The end of term means represents quite a different thing to children than it does to their parents.

While children can’t wait to enjoy a break from routine, for children finding ways to keep their children occupied for two whole weeks can prove something of a chore.

So to ensure you’re not stuck scrambling for ideas these Easter school holidays, we’ve done our homework to find the best activities to keep your children entertained these school holidays.

Sydney

He was last spotted nearly a year ago but rumour has it the Easter Bunny will be making his way to the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney on Saturday and Sunday of the Easter long weekend. Children aged three and over are invited to use a trail map to complete fun challenges and collect chocolate eggs while searching for the most elusive of all fury friends. Following the trail, children will move around the beautiful gardens between five activities which are egg or bunny related. Bookings are essential while there will also be a family photo opportunity at the end so don’t forget your camera.

Older children have the chance to become master Star Wars engineers in a special full day electronics workshop being staged at the Powerhouse Museum every day these school holidays. Part of the Star Wars Identities exhibition, the workshop sees children aged seven and over harness the power of littleBits electronic building blocks to construct their own droid and prototypes of models with lights, switches and buzzers. As well as learning about artificial intelligence, attendees will also get to experience a simulated Mars environment using the museum’s prototype Mars rovers.

Melbourne

What better way to spend your free time than helping to raise funds for a good cause? Raising much-needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is transformed into a family friendly wonderland for the annual Kids Day Out party on April 19^th. Key attractions include a teddy bear hospital, children’s yoga, arts and craft activities and carnival rides. Fun for the whole family, entry is free while select activities cost between $3 and $10.

Older kids are encouraged to show off their creative skills by joining local spray canner and stencil artist Tricia Van Der-Kuyp to paint their own skateboard deck. Taking place on 18^th April, the ‘New Kids on the Block: Deck Art’ workshop is a free event targeted at Victorian school kids aged between 11 and 13 years. Taking place on Flinders Walk, all stencils, spray cans, sharpies and skateboard decks supplied however bookings are essential.

Brisbane

Think you have a budding Master Chef on your hands? If so, put them to work with some Easter-themed cooking classes at Come at Cook in The Gap. With workshops held between April 8-15, there are plenty of interesting recipes sure to entice even the most reluctant of cooks with include buttery bunny biscuits, Easter Egg Cookie Pops and Bunny Bum Cupcakes among them.

Classes run for 2.5 hours and children go home with all the food they have made as well as the recipe book from their lesson. Bookings are essential.

Drama is a part of almost every family’s life so why not channel it properly through action-packed fun at DramaAttack, a three-day workshop being staged by the Australian School of Performing Arts, Film and Television. On this course, children aged seven to 12 will work on their acting skills and develop self-confidence before staging a short play for family and friends on the final day. Participants will also learn through group work (‘ensemble’ skills), as well as how to perform as an individual. The program includes drama games and warm-ups, improvisation activities, script work and voice work.
The workshop takes place April 4-6 at Corinda State High School and no previous experience is necessary.

Adelaide

Billed as Adelaide’s “biggest, most exciting kids’ event”, the annual Kidz Gigantic Day Out is held over the Easter Long Weekend and promises loads of fun for everyone. Staged at the Adelaide Convention Centre, the event features four fun interactive zones, together with a PJ Masks ‘Meet the Heroes’ live stage show and a dedicated science and nature play zone with native animals, a monster nature playground, fairy garden and 3D art and crafts. Other highlights include a native animal stage show, a scientific bubble show and a science stage show. Best of all, there’s a free “recharge” station for parents and children alike where you can enjoy a break from all the activity with free healthy snacks, colouring and lounge areas.

Giddy up! If you find yourself at a loose end on Easter Friday then the Oakbank Easter Races makes for an enticing family day out. The only course in South Australia allowing visitors to access the track, there are a host of free children’s activities on offer with face painting, pony rides, tote tennis, dress ups, hobby horse races, a rock climbing wall and an Easter egg hunt among them. Entry is free for children under 13 and $10 for teens.