We know it seems like we only just sent our kids back to school, and the holidays are here AGAIN. Our IDEAS team have contributed to help get you through, from what we do with our own youngsters, to online opportunities, we pull together some new boredom busters for Winter 2020.
There are sure to be days where kids just want to live in their PJ’s, do nothing, drive you mad and that’s ok too!
For Winter 2021 see our latest blog.
This is historical information.
Looking for Activities for Spring Holidays? See School Holiday Activities for Kids with Disability, Spring. Read on if you'd like some of our staff ideas from the Winter Edition.
Money Matters
New and Noteworthy changes to Creative Kids Vouchers for NSW residents
In response to COVID-19, Creative Kids vouchers can now be redeemed for:
- cultural and creative activities that support the 2020 school curriculum,
- activities and programs delivered online, and
- creative supplies, equipment and materials through approved Creative Kids providers.
Find Creative Kids providers offering online programs.
Some School Holiday Activities may be funded through the NDIS – check to see if the provider is NDIS registered, also if you have a Plan Manager for the funding options in your plan, or with your LAC or planner to see if the activities meet goals in your plan.
IDEAS roundup
We asked our staff to share their favourite Holiday Boredom-Busters.
My tip for an on holidays activity at home is to have a planned pyjama and pancake day where the children in the household stay in pyjamas all day and have pancakes which they make with you. The kids also get to have the TV for some hours to watch a much-desired movie, or to rewatch an old fave. Ours were Singing in the Rain, and Easter Parade.
We have just discovered “Spotify” in our home, and have set up playlists of our liked songs, some new, and some delightfully old. We share the DJ duties and sing and dance madly along. To amp up the fun, we have a “Nacho night” or Pizza party” (something easy and a favourite) so the whole family is relaxed.
Near where we live is a huge Moreton Bay Fig, this tree has an open interior we plan to have our daughters birthday party inside the tree, on picnic blankets, with just our immediate family. (Mum of a child living with Autism)
We have a lego challenge. We pick a new theme each time and build from there. Even Mum joins in. We sometimes watch Legomasters videos and old episodes too.
All-day breakfast...cereal, porridge, baked beans at breakfast, toast, hashbrowns, fried halloumi, bacon, egg and bacon rolls for lunch, pancakes, fruit and ice-cream for dinner. And staying in pyjamas all day. Hmm, my dream day I think.
Have you read our article "What to do in isolation in the school holidays" or "Tips to get you through a staycation or isolation"? These articles contain a mix of old fashioned, hands-on, online and fun activities to help you through School Holidays.
More information on each activity below is in the link, please contact the provider to book sessions directly, or follow the link for online activities.
The listing below were correct at time of printing. This is historical information only.
Australia Wide
Australian Camps Association (Currently VIC camps only)
Cocky Guides – Adventures for people who are blind, visually impaired and sighted - available in some states
Make your Own Gemstone Mala – Live Streaming Zoom Meet - Masterful Makers class, with a Crafting box delivered to you in approx. 4 days. Class Bento have deliverable kits with online classes.
Your local gym may have reopened recently, check directly for operating hours and access during regulations.
Eventbrite - Search for online events that interest you and meet your accessibility needs.
ACT
Communities @ work School Holiday Programs across Canberra
Questacon – plans to reopen soon
YMCA Incursions are available
NSW
Art Gallery of NSW – Children’s Trails (Timed entry for this attraction)
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Have activities through selected NDIS fund categories, like Community Participation, Improved Health and Wellbeing, Increased Social and Community Participation
State Library see also the Kids at the Library Series
Clarence Valley Youth - have a range of programs, see their facebook page for details.
Growing Early Minds Clever Kids Camp, Lego Club (eligible under NDIS funding)
Learning Links – Primary School and Early Childhood
Northcott - Casula
Northern Beaches Council – Long-day care, fun environmental programs, art exhibitions, swimming lessons and library programs.
Northern Beaches Parks to Visit – Updates on recently completed parks, and parks in the area you can visit as restrictions ease.
Playgroup NSW – Explore Play Baby and Parent Resources this site is a wealth of fun activities to do at home for babies and toddlers.
St George and Sutherland Community College – School-age tutoring
Taronga Zoo has reopened along with Taronga Western Plains.
What's On Sydney – A trove of online options to choose from, check with individual events about accessibility options.
QLD
Speak Up Online Learning – Creativity Kits and Online Learning- Communication and Drama
SA
Adelaide North Special School – Vacation Care Program
VIC
After the Bell – Vacation Care Program
Arts Centre Melbourne – Reopening and Digital Content Hub
Building Blocks Therapy – Zoom Sessions on Mindfulness and On Point writing
Gateways Support Services – Some programs operating through Zoom
Melbourne Museum – Daily till 1st July - Fun activities you can do from home
Melbourne Zoo – Livestream Animal House
Parks Victoria Junior Ranger Make and Do – Downloadable activities
People Outdoors Weekend Camps for school-age through to Adult
YMCA Children's Programs – Various Locations
Pinarc Activity Programs for Young People with Disability –Small 1:1 Support Program for children of Primary School age with High Support needs during the June/July School Holidays. Also running an Online Group Program for Teens and Adults which will include activities such as Dance, Trivia, Art and Cooking.
Sealife Melbourne Aquarium Online event – Meet the Fluffy friends
WA
Helping Minds – Journalling, Positivity, Kindness, Coping with behaviours or emotions range of programs
