Big Fun, Little Cash Required

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday April 12, 2008

By KATELIN MCINERNEY

PARENTS certainly do not need fists full of cash to keep their kids entertained during the April school holidays.

Kids can take part in a range of fun and engaging activities, from learning how to make a terrific vegie patch to helping design and paint a mural - and it will not break the budget.

Alternatively, parents and kids can wrap up a picnic lunch and head out to Wollongong Botanic Garden to catch the beginning of the autumn colour - or slap on some sunscreen and catch the end of the swimming season at one of the region's patrolled beaches.

Cheap and Cheerful School Holidays Activities:

FREE

? THE HARBOUR PROJECT

Wollongong City Council's latest museum program initiative - to record young people's responses to the heritage and culture, between North Beach and Flagstaff Hill. Bookings essential 4251 4732

Kids DIY workshops - at Bunnings Shellharbour, Tuesday April 15 and Thursday April 17, noon-1pm. Bookings essential - 4296 3899

? GLENGARRY COTTAGE, Reddalls Rd, Kembla Grange. For bookings phone 4262 5511

Family Autumn Harvest Activity, Saturday April 19, 9.30am - 2.30pm

Celebrate the end of the summer vegetable garden and get ready for autumn with this energetic workshop of harvesting, composting, green manuring and no-dig garden. Free to Wollongong residents, small fee applies to residents outside Wollongong local government area

Periscopes and Telescopes Tuesday, April 22, 9.30am - 11.30am.

Ever wanted to see around corners and spy on your brothers or sisters? Learn how to make your own periscopes and telescopes from recycled cardboard, mirrors and lenses

? WOLLONGONG YOUTH SERVICES, corner of Keira and Burelli streets, Wollongong. Ph 4226 5969

Hybrid Art - combines stencilling and digital photography, Wednesday April 16 and 23, noon-1.30pm, barbecue lunch 1.30pm-2pm

Refresh Mural - provide a new look to the forecourt wall, Wednesday April 16, 2pm - 4pm

? WOLLONGONG LIBRARY SERVICES, 41 Burelli St, Wollongong. For bookings phone 4227 7428

Vase making - create and decorate a beautiful cardboard vase and flowers.

Wollongong City Library, Tuesday, April 15, 10.30am. 7-12 year olds. Free

Bugs and Butterflies - create beautiful creatures that look like stained glass from paper, Wollongong Library, Tuesday, April 22, 10.30am. 4-6 year olds. Free

For further information on activities at other Wollongong branch libraries, log on to www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/3260.asp or phone Wollongong Library.

? SHELLHARBOUR

Super Fun Storytime & Craft 11am-noon

Warilla Library, corner of Shellharbour and Lake Entrance roads Wednesday, April 16 and 23 April

Albion Park Library, Russell St, Tuesday, April 15 and 22 April

Oak Flats Library, Central Ave, Monday April 21

CHEAP!!!

? WOLLONGONG YOUTH SERVICES corner of Keira and Burelli streets, Wollongong. Ph 4226 5969

Laser Skirmish, Tuesday, April 15 and 22, 2pm-4pm, $5 per person, 20-minute games

? WOLLONGONG BOTANIC GARDENS

Recycled Reptiles, Monday April 14 to 18. Activities for kids up to 12 years including treasure hunts, crafts and garden theatre, $5.50 per child or $13 per family. Bookings not essential, 4229 2600

? SHELLHARBOUR

Warilla Library, corner of Shellharbour and Lake Entrance roads, 4297 2522

Amazing Maize Artworks, Tuesday, April 15, 11am-noon. $3.00

Folding Fun Hats Tuesday April 22, 11am-noon. $3.00

Albion Park Library, Russell St, Albion Park, 4256 2001

Fun with Cooking Thursday, April 24, 11am-noon. $3.00

Oak Flats Library, Central Ave, Oak Flats 4256 3772

Weaving Basket Workshop, Monday, April 14 11am-noon. $3.00

For more information, visit www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au, phone Shellharbour City Library on 4295 1178, or for more ideas go to www.kidsdayout.godo.com.au, or phone 4295 1178

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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