With the school holidays approaching, we’ve got tips for keeping your kids happy and active over the next two weeks, writes NATALIE ESCOBAR.

Sports camps

Australia’s passion for sport means there is no shortage of exciting camps, perfect for budding athletes or kids eager to try something completely new.

• Girls aged 4–11 can join Football West’s MiniTillies clinics, while the mixed MiniRoos clinics welcome both boys and girls in the same age range.
• Budding AFL stars can also join WA Football’s footy holiday program (ages 5 to 12). For basketball fans, Perth’s Wildcats offer Junior Clinics (ages 5-11).
• To find even more sports camps near you, explore Australian Sports Camp and search by location, sport or age group to discover the perfect fit for your child.

Outdoor activities

Soak up the last rays of sunshine before winter by heading outdoors. Explore local parks and playgrounds, embark on nature walks to spot Perth’s unique wildlife, or squeeze in a beach day before the rain rolls in.

• Parks and Playgrounds: Try visiting some of Perth’s top playgrounds, like the Kingsway Dinosaur Park in Madeley. Kids can pretend they’re among dinosaurs or search for hidden dinosaur bones in the sand. Pack some snacks and a football for extra outdoor fun.
• Nature Walks: There are lots of walking trails to explore around Perth. The Glen Brook Trail in John Forrest National Park is famous for its bushland and scenic bridges. Lesmurdie Falls also has a shorter Falls Trail that’s perfect for younger children.
  • Find more trails at trailswa.com.au
• Beach day: Squeeze in one more trip to the beach before the wet weather begins. Spend the day swimming, building sandcastles or taking a walk along the shore.

At-Home activities

You can also keep the kids busy at home with arts and crafts, baking tasty snacks together or having a movie day.

• Arts & crafts: Unleash your child’s imagination with painting, colouring, collage-making, playdough sculpting, or slime creation. These activities help spark imagination and build fine motor skills.
• Movie day: Gather the kids for a movie marathon with their favourite films. Add popcorn, treats and a homemade blanket fort for a cosy cinema experience at home.
• Baking or cooking together: Turn lunch, dinner, or dessert into a fun activity by letting kids help out. Try using cookie cutters to cut food into animals, stars or other shapes. It’s a fun opportunity for them to learn about nutrition and cooking while sampling new foods.

Community & Educational Activities

Use these school holidays to explore your local community and fit in some extra learning too. Many activities are free or low-cost, making them easy for families to join in.

• Library workshops and storytime: Head down to your local library to check out their storytelling sessions or borrow a few books. It’s a simple way to build a love of reading.
• Museums and exhibitions: The WA Museum Boola Bardip and the WA Maritime Museum offer interactive exhibits, hands-on discovery zones and large-scale displays that make learning fun for all ages as part of their school holiday programs. Book early, as sessions fill up quickly. While some exhibitions require tickets, many are free for kids and discounted for families. Don’t miss the popular, Titanic: The Human Story, exhibition at the Northbridge Cultural Centre, where visitors can explore the lives of passengers and crew.
• Food markets: Perth is home to vibrant markets throughout the city, such as the Scarborough Sunset Markets (Thursday nights) and the City of Perth’s Twilight Food Market in Forrest Place (Friday nights until 24 April). Enjoy delicious food stalls, artisan goods and live entertainment.
• DJ lessons RTRFM: Local community radio station RTRFM is running free beginner DJ workshops for 13-to 19-year-olds. Learn the essentials of using DJ consoles and software, including song selection, beat-matching and mixing. Register online at the RTRFM website – places are limited, so sign up early.