How to keep the kids entertained these school holidays
FESTIVE SEASON
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WHAT to do with the kids that doesn’t cost the small income of an African country is always a dilemma.
Here are some ideas around Port Douglas that will keep your kids and your wallet happy these school holidays..
Playgrounds
If you have younger children there are a range of different playgrounds dotted around Port Douglas. All adhere to safety standards and have a variety of different attractions that will keep your children happy and active. Make a game of playing in them all!
- Rex Smeal Park Playground, BBQ area, Toilets, Water views. Wharf Street Port Douglas
- Port Douglas Market Park Playground, Swing, Toilets, water views. Wharf Street near St Mary's By the Sea
- Bruno Reidweg Solander Park Playground, Close to Beach, Toilets, BBQ. Solander Blvd, Port Douglas
- Port Gardens and Ferndale Park Playground, BBQ, Toilets, Undercover Area. Oriole Street, Port Douglas
- Four Mile Park Basket Ball Court, Swings, Toilets, close to beach, BBQ. Barrier Street, Port Douglas
- Port Douglas Surf Club Playground, close to beach, Toilets. Port Douglas Esplanade
- Julan Park BBQ, close to beach, exercise equipment. Port Douglas Esplanade
For more information and maps click here
BIG4 Port Douglas, Glengarry Holiday Park
The BIG4 Holiday Park located in Mowbray Valley has a Resort style pool & waterslide with beautiful landscaped tropical gardens, jumping pillow and an adventure playground. Bring lunch and make use of the BBQ's at the pool or ice creams and drinks are available at the reception kiosk.
The water park is open from 10am – 6pm daily. Day Passes - $15 pp for non-Big4-members or $10 pp for Big4-members p/person (from 3 years old). These prices include spectating adults.
Make it into an overnight fun trip and camp for the night! Camping fees include waterpark entry, ring the park for rates.
Holiday Special - Become a BIG4 Member by joining at the park ($50 for 2 years) and you'll receive half price entry on that day! Family discounts may apply just ask reception on arrival.
Birthday parties and large groups are welcome please ring to make a booking - 4098 5922
Beach Cricket
Sportspower next to Paddy’s sells beach cricket kits – or why not substitute with a ball and some sticks. A plank can be used as a cricket bat.
Beach soccer
Nothing that one ball and 4 well placed sweaters for goal markers can’t rustle up!
Skateboarding
Next to the sports ground in Port Douglas is the skate ramps. This will give your child endless fun. For more ramps, there are also skateboard ramps in Wonga (about 30 minutes drive away on the other side of Mossman).
Sailing
If you have big kids then head down to the Port Douglas Yacht Club where every Wednesday the member’s volunteer their yachts and time to take the public out sailing. Just arrive before 4pm and sign up. Places aren’t guaranteed – it’s first come first serve and repayment in drinks afterwards and a chat and a yarn is the only currency.
Scavenger Hunt
Set up your own treasure hunt/scavenger hunt with them. Give it a Christmas theme!
Wildlife Habitat Kids Programs
Junior Keepers Program
This program runs over 2 weeks of school holidays for 2 days each week, and has limited spots available. This is for children aged 8- 14 years old, and goes for 4 hours each day 11 am – 3pp. It enables children to get a snippet of life as a wildlife keeper. Cost is $40.00 which includes lunch and afternoon tea.
Junior Eco Art Program
Available in either 2 hour or 4 hour segments, participants will be making artworks using the environment as their brush and palette! It also runs over 2 weeks of school holidays for 2 days each week, has limited spots available and is for children aged 6- 14 years old. The program is conducted with local artist Connie Rossi, who has lived in the region for 10 years and is involved with Douglas Arts Base. - Cost is $30.00 for 2 hours or $50.00 for 4 hours – lunch available if required for 4 hour program only – extra $10.00.
Bookings are essential, please call 4099 3235
Four Mile Beach – Port Douglas
Of course, a day on Four Mile Beach is a great and cheap way of spending time in Port Douglas. It’s an activity that will give fun to kids of all ages.
Take a bucket and spade and have fun building sandcastles or making sand sculptures. Or rent a tire tube and ride the waves!
Just be aware that between November and May it is advised to only swim in the stinger net at the northern end of Four Mile Beach.
Creek exploring – Port Douglas and Mossman
Do what the locals do and enjoy the refreshing clear crystal waters of the local creeks. Fed by waters direct from the rainforest you will be swimming in some of the most rejuvenating and healthy waters in the world.
Mossman Gorge
The waters of Mossman Gorge offer a wonderful spot to relax. Launch yourself from its own little beach and you can sit on rocks and ride the current (be advised that in the rainy season there can be strong currents).
Silky Oaks – Mossman
Follow the road out of Mossman and about 2km out of town you will see a sign indicating Silky Oaks Resort. Turn left and then at the next sign for Silky Oaks turn left – follow the road until you get to a bridge where the railway also goes over. Park here. If you walk down the bank you can then join the Mossman River. Some parts of this river have rope swings that you can swing on. Take a snorkel and mask and look for turtles and fish.
Spring Creek - Mowbray
Head out on the Captain Cook Highway from Port Douglas to Cairns and when you pass Craiglie turn next left (follow signs to Big 4) to Mowbray. Follow the road around for about 5 minutes and soon you will get to a bridge that crosses the river. Park up and enjoy a picnic on the banks of the creek.
Shannonvale Creek
Before you arrive in Mossman and just before the 70 speed limit sign there is a left turn. This will take you on a windy lane to Shannonvale creek. Keep along the road and your route will take you directly over the river. Park up and jump into the crystal waters!
Do you have any other tips? Let us know in the comments below!
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