Darwin July School Holidays Guide 2018

Sharing is caring!

July School holidays are fast approaching! This year it has changed and we only have three weeks in the middle of the year starting Monday 2nd of July until Friday 20th July (for public school system. Private and Independent school holidays may be slightly different). Darwin Family Life has rounded up some of the fantastic options that are free (or affordable) activities to do with your kids these school holidays!

Here is our list of the School Holiday activities happening in Darwin and the surrounds! Please leave a comment or message us if you find any more fantastic events that we should mention. In the coming week as some more events and activities are released we will add them!

Darwin Waterfront – FREE July School Holiday fun

Every day of the week (for the 3 weeks) from 10 am till 12 noon the Darwin Waterfront will be holiday some free school holiday fun with no bookings required.

Mondays will be AFL Auskick clinics, Tuesdays Brick and Build Lego workshops, Wednesdays there will be circus workshops, Thursdays will be Soccer workshops (Miniroos Kick off program) and on Fridays will be come and try Hockey!

All activities are aimed at 5 to 12 year olds. Auskick is for up to 15 year olds.

There is also a FREE movie night – Moana under the stars on Saturday 7th of July at the Waterfront from 7pm. Bring your own chairs or rug and a picnic dinner or enjoy something from the restaurants and cafes nearby. Advisable to arrive from 6.30 pm to get a spot on the lawns. No glass or alcohol permitted.

Gardens Tennis Club 16th, 17th, and 18th  July

Gardens Tennis have their school holiday program happening again – from 8 am till 12 noon for $30 per child per day (or $80 for all 3 days) it includes recess and a fun filled morning of Tennis skills. Their program is a social, fun & healthy way to spend the school holidays. Perfect for kids already playing tennis or for brand new beginners wanting to pick up a racket for the first time. For children 5 years and over.

Spaces are limited – to book your child in click here

Darwin Squash Centre

Darwin Squash centre have lots of different options these July School holidays. Ring them today to book your option! 8945 7362.

The Planet Tenpin – School holiday specials!

The Planet in Nightcliff has LOADS of great deals these July school holidays. They will have Monday madness where you can get $7 tenpin bowling games all day! Friday Frenzy also $7 games all day. Plus the early bird special when you bowl between 9 and 10 am all week for $7 games! They are also having the kids planet playground deal which is free entry with a $10 cafe purchase! Another special is two games of bowling for only $12 each!! They also have FREE WIFI – see reception for details!

Early Childhood Australia – Gym 4 Growth and Development – Free sessions

Early Childhood Australia are holding two free sessions of their Gym 4 Growth and Development classes at Coolalinga Central on Wednesday the 11th and 18th of July (Week 2 and 3 of the School holidays) at 9:30am in the middle of the centre – top of the escalators. Everyone welcome to come and join in the fun morning of songs and dances.

Pop up Kids Theatre Workshops – 17th and 18th July

NOW OPEN TO 7-10 year olds as well!!

Clubhouse Territory in collaboration with Corrorgated Iron are holding two kids theatre workshops during the school holidays from 9 am till 4 pm.  These theatre workshops will benefit of children and young people aged 11-17 who wish to explore the creative theatre arts. The sessions will include drama games & skits, physical theatre, circus, visual art, film and more. Cost is $70 for one day or $125 for both days and includes light refreshments and light meals provided..

Click here to book your session Limited spaces so book early to avoid disappointment. Theatre workshops will be held at Corrogated Iron – 18 Bauhinia St, Nightcliff

Contact Clubhouse Territory for more information.

Darwin Trailer Boat Club – July School Holiday Movie nights

The popular school holiday movie nights are back again at Darwin Trailer boat club! Every Tuesday for three weeks they will show a different film. On Tuesday 3rd of July – Pete’s Dragon, 10th of July – Captain Underpants and 17th of July – Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Bring your family and enjoy our beautiful weather, some dinner and a FREE movie under the stars! The movie nights kick off from around 6.30 pm.

City of Darwin Libraries (Casuarina, Karama, Nightcliff and Darwin City)

The City of Darwin Libraries have a full line up of fun FREE activities to entertain the kids these school holidays. Including story times, Naidoc week events, Tech zone, mosaic art workshops, movies, The Amazing Drumming monkeys performances, circus workshops, author visits and much more! Some events require bookings, to check out their full program and to book head here.

Palmerston City Library – Let your Imagination grow wild – July School Holiday program

The Palmerston City Library program sessions are on every Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10-11 am.  Starting Tuesday 3rd of July till Thursday 19th July.

Sessions will include printmaking, slime making, origami, art and craft activities and cosplay costume disco – finale event! Check the full program and book here 

BOOKINGS are essential (and they usually book out quickly!) Cost is $2 per session per child with 50% families discount for more than one child.

Photo courtesy of Palmerston Library Facebook event

The Burning Circus – July School holiday program

The Burning Circus HQ have loads of fun filled workshops and events planned these holidays! From Tots circus classes, circus classes for kids, family hula hoop classes, HQ open day, Mums hoop classes and much more. Costs vary from $10 for kids or $15 for adults. Check out their full program on their Facebook page and all workshops must be prepaid and booked via their email theburningcircus1@gmail.com or phoning 0431 198743.

Music and Movement with Melody Mel – music workshop sessions 3rd – 20th July

Melody Mel is holding lots of fun music sessions these holidays – starting 3rd of July – morning and afternoon sessions are available. Either 10 am till noon or 2 till 4 pm. Make your own take home instrument from recycled materials a different instrument on each day and have fun playing musical games with percussion instruments. $30 per child. Spaces are limited for more information head here.

Melody Mel will also be performing FREE music and games in Raintree park Smith Street Mall on Tuesday 17th (10 am till 12 noon) and Thursday 19th July 10 am till 11 am.

Ladybugs and Cutterpillars – 3rd Birthday Special!

These school holidays our friends at Ladybugs and Cutterpillars kids hair salon is celebrating their 3rd birthday! Check out all the awesome deals below! Book in today – contact details are here

NT Art Storms – Slimesation and Messy Play

NT Art Storms is holding their popular Slimesation and Messy play events again these July school holidays! Messy Play is perfect for kids up to 4 years old. The messy play session will stimulate your child’s curiosity and develop their thinking and social skills in a lovely relaxed and friendly setting. Messy play will be held on Thursday 5th July 9 am till 11.30 am tickets are $10 per child and bookings required. Ensure you bring old clothes or a spare set to change into as things will get MESSY!! Messy play will be held at the Malak Community Hall – 13 Malak Cres Malak

Slimesation will be held on Thursday 5th July from 9.30am till 5 pm. NT Art Storms will creating goo slime and fluffy slime. All kids will be able to make 2 x slimes each. Slimesation is aimed at 5-12 year olds and will stimulate your child’s curiosity and develop their thinking and social skills in a lovely relaxed and friendly setting. Please wear old clothes and bring a change. There will be glue and food colouring hands may get stained. Cost is $10 per child and bookings essential Slimesation will be held at the Malak Community Hall – 13 Malak Cres Malak

NT Art Storms also now bringing you sand art plants! Stimulate your child’s curiosity and develop their thinking and social skills in a lovely relaxed and friendly setting. Cost is $15 per person and will be held at the Malak Community Hall on Thursday 5th July 3pm till 5pm. Bookings essential here

photo courtesy of NT Art Storms Facebook event

Darwin Ice Skating – July School holidays program

Darwin Ice Skating have their July school holidays program (register by 30th June) Please head to this link to register your interest.

Monday 2nd July and Monday 9th July
8:00am – 8:45am – Basic 1 & Basic 2
8:45am – 9:30am – Novice 1 & Novice 2

Thursday 5th July and Thursday 12th July
8:00am – 8:45am – Basic 1 & Basic 2
8:45am – 10am – Intermediate 1 & Intermediate 2
On ice training : 8:45am – 9:30am
Off ice training: 9:30am – 10am

Pricing per lesson for Basic 1 & 2 and Novice 1 & 2:
5 yrs and under: $12
6-14 yrs: $18
15 yrs and over: $20

Pricing per lesson for Intermediate 1 & 2: $26

Or why not just head to the rink for some family fun on the ice!

The Playshack Palmerston

Why not head into the Playshack located in the Hub complex Palmerston (Shop 7, 3 Maluka Drive). Let the kids run and burn their energy and you can enjoy a coffee or drink and a slice of Petra’s Raw cakes available for purchase. The Playshack have extended their hours to 8.30 am till 4 pm Monday – Friday for the school holidays, plus usual weekend times of Sat 9 till 5pm and Sunday 10 till 4pm,. Entry is only $8.50 per child during the week and bubs under 1 are free. Please remember your socks!

Leanyer Waterpark

Softball NT, Hockey NT, Touch football and Surf Lifesaving NT will all be at Leanyer Waterpark during the school holidays. Check out the poster for times and dates.

Aquascene – Fish Feeding

Have you been down to the fish feeding lately down at Doctors Gully? My kids love it down there and we spend a few hours just enjoying the fish and atmosphere. The opening times vary as it depends on the tide so be sure to check out there times here before making the visit. There is a great deal on buying a Territory pass so you pay once and then can go all year round! Great for families!

Casuarina Shopping Square – Walking in a winter wonderland!

Casuarina Square is turning into a Winter wonderland with lots of fun activities and $5 meal deals are back again! Check out all the things happening to keep the kids busy and entertained! Yenz Entertainment will be in the Quarter during Week 1 of holidays from 10 am till 12 pm with lots of sparkly winter fun for the kids!

NT Art Storms will be at the Quarter during week 2 from 10 am till 12 noon.  Explore – create and have fun with Snowflake sun catchers, winter wonderland canvas panels, snowflake cross stitch bookmarks, Elsa and Olaf winter animal sand cards and much more!

There will also be lots of Winter wonderland fun happening at various retailers throughout the centre including: Winter Wonderland crush from Boost Juice, Winter Wonderland hair styling at Hairhouse Warehouse and Price Attack, Winter Wonderland nail bar by SNS Nails, Build-A-Bear Workshop Polar Bear for half price $15, Winter Wonderland Cup Cakes at Gloria Jeans Coffees, Winter Wonderland Donuts from Donut King plus much more! Come check out Casuarina Square these July School holidays. Check out here for more info on meal deals and activities!

Fun in the Parks

The George Brown Botanic Gardens

Looking for something a bit different away from the crowds? Why not head to the Botanic gardens (Gardens Road, Darwin City). You can enjoy the playground, grab a coffee or drink from Eva’s Cafe (also family friendly) or also grab a bird ID sheet and info on orienteering can be picked up at the visitor centre located at the top of the gardens.

Territory Wildlife Park

The Territory Wildlife park have a few different activities planned these July school holidays including Spotlight on Snakes, Twilight Movie Camp outs, Zoo Keeper program and the Teddy Bear’s Picnics. Or just visit the Park for a great family day out.

Spotlight on snakes:  2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th and 18th July

From 2 pm until 2.30 pm listen to an expert talk on snake bite first aid, snake encounter & a free snake ID poster. For Bookings please click ‘going’ on their Facebook event page the date you are interested in. Cost is $10 per person (payment on the day), per day suitable for all ages.

Twilight Movies and Camp outs – 7th July or 21st July

Gates open from 4pm-7pm only, no entry after 7pm. For the Twilight nights you can explore the park after dark, ride the night train to the Nocturnal house and aquarium. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children and under 3 are free!

You can then also choose to camp out in the park! If you wish to camp please make a booking by email twp@nt.gov.au Limited sites are available book early to avoid disappointment and tent camping only.

Twilight movie and camping cost is $20 per adult, $15 per child. Duck Duck Goose Movie is on 7th of July and Peter Rabbit is on the 21st July.

Included in the night are:

* Craft, music & fun activities for the kids
* Animal Encounters with guides
* Dinner – BBQ Buffet between 6-8 pm (charges apply)
* Breakfast – Continental from 7.30 am to 9 am (charges apply)
* Drinks and ice creams for sale
* Camp fires
* Welcome to BYO meals (no kitchen facilities available)

Teddy Bears Picnic at the Park – 4th of July and 18th July

There will be a fun filled Teddy Bears Picnic kicking off from 10 am till 1 pm (on both the 4th of July and 18th of July) – bring along your fav Teddy or soft furry friend plus your sunscreen, hat, swimmers, picnic blanket, towel and mozzie spray. There will be jumping castles, kids entertainment and Smile-A-Mile fun bus as well as a teddy bear hospital.

Normal entry fees apply ($32 adults, $16 kids, 4 and under free, plus Territory passes applicable.) There will be a sausage sizzle, ice creams, water play, lots of games and crafts to keep the kids busy and entertained!

Zoo Keepers Program

Territory Wildlife park are running their Zoo Keeper program again! The Keeper Kids Program is a specially designed hands-on day for children ages 8 – 12 years old who’d like to work with native animals when they grow up. Hosted by TWP team of dedicated Guides and Keepers, participants learn the daily routines and expectations of a Territory Wildlife Park Zoo Keeper. Times for the program is 9 am till 3.30 pm.

Available dates for July school holidays are 2-3rd, 5-6th, 9-13th, 16-17th, 19-20th July. Cost is $ 115 per child, per day. Multiple bookings available on booking request. To book head to this online form they are however having an issue with the dates on the website booking form.  Please complete the booking form select a date in the October intake, in any of the notes sections please identify which date in July you are interested in. Any dramas please email twp@nt.gov.au

INCLUDED in the day activities: Guided activities, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, hat, water
bottle and certificate.

Oasis Shopping Centre -9th July – 13th July

Oasis Shopping centre have organised some great free fun these holidays from 11 am till 2 pm including the following:

Monday:- Balloon Twisting & Roving Magic with Hyper the Clown

Tuesday:- Face Painting/Festival Glitter with Hyper the Clown

Wednesday:- Festival Glitter & Temp Tattoo’s with Entertainer

Thursday:- Magic Workshop with Hyper the Clown & Entertainer

Friday:- Balloon & Silliness with Entertainer

Gateway NT Shopping Centre – en- livin your senses!!

Our friends at Fairy Jill Enchanted Entertainment will be at Gateway NT every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from     10 am till 1 pm with lots of fun FREE activities for the kids. Including making grass heads, making fluffy slime, building city out of cardboard, mosaic madness…. just to name a few things! All things touchy feely. Come along for lots of fun they will be set up in the food court.

Crocodylus Park will also be at Gateway NT between 12-3pm on every Thursday and Friday for your chance to meet a baby crocodile and reptile. They will be located in front of Woolworths.

Bunnings Darwin and Palmerston – workshop activities for kids

Bunnings are holding a variety of FREE workshops over the weekends and during the weekdays in July from 10 till 11 am. To view their full programs and to book head here – Darwin and Palmerston