Top 10 boredom busters

1. Visit a library. Healesville Library has free and low-cost activities planned for the holidays with CD Animal Craft for all ages on Wednesday, 21 June, Horrible Histories Craft on Thursday, 22 June and a beading workshop for ages 10 plus on Thursday, 29 June.
2. Check out the Upper Yarra and Healesville School Vacation Care Programs. The Upper Yarra Community House is running two full weeks of activities, including excursions. The programs provide holiday care for parents and fun for the kids. Book in for a day or two or the whole two weeks.
3. The Warburton Film Festival is on from 16 to 18 June, a great way to start the holidays with some excellent films screening over the weekend for older students. 5966 5160.
4. Get in the swim with a VicSwim winter program at Healesville Indoor Heated Pool. Program runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 June. Phone 8843 2000 to enrol, or pick up an enrolment form at the pool.
5. Check out the super playground and the fishing at Lillydale Lake. The playground had a makeover earlier this year, providing for children of all ages and abilities. It now rates as the best in the shire. On the boardwalk. One and a half thousand ‘ready to catch’ rainbow trout are set for release into the lake so there’s a good chance for the kids to catch their first fish.
6. Kidzone, the Warburton Adventist Church holiday program, will run from 26 to 30 June for children five to 12. Everyone is invited to take part in activities including craft, games, bible stories, songs, puppets and more. Phone Carol Barber on 5966 5166.
7. Kids flicks. March of the Penguins is on at Warburton on Wednesday, 21 June and Healesville on Saturday 17, June, Sunday 18 June and Tuesday 20 June. Ice-Age 2 is on at Warburton on Wednesday 28 June and at Healesville on Saturday 24, June Sunday 25 June and Tuesday 27 June. Affordable family entertainment. Phone Warburton on 5966 5160 and Healesville on 5962 4480.
8. On Thursday, 22 June, at Yarra Junction Library, work with the Warburton Valley Woodworkers and create a piece to be proud of. Suitable for ages five to 12. Two sessions. On Thursday, 29 June, Paul Jamieson the Music Man will be performing for youngsters aged two to nine. Phone 5967 1588 to book.
9. The Yarra Valley Tourist Railway runs trolley rides Wednesday to Sunday from Healesville Railway Station. Enjoy a ride through the historic tunnel and enjoy a picnic lunch at the railway playground. Phone 5962 2490.
10. Go exploring. Take the kids off the beaten track and discover farm animals, bird nests, bubbling creeks, humungous trees … and who knows what else!