2023 Autumn School Holiday Fun Guide

AUTUMN SCHOOL HOLIDAY

Fun Guide Fun Guide

FRIDAY 7 APRILSUNDAY 23 APRIL 2023

WELCOME

Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Love Central Geelong Fun Guide! This is your guide to all the best activities happening over the Autumn School Holidays in Central Geelong – Friday 7 April to Sunday 23 April 2023.

The program is a collection of activities, events and exhibitions for children 3 -16 years, delivered by Central Geelong businesses and the City of Greater Geelong.

All activities will follow the Victorian State Government’s COVID Safe directions. Participants are reminded to follow the latest Victorian health advice regarding mask wearing, maintaining physical distancing, hygiene practices, staying at home if unwell and being COVID-19 aware.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Autumn school holidays!

BOOKINGS

See each activity for links and directions on how to book.

Events and bookings are subject to change. Places are limited and capacity numbers will vary for each activity. Please contact the activity provider for further information or details about your booking.

We will endeavour to update our website as soon as possible should circumstances change.

Tote-ally Creative Kids at Geelong Illustrators

Activities at MoPA

Activities at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre

MARKET SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE

WHERE Cnr Malop St &, Moorabool St

HOPPING & HUNTING AT MARKET SQUARE

Calling all bunnines young and old, from Monday 27 March - Saturday 8 April, Hop & Hunt your way through Market Square. Follow the clues to receive your treat and go in the draw to win awesome prizes! You won’t want to miss this. For more information visit Market Square Shopping Centre.

WHEN Monday 27 March - Saturday 8 April

WHERE Market Square Shopping Centre

COST Free. Bookings not required

ON-STREET ENTERTAINMENT

Enjoy Love Central Geelong’s street entertainment program, featuring creative and quirky street performers, including singers, dancers, musicians, poets, circus performers, hula hoopers & more!

For a full schedule of performances on the Little Malop Central stage, please check www.centralgeelong.com.au or keep an eye on Love Central Geelong social media!

AUGUSTUS GELATERY

WHERE 41 Gheringhap St

AUTUMN COLOURING-IN COMPETITION

Be part of Augustus Gelatery’s colouring-in competition these School Holidays. Simply collect your colouring-in sheet from their Geelong store located at 41 Gheringhap Street Geelong during operating hours, get creative and return your masterpiece back to the store during competition dates for your chance to win. The first prize will be a $100 gift voucher. Maximum age limit is 16. Terms and Conditions apply.

WHEN Friday 7 April - Sunday 23 April

5.30pm - 8.30pm

COST Free

PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS

Enjoy Central Geelong’s most loved playgrounds and parks. View our full list here: centralgeelong.com.au/parks

GEELONG LIBRARY & HERITAGE CENTRE

WHERE 51 Little Malop Street

Geelong Library & Heritage Centre has a range of FREE activities available for all ages.

THE JUNIOR MIX: PAINT YOUR IMAGINATION

Mix it up with school holiday activities including art, craft, games, tech activities, LEGO© and more.

Ages 5+

WHEN Tuesday 11 April 10.30am - 11.30am

THE JUNIOR MIX: TORN COLLAGES

Mix it up with school holiday activities including art, craft, games, tech activities, LEGO© and more.

Ages 8+

WHEN Wednesday 12 April 10.30am - 11.30am

Tuesday 18 April 2.30pm - 3.30pm

MYTHOLOGICAL WATERCOLOURS

Is that a mermaid? Maybe a dragon? Escape the ordinary and find mythical creatures hiding in the watercolour paintings you create and bring them out of the dark in this mixed media session. Ages 12+

WHEN Tuesday 11 April 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Wednesday 19 April 10.30am - 11.30am

NOW YOU SEE IT!

GREEN SCREEN DIGITAL FASHION

Hack Green Screen technology with simple green craft supplies and make your own Insta-worthy wearable art and escape the ordinary! Ages 15+

WHEN Thursday 13 April 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Escape the ordinary and see the world in a new way! Explore seemingly impossible images and illusions, learn the science behind how they trick the human brain and create your own illusions. Ages 8+

WHEN Wednesday 12 April 2.30pm - 3.30pm

ESCAPE THE MAZE

Help, the robots are stuck in a maze! Learn how to sequence and code simple instructions to help your Blue-bot escape. Ages 5+

WHEN Thursday 13 April 10.30am - 11-30am

THE MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY

Dress up in a crazy outfit for an imaginary tea party at the library! In this session you will hear stories about tea parties and use your imagination to join in with games and craft. All ages.

WHEN Monday 17 April 10.30am - 11.30am

ESCAPE INTO LEGO© WORLD

Mix it up with a bit of art, craft, retro games, tech activities, and good company. Ages 12+.

WHEN Monday 17 April 2.30pm - 3.30pm

FAIRYTALE FREEDOM!

Are you bored with traditional fairytales? Enjoy the freedom of making a traditional fairytale your own. Change the setting, characters, or the ending! Draw, write or act out your version. All ages

WHEN Friday 14 April 10.30am - 11.30am

CRAZY CREATURES

Expand your knowledge and creativity as you learn about unique and unusual animals – real or imagined! Let your creativity flow as you draw, decorate, and describe your own imaginary creature. Ages 5+

WHEN Tuesday 18 April 10.30am - 11.30am

FANTASTIC FANFICTION

Ever wanted to re-write your favourite story and change the fate of a beloved character? Here is your chance! Explore all things Fanfiction and even write your own and escape the ordinary!

Ages 15+

WHEN Wednesday 19 April 2.30pm - 3.30pm

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Escape the ordinary and plot your own interactive adventure story. We’ll show you how to get started – you choose the twists, turns, dead ends, risks or rescues! Ages 8+

WHEN Thursday 20 April 2.30pm - 3.30pm

MOVIE TIME: 1989 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES [PG]

Join us for some family movie fun. BYO popcorn! Ages 12+

WHEN Sunday 23 April 2pm - 4pm

Bookings essential. Visit the website to check the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre events and to make bookings

www.grlc.vic.gov.au

THE JUNIOR MIX: ESCAPE INTO LEGO© WORLD

Mix it up with school holiday activities including art, craft, games, tech activities, LEGO© and more. Ages 6+

WHEN Thursday 20 April

10.30am - 11.30am

THE JUNIOR MIX: CREATIVE COLOURING-IN

Short Description of the Event/s: Mix it up with school holiday activities including art, craft, games, tech activities, LEGO© and more. All ages.

WHEN Friday 21 April 10.30am - 11.30am

THE YOUTH MIX: MANDALA DESIGN

Mix it up with a bit of art, craft, retro games, tech activities, and good company. Ages 12+

WHEN Friday 21 April 2.30pm - 3.30pm

GEELONG ARTS CENTRE

WHERE 81 Ryrie St

FAMILY MAGIC 2023

MAGIC MAKERS: PUPPETRY WORKSHOP

Join us for an immersive workshop and share an introduction to the wonderful world of puppetry!

Experience demonstrations of different types of puppets and how they are brought to life as well as a wand making workshop. Then enjoy an interactive puppet show featuring some of Georgie Rose’s very own magical puppets. Ages 5-11 and their adults

WHEN Friday 14 April 10am and 12pm

Saturday 15 April 10am and 12pm

GEELONG ILLUSTRATORS STUDIO GALLERY

Visit platformarts..org.au for details.

WHERE 60 Little Malop Street

TOTE-ALLY CREATIVE KIDS

Creative drawing on fabric tote bags. Catherine Overliese @ Cats + Mice

Creative Design

WHEN Saturday 22 April 10.30am - 12pm

COST $30 per child. Bookings Required

eventbrite.com.au/e/tote-allycreative-kids-tickets-570399800157

Learn how to create exciting and dynamic illustrations of your favourite comic book, video game and movie characters!

WHEN Saturday 15 April 10.30am - 12pm

COST $30 per child. Bookings Required

www.eventbrite.com/e/heroes-and-villains-comic-illustration-workshop-tickets-588628913927

GEELONG GALLERY

Visit www.geelonggallery.org.au for details.

WHERE 55 Little Malop Street

EYE SPY FOR WEE ONES DIORAMA

Take a journey through the Gallery and explore JamFactory ICON Tom Moore: Abundant Wonder. Create your own special habitat inspired by the remarkable work of artist Tom Moore. Ages 3 to 5 years | Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WHEN Tuesday 11 April 9am - 9.40am

COST $5

BOOK geelonggallery.org.au/whats-on

EYE SPY ART ADVENTURES CLAY CREATURES

Create your own interesting creature using clay inspired by JamFactory ICON Tom Moore: Abundant Wonder. Ages 6 to 10 years | Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WHEN Wednesday 12 April 9am - 10am

COST $5

BOOK geelonggallery.org.au/whats-on

GALLERY TOTS

Inspire curiosity and imagination by discovering works of art through interactive storytelling and play-based activities and adventures with your little one. Suitable for ages 18 months to 4 years | Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WHEN Every Friday*

9.30am - 10am

*No workshop Friday 7 April

COST Free

Tom Moore, Flaming Stegosaurus 2013, hot joined blown and solid glass Photographer: Grant Hancock

DRAWING COMPETITION—

TOM MOORE: ABUNDANT WONDER OPEN ALL AGES

Be inspired by the work of Tom Moore. Pick up an entry form from our drawing station and create your own imaginative drawing inspired by Moore’s hybridised animal/plant creatures.

The winning drawing will be selected and made into two glass artworks by Tom Moore in the JamFactory’s Glass Studio – one for the winner to take home and one to join the national tour of the exhibition!

WHEN Saturday 25 February - Sunday 16 April

COST Free

WAYS TO SEE ME PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOP

How do you really photograph yourself? Experiment with engaging, accessible photo-making, using yourself as the subject. Play with portraiture and interventions on photographs with Tamara Searle from Back to Back Theatre and photographer Gemma-Rose Turnbull. No experience necessary, just an openness to explore the way photography can conceal or reveal our identities.

Suitable for ages 10 to 13 years

WHEN Tuesday 18 April 10am - 12pm

COST $20

geelonggallery.org.au/whats-on

Collins Street after Atmospheric Lab treatment

ATMOSPHERIC LAB

To coincide with Clarice Beckett—Atmosphere, the Gallery’s Learn Space is transformed into an immersive Atmospheric Lab designed by Sandpit, an award-winning technology and experience design studio based in Melbourne. Take a sensory journey exploring colour, sentiment and place inspired by the work of Clarice Beckett.

WHEN Saturday 1 April - Sunday 9 July 11am - 12pm

COST Exhibition entry fees apply

KID’S TRAIL—CLARICE BECKETT—ATMOSPHERE

Explore Clarice Beckett—Atmosphere with your little one and learn more about the artist and works on display by following the Gallery’s fun kid’s trail.

Suitable for ages 5 to 10 years | Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WHEN Saturday 8 April - Sunday 9 July 11am - 12pm

Tamara Searle and Gemma-Rose Turnbull, Jasmine, Portrait 2021, colour photograph, courtesy of Back to Back Theatre, © Tamara Searle, Gemma-Rose Turnbull and Jasmin

COST Exhibition entry fees apply

NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM

Visit www.nwm.vic.gov.au for details.

WHERE 26 Moorabool Street

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK… MUSEUM TOUR FOR FAMILIES

The Dennys Lascelles Woolstore is 150 years old. From ghost stories to typewriters, the auctioneer’s podium to the Ford Truck, this tour of the Museum will reveal hidden secrets about the building, the land it occupies and the people who worked here. Recommended for ages 6 years and above.

Credit: Double Interest by Scott Portelli

ANIMAL ALPHABET – WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION TOUR

Tour the world through the fascinating photographs of animals, plants and landscapes in Wildlife

Photographer of the Year. Using the alphabet to guide you, what animals will you find? Look for animals that start with the first letter of your name. A fun, interactive tour for children 3 – 8 years and their carers.

All children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

WHEN Tuesday 11 April 11am and 2pm

Saturday 15 April 11am

COST $6

Bookings recommended as places are limited. Ticket includes tour and museum entry

All children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

WHEN Thursday 20 April 11am and 2pm

Saturday 15 April 2pm

COST $6

Bookings recommended as places are limited.

BLUESTONE – A MUSEUM ADVENTURE

Test your family’s teamworking and puzzle solving skills on a brand-new adventure, seeing the Museum like never before. This interactive, digital game combines escape room-like challenges with a scavenger hunt that takes museum tours to another level.

You can use your own device or borrow an iPad from the Museum shop (ID required as security). Recommended for families with children 6 years and above.

WHEN Daily

COST Free with museum admission

WILD NIGHT PYJAMA PARTY

Get dressed up in your best animal inspired PJs or Onesies and bring your family and friends to this after-hours family event!

Call out to the giant, illuminated Teddy Bear Bees and Ladybirds roving the Museum, join in a Backyard Buddies neon puppet making workshop by The Indirect Object, get up close and personal with some of our local marine animals presented by Wildlife Xposure, take a torchlit scavenger hunt through the galleries, or listen to bedtime stories by candlelight and much more. Suitable for all ages!

WHEN Sunday 16 April

5.30pm - 8.30pm

COST $55 per family (2 Adults and up to 4 Children)

$20 per adult, $10 per child

Boookings Required NWMWildNightPJParty.eventbrite.com

Credit: Indirect Object roving puppet, Geelong After Dark 2019

WESTFIELD GEELONG

WHERE Westfield Geelong, Centre Court (near the Concierge Desk)

APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Children are invited to join in the fun in creating their favourite animals.

WHEN Wednesday 12 April - Friday 14 April 11am - 2pm

COST This is a complimentary Westfield Plus member exclusive. Bookings are essential. Please scan the QR code to secure your booking.

CAKES & VASES GEELONG KIDS CANNOLI WORKSHOP

Children will learn how to pipe their own cannoli and indulge in their sweet treat creations.

WHEN Sunday 16 April and Sunday 23 April 3pm - 3.30pm

COST $12 per child

Bookings required

www.eventbrite.com.au/e/kidseaster-cannoli-piping-workshoptickets-599307694447

A NATURAL BUNCH EASTER BASKET

Create an Easter absket using a greenery base in a basket with Easter eggs.

WHEN Friday 7 April Saturday 8 April 12pm

COST $35 per child

Bookings required

www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ kids-easter-basket-workshoptickets-594562792317

PLATFORM ARTS

Visit platformarts.org.au for details.

WHERE 60 Little Malop Street

NORTH

YOUTH THEATRE

PRESENTS: ‘RAFIKI’ & ‘RAN’

Presented by Platform Arts and North Youth Theatre, this double-bill event brings stories by Geelong’s diaspora communities to the screen and stage.

‘Rafiki’ is a joyful comedy, written and performed by the NYT ensemble. It incorporates original songs, Jamaican dance and projections to explore friendship, culture and resilience. ‘Ran’ is a short film about a young man’s struggle to find his way in a new country, written and directed by local filmmaker Kiko Wayne Jr.

WHEN Thursday 20 April

Friday 21 April

7.30pm – 9pm

COST $15 General Admission

$5 Concession

Bookings Required platformarts.org.au/events/northyouth-theatre-presents-rafiki-andran-double-bill

SEE IT, FEEL IT, WRITE IT! | AN INTRODUCTION TO EKPHRASTIC POETRY

Join Annie Mullen-Walsh and dive into the world of ekphrastic poems, responding to exhibitions hosted at Platform Arts. No prior poetry knowledge is needed, just an open mind! This is a fun workshop designed to challenge and encourage creative and curious secondary school students, and aligns with the current Victorian Curriculum for English and is designed to support Year 9/10 and VCE English and Literature studies.

WHEN Friday 21 April 2pm - 3.30pm

COST $5 Bookings Required platformarts.org.au/events/see-it-feelit-write-it

MOPA: MUSEUM OF PLAY AND ART

Visit museumofplayandart.com.au for details.

WHERE 51 McKillop Street, Geelong

MOPA MAKERS: ART HOUSE

During each session at MoPA Geelong these April holidays, Children are invited to create their own “Art House”; a self-standing functional collage-sculpture inspired by a building from their community or their imagination! Children will express their ideas and make meaning, while developing their handle on being and belonging. With assistance from MoPA’s educators, visitors can get creative with our range of templates to build Nana’s house, a bakery, a school, a community building or even their dream house, and will end up with a three-dimensional masterpiece to inspire further play and exploration when they take it home.

WHEN Every weekday of the school holidays.

During the holidays MoPA run 4x twohour museum sessions each day, each starting at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

About MoPA Makers

During each and every session at MoPA (Geelong and Melbourne), MoPA Makers will enable your child’s colourful creativity to bloom! With assistance from MoPA’s educators, and with templated craft and materials, children will practice important creative and motor skills whilst bringing their unique ideas to life with a range of media. ALL the activities at MoPA are included in the ticket prices, but the Museum does sell out every day during holidays so be sure to jump online to book ahead!

1.

The Carousel

2.

Steampacket Gardens

3.

Transvaal Square

4.

National Wool Museum