How to keep the kids busy these school holidays

WE ALL know it can be tough to keep the kids busy and entertained during the school holidays.

So we have tried to make it a little easier for the parents out there by compiling some of the best activities to get the kids out and about and of their screens for as long as possible.

Active in the City Kids - Facepainting/Balloon twisting

When: Monday, July 2 and Monday, July 9 10.30am to 12.30pm
Where:Sydney Street Markets
What: Get the Kids out of the house this school holidays and come along to NewsXpress Mackay and keep them busy with plaster painting and face painting.

Active in the City Kids - Zumba kids

When: Tuesday, July 3 smf Tuesday, July 10 at 10am to 11am
Where:Bluewater Quay
What: Come along to the Bluewater Quay and get your kids moving with Elena's Fitness Fusion - Zumba. This activity is free and appropriate for all ages.

Active in the City Kids - Decorate

When: Wednesday, July 4, Decorate a cap andWednesday, July 11, Decorate at pencil box at 9am to 1pm
Where: The Dome
What: Get kids out and about this school holidays and come along to the common area of The Dome (under Dudley Denny City Library) to decorate your own wooden trinket box/pencil case. This activity is FREE and suitable for all ages.

Active in the City Kids - Smarty's ACTIVE Squirtz (2-5 years)

When: Thursday, July 5 amd Thursday, July 12 at 9am to 9.45am
Where: Bluewater Quay
What: Add fun and excitement to the school holidays and be amazed by the talent of Miss Becky as she twists your favourite characters and animals.

Active in the City Kids - Scrapbooking

When: Friday, July 6 and Friday, July 13
Where: Crafty Cat
What: Get the kids out of the house this school holidays and bring them along to Lucy Dillon for Bridies/Crafty Cat for a scrapbooking workshop. This is a free activity spaces are limited, contact Lucy for Bookings 4953 4887

*All Active in the City Kids activities are FREE. A full program can be found on their Facebook page.

Get Messy

When: Open Tuesday, Saturday 9.30pm -2pm
Where:114 Shakespeare street, East Mackay 4740
What: School holidays are filled with super cute animals at Get Messy. Starting this week is Pig Week, where the little ones can come face to snout with the animal. Next week takes a turn with Sheep Week. A one hour pass to the entire Get Messy venue is $13.50 per child, Adults have free access.

Circus Wonderland

When: Saturday, July 7 to Sunday, July 15 (2pm and 6.30pm sessions)
Where: Cpuncil Precinct Lawn
What: For the whole family, the spectacle and sparkle of Circus Wonderland set against a vintage circus backdrop will keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Be astounded and amazed as the strongman, the contortionist, the gypsy and a mesmerising cast of acrobats deliver a thrilling and hilarious circus spectacular.

Around the World in 80 Days

When: Saturday, July 14, 7.30pm
Where: The MECC Auditorium |
What: The play Around the World in 80 Days is an epic, funny, madcap adaptation of the classic novel by Jules Verne. The story opens on Tuesday October 1, 1872 at 11.57pm...and 30 seconds...with a sinister robbery taking place. Big Ben chimes midnight and within minutes the central London bank is 40,000 pounds poorer.

Guy Sebastian - Then and Now regional tour

When: Friday, July 13, 7.30pm
Where: The MECC Auditorium
What: This winter, for the first time in two and a half years, Guy Sebastian will be taking his band on the road with a hit-laden Then & Now regional tour. One of Australia's most popular and successful male artists, Guy will bring a blockbuster set to some of his favorite regional cities throughout June and July.

NAIDOC Dance & Language for kids

Where: Dudley Denny City Library -Tuesday, July 10, 10am or Gordon White Library Thursday, July 12, 10am
What: NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities. All children aged 5 to 12 in the Mackay region are invited to engage in Aboriginal dance and language and help celebrate NAIDOC Week with us. Children will learn about the local aboriginal culture and language, the meaning behind Welcome to Country, history of the didgeridoo and connection to land and animals.
As well as, learn to dance and sing in language to favourite children's nursery rhymes and play games incorporating animal moves and the didgeridoo as well as much more.

Bedtime stories

Where: Gordon White Library Thursday, July 5, 6pm and Dudley Denny City Library Thursday, July 12, 6pm
What: A fun evening for all children and their families during the school holidays. The session features nursery rhymes, finger plays, stories, songs and a craft activity. Don't forget to wear your PJs! Held during the school holidays. No bookings required.

Yoga for children

Where: Gordon White Library Wednesday, July 4, 10am to 11am and Dudley Denny City Library Thursday, July 5, 10am to 11am
What: Please wear loose clothing and bring a towel or mat. Bookings are essential and can be made online at mackay.qld.gov.au/whatson

Mindfulness for children

Where: Walkerston Library Tuesday, July 10, 10am and Mirani Library Tuesday, July 10, 2pm and Gordon White Library Wednesday, July 11, 10am and Dudley Denny City Library Thursday, July 12, 10am and Sarina Library Friday, July 13, 10am
What: Children aged between 5 and 12 years, join us for activities designed to promote mindfulness and inner calm with incorporated games, music and stories. Bookings are essential and can be made online from Wednesday, June 20. Bookings are essential and can be made online at mackay.qld.gov.au/whatson.

Pepper the robot

When:Monday, July 2 - Friday, July 6 and Monday, July 9 - Friday, July 13
Where: Dudley Denny City Library 2.30pm daily
What:Pepper the robot is visiting Dudley Denny City Library these school holidays. Come and say hi to our fun-loving and mischievous humanoid robot.

Free your mind

Where: Sarina Library Monday, July 2, 2pm and Walkerston Library Tuesday, July 3, 10am and Mirani Library Tuesday, July 3, 2pm and Gordon White Library Wednesday, July 4, 2pm and Dudley Denny City Library Thursday, July 5, 2pm
What: Young adults aged 12 to 18 years join us for activities that encourage mindfulness and embrace your inner calm. Paper Craft and Mindfulness.

Yoga for meditation

Where: Gordon White Library Wednesday, July 11, 2pm and Dudley Denny City Library Thursday, July 12, 2pm
What: Young adults aged 12 to 18 years join us for yoga for meditation. Please wear loose clothing and bring a towel or mat. Bookings are essential and can be made online at mackay.qld.gov.au/whatson

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

What: Facebook photo competition
Where is your favourite place to visit in the Botanic Gardens? Come and visit the Botanic Gardens these school holidays and take a photo of your favourite place to visit. Find the competition on our Facebook page and post your photo in the comments section. All entries will go into the draw to win a prize. A winner will be announced after the school holidays.

Alphabet I-Spy in the Gardens (self-guided)

What: I spy with my little eye...come along to the Gardens and play Alphabet I Spy. Pick up your copy at Botanic Gardens administration or print your own off the Botanic Gardens website

25 Fun things to do in the Gardens self-guided activity

What: How many of these activities can you get done in the holidays? Try one or try them all! Pick up your copy at Botanic Gardens administration or print your own HERE

Self guided walk brochure

What: Can't attend a guided walk? Why not be your own guide and take a short walk through the Gardens over the school holidays with our self guided walk? Pick up your copy at Botanic Gardens administration or print your own HERE.

Free Friday Guided Walks

When:Friday, July 6 and Friday, July 13 at 10am
Where: Gardens administration
What: Come along for a free guided walk in the Gardens. For more information please contact Gardens administration on phone 4952 7300 or email botanic@mackay.qld.gov.au. Please note: Children under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Artspace Mackay workshop room

When: Tuesday, July 3 - Sunday, July 15
What: Drop-in to the gallery anytime during the July school holidays to enjoy free art and craft. Inspired by our local coastal environment, three Indigenous artists, Luke Mallie, Ed Rigby and Charlie Wicking have designed a collection of art activities including a paste-up mural, beach sculptures, drawing and collage for the whole family to enjoy. Parental supervision is required, and you can stay for a few minutes, a few hours, and visit as many times as you'd like. It's free and no bookings are required, so join us at Artspace for lots of fun.

Sarina Youth Centre Activities

When: Monday, July 2 through to Tuesday July 10 (10am to 2pm daily)
Where: Corner of Anzac and Board Street, Sarina Centre
What: A range of daily activities including fabric painting, roast pork and gravy sandwiches lunch, pool competition, watercolour painting, fishing beach day and more.

Zombie Theme Kids Disco

When: Friday, July 13 at 6pm - 9pm
Where: Armstrong Beach Progress Hall
What: Get funky this Friday the the 13th at the Zombie Dress up kids disco for kids aged 16 & under. Parental supervision is required for kids under 12 years. $2 coin entry

Kids Drumming Workshop

When: Friday, July 6 at 10.30am
Where: Mackay Community Garden
What: Join us Friday morning with drum leader Rikki Kemp for our kids' drumming workshop. There are only 12 places this Friday so please register with a follow up direct deposit to reserve your place. Tickets are $10 per child, $5 per child garden member. Because places are limited this will be an age 4+ event. If we fill up and you have your own drum we might be able to squeeze you in. Please bring sunscreen, repellent and a water bottle and we look forward to seeing you then.

#MyMackay Competition

Where:Sydney Street Markets
What: Win a seven day motorhome rental combined with a weekend getaway and a half day fishing experience by finding, photographing and posting your #MyMackay moment. Entries are due by Friday, July 6.