With more than three weeks left until the new school year kicks off, the Riverina provides plenty of chances to create cherished summer holiday memories.
Whether your young’uns are outdoor adventurers, indoor creatives or up for a bit of culture and education (with a good dose of fun, we promise), we’ve gathered nine of the best of them here.
All week
Inflatable days at Oasis
When: (Mega Run) Friday 13 and Wednesday 18, 11 am – 3 pm, (Fun Run) Saturday 14 and Monday 16 January, 12 – 3 pm
Where: Oasis Aquatic Centre, 50 Morgan St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: $3 in addition to pool entry, see here (6 years and over 25 m swim test)
As Wagga heats up, Oasis Aquatic Centre offers the most fun way to cool off – with inflatable floating obstacle courses. The “mega run” course runs half of the 50m pool. Plans are subject to change depending on staffing, weather, bookings and events, so make sure you contact Oasis on 6926 9390 before attending to confirm availability and conditions of use.
Aladdin
When: Sunday 15 to Friday 20 January, Monday to Thursday 11 am and 2 pm, Saturday and Sunday 2 pm
Where: Basement Theatre, School of Arts Civic Theatre, Tarcutta St, Wagga Wagga and Up To Date Store, cnr Loughnan and Cowabbie sts, Coolamon (Friday 20 January only)
Cost: $8, payable upon entry.
This school holiday production by The Children’s Theatre Workshop is directed by Louise Blackett. Immerse yourself in the magic of this classic tale that has delighted children for generations. Doors open 15 minutes before the show and correct money is appreciated.
2023 Portsea Camp
When: Monday 16 to Friday 20 January, all day
Where: The Portsea Camp, Portsea (departure and return by bus from Jerilderie)
Cost: $500 (for children residing in the Murrumbidgee Council area aged between 9 and 12 years), call Eden Hercus or Toni Shaw on (03) 5886 1200 to book.
For 40 little adventurers of the Murrumbidgee comes five days of wholesome fun, with accommodation, meals and transport included in the cost. Then of course there are the activities, which include canoeing, giant swing, flying fox, high ropes, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, beach games galore, disco, bike riding, abseiling, arts and crafts, woodwork, campfires, face painting, hiking and so much more.
Friday
Art camp kids – woven animals and storytelling
When: Friday 13 January, 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: $11.64 (children aged six to 12), book here.
In a unique chance to connect with Country and culture, join Elders and members of the Hands on Weavers Inc in this weaving circle. You’ll hear stories of the Wiradjuri people and create woven animals to take home, inspired by the stories in the mayinyguwalgu ngunggirridyi exhibition.
Saturday
Carrathool Family Fun Day
When: Saturday 14 January, 11 am – 5 pm
Where: Carrathool Hall
Cost: Free entry.
Offering everything you could hope for in a good old-fashioned summer holidays community event, don’t miss the Carrathool Family Fun Day. Expect a water slide, laser tag, inflatables, games, a barbecue lunch and a movie afternoon from 3 pm.
Tuesday
Reptiles on the go
When: Tuesday 17 January, 12 pm – 1 pm
Where: Coolamon Shire Library, 129 Cowabbie St, Coolamon
Cost: $5 per child, under 2s free (an adult must accompany all children), to book call 6927 2492.
When nature play comes to you – your kids will be so fascinated by this initiative they won’t even notice the education. They’ll meet live lizards, snakes and even baby crocs, interact with them, and learn a little about the animals in our backyards. Places are limited, so call ahead and book your spot.
Wednesday
Cultural learning tour and bush tucker lunch
When: Wednesday 18 January, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Sandhills Artefacts, 16 Bamblett St, Narrandera
Cost: Free (young people 12 to 24 years), book here.
Join Uncle Mick in this interactive and educational session as he demonstrates how he creates his artefacts, carvings and artworks. Paint your own artefact – boomerang, coolamon or clapsticks – to take home. Take a bushwalk and experience Uncle Mick’s home-cooked bush foods. Participants must wear suitable footwear and bring a water bottle.
Thursday
Youth earring workshop
When: Thursday 19 January, 10 am and 2 pm
Where: Outback Cafe & Gifts, 2 Punt Road, Darlington Point
Cost: Free (young people 12 to 24 years), book here.
Thanks to the NSW Government Summer Holiday Break Program and Murrumbidgee Council, 12 to 24-year-olds can participate in this earring-making session led by Vitoria from Lazy Daisy Creations. Registrations are essential as places are limited. Light refreshments will be available for participants.
Kick Bounce Skate with Mates
When: Thursday 19 January, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: Skatepark, Olympic St, Griffith
Cost: Free entry.
Presented by not-for-profit CareSouth, this free and fun day for local children and young people offers food including a barbecue, coffee, sports activities, a skateboard competition and entertainment including a DJ. All are welcome and local youth support services will be on-site to chat.