School holiday fun for all!

School will be out! Time to find some things to do. (Unsplash)

The end of term is nigh! If you are a parental unit without a plan, relax because the Yarra Ranges is chock full of fun and free activities for all for the spring school holidays.

Here is a sprinkling of some free indoor and outdoor options for families across the outer east.

Stay & Play Movie Session in Emerald with the Toy Library – 400A Belgrave-Gembrook Road Emerald.

Thursday 26 September 1:15am – 12:45pm

Chill out in the Hills Hub and watch ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ (rated G) or play with the amazing array of toys with the Emerald Toy library.

It is recommended for 1-12 year olds and parent/carers must remain with their child for the whole session.

You do not need to be a Toy Library member to attend, everyone is welcome! ‘

Please book tickets for all adults, children and babies attending.

As spaces are limited please cancel your booking if you’re no longer able to attend. The movie will be playing in the adjoining room to the toy library.

Family Movie sessions at the Healesville Library – Sherlock Gnomes – Healesville Library, 110 River Street, Healesville

Thursday 26 September, 5pm – 6.30pm

Thursday 03 October, 5pm – 6.30pm

Prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure in the secret realm of garden gnomes! When Gnomeo (James McAvoy) and Juliet (Emily Blunt) realize their friends and family are missing, they know just who to call: Sherlock Gnomes!

Movie Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested – Some Rude and Suggestive Humor)

Please make a reservation at the Healesville Library website for both adults and children attending.

Enjoy complimentary popcorn and drinks for all guests. Feel free to bring your own beanbag if you’d like!

Come be a detective at the Lilydale Library – Lilydale Library, 1 Jarlo Drive, Lilydale

Tuesday 24 September, 10am – 11.30am.

Find hidden clues to solve the crime.

Become a detective. Making your own notebook and magnifying glass, then work on solving the crimes.

No booking required.

Comic Workshop – Digital vs. Drawing – Healesville Library – Healesville Library, 110 River Street, Healesville

Tuesday 1 October – 10.30 – 12pm.

Learn how to draw comic strips two different ways.

Is it better drawing with pen or pencil?

Is it better with digital, using a stylus and an iPad?

Try both and decide which is best for you!

This session includes a guided tour of Comics Plus: a free app that lets you borrow and read comics online.

Ranger for a Day – whole school holidays – all over Victoria

Junior Ranges hosted by Parks Victoria offer a number of school holiday activities all over Victoria and some right at home in the Yarra Ranges.

All Junior Rangers activities are facilitated by a Parks Victoria Ranger, promoting family exploration of parks and fostering lasting connections with nature.

Families can discover a wealth of knowledge about wildlife, plants, micro-critters, bushfires, marine life, heritage, culture, and more.

Everyone is welcome! Junior Rangers activities are free and tailored for primary school-aged children.

Some of the Junior Ranges programs still have spots open and are free of charge – like the guided tour of Haining Farm conservation area in the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Kids can listen and look for local frog species and contribute to a citizen science project on local frog populations.

Important Information:

To book Junior Ranger activities, you’ll need to create a profile and activities are held outdoors, so be ready for any weather conditions. Head to the Parks Victoria website for more information.