How to Make the Most of These School Holidays on The Parade

Few things have the power to strike terror into the heart of parents like a gaggle of kids screaming “I’m bored” on the first day of school holidays. But with a little preparation, the autumn break can be a great chance for youngsters to burn off some energy as they make new friends and develop a fresh set of skills.

And with a huge range of family-friendly activities and events guaranteed to get little ones off of the couch (and off their screens), The Parade is your go-to destination to keep everyone from teens to toddlers entertained – here are the best things to do these school holidays.

For Budding Artists

Choose your own adventure on a self-guided tour of Art On Parade, which is running for the entire month of April and connects more than 20 venues along The Parade that are exhibiting creative works from local artists. 

If your kids would prefer to make their own art, head to one of the special school holiday sessions at Pinot & Picasso Norwood. Pint-sized Picassos can create a magic castle on canvas on Wednesday 19 April, while on Thursday 27 April they’ll learn how to paint a cute panda bear.

For those who prefer to unleash their inner artist at home, Dillons Bookshop has a huge range of books featuring famous artists and artworks, as well as a range of colouring in books and how to guides to help your kids master the art of drawing, painting or knitting.

For Tomorrow’s Sports Stars

You’ll never get closer to the action than sitting by the sidelines of Norwood Oval when Australia’s finest athletes come to The Parade for Gather Round on Friday 14 April and Sunday 16 April. Fireworks displays will help to kick each game off with a bang, and there will be live music and Auskick activations outside the oval.

And if the kids want to learn about the legends of yesterday, the Norwood Football Club: Beyond the Bleachers exhibition offers a rare chance to see a range of vintage photos and memorabilia dating back to the origins of the Redlegs in 1878.

And when they’ve worked up an appetite, head in to Yo-Chi for a delicious treat that lets them choose from eight flavours of natural frozen yoghurt packed with probiotics and live cultures, then takes things up a level with dozens of freshly cut fruits and sweet treats as toppings.

For Born Dancers

Make sure the little ones have their best dance moves ready when Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur and Henry the Octopus take to the stage for The Wiggles Live in Concert at Norwood Concert Hall on Thursday 20 April. They’ll be joined by Anthony, Tsehay, Simon, Lachy, Caterina, Lucia, Evie and John as they mix and match Wiggles favourites with some of their newer tracks.

If your kids are ready to take it to the next level, they’ll be thrilled by the opportunity to work with professional dancers and choreographers from one of Australia’s most respected dance companies. Australian Dance Theatre will host two workshops in the Odeon Theatre - for dancers aged 8-12 on Monday 17 April and 13+ on Thursday 20 April – showing participants how to warm up correctly and guiding them as they learn to express themselves through movement.