Your Ultimate School Holiday Guide

All The Fun, Right Here In The Region

Keep the kids entertained and engaged with a fantastic line-up of events happening across our region. From creative workshops and outdoor adventures to movie screenings and hands-on activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy this school holiday season.

Friday, July 4

Garden Friends Drop-In Activity – Secret Lives of Leaves
10am
Families are invited to the Botanic Gardens for a series of leaf-focused activities, including hunts, drawing walks, watercolour art, and leaf creature crafts. This free, family-friendly event is designed to encourage outdoor exploration and creativity. Also available on Saturday, July 5.
Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

Movie Matinee
2pm Gordon White Library will host an afternoon movie screening, complete with popcorn. The event features a film about a supervillain-turned-agent and is perfect for children aged five to 12.
Gordon White Library

Sunday, July 6

Mackay Festival of Arts 2025 - Savour the Suburbs
12pm
The Mackay Festival of Arts brings a suburban afternoon show to Bucasia Beach. This free, all-ages event will feature local music, markets, and local produce, celebrating the unique community and natural beauty of the area.
Bucasia Beach

Monday, July 7

Strolling Stories – The Bungee Jumping Caterpillar
9am
Families can follow the latest strolling story along a 350m looped circuit at the Botanic Gardens. Story panels tell the adventures of AK and Zody, and a hidden painted rock along the circuit offers a chance to win a book. This activity is available daily through Friday, July 11.
Just past the Malta Garden at the Botanic Gardens

Bocce with a Buddy
9am
Visitors can test their skills at the bocce court in the Malta Garden. Bocce sets are available for hire for a small fee from the Visitor Information Centre, with no booking required. This activity is available Monday to Friday.
Malta Garden’s Bocce Court

LEGO® Fun at the Library
9am
Children aged six and over can unleash their creativity with thousands of LEGO® pieces at their fingertips. This is a drop-in session where no registration is needed, allowing young builders to create masterpieces or simply have fun. This event is also available on Tuesday, July 8, and Wednesday, July 9.
Gordon White Library

Tee It Up Golf At Caneland Central
9:30am
Shoppers are invited to challenge themselves at a seven-hole mini-golf course. Participants can grab a club and scorecard to putt their way through the course for a fun, friendly challenge. A hole-in-one could win a $100 gift card. No bookings are required. This activity is available daily from July 7 to July 13.
Centre Court (Outside Myer) at Caneland Central

Special Kids Tours of the Sarina Sugar Shed
10:30am
A fun, interactive tour designed for children is available, focusing on the process of growing and harvesting sugar cane. Participants can taste sugar cane juice, molasses, and non-alcoholic ginger beer. Adults are welcome at the children's price, and bookings are essential. This special tour runs daily throughout the school holidays.
Sarina Sugar Shed

Songwriting and Singing Workshop
11:30am
Sarina Youth Centre is hosting a songwriting and singing workshop for youth aged ten to 21. With limited spaces, bookings are required for this creative session.
Bob Wood Cultural Hall

Tuesday, July 8

Car Care 101 for New Drivers
2pm
Treadwell Tyres is hosting a hands-on session for new drivers to learn basic car maintenance skills, such as how to change a tyre and check oil levels. The session is ideal for those who have recently obtained their learner’s permit or license. Sensible clothing and closed-in shoes are required.
Treadwell Tyres, 169 Boundary Road, Paget

Intergenerational Play
9am-12pm
A heartwarming morning of fun and play across generations. Calling all families with children under 5 and nursing homes or elderly residents.
Cheeky Little Monkeys Play Centre, 118 Wood Street

Wednesday, July 9

Bead It Bar
9:30am
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre will host a 'Bead It Bar' where children can create their own keyrings, bracelets, and necklaces. This hands-on activity encourages creativity and fine motor skills.
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Thursday, July 10

Sip and Create
9:30am
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre is hosting a relaxed painting session where each guest receives a pre-drawn canvas, making it easy for anyone to create a beautiful piece of art. This session is also available on Saturday, July 12.
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Pool Tournament
1pm
The Sarina Youth Centre invites youth aged ten to 21 to participate in a pool tournament. With only 12 spaces available, bookings are required for this competitive and social event. Sarina Youth Centre

Friday, July 11

Upcycle Workshop
9:30am
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre is hosting an eco-friendly workshop where attendees can transform an old T-shirt into a no-sew tote bag. This hands-on session teaches participants how to give their clothing a fabulous second life.
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Sunday, July 13

Pouch Customisation Station
9:30am
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre will host a pouch customisation station. Children can decorate their own clear cosmetic pouch with stick-on patches, sparkly stickers, and other decorations to create a unique accessory.
Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Mackay Festival of Arts 2025 - Savour the Suburbs
12pm
The Mackay Festival of Arts presents another suburban afternoon show, this time at Pinnacle Cricket Grounds. This free, all-ages event will feature local music, markets, and fanfare, celebrating the region's unique communities and natural attractions.
Pinnacle Cricket Grounds

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