Get ready for fun these winter school holidays

From 5 to 20 July, families are invited to join in the winter fun, with the much-anticipated return of Winterfest at the Cardinia Cultural Centre (CCC), alongside a variety of engaging activities as part of the Youth School Holiday Program. 

Winterfest returns to CCC, offering a series of entertaining and family-friendly films, shows an interactive exhibition by Slow Art Collective and free kids’ workshops, that are guaranteed to keep everyone entertained. Highlights include Polite Mammals, which is showing on Saturday, 12 July, a totally wild, neo-vaudevillian variety show the whole family can enjoy. Celebrate animals of all kinds: real, imaginary, sparkly, stinky, polite and rude. Don't miss out on Hansel and Gretel showing on July 19 and 20. In this playful, modern retelling of the classic fairytale, siblings Hansel and Gretel find themselves lost in the enchanted woods after being sent out by their quirky and overwhelmed stepmother. Along their journey, they encounter magical creatures, mischief, and humorous surprises. 

Check out the CCC's Winterfest schedule to learn more about the free and low-cost activities on offer, and book your tickets to be a part of this exciting winter celebration!  

The Youth School Holiday Program also offers a range of free and low-cost activities designed for young people aged 12 to 17. From creative workshops to adventurous events, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include the Tiny Art workshop at My Place Youth Centre, which encourages young artists to express their creativity and contribute to the Pakenham Library’s Tiny Art Expo.  

For all the gamers in the shire, we've got an epic event brought to you by Emerald - Change Makers, a group of young people who organise events for other young people. Emerald - Change Makers, supported by Cardinia Youth Services, will host the ‘Wars on the Dart Side of the Moon’ event on 16 July. This event will immerse participants in virtual reality games, nerf battles, and giant games. 

Cardinia Shire Parks Planning team have also partnered with Youth Services and YMCA to host a BMX Jam at Upper Beaconsfield, allowing thrill-seekers to showcase their BMX skills, meet fellow riders, and win great prizes. 

As part of the school holiday excitement, families are encouraged to explore Cardinia’s beautiful parks and reserves, which offer picnicking, walking, and outdoor play opportunities. Check out the newly opened Officer District Park, which features an amazing multi-level playground, fitness stations, and food trucks, making it the perfect destination for family outings. 

If you're in the mood for outdoor exploration, be sure to join our scavenger hunt at 20 parks throughout the shire. We’ve designed these scavenger hunts to provide fun and excitement for kids of all ages as they discover the outdoors. 

There's plenty of fun to be had in Cardinia Shire these July school holidays! For some activities, spaces are limited, and bookings are essential to ensure a spot at these eagerly anticipated events.  

For Further information about all that's on offer, including details on all activities and how to register, please visit cardinia.vic.gov.au/julyholidays25