Things to do these school holidays

It's never easy trying to come up with new ideas to entertain children over the school holidays. We have found ten great things to do around the Bay with the children. 

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TEN THINGS TO DO THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

1. Activities at Te Puke Library.

The Te Puke Library is hosting a free school holiday activity day for children aged between 3-7 years from 9.30-11am tomorrow. Other competitions for children of all ages. For more information phone the library on 571 8008.

2. Activities and sports with Tauranga Leisure.

Join in the fun and action in the April school holiday activities, hosted by Tauranga Leisure. Take part in the Papamoa Community Centre (PCC) chill out holiday programme and get involved in a variety of activities. Or have a go at the holiday multi-sports mornings and soccer skills coaching at the TECT Arena at Baypark. For more information phone the PCC on 577 7362 or TECT Arena on 0800 229727.

3. Fun at the carnival.

Enjoy fun of the fair at this year's school holiday carnival. Exciting rides like the Hurricane, Scream Machine, Dragon Wagon, Dodgems cars and more. Open daily at Jordon Field, Memorial Park, Tauranga, from April 13-22, weather permitting.

4. Cartoon Network's Ben 10 live in Tauranga.

Cartoon Network's boy-hero Ben Tennyson and his alien heros will come to life in the BEN 10 LIVE: Time Machine performance at Baycourt. Show time is 11am and 1.30pm on Tuesday, April 17. Tickets $25.

5. Speedway Action.

Check out the thrills and spills of the Speedway Pollock Cranes Superstock Invitation event and Mini Sprint Invasion event on April 14. Gates open 5pm, racing starts at 6.45pm. For ticket prices visit www.baypark.co.nz

6. Workshops at Tauranga Art Gallery.

Enrol your child in an activity at the Tauranga Art Gallery. Kids will learn art making techniques and skills. Choose 2D Abstraction: An activity that combines drawing and painting on a flat surface, or 3D Construction: A simple activity with a stunning outcome. All classes are $10 per child. Phone 578 7933 to book. Times can be found on the website, www.artgallery.org.nz/holiday-programmes-kas or phone 5787933.

7. Autumn Carnival Raceday at Tauranga Racecourse.

Kids can enjoy free entertainment at the Autumn Carnival Raceday at Tauranga Racecourse on Saturday, April 21. Gather together friends and family and enjoy a day of racing . Gates open 9.30am, first race 12.52pm, free entry.

8. All Aboard the Waihi Express.

Get active outdoors and take part in one of the many walks around the Bay of Plenty in the ECHO walking festival, April 10-22. One of the walks, the Waihi Express, is a combined train trip and trek through the Karangahake Gorge on Friday, April 13. You'll get to discover the Goldfields Railway and follow the Ohinemuri River to the Owharoa Falls through historic goldmining remains at Waikino. Visit www.echowalkfest.org.nz and click on the "walks" icon to register for the Waihi Express or for more information about other walks these school holidays.

9. School's Out Mount Autumn Holiday Programme.

School's Out Mount are offering a two-week holiday programme for kids aged 5-7 and 8-14 years. Price $40 per day, kids can attend one day or the whole two-week programme. For more information phone 575 6271 or 027 755 7707.

10. Basic computer animation and origami creations.

These are two of the fun activities on offer these school holidays at the Tauranga City Libraries Learning Centre holiday programme. Origami creations is suitable for children aged 7+, held from 2-3pm and runs until April 18. The animation programme is suitable for children aged 7-12 years and will be held tomorrow and April 17. Both programmes $5. Register by phoning 577 7177.