Looking for ideas to keep the kids entertained these Autumn School Holidays?
Our quick-read guide has you covered with the best family-friendly events, workshops, and activities happening across the Central West! From creative art to STEM sessions to winter festivals, movie matinees, and local adventures in parks and libraries, there’s something for every age and interest.
BATHURST
Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum
14 April – Dinosaurs – Autumn Colours Heritage Festival
An interactive introduction to paleontology with a focus on dinosaurs.
Free with museum admission- Bookings not Required and for more more information – Museums Bathurst website here.
Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum 224 Howick Street, Bathurst, NSW
~
Bathurst Library
For more details on all School Holiday events, see their website page here.
Bathurst Library, 70-78 Keppel Street, 2795
~
15 April – Mr Snotbottom – He’s the Prince of Putrid, The Willy Wonka of Weird – he’s Mr Snotbottom! A hilariously deeeesgusting kids comedian brimming with all the oooey, gooey, yucky things kids love!
$20 – For more information or to Book tickets visit website here.
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre 105 William Street, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
~
Bathurst Regional Art Gallery
16 April – Shape, Colour, Pattern, Silence Workshop – Get creative in this hands-on workshop exploring shape, colour, pattern and science! Together with visual artist and designer Liz Bryan, we will explore the shapes and patterns that are repeated in nature: from DNA to Space! Participants will create their own geometric sculpture from cardboard, wood, and acrylic paint inspired by Liz Bryan’s Foyer Gallery exhibition Pattern Recognition.
This workshop will include a short tour of Pattern Recognition by Liz Bryan.
$10 members, $15 non-members, no experience required, bookings essential via humanitix link page here.
CANOWINDRA
Age Of Fishes Museum
Free, monthly, 20-minute, Science activity playgroups at the Museum that take place on the first Friday of each month.
To read more on the Age of Fishes Museum and location see our article here.
~
Marramarra Makerspace Studio 25 Bogan Street, Parkes, NSW, Australia
Are you a regular visitor to the Parkes Library and Cultural Centre? If so, then hopefully you have made use of our amazing Marramarra Makerspace Studio, either for some craft or to access the sewing machines and overlocker, 3D printer or laser cutter. We now have LEGO Spike robotics, and the Edison Robots are getting a good workout, not mention lots of tubs of LEGO. All activities are self-led but staff are on hand to assist when needed.
FREE
COWRA
8 April – Button Mosaic – School Holidays – Let Your Talent Shine this Youth Week
Cowra Library (part of Central West Libraries) 77 Darling Street, Wiradjuri Country, Cowra, NSW, Australia
A hands-on, texture-filled craft that lets little artists make their own unique Easter design!
This activity is designed for kids aged 8+
10am and Free – To register see page here.
13 April – Cordial and Crayons
Cowra Library (part of Central West Libraries) 77 Darling Street, Wiradjuri Country, Cowra, NSW, Australia
Messy, sensory play for littlies!
A colourful twist on paint and sip, where little artists sip sweet cordial and let their crayons run wild!
This activity is designed for kids of all ages
~
15 April – The Book Jacket Lab – In this fun-filled workshop, young readers become mini designers as they dream up and create brand-new jackets for their favourite books. With winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to give beloved stories a warm, stylish cover-up! Using colourful art supplies, big imaginations, and a sprinkle of storytelling magic, kids will design custom covers, write creative blurbs, and invent quirky author bios. Whether it’s dragons in snowstorms or mysteries by the fireplace, The Book Jacket Lab is where stories get a new look—and kids take centre stage as the storytellers.
Each child can bring up to two of their favourite books from home to use as inspiration for their jacket designs.
This activity is designed for kids from 7+
~
Cowra Stars 2026 – Let Your Talent Shine this Youth Week
Next date: Thursday, 23 April 2026 | 06:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Following its inaugural success in 2025, Cowra Stars is back for 2026!
If you’re a young person aged 12 to 24 and live or work in the Cowra Shire — we want YOU!
Cowra Youth Council is excited to present COWRA STARS 2026, a special talent showcase for NSW Youth Week. Join us on Thursday 23 April at Club Cowra for an evening of amazing performances and local talent.
Can you sing, dance, juggle, hula hoop, perform poetry, or do magic?
Whatever your talent is — we want to see it!
There’s up to $600 in prize money across the following categories:
⭐ People’s Choice (audience vote)
⭐ Best Individual Performance
⭐ Best Group Performance
Register today using the form HERE — and let your star shine! ✨
MID-WESTERN REGION – MUDGEE, GULGONG & KANDOS
Mid-Western Libraries
From Family STEAM challenges, arts, crafts and painting activities, check out the Mid-Western libraries program over the School Holidays. The School Holiday Winter program includes activities kids can participate in at Mudgee, Gulgong and Kandos libraries is here.
Learn more about what’s on and book tickets via the Eventbrite website here.
Mudgee Arts Precinct
FORBES
Youth & Community Centre, Battye Street
Wednesday 1 October – Circus Workshop – SOLD OUT
Join us these school holidays for a fun-filled Circus Skills Workshop where kids can learn juggling, hula hooping, plate spinning, and more!
This interactive workshop is a chance to discover new tricks, build confidence, and have a laugh under the big top atmosphere.
$10
OBERON
Mayfield Gardens
Visit the magnificent Mayfield Gardens which is a great day out with the family.
Learn more about Mayfield Gardens in Oberon – see our article here.
ORANGE
Cleverness Art School – For more information and to book workshops, see page here.
Monday 13 April: Young & Old Watercolour
Age – 5yrs +
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Cost: $80 per pair (1x Adult and 1xChild)
Tuesday 14 April: Come Try Watercolour
Age – 5yrs +
Time: 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Cost: $40 per student / class
Wednesday 15 April: Acrylic painting
Age – 8yrs +
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Cost: $65 per person
Thursday 16 April: Stacking Dolls painting
Age – 10yrs +
Time: 9:30 – 12:00pm
Cost: $70 per person (Limited numbers of 10 people per class).
and
Friday 17 April: Young & Old Chalk Pastel
Age – 5yrs +
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Cost: $80 per pair (1x Adult and 1xChild)
Friday 17 April: Custom Name Rope Keychain & Beads
Age – 5yrs +
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: $50 / Student/ class
~
Saturday 18 April – Family Fun (and Fundraising!) Day – Hosted by Transitions Logistics & Removals
Bring the whole family along for a great day out while supporting Team Zander in the Stars of Orange 2026 dance for Cancer Council.
Games
Face painting
Fun challenges
Raffle tickets
Sausage sizzle
Time: 11am – 4pm
Venue: Orange City Bowling Club
All proceeds support Cancer Council, helping fund vital cancer research and support services. Come along, enjoy the fun, and help cheer Zander on as he dances for a cause that matters 
Hosted along with our incredible dance legends at OCBC
For more information visit our Central West Mums events calendar page here.
~
Amy Erbacher Creative Therapy
18 April & 19th April – Mindfulness & Creativity Holiday Workshops, with Amy Erbacher Creative Therapy
Art therapy offers a safe, creative space for children to express emotions and explore self-identity through activities like drawing, painting, dance, textiles or sculpting. Using creativity and mindfulness, children reduce distress, learn emotional regulation and coping skills. During the workshop intensives, Amy supports and guides children in managing stress and anxiety.
Group 1 Age 4.5-6 years
INVESTMENT $75. Including Art Materials.
Maximum 8 spots for each 2-hour session.
Group 2 Age 7-10 years
INVESTMENT $85. Including Art Materials.
Maximum 10 spots for each 3-hour session.
Health in Mind. 127 Sale Street, ORANGE. NSW.
To book & ask questions, contact Amy on 0423 222 422
Amy is a neurodivergent ADHD coach practising a neuro-affirmative approach. ANZACATA-registered Art Therapist, Amy is in her second year of a Masters in Therapeutic Arts. Amy also works as an art therapist at Bloomfield Hospital across multiple mental health wards.
~
Nest & Nurture Babysitting Agency
Nest & Nurture Babysitting Agency is the perfect holiday care option. Trusted, reference checked and experienced babysitters are ready to assist families over the holiday period. Book in via the website today to secure your babysitter (and some time for you too!).
~
Total Health Orange
Set Your Child Up For Success These Holidays!
Join Total Health Orange’s School Readiness Screens, School Readiness Group, or teen Mystery Masters group—building confidence, motor skills, social skills, teamwork, and problem-solving for a successful year ahead.
Book via Total Health Orange here
~
Orange Central Square
For more information see the Orange Central Square website page here.
~
Orange Ophir Hotel
School Holiday Funhouse – 12pm – 3pm everyday – Book your kids into activities running everyday in the Spring School Holidays as well as enjoy lunch or dinner with the family. Most are Free of charge and designed for all ages.
Monday 6 April – Beading workshop
Tuesday 7 April – Sugar Sand Art
Wednesday 8 April – Magnetic Block Building
Thursday 9 April – Biscuit Decorating
Friday 10 April – Pizza Making Workshop – $10
Saturday 11 April – Slime Laboratory
Sunday 12 April – Lego Mini Masters
Monday 13 April – Slime Laboratory
Tuesday 14 April – Lego Mini Masters
Wednesday 15 April – Biscuit Decorating.
Thursday 16 April – Magnetic Block Building
Friday 17 April – Sugar Sand Art
Saturday 18 April – Beading workshop
Sunday 19 April – Pot Plant Workshop – $19
For more info on School Holiday activities on at the Ophir Hotel, a kid-friendly pub see their Facebook page activities here, or Website page here.
~
Orange Ex-Services Club KIDSfest
Kid-Friendly activities from Martial Arts Clinics, Chocolate Bingo, Paint Party and Family Bowls Day, see what’s on and in-store from Sunday 12th April through till Saturday 18 April. Kids are welcome to dine with you for a $10 meal too!
For more info and keeping up to date see OESC website page here, and to book, see their website page here
~
Orange Indoor Tennis Centre
Monday 13 April – Thursday 16 April – School Holiday Camp
$50/child everyone welcome
9.30am – 3pm, ages 5+
Come along to Orange Indoor Tennis Centre and join in the fun to play tennis, learn pickleball, dodgeball and have a jump on the inflatables.
Canteen facilities available for lunch.
For bookings please email: oitc.bookings@gmail.com or show up a little earlier on the day.
For more info contact Orange Indoor Tennis Centre on ph: 6362 9811 or see their website here.
~
Orange Regional Gallery
Exhibition: Spiders of Paradise presents new works from internationally renowned artist Maria Fernanda Cardoso’s photographic series (2018–ongoing), alongside her acclaimed video work On the Origins of Art I-II (2016).
14 April – Drop into the Gallery and enjoy a free art-making session with your children.
Use the colourful materials provided to make your very own Maratus spider inspired by Maria Fernanda Cardoso: Spiders of Paradise.
Stay for 15min or 50, it’s up to you!
FREE – West Room, Orange Regional Gallery 149 Byng Street, Orange, NSW, Australia
For more at the Orange Regional Gallery, see their website page here.
~
Orange Library
14 April – Gardening School Holidays – Join us for a School Holiday activity in the brisk Autumn air as we plant a garden of winter vegetables in the Library Garden. Book tickets here.
Orange Library (part of Central West Libraries) Civic Square, 147 Byng Street, Orange, NSW, Australia
~
Orange Regional Museum
Plenty of FREE fun and low cost activities for kids and families – For more information and to book tickets see here.
15 April – School Holiday Storytime – In this story time session designed for the whole family, we’ll discover inspirational stories of pioneering scientists and tales of looking after our environment.
After a few stories, we’ll get making a craft so you can take a bit of this session home with you.
~
Orange Regional Museum – UpStage Mysical Theatre Workshop
13 April – Join us at UpStage Musical Theatre Workshop – Orange for a fun and interactive experience where you can unleash your inner performer! – For more information see here.
~
Total Health Orange
Looking for something fun and skill-building these holidays?
Mini Makers, Holiday Hero’s, Emotions in Motion and Yogalates are all fun programs designed to support; Emotional Regulation, handwriting and fine motor skills, coordination and social skills
To book into these programs see Total Health Orange website here.
~
To browse through all our other events on our CWM Calendar, see here.
MORE IDEAS:
ArtsOutWest ‘What’s On’ is a great resource for school holiday events taking place all over our Central West region. website here.
Gowrie NSW School Holiday Vacation Care programs can be found here.
PCYC School Holiday programs in your area – See link to PCYC here.
