Working parents find ways to amuse kids in school holidays

(From left) Reko Mason, 9, Harlow Mason, 6 and mother Christina Humphries excited for the first day of the school holidays. Photo/Stephen Parker

The school holidays start next week and many Rotorua parents are trying to figure out how to keep their children entertained.

For parents who work full-time and don't have family support, there are plenty of holiday programmes and other options available.

Chanel Whyte, organiser of Lynmore Primary School's 'Schools Out' holiday programme said she was prepared for an action-packed school holidays.

"We have tons of cool activities and days out planned for the kids but the programme is filling up fast so we're prepared for a busy two weeks."

Sport Bay of Plenty is also running a family-friendly app-based challenge 'Goosechase' in the Redwoods.

The challenge sees teams compete in an Amazing Race-style event, completing physical and mental missions along the way.

Christina Humphries, mother of 9-year-old Reko and 6-year-old Harlow said she was lucky to have family support during the holidays.

"Reko's going to his aunt's house for a few days to play with his cousins and Harlow gets to spend time with her nana who's a school teacher and luckily has the time off as well."

Miss Humphries also said that because she finished work at 2pm it gave her and the children plenty of time to do things together.

"We're going to the movies, up the gondolas and it's Harlow's birthday next week so it should be a fun time," she said.

Harlow agreed.

"I can't wait for the school holidays but I won't be happy when it's time to go back to school."

School holiday ideas for kids

Mega Fun Carnival: Lakefront Reserve, today until Wednesday.

Kids Go Free: Agrodome, today untilSunday, October 15.

Kiwi Encounter Tour: Rainbow Springs, today until to Sunday, October 15.

TulipFest Activity Trail: Government Gardens, today until to Sunday, October 15.

Digi Kids School Holiday Activities: Rotorua Library, from Monday until to Friday, October 13.

Drop-in Craft Activities: Government Gardens, from Monday until to Friday, October 13.

The Arts Village holiday programme: 1240 Hinemaru St, from Monday until Friday, October 13.

Animates Holiday programme: 124 Lake Rd, Thursdays, October 5 and 12.

House of Horrors 2017: Rotorua Youth Centre, Wednesday, October 11 to Saturday, October 14.