone reception on 8753 0333.
Creative Little Fingers
Creative Little Fingers, based in Drummoyne, is running art workshops for children aged 5–12 years on 7, 8, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24 January. Held in a relaxed, fun environment, the workshops will use mixed media to help bring out your child’s inner artist. The cost is $35 per class. For further information visit the website. For bookings please email mjalogan@live.com or phone 0414 733 098.
Drama Scene
During the school holidays Drama Scene will be holding daily workshops for students in Kindergarten through to Year 7 at Taverners Hill, Petersham. Through play, drama games and exercises, children will experience the fun in building acting skills and confidence in front of the camera and on stage as they perform, film and make plays, costumes, sets, props and new friends. There are no minimum or compulsory days. The Creative Kids Voucher is accepted. Enquiries and bookings can be made via the website.
Flying Yogis
This summer, Flying Yogis in Annandale is focusing on creativity and agility. In addition to their fun-filled daily programs that include yoga, gymnastics, dance, music, ninjas and art, they are putting on two specialist camps: a three-day acro-dance camp (7-9 January) and a two-day art camp (16-17 January). The holiday program will run from 19-20 December and 6-24 January from 9 am-3 pm with early and late extended care available. The cost is $80 per child per day, with $180 for the specialised two-day art program and $270 for the three-day dance program. To find out more, see here.
Gallery NTK
Gallery NTK, in Croydon, provides creative art activities for all ages from preschool to Year 12 led by fully qualified art teachers and professional artists. The classes focus on skills and techniques and are tailored to the individual child’s interests. Gallery NTK offers a beautiful gallery setting to enhance the creative skills of every child. During the Summer holidays, classes will run from 6-10 January between 9 am and 3 pm. The cost is $50 for a 3-hour class or $100 for the full day. Creative Kids Vouchers are accepted. Bookings can be made here. Email normatahhanartist@gmail.com with any queries.
GymKidz
GymKidz is a toddler, kinder and recreational gymnastics centre in Newtown. The Gymkidz holiday program is perfect for parents looking for a dynamic and exciting activity day for their child. The camps are gymnastics focused but include a variety of stimulating physical and motor-skill development with games, acrobatics and circus, double dutch, rhythmic, dance and team challenges, all in the care of qualified instructors. The holiday program will run from 6-24 January from 9 am–3 pm. The program is suitable for boys and girls aged 4–8 years. The cost is $80 + GST per child, per day. Extra care is available from Monday-Wednesday each week for $30 per day. For more information or bookings, please see the website.
The Gymnastics Revolution
Based in Summer Hill, the Gymnastics Revolution (TGR) is a family owned and operated gymnastics facility, offering gymnastics classes, school holiday programs and birthday parties, in a fully equipped venue. The Gymnastics Revolution school holiday program will run 6-24 January. Catering for children aged 5–12 years, the program a fully supervised day of gymnastics circuits, ninja courses, games, craft and more. Choose from two options: 9 am–3 pm, costing $55 per day, OR 8.30 am–5.30 pm, costing $70 per day. Bookings can be made via the website.
Haberfield Tennis Centre
Haberfield Tennis Centre is offering summer tennis camps for kids aged 4 years and up and for all standards throughout the school holidays. Kids will learn to play, improve tennis skills, and participate in tennis games, with singles and doubles round robins each day. Also all day, every day kids can have fun on the Tiki Falls giant water slide and Lost Jungle King Cobra jumping castle. And there’s fun day Friday with fairy floss, slushies, a barbecue and trophies and prizes for all camp players. Core hours are 9 am-3 pm, with aftercare available from 3-5.30 pm. Christmas camp will be held on 19 and 20 December; Camp 1 from 6-10 January, Camp 2 from 13-17 January and Camp 3 from 20-24 January. All camps cost $55 daily (9 am-3 pm) with aftercare costing $20 per child per day. A full week in January costs $240. Book online.
Holey Moley Golf Club
Looking for something different to do with your kids during the summer holidays? Take advantage of these school holiday deals. Play 18 holes of golf for only $15 between 10 am and 5 pm. Alternatively, bring the family in before 5 pm and two adults and two kids can play 18 holes for only $50! Open throughout the school Holidays (21 December – 27 Jan) 10am – 5pm. Book now online.
Inkling Writing Studio
Inkling Writing Studio offers fun creative writing workshops for children aged 7–12 years. During the school holidays, workshops will be held on 22 and 23 January from 10 am–3 pm in Hunters Hill. The workshop themes are Time Travellers historical fiction and Funny Bones comedy writing. Each workshop is fun and engaging and allows children to explore their imagination and express their ideas freely. The cost is $90 per five-hour workshop. Bookings can be made online.
Julie Peadon Art
Julie Peadon Art offers fun fine art tuition for children from Kindergarten to Year 12 in Drummoyne. During the upcoming summer school holidays Julie Peadon Art will be holding holiday art workshops for primary and high school students. The workshops will run between 6 and 24 January, with half-day and full-day options. Themes include pop art, Monet, Matisse and Van Gogh inspired works, pet portraits, texture monsters, recycled robot sculptures and street art. The classes involve drawing, painting, mixed media, collage, printing, etc. Students will leave with their own masterpiece. The cost is $49.50 for a half-day, $99 for the full day. Morning and afternoon tea and all materials and tuition included. Julie Peadon Art is a Creative Kids provider. Bookings can be made at the website.
Kids Got Skillz
Kids Got Skillz is offering three workshops during the summer holidays.
Christmas Creativity: Saturday 14 December 9.30 am-4 pm
A Christmas extravaganza! Kids will enjoy making a gingerbread house, Christmas cards, gift tags and decorations, baking Christmas cookies and more.
EOY Kids Retreat: Thursday 19 December and Friday 20 December 9 am-3.30 pm
Kids can unwind and restore at the end of another hectic school year with yoga and relaxation, mindfulness practice, cooking, drawing and story time.
UNPLUG ME! Digital Detox: January. Exact dates and times in TBA
This workshop gives children a good dose of ‘screen free’ time allowing them to engage in art, craft, cooking, outdoor games, yoga, meditation and mindfulness practice.
To register your interest, email kidsgotskillzclub@gmail.com or use the contact form on the website.
Kids Up Front
These school holidays Kids Up Front will be running performing arts holiday camps at Kegworth Public School, Leichhardt. Kids Up Front works with enthusiastic boys and girls to put on a fabulous musical show. These holidays, it’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’! In the morning, the children rotate in their age groups around the specialist tutors and complete a 45-minute session each of singing, dancing and drama. Each day after lunch, the children come together and perform for each other, showing what they have learned and building their confidence in performing. The program culminates on the last day with a musical show for parents and friends to enjoy! The camps will be held 6-10 January and 13-17 January between 8 am and 5.30 pm. The cost is $385 for five days ($365 if you book by 9 December); the day rate is $85 per day ($80 if you book by 9 December). The Creative Kids voucher is accepted. Bookings can be made online.
NumberWorks’nWords Leichhardt
Looking for a fun way to keep those sleepy brains running over the holidays? Searching for an extra boost to prepare for Term 1? NumberWorks’nWords, in Leichhardt, offers Maths and English tuition program for children aged 5–15 years. From 13-17 January and 20-24 January, tuition will be offered. The curriculum-linked programs are designed by experts to deliver the results your child needs (catch-up, extension or exam prep), while also building confidence and increasing love of learning. Every student has an individualised program and works towards agreed personal goals. For more information or to book, phone 02 8068 6624 or email leichhardt@numberworks.com.
Paper Rock Scissors Art Studio
Paper Rock Scissors Art Studio in Rozelle offers creative classes that include lots of fun and unusual experiences. The studio is running workshops for Kindergarten–Year 6 students in December and January. The workshops are developed to include techniques that children would not normally be able to do at home and produce a beautiful and sometimes functional piece of art.
Pre-Christmas workshops: The Pre-Christmas workshop themes include pine cone Christmas trees, Santa’s snack tray, making Christmas wall hangings and table lanterns and a special Christmas Eve box. The Pre-Christmas workshops will run 9 am-2 pm and cost $100. These workshops are open to students from Kindergarten through to Year 6.
January workshops: The January workshops will run 13-24 January and include separate programs for K-Year 2 and Years 3-6. The K–2 program includes making mouse houses, forest fairy accessories, nature art, exploding volcanoes, rainbow wall hangings, to name a few. The Years 3–6 program includes marbling, cactus softies and sombreros, macrame owl necklaces and friendship bracelets, pet accessories and lots more.
Morning sessions are from 9 am–12 pm; afternoon sessions are from 2–5 pm; full-day programs are 9 am–5 pm, with extended hours available (8.30 am–5.30 pm). The half-day programs cost $60 + GST; the full-day programs cost $120 + GST. Paper Rock Scissors Art Studio is a Creative Kids provider. To see the full program or book your child’s place, go to Paper Rock Scissors Art Studio’s website.
PCYC Glebe/Leichhardt
PCYC Glebe/Leichhardt, based in Forest Lodge, has an affordable holiday sports program for boys and girls aged 5–12 years in December and January. Sporting activities include basketball, soccer, multisports, dance and much more. Camps will run on 19 and 20 December and Tuesday-Thursday 7-9, 14-16 and 21-23 January. Rates are $35/day, with the following combo deals: $65/two days, $95/three days, $125/four days. Participants must be PCYC members. For more information or to register, phone 9660 2557 or email glebeleichhardt@pcycnsw.org.au.
PCYC Marrickville
The PCYC Marrickville school holiday programs are a fantastic opportunity for children aged 5–12 years to experience a wide range of fun creative and physical activities and keep busy. Programs will run from 6-24 January from 9 am–3 pm (with extended hours from 3-6 pm available). There will be a mix of sports – including inflatable obstacle courses, laser tag and Skater HQ – as well as arts and crafts workshops. The cost is $55 per day, with three days for $155 and five days for $255. PCYC junior membership ($10 per annum) required. Creative Kids vouchers are accepted. The details are online. For bookings call Marrickville PCYC on 9559 7722 or email marrickville@pcycnsw.org.au
The Pinnacle Studio
The Pinnacle Studio, in Concord West, is a dedicated space for Pilates, yoga and other small group exercise classes which run from Monday to Saturday. During the upcoming school holidays, preschool and primary school kids’ yoga workshops will take place there. On 16 January a primary school kids’ class will be held from 9 am-10.30 am (90 minutes); and a preschool age class will be held from 10.45 am-11.30 am (45 minutes). Morning tea will be provided for both classes. Classes involve basic yoga moves, balance, stretching, creativity and fun. The preschool class costs $15 and the primary school age class costs $25. Book by calling 9743 2311 or email reception@yourpinnacle.com.au. Booking can be made online after 1 January.
READ + CREATE Classes
If you have a creative, book-loving little one in your life, then these are the school holiday classes for them! The classes will explore books around the theme of kindness and then create painted rocks that the mini makers can choose to leave in parks and public places to spread some random kindness and joy. Children aged 3 to 7 years are invited to come and READ + CREATE. The classes are run by a practising primary teacher and are playful and purposeful, messy and meaningful. The one-hour classes are held at the Drummoyne Community Centre and cost $22. For further information and bookings see here.
Resilience in Kids
Resilience in Kids aims to strengthen the resilience of everyday children experiencing everyday challenges through workshops, holiday camps and coaching. In the summer school holidays, resilience building camps will be held at community centres in Annandale and Lilyfield and various venues on the North Shore. The Inner West camps will take place on 15, 20 and 25 January. The North Shore camps will take place on 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21 and 22 Jan. The camps include drama, art, craft, storytelling and LOTS of games! They explore a whole range of topics including confidence, friendship, emotions, the inner voice, the growth mindset, positive psychology and more more, all in a safe and supportive environment. Check the program for further details. The cost is $110 per day. Resilience in Kids is a registered Creative Kids provider. Bookings can be made via the website.
Sydney Speaking School
Sydney Speaking School helps students develop their confidence and bring their words to life. This summer Sydney Speaking School is running presentation skills (Years 1 and 2) and public speaking and debating workshops (Years 3-4, 5-6 and 7-9) in Burwood, Parramatta, North Sydney and Moore Park. Each class is taught by an experienced and passionate coach. There is an emphasis on small classes, a welcoming environment and plenty of personal feedback from expert coaches. Workshops will run between 9 and 24 January. For further details or to book, please see the website.
Sydney Youth Orchestras
Got a budding young musician? Keep them engaged these school holidays with Sydney Youth Orchestras’ fantastic Summer School program. Running from 6–10 January at Santa Sabina College, Strathfield, the SYO Summer School combines high-level music making, creativity, exploration and personal development. The week-long program is open to students aged between 6 and 17 years, catering to all skill levels. Students are placed in ensembles that match their abilities and extend their knowledge and experience. Camp hours are 9 am–3 pm and the cost is $560 (sibling rate $550). You can register here.
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