School Holidays | Five Fun Activities to Keep the Kids Entertained

Author // Rachel Avery for Place Newmarket

Keeping the kids entertained during school holidays can often feel like an impossible task.

The winter blues don’t help – the days are shorter and a visit to the local pool or a trip to the beach is often met with protests that the water is too cold.

Thankfully, Brisbane has plenty of events on to keep a big smile on their little dials (and to keep you from pulling your hair out in the process).

Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe | GOMA

Current – 3rd September 2017

Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe at GOMA is the largest Marvel exhibition ever presented at an art museum and is exclusive to Brisbane.

It features more than 500 works following Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye and others from the pages of comic books onto the big screen.

With over 60 original costumes, 150 props, and exclusive pieces from the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok film, this exhibition is ground-breaking and fantastic for Brisbane’s superhero enthusiasts.

The interactive exhibit is fun for all ages and immerses you into the Marvel cinematic universe.

Night at the Museum for Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum | Queensland Museum

7 July

This international touring exhibition is an Australian exclusive for the Queensland Museum, featuring more than 120 artefacts about the life and times of the Gladiators.

Come learn about the training and facilities of the Gladiator soldiers, with pieces of their armour and well-preserved bronze helmets on display.

During the Night at the Museum, you can make your own Gladiator helmet, fight your opponent in the inflatable arena, party like a Gladiator and much more.

Winter Festival | King George Square

17 June – 11 July 2017

While it’s true we don’t get as much of the icy weather here compared to Australia’s southern states, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enjoy a bit of the winter fun.

Brisbane City Council’s Winter Festival features a variety of activities, including a pop-up ice skating rink in King George Square.

Open every day of the week from mid-morning to 8pm, it’s a great activity that the whole family will enjoy (even if you end up with a wet butt from falling over).

School Holiday Fun | IKEA North Lakes

3 July – 8 July 2017

IKEA North Lakes might only be new in town, but they’re certainly making their presence felt these school holidays with their variety of events for the kids.

For those who are keen scientists, there’s freaky “goo worms”, rainbow seed bombs, snowballs that never melt and bright neon slime.

If you’re looking for more environmentally-friendly projects, there are crafty activities for making bugs, creepy crawlies, and sea creatures out of recycled cardboard and fabric.

It’s all located in the IKEA North Lakes Restaurant, so Mum and Dad can have a coffee while the children are entertained.

The Hundred and One Dalmatians | Brisbane Arts Theatre

24 June – 2 September 2017

The Hundred and One Dalmatians is a Disney classic and a favourite for children of all ages.

It’s being brought-to-life in a kid-friendly setting by Dodie Smith and Glyn Robbins at the Brisbane Arts Theatre on Petrie Terrace.

The shows run during the week over the school holiday period, then weekend matinees until September.

For those who don’t know the tale, it follows Pongo and Misses as they expect their first litter and they can't wait for the pitter-patter of tiny dog feet to fill the house.

But things don’t go according to plan and they have to protect their babies from the evil Cruella D’Ville.