Don’t let winter freeze the fun. Check out our hand-picked top 5 activities in the Manly area to have a blast these school holidays.

EXPLORE YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY

Dee Why Library | Warringah Mall Library

Free and fun activities might be closer than you think. Dee Why and Warringah Mall libraries have a great variety of activities for your kids (and you) to spend this holiday, such as family story time, robotics, craft workshops and much more.

Drop-in to the libraries and explore the world of robotics with Dash, the robot. This is an ideal workshop for primary school-aged children.

There is also a special storytime for the little ones where they make their teddy bear or favourite toy ready for a sleepover at the library while listening to stories and singing songs.

Bookings are recommended but only required for some of the activities. For more information, call 8495 5028 or email libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

READY, SET, SPLASH!

Manly Aquatic Centre, Balgowlah Warringah Aquatic Centre, Frenchs Forest

Don’t let the cold be an excuse to be away from the water. This winter holiday is the perfect opportunity to get summer-ready with these swimming lessons at the Manly Aquatic Centre from 3 July to 14 July. The cost is $112 for a five-day program. To enrol, email swimschool@manlyaquatic.com.au.

Warringah Aquatic Centre has great programs to improve your children’s skills, such as the Intensive Learn to Swim Program, the Holiday Springboard Diving Clinics and the January Carnival Preparation Clinics. Bookings are essential and to register or to enquire about the cost, times and requirements for those activities, email aquatic.centre@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or call 8495 5001.

PARTY AT HOME

Rainy or cold days can be an excellent opportunity or a great excuse to spend quality time with the family. Get everyone’s favourite snacks and transform a dull day into a private slumber party. Movie night? Series marathon? Boardgames? Family cooking time? There are many games and activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Prepare your home for a relaxed and carefree evening that you all will enjoy. And the best of all is not the low budget but the opportunity to make the time to share the love and create memories that will last for a lifetime.

DISCOVER THE SKY

Planetarium at Dee Why Library

Let your kid’s curiosity go far and beyond with this out-of-this-world experience. Explore Indigenous Australian astronomy and discover how Indigenous cultures describe constellations and how fundamental they are to their daily lives with ‘Starr’s Planetarium’.

The show is ideal for children aged six to 12 and an excellent opportunity to celebrate NAIDOC week on 5 July. Bookings are essential, and the cost is $5. For inquiries, call 8495 5028 or email libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS

Manly Library

Let your kids unleash their imagination and join a single-session game of Dungeons and Dragons. No rain, thunder or cold weather can stop the brave adventurers led by an experienced Dungeon Master on a fantastic quest at the Manly Library.

The fun will be free, although booking is required as spots are limited.

Warriors, trolls, wizards, and all children from 13 to 18 years old are welcome to participate.

This event will take place on 11 July, from 2pm to 5pm. To register and for enquiries, call 8495 5028 or email libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.