Heaps happening to keep kids happy

School's out for a fortnight and daylight saving has just begun, making it just the right time to get out and start having some fun.
From movies to cooking, dancing and theatre, there's plenty happening in the Bay these school holidays.
For those who love art and animals, Bayfair Shopping Centre in Mount Maunganui is inviting children to enter an art competition in support of SPCA Tauranga.
Children can visit the Bayfair Art Station, located outside Farmers from today until Friday, October 8, and collect a free pack of 12 Faber-Castell Smart Crayons, paper and animal illustrations.
For every competition entry received, Bayfair will donate 50c to SPCA Tauranga. The art station operates from 11am to 2pm, and also includes information shows about the SPCA's work.
These shows run from 11.30am to 11.45am, and on Wednesday and Thursday from 1.30pm to 1.45pm.
If it buckets down and you need something to keep the kids sane, head to Bay City Cinemas for a back-to-back movie marathon. The latest kids' flicks on offer include Tomorrow When the War Began, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Despicable Me, Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore and The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
If movies aren't their thing, Tauranga City libraries are giving children aged 7 to 10 the chance to create their own mini-worm farm.
The activity is one of four free activities being hosted at Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Greerton and Papamoa libraries between September 28 and October 8.
Professional entertainers The Travelling Tuataras will also perform interactive stories and songs on September 29 in Tauranga and Papamoa. Registration is needed.
Party games, scavenger hunts, luge rides and movies are among dozens of activities run by the Tauranga YMCA. The holiday programme operates from four sites - Gate Pa Primary School, Papamoa, Memorial Hall and the Mount centre, with activities catering for age groups, 5 to 8 and 9 to 13. The cost each day ranges between $34 and $40.
Limited spaces are still available during the second week of the holidays. For more details or to book online visit www.ymcatauranga.org.nz or phone 578 9272.
The Boredom Busters School Holiday Programme at the Papamoa Community Centre will also host lots of cool activities - cooking, treasure hunts, craft-making and movies - costing $20 for half a day or $37 for a full day.
On October 4, 5 and 6, children can have a go at rollerblading and develop skills in basketball, soccer and tennis during Multi Sport Coaching Clinics at the Mount Sport Centre. The cost is $10. Ph 577 7362.
ALSO ON FOR CHILDREN:
October 1:
Indoor Spring Carnival at the Mount Action Centre. The carnival will run between 10am and 3pm then again between 6pm and 9pm. Features carnival rides, inflatable slides, pony rides, clowns, face painting and video gaming. Entry is $1 for children and $2 for adults. For further details visit www.taurangaleisure.co.nz.
October 2:
Papamoa Community Pool Open Day, 11am-4pm, free entry.
Bring the family, check out our facilities, 25m heated outdoor pool, gold coin sausage sizzle. Papamoa Swimming Club Information and Registration available.
Nutcracker, 2pm and 7pm. A cast of over 100 students brings the traditional Christmas ballet story to life on stage to the glorious music of Tchaikovsky.
October 4:
Zumba Kids Dance Party. Young people aged 6 to 15 are invited to party at the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, between 10.30am and 12.30pm.
Live to Play Children's Dance Classes, 11 Totara St, Mount Maunganui.
Little Luvlies ages 2-5, 3.15pm-4 pm. Ballet Kids 5-8 years, 4.05pm- 4.50pm. Hip Hop 9-14 years, 4.55pm-5.40pm.
Capoeira Beginners Class, 6pm-7pm. Mount Sports Centre.
Capoeira is a exciting and energetic Brazilian artform, you will learn dynamic attacks, dance and acrobatics moves.
October 6-7:
Sleeping Beauty. Presented by Event Entertainment at Baycourt Theatre, 8pm-10.40pm. The Imperial Russian Ballet company returns to New Zealand with their presentation of the classic masterpiece Sleeping Beauty in three acts.
On October 8:
The Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre will be getting in the mood for Halloween with interactive storytelling between 11am and 12.30pm. The cost for both activities is $5. For more information phone the centre on (07) 578 6090.
October 9:
Celtic Dancers, presented by TKT, at Baycourt Theatre, 2pm and 7pm.
A fairytale about passengers travelling on the Flying Scotsman train, using Celtic dance, music and drama to bring the story to life. Written and directed by Tina Peet. Price: Adult $20, Child, Senior, Group 10+ and Friends of Baycourt $15.
ACTIVITIES
Pack a picnic and meet with friends at the beach. While you're there, take the opportunity to walk around Mauao.
Have a go at fishing.
Cook some special treats.
The internet is a great source for children's recipes.
Grab your bike helmets and go for a bike ride.
Set up the tent and let the kids have a camping experience in the backyard.
Plant a vegetable, flower or herb garden.
Make your own playdough.
Make a kite, then fly it in your local park or reserve.
MAKE HAY...
What's the weather going to do?
Make the most of today and tomorrow because the fine weather may not last long. Metservice severe weather forecaster Erick Brentstrum said northerlies were likely to pick up by week's end and there could be rain. To follow the weather daily, log on to www.metservice.com